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Dr. Schleissner, of Vienna, with regard to the application of a " Fixation of Complement " test in scarlet
fever, and Dr. Gordon suggests that in future this test may be found of value in the elucidation of
outbreaks of scarlet fever of bovine origin by applying it to the serum of cows under suspicion.
Dr. Schleissner's observation has, moreover, a further interest. It again brings to the fore
the question of the precise nature of the relationship of the streptococcus to scarlet fever, although
as yet there can be no definite pronouncement on this subject. Dr. Schleissner himself fully appreciates
this, as he concludes his paper by remarking, " However much we may be tempted ... to regard
the streptococcus as the causal organism of scarlet fever, we must, on looking critically into the question,
admit that this new extension of our knowledge affords no certain proof of such hypothesis. The
question remains an open one : all we can with certainty claim is that the streptococcus stands in the
closest biological association with the disease."
From the administrative side it deserves to be noted how, with the cordial assistance of the
manager and secretary of the company, whose action deserves recognition, it was possible for early
localisation of the source of the mischief to be effected, a possibility which was due to the system of
record of distribution of milk which was maintained by this company and to the manager's intimate
acquaintance with all the details of the business. Such system of record has been proved in this outbreak
to be of value alike to the public and the company.
Shirley F. Murphy,
Medical Officer of Health.
lstf October, 1909.