Blood group mythology: present status.

There are still many myths, incorrect beliefs, in medicine; some pertaining to the field of blood grouping are discussed. Certain fallacious statements are dealt with in detail such as the dependence on the A-B-O blood group of the shape of the retracted clot; the patients with Dupuytren contracture all being type Rh1Rh2; the assumption of an association with the blood groups of a number of diseases and even of temperament; the belief in the existence of ant-M-lectin and of little d and thus of anti-d sera; and also of the alleged LW (Landsteiner--Wiener) factor. Finally, Race and Sanger's system of symbols is condemned and the advantages of the author's own nomenclature are pointed out.