The possibilities of modern chemistry in elaborating almost limitless numbers of new chemical bodies for therapeutic use have resulted in recent years in the introduction of several synthetic gold compounds which have been used chiefly in the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. More recently some of these preparations have been used extensively for tuberculids, lupus erythematosus and the various types of cutaneous tuberculosis. While final judgment concerning the ultimate value of this new type of chemotherapy cannot be made, from a study of the extensive literature that has arisen in the past five years, it appears to be fully established that gold therapy is of value in the treatment for lupus erythematosus. Although several of the gold compounds formerly used have been discarded because of their toxicity, none thus far introduced can be given without a certain amount of danger. Reactions usually mild, but sometimes severe and occasionally resulting in death,