Significant progress has doubtlessly been made in the field of cere bral protection compared to earlier centuries, as recently reviewed by Elisabeth Frost (6). She cites the recommendations for treat ment of brain trauma by Areteus, a Greek physician of the second century A. D. He expressed quite modem views with regard to the need for prompt action considering complications that follow even minor symptoms. He advised burr holes for evacuation of hema toma in seizures, the use of diuretics and, most interestingly, also hypothermia. German surgeons of the 17th century had little more to offer...