Henry's Test in Malaria: The Nature and Clinical Value of the Reaction

The thesis here presented is based on the results of an investigation into the subject of Henry's serum precipitation reaction in malaria. The history of the reaction is traced from its introduction by Henry, to the recent improvements in technique elaborated by Greig, van Rooyen and Hendry, and to the further observations carried out by the present writer. The method of prepreparing the solution used for the test is detailed, and the mode of performing it is described. The nature of the reaction is discussed at some length, with particular reference to the part played by the melanin itself, while former views and titles for the reaction are critically reviewed. Then follows the detailed results of the actual tests carried out by the writer. These are compared with those obtained by other workers, and finally, concusions are drawn as to the value of the reaction in the diagnosis of malaria. The investigation has called for research into other laboratory findings in malaria, and the results obtained are incorporated in the paper. A complete list of references is appended