In the past decade there have been excellent reviews of various aspects of the fever process. These include Moltz (1993), Kluger (1991a), Kluger (1991b), Hellon et al., (1991), Blatteis (1990a, b), Coceani (1991), Stitt (1993) and an older one – Cooper (1987). Some have dealt with the immunological aspects, some with parts of the role of the central nervous system and some with the more general evolutionary aspects of the whole fever process. It was felt worth-while to discuss the role not only of the central nervous system but also of the peripheral nervous system in the development of the febrile response, and to add something of the problems which can arise in the nervous system as a result of fever. Our knowledge of the function of the nervous system in the genesis of fever has changed greatly in the last decade or so, and the extension of the participation of central nervous structures outside the hypothalamic area, in fever, has received attention.

Our understanding of the mechanisms of action of antipyretic drugs has been extended in the last few years, and a new concept of endogenous antipyresis has grown up in the last two decades. The role of the central nervous system in this is of paramount importance.

This book tries to present a synopsis of older and more recent information on the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems in the many responses of the organism to infection and pyrogens.