DESTRUCTION OF BACTERIA. 21 



bacteria and spores. If any fluid contained in flasks 

 or test-tubes is being sterilized, care must be taken that 

 the steam be allowed to escape gradually at the end of 

 the exposure, otherwise the suction will draw the plugs 



Fig. 3. Autoclave. (A. H. T. Co.) 



from them. Much larger sterilizers which embody the 

 same principles as the one just described are used by 

 hospitals, quarantine stations, and departments of 

 health in cities for disinfecting wearing apparel, bed- 

 clothing, and bedding. 



