Notes

Abstract

IN a four-column article which appeared in the Times of December 22, the outbreak of plague in East Anglia, and particularly the rat-infection in the locality, is dealt with ably and exhaustively. The writer of the article points out that no adequate measures have yet been taken to deal with the situation, and urges that it is one of national importance and for direct Government intervention. It is suggested that a sum of 10,000l. at the very least is required to prosecute the necessary inquiries and investigations, and that there is immediate necessity for expert inquiry under Government control and at Government expense. Compared with the issues involved, the expenditure of such a sum, or even one many times larger, need not be considered, and the course of action recommended will commend itself to those who have a real knowledge of plague, and it is to be hoped that the authorities will speedily take in hand an organised scientific inquiry into the outbreak of plague in England and the remedy for its control. Similar views in outline were expressed in the article on “Plague” which appeared in NATURE of the same date (December 22, p. 237).