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Sample No. 16 was taken on the 22nd August from No. 50, Bishopsgate
Street, but made at No. 20, Artillery Lane. This also was found to be
poisonous, but had been sold before any action could be taken.
Sample No. 17 was taken on the same day at No. 6, Lambeth Hill, but
made at No. 20, Artillery Lane. This was also found to be poisonous,
but was sold before action could be taken.
Professor Klein's report on these samples, Nos. 13 to 17, was as follows:—
St. Bartholomew's Hospital and College,
August 25th, 1902.
Be ICE CREAMS.
No. 13 (21/8) contained enormous numbers of microbes. Guinea-pig injected
was dying within 24 hours, extensive inflammation all over abdomen and chest,
intestines much inflamed.
No. 14 (21/8) (Sample of milk) was found curdled very soon after receipt.
Guinea-pig injected with the sediment died on 27th August. Post-mortem
examination showed extensive gangrene in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen.
No. 15 (22/8) contained an enormous number of microbes. Guinea-pig injected
was dead in 24 hours with extensive hæmorrhagic infiltration and gangrene.
No. 16 (22/8) contained a very large number of microbes, was fermented on
receipt, full of gas. Guinea-pig injected was dead in 24 hours, extensive
hæmorrhagic infiltration and gangrene.
No. 17 (22/8) was crowded with microbes, was fermented and full of gas. Guineapig
injected was dying in 48 hours, extensive gangrene in groin and abdomen, chest
and neck much hæmorrhagic oedema.
E. KLEIN.
On the 23rd August, the Medical Officer of Health for Finsbury reported
that a child living at Smithfield Buildings was suffering from "ice cream
poisoning," and that the vendor of the ice cream was an itinerant vendor
standing in Charterhouse Street. A sample (No. 19) was thereupon taken
and examined by Professor Klein, who issued the following certificate:—
St. Bartholomew's Hospital and College,
August 27th, 1902.
I certify that the sample of ice cream No. 19 is, on microscopic and experimental
evidence, poisonous and unfit for the food of man.
E. KLEIN, M.D., F.R.S.
The Inspector of the District on receipt of this certificate visited the spot
and seized remainder of the stock.
On the following morning an application was made to .the sitting magistrate,
who, after hearing evidence as to the case of sickness, the insanitary condition
of the premises where the material was made, and the results of examination,
made the usual order for its destruction.
No. 18 was obtained on the 25th August at 11.15 a.m., from No. 50,
Bishopsgate Street. It had been made on the 24th at No. 20, Artillery
Lane, and frozen on the 25th.