The greater frequency of nonsyphilitic ulcerations on the left leg has been pointed out by Goodman¹ as of importance for the differential diagnosis. In a series of 64 cases of ulcer of the lower part of the leg he obtained negative Wassermann reactions in 73 per cent of 26 patients with ulcers limited to the left leg, as compared with negative reactions in only 40 per cent of 25 patients with ulcers of the right leg. Of 13 patients with ulcers on the lower part of both legs 85 per cent had a negative Wassermann reaction. Goodman concluded that in his series this predominance of nonsyphilitic ulcers on the left side was due to anatomic peculiarities of the larger, higher veins, resulting in retarded venous circulation more often in the left than in the right leg.

The present analysis comprises 175 cases of ulcus cruris chosen without selection. A