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Both were examined on exactly the same lines as the previous samples, No. 1 and
No. 2, on which I have already reported.
The microscopic and cultural examination showed that in both ices were extremely
few bacteria present, and these of the harmless kinds. One cubic centimetre of each
was injected into one guinea-pig (for each) ; the animals remained perfectly well,
and did not show any local effect.
E. KLEIN.
It was thus obvious that ice creams of a poisonous nature were being sold
in the City, and arrangements were made for taking samples generally. A
full list of these is appended.
The next two (No. 5 and No. 6) were found to be poisonous, Professor
Klein's report being as follows:—
St. Bartholomew's Hospital and College,
August 8th, 1902.
I beg to report on the result of the bacterioscopic analysis of ice creams received
August 5th, Samples No. 5 and No. 6.
Sample No. 5 caused on subcutaneous injection formation of big abscess, due to
staphylococcus and streptococcus pyogenes.
Sample No. 6 caused purulent enlargement of the lymphatic glands near the seat
of injection, due to a virulent variety of bacterium lactis aerogenes.
E. KLEIN.
Addendum.—I ought to have stated that all the microbes in Samples Nos. 5 and 6
were non-sporing, and therefore killed by temperatures above 70° C. From this
fact I should say that the microbes in question had found entrance into the ices
after they (ices)had been prepared, provided I am correctly informed that the
materials of the ice cream are boiled before subjected to the freezing.
E. K.
Two further cases of suspicious sickness after the ingestion of ice creams
were reported, the symptoms being bellyache and vomiting, but no diarrhoea,
patient pale and collapsed; tongue clean, no rash, no cough or pneumonia
symptoms.
Further samples were then taken as under:—
No. 7, obtained on the 11th August at No. 50, Bishopsgate Street Without,
but made at the same premises as No. 5.
No. 8, obtained on the 11th August at No. 106, Bishopsgate Street Without,
but made at the same premises as No. 5.
No. 9, obtained on the 12th August at No. 20, Artillery Lane (the premises
where Nos. 5, 7 and 8 were manufactured). This sample was made on
the 12th and taken on the same day after boiling, and before freezing.
This sample was found to be wholesome.
No. 10, obtained on the 12th August from No. 5, Water Lane.
No. 11, obtained on 13th August from Pilgrim Street.
No. 12, obtained on the 13th August from a barrow in Dean's Yard.