INOCULATED WITH CANCER GERMS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17755, 27 January 1926, Page 6

INOCULATED WITH CANCER GERMS.

GALLANT RESEARCH WORKERS TAKE RISK IN CAUSE OF SCIENCE.

(Special to the “ Star.”) LONDON, December 13/ Great admiration was expressed yesterday at tne self-sacrifice and heroism shown by the British scientists who have been inoculated with living cancer germs to make further tests of the results of research by Dt W. E. Gye and Mr J. E. Barnard. *>• As soon as the point was reached that tests on the human frafne were workers in several laboratories inoculated each other rather than submit others to unknown hazards. But, as one of those engaged in the work said yesterday, among research workers such an action is taken as a matter of routine, however perilous it may appear to the general public. So far as the scientists themselves can ensure secrecy, no one will know the names of those inoculated. Throughout the world repetitions of Dr Gye's fundamental experiments are being made, including trials in laboratories in the United States, the Argentine, FrSfice, Germany and Italy. From these, tests several papers are likely to be compiled during 1926, and it is possible, Recording to an authority, that a partial contradiction of the present theory as to the cause of cancer may be made by some of the investigators. A critical repetition of the experiments is being carried out in the laboratories of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in London, but many months must pass before any definite indication of results can be obtained. Hence it should be clear to the public that the writing of letters to various scientists asking for details of “the cancer cure” is highly premature. Such a proceeding only hinders their work. 1