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diphtheria and those who will definitely not catch it; in other
words, to separate the susceptible persons from the immune persons.
The test was discovered in 1913 by Professor Schick, of Vienna,
and its use, though delayed by the Great War, is now gradually
extending.
It has been used in New York City ever since its introduction
in increasing numbers year by year.
It has been practised in the elementary schools of Edinburgh,
Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff and Dundee for the last three or
four years.
The tests have been made at the Infant Welfare Centres of
Holborn (1922), Westminster (1926), and Camberwell (1926), and
schemes have been authorised for Deptford, Battersea and Hackney.
In New York, since the commencement of the test, an
enormous number of tests have been made without the slightest
distress or ill effects.
Toxoid Antitoxin Immunity.—This is the name of a method
used for the purpose of conferring immunity to diphtheria upon
those susceptible to the disease.
In other words, it renders those who are likely to catch
diphtheria immune and therefore free from attack, even if exposed
to the disease.
It is the complementary sequel to the Schick reaction.
The Schick test points or marks out those who are liable
to contract diphtheria.
The Toxoid Antitoxin immunity removes this liability and
makes them safe, even if in the closest contact with the disease.
The immunity is conferred by injecting into the shoulder
muscles of the patient a carefully standardised and measured
amount of a mixture of diphtheria toxin or poison and diphtheria
antitoxin or the antidote to the poison.
As a result of the injection there is gradually established in
the patient an immunity which lasts at least 10 years. Complete