Dr. Ure on Disinfection. 95 



The distribution of dilute chlorine through the cargo of a 

 ship, and the due impregnation of the interior of the bales, may 

 be easily accomplished by the above-described apparatus. 



From the pipes G G, tubes of lead, leather, or the water- 

 proof double cloth, are to be led down a few feet into the hold, 

 under the main hatchway, so that by the action of the fanner 

 the mingled airs may be driven through every interstice, till 

 they envelope every package. The quantity of chlorine, and 

 the continuance of the operation, must be regulated by the 

 capacity of the ship, and the nature of the bales ; but in 

 general a couple of hours will suffice. All the openings in 

 the deck should be carefully closed, except a small one near 

 the stem and another near the stern, to permit the discharge of 

 the atmospheric air and the ready circulation of the disinfecting 

 gas. Eventually, traces of chlorine issuing from these openings 

 will be observed by the smell or by the white cloud surround- 

 ing a feather moistened with water of ammonia (spirits of 

 hartshorn). The process may now be regarded as complete ; 

 and after the interval of a few hours, all the hatchways and 

 windows may be thrown open, and a free ventilation given to 

 the ship. The residuary chlorine in its discharge into the air 

 being wafted round the bodies of the sailors will disinfect their 

 dress, and give final security against the importation of conta- 

 gious fomes. 



An apartment may be conveniently disinfected by placing 

 on a shelf or support near the ceiling a small basin or pipkin, 

 containing chloride of lime, having set over it a glass or earth- 

 enware funnel with muriatic acid diluted with about its weight 

 of water ; the beak of the funnel being partially closed with 

 a cork, so that the acid may drop slowly down on the chloride. 

 Eight ounces of good chloride thus treated with ten ounces of 

 muriatic acid, will suffice to fumigate and sweeten the air of a 

 common-sized chamber. 



After the preceding observations, it will not be expected that 

 I should ransack medical repositories, in proof of the anti- 

 loimic powers of chlorine. But less fallacious evidence may 

 be found. In the neighbourhood of the city of Glasgow, there 

 are several large factories, the atmosphere of certain parts 

 of which has been for a long series of years more or less 



