26 BACTERIOLOGY. 



to occupy. In practical disinfection the choice of the 

 disinfectant should be governed by the source and 

 character of the material to be disinfected, and by the 

 expense, the ease, and the thoroughness with which 

 the disinfectant may be applied. 



sputum Sputum always contains a large proportion of 



mucus, in which the bacteria are imbedded. In order 

 to destroy these bacteria, chemical agents of con- 

 siderable penetrating power are required, and should 

 be allowed to act for considerable periods of time. 

 The two that best meet these requirements are for- 

 malin, 10 per cent, solution, and carbolic acid in 5 

 per cent, strength. A much safer way is to collect all 

 sputum in paper sputum-cups or paper napkins and 

 then burn them. This way has been in use a long 

 time for the disposal of tuberculous sputum, but it is 

 equally as practical for the mouth and nasal discharges 

 of diphtheria, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and cerebrospinal 

 meningitis. 



Feces Feces can be quickly and thoroughly destroyed by 



burning them or mixing them with boiling water. If 

 chemical disinfectants are employed, formalin (10 per 

 cent.) or carbolic acid (5 per cent.) may be used. 

 The amount of either of these solutions should be 

 twice that of the stool. Chlorinated lime, so long used 

 for stool disinfection, has no advantages over formalin 

 or carbolic acid, and is not so easy to use. The urine 

 may be disinfected in the same manner as the stools. 

 Clothing, towels, napkins, and bedding should be 

 soaked for one-half hour in a 5 per cent, solution of 



