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" proper, the Danysz bacillus, Gaertner bacillus, the two microbes reported on
" recently, viz., Seeker microbe and Liverpool virus. The close relation of the rat
" virus microbes Ratin 1, Ratin 2 and Rat Viras 3 is also indicated by the fact that
" an emulsion in broth of a recent gelatine culture, or a twenty-four hours broth
" culture of either microbes Ratin 1, Ratin 2 and Rat Virus 3 are readily agglutinated
" —almost instantly—by blood serum of a rabbit immunised with Secker microbe
" or with blood serum of a rabbit immunised with Liverpool virus. It is clear from
" this that at least a "group relation" exists between all these.
It should be pointed out that the makers and sellers of vermin-destroying
virus themselves seem to be somewhat uncertain with regard to the action of
these preparations upon the human subject.
In the case of the "Ready Rat Relief Virus" the directions for use state:
" There need be no hesitation in using the fingers when preparing the bait, but
" they should be free from wounds or sores." (The words in italics being
printed in heavy black type.)
The tins of Ratin No. 1, Ratin No. 2, and a bottle of " Liquid Ratin," bear
the following instructions:—" The bacteria is harmless to human beings and
" to all domestic animals, but it should be placed out of the reach of children
" and sucking calves. Wash your hands after use."
Again, the directions for use issued with the Danysz Virus also contain the
words: "There need be no hesitation in using the fingers when preparing
" the bait, but they should be free from wounds or sores. The virus has a
" great advantage in being absolutely harmless to other animals."
A bottle containing "Liquid Ratin," purchased at the Ratin Laboratory
of No. 17, Gracechurch Street, was also sent to Dr. Klein, who reported
as under:—
“ From all these facts the conclusion is justified that ' Liquid Ratin ' contains
“ microbes belonging to the paratyphoid group, fatal for mice, and as might be
“ expected, distinctly pathogenic also for another rodent (guinea-pig).
“ I should like to draw your attention to a paragraph printed on the label of
“ the bottle of the ' Liquid Ratin,' which runs thus :—
' By experiments (sic.) it has been shown that the bacteria is harmless to
' human beings and to all domestic animals, but it should be placed out of the
' reach of children and sucking calves. Wash your hands after use.'
“ It is not quite clear what is meant ' By experiments it has been shown' that
“ the stuff is harmless to human beings, but it is, on the other hand, clear that the
“ sellers of the material are not sure that it is not harmful to children, or that
“ by contaminating human hands may not cause mischief."