36 BACTERIOLOGY FOR NURSES 



useless except for the destruction of mosquitoes and 

 bedbugs, which may be carriers of disease germs. 



Sulphur fumigation with moisture will not destroy 

 spore-bearing bacteria of any kind. 



Sulphur fumes tarnish all metals and discolor 

 most fabrics. 



Permanganate of potassium is used for disinfecting 

 the hands in surgical work. 



Copper sulphate is used (1 : 1,000,000) for the 

 destruction of the microscopic algae in large water 

 supplies. 



Bichloride of mercury (corrosive sublimate) is 

 probably the most important chemical disinfectant 

 known, although for some purposes it cannot be used. 

 It corrodes all metals and therefore cannot be used 

 upon surgical instruments nor plumbing fixtures. 

 Neither can bichloride of mercury be used for the 

 disinfection of excreta or other organic matter, as it 

 combines with the albuminous substances and pro- 

 duces an inert compound which has no effect upon 

 the bacteria. The standard solution 1 : 1000 bi- 

 chloride of mercury is used for disinfecting the skin 

 arid for washing floors and other woodwork and 

 furniture after an infectious illness. 



Carbolic acid (phenol) one of the best-known 

 disinfectants, is a substance derived from coal tar, 



