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Mediterranean fever or brucellosis was an endemic disease at the beginning of the 20th century in the Mediterranean area. Étienne Burnet, a pastorian researcher, studied this zoonosis in the Pasteur Institute of Tunis between 1920 and 1928 and enhanced our knowledge with various experiences on the genius Brucella, particularly melitensis variety. He developed the so-called Burnet's test or melitine IDR diagnose test. The thermo-agglutination of paramelitensis group, now known as the S forms colonies, led him question the variability of this non-specific character. He showed that thermo-agglutination is associated with specific antigenic properties and is common with other bacteria's species and could be acquired cross over colonies culture... The authors attempt to reconstitute the context of these experiences and to show the actuality of evolutionary Burnet's conception of living micro-organisms.