Part II, Chapter 7 Summary

Not satisfied that the epidemic that created the vampires was caused by viruses or mosquitoes, Robert continues his investigation of vampires by reading about garlic. He wants to find out what substance in garlic drives vampires away, and whether another substance would work as well. He learns that garlic is in a genus that includes leeks, onions, shallots and chives, and that its characteristic odor and flavor is due to substances called allyl sulphide and allyl isocythionate. He is discouraged to learn that allyl sulphide is prepared by heating mustard oil and potassium sulphide to 100 degrees: where is he going to find these substances and the equipment to heat them? Midway through pouring himself a drink, he determines that he will not continue to muddle through life, struggling to survive; he will either figure out how to defeat the...