[Milsurplus] FW: VTVM Solid State Conversion

[Hubert Miller]

I was just looking at an RCA WV-98 VTVM and trying to decide whether to sell it or not. 
I don't like the dependence on AC power and the vacuum tube circuit. I just now downloaded from worldradiohistory.com the pages 42 - 44 of December 1974, 'Ham Radio magazine'. 
This article has an IC conversion, using an LM310H I.C.  and it looks really easy, practically nothing to it. The author does install an off-on switch, because the main power is 2 of 9 volt batteries, in the IC  +9, -9 volt supply instead of a single B+. My question is, if you just put a SPST switch from the junction of the 2 batteries to ground, will that work? Will there be some current still thru the IC with this center connection of the batteries to ground, lifted ?
thanks-
Hue Miller