46 



DISINFECTANT 



tions might bo of considerable value, they were forwarded to me for examination. 

 Cresyline consists of alkaline water, and tar oils boiling above 370 C., therefore con- 

 taining little or no carbolic or cresylic acids. Carboliuo is a dilute solution of caustic 

 soda, containing 4'1 per cent, of carbolic acid. The prico of those preparations is 

 higher than that ordinarily charged for good commercial carbolic and crosylic acids. 



' Other creosote samples from different makers were found to contain, respectively 

 4'5, 2'6, 5'9 and 4-2, per cent, of carbolic acid, the rest being tar oils. Jn other 

 instances, articles have been sold as commercially pure carbolic acid, which wore found 

 to contain from 30 to 50 per cent. Frequently a very foetid sulphur compound is 

 allowed to remain. This should bo avoided, as although tho antiseptic powers of tho 

 liquid are great, tho offensive odour which it diffuses round tho neighbourhood is 

 excessively nauseous. 



' It is by no means difficult to detect the adulterations referred to above. Com- 

 mercial carbolic acid is soluble in from 20 to 70 parts of water, or in twice its bulk of 



Second Day. Temperature 50-60 F, 



