18 INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL SCIENCE 



pint of water gives the right strength for disinfecting pur- 

 poses. If a cut is bathed immediately with this solution, it 

 will get well in a wonderfully short time. 



It is well to recognize the fact that there are harmful bac- 

 teria and to guard ourselves against them. Nevertheless, we 

 should not live in constant fear of them. The best way to 

 escape the attacks of bacteria is to maintain our bodies in a 

 healthful condition. To do this, we should have a proper 

 amount of sleep, eat a sufficient quantity of healthful food, 

 exercise, and avoid excesses of any kind. 



In order to have healthful food and live in healthful houses, 

 disinfectants should be used whenever our sense of smell 

 notifies us that there is decay around us. On the other hand, 

 there may be times when it becomes necessary to use disin- 

 fectants, even if there is no unpleasant odor. To clean a 

 building or a sick room thoroughly, several disinfectants may 

 be used. Chloride of lime and carbolic acid are favorites with 

 many, chiefly because they have a " clean " smell. They are 

 not nearly as effective as the burning of sulphur or the use of 

 formaldehyde, or potassium permanganate and formaldehyde 

 together. 



References : 



1. 1503 : 171-172. Prevention of Bacterial Diseases. 



2. 1710:108-116. Disinfectants, etc. 



3. 1901:255-261. Disinfectants, 

 a. 1506:274-278. Disinfection. 

 6. 1509:290-292. Disinfection. 



c. 1511 : 376-379. Disinfectants and How to Use Them. 



d. 1902 : 323-326. Disinfectants and their Application. 



e. 1904 : 158-163. ' Disinfection and Disinfectants. 



4. Farmers' Bulletin No. 345. Some Common Disinfectants. 



