Manoilov's reaction in the light of contemporary criticism

In 1923, Manoilov reported his discovery of a chemical reaction that could be used to distinguish between male and female blood. The profound interest that was aroused by this report is quite understandable. In recent years, a number of works have been devoted to Manoilov's reaction, but only recently, when the enthusiasm for this assay has subsided, has the chemistry of the reaction become clear to a certain extent. Manoilov proposed three modifications of his reaction, but, according to him, preference should be given to the last, third modification, as giving the most correct results. The reagent used for this modification consists of five separate solutions gradually added to the blood emulsion, or to the serum solution prepared according to a certain standard.