CHAPTER X 



VARIOUS CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS 



TT is my intention in the present chapter to refer 

 briefly to some of the most useful chemical dis- 

 infectants. The most potent germicide is not always 

 the best disinfectant for practical use. Questions of 

 cost, poisonous properties, injurious effects upon tex- 

 tile fabrics, etc., must be considered in selecting an 

 agent for any special purpose. 



The mineral acids are all active germicides when 

 used in solutions of proper strength, and a one-per- 

 cent, solution of sulphuric, nitric, or hydrochloric acid 

 will quickly destroy pathogenic bacteria in the absence 

 of spores. Such a solution could be safely used to 

 disinfect the excreta of patients suffering from cholera 

 or typhoid fever. Among the vegetable acids it is 

 only necessary to mention citric acid, which has been 

 recently recommended, in the form of lemon juice, for 

 destroying typhoid bacilli in drinking-water. The 

 idea that the addition of a spoonful of lemon-juice to 



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