STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION 69 



heat, whether moist or dry, or chemicals of a germicidal 

 power, it is possible under almost all circumstances by one 

 method or the other to sterilize the necessary instruments or 

 retainers. 



2. In surgery. The application of sterilization in sur- 

 gery consists in the sterilization or disinfection of the field 

 of operation, the hands of the operator, and all instruments 

 and dressings used in the operation. In case of injury where 

 infection may have taken place, the wound should be disin- 

 fected. For this purpose chemicals are used. The thermo 

 cautery is occasionally used by practitioners in place of 

 chemical disinfection, as it not only destroys the organisms 

 but also promotes granulation. 



3. In medicine. Many of the digestive troubles due 

 to fermentation respond to the administration of medicines 

 that have a germicidal action. Many skin disturbances are 

 caused by infection and respond readily to the application 

 of proper sterilizing solutions or disinfectants. Many local 

 lesions, such as tonsilitis and foci of inflammation on the mu- 

 cous membranes, especially of the mouth, are benefited by 

 the use of such solutions. In man, the preservation of the 

 teeth is enhanced by the use of germicidal tooth washes. 



4. In sanitary work. It is of the first importance in 

 cases of infectious disease to see that all excreta are disin- 

 fected or sterilized in order to prevent the spread of the 

 virus. Stables or pens that have contained such diseased 

 animals should be thoroughly disinfected before they are 

 again occupied. More attention is generally paid to the ster- 

 ilization of clothing, bedding and apartments in case of in- 

 fectious diseases in man than is accorded to the blankets, 

 harnesses, stables or pens of domestic animals under like 

 conditions ; but it is of equal importance in order to prevent 

 the spread of animal diseases that the same care be exercised 

 in these matters. 



