Comparison of Disinfectants 



217 



BACTERICIDAL STRENGTH OF COMMON DISINFECTANTS. 

 (Adapted from Fliigge, Leipzig, 1902.) 



Certain fundamental principles govern the rationale of 

 disinfection, and must be kept in mind : (i) the reagent em- 

 ployed should be known to act destructively upon bacteria ; 

 (2) it must be applied to the bacteria to be killed ; (3) it must 

 be applied in sufficiently concentrated form, and (4) it must 

 be left in contact with the bacteria long enough to accom- 

 plish the effect desired. 



During the period of illness the chamber in which the 

 patient is confined should be freely ventilated. An abun- 

 dance of fresh, pure air is a comfort to the patient and a 

 protection to the doctor and nurse. 



After recovery or death one should rely less upon fumi- 

 gation than upon disinfection of the walls and floor, the 



* Koch, Arb. a. d. kais. Gesundheitsamt, i, 1881. 



