Ever since laboratory procedure established the almost constant presence of hemolytic streptococci in the early stages of scarlet fever, researches have been directed toward determining the etiological relationship of these organisms to the disease. It is only recently, however, that a satisfactory evaluation of clinical and laboratory evidence has been made possible through the application of newer methods by Dochez (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,) and the Dicks (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). These studies are so familiar that it is unnecessary to review them here. It is evident, however, that further advances in our conception of the r?le of hemolytic streptococci in scarlet fever and in other infectious processes are largely dependent on a more exact knowledge of streptococcus toxins and their antitoxins. As a basis for such studies, uniform and readily applicable methods for the preparation and standardization of both the toxins and antitoxins must be developed.
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