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"case, the lid of sample No. 26, there was some evidence of anaerobic growth and large Gram
"positive bacilli were found in the depth. One cubic centimetre of this broth was therefore
"injected into a mouse; it produced no harmful effect.
"I therefore feel justified in asserting the absence of harmful organisms, including
"anaerobes from these samples of vaseline and their receptacles."
From the above report it will be seen that whatever criticisms were advanced
previously, none exist in respect of these samples purchased in the City.
It is further of interest to note that Sir Frederick Andrewes conducted the
original investigation on behalf of the company manufacturing the vaseline.
ANTHRAX INFECTED SHAVING BRUSHES.
It has been necessary again during the present year to investigate the possibility
of anthrax infection due to the use of shaving brushes. In no case, however,
has the bacteriologist reported a positive result.
Enquiries have been made with a view to ascertaining whether shaving brushes
of Japanese origin were displayed for sale on stalls and barrows in the City of
London, but after continual observation no brushes were found so exposed.
It will interest your Worshipful Committee to know that the Ministry of Health
has issued a Circular letter to Medical Officers of Health describing in brief what
general action was taken in connection with the cases of anthrax in which shaving
brushes were suggested as the medium of intection, and suggesting that all known
dealers in shaving brushes should be warned of the serious results which might
follow the sale of any Japanese shaving brushes which might still be in stock.
The Circular further described the following method as partially disinfecting
these brushes:—
The brushes should be
(a) Thoroughly washed with soap and warm water containing a little
washing soda, then allowed to stand for half an hour in warm water
containing a little soda ;
(b) Placed in warm solution of formaldehyde (1 part of 40 per cent.
formalin and 16 parts of water—2½ per cent. solution of formaldehyde)
for half an hour.
(c) Allowed to dry.
It should, however, be clearly understood that complete sterilisation of the
brushes is impracticable and that while the above method may be relied upon to
free the exposed parts of the bristles from infection, it does not affect the spores
embedded in the handle of the brush.
In the City every assistance has been accorded to me by various City traders
who have been affected, some of them seriously, by the discovery of anthrax in
Japanese shaving brushes. They have readily complied with the suggestions I
have made, and in many cases have voluntarily requested me to undertake the
inspection of their stock rather than incur the risk that would attach to their sale.
The following is a summary of the numbers of each pattern brush which up to
the 31st December, 1921, have been destroyed under my supervision. In each case
a certificate of infection has been given to the owners.
Pattern No Total No. Destroyed.
5238 6741
1736 1044
5024 39
7065 2328
9011 717
9013 738
1223 907 and 1 box of bristles.
1224 456
1224a 72
5907 182
13224 and 1 box of bristles.