A CERTAIN AND SIMPLE METHOD OF OBTAINING THE KNEE-JERK

In the study and investigation of neurologic cases. I am constrained to believe that the knee-jerk or patellar tendon reflex, correctly obtained, is one of the most important tests, if not the most important, in a great variety of cases. It is certainly a test that the general practitioner should more frequently make in the ordinary routine examinations of his practice. Perhaps not everyone is aware that the knee-jerk is often present, but inhibited by the patient, and that any method that will insure a correct response is well worth consideration. I have found it practically impossible for a patient to inhibit the knee-jerk if the method here described is employed. It was in an endeavor to prevent this frequent occurrence that the following plan was evolved. The patient, male or female, should sit in an ordinary straight-backed office chair, relaxing the entire body as far as possible. The feet