CHAPTER X. 



PRACTICAL DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION (HOUSE, PERSON, 



INSTRUMENTS, AND FOOD) STERILIZATION OF MILK 



FOR FEEDING INFANTS. 



Disinfectants and Methods of Disinfection Employed in the 

 House and Sick-room. 



Disinfection and Disinfectants. Sunlight, pure air, and cleanliness 

 are always very important agents in maintaining health and in protect- 

 ing the body against many forms of illness. When, however, it becomes 

 necessary to guard against such special dangers as accumulated filth 

 or contagious diseases, disinfection is essential. In order that disin- 

 fection shall afford complete protection it must be thorough; and per- 

 fect cleanliness is better, even in the presence of contagious disease, 

 than filth with poor disinfection. 



Since all forms of fermentation, decomposition, and putrefaction, 

 as well as the infectious and contagious diseases, are caused by micro- 

 organisms, it is the object of disinfection to kill these. Decomposition 

 and putrefaction should at all times be prevented by the immediate 

 destruction or removal from the neighborhood of the dwelling of all 

 useless putrescible substances. In order that as few articles as possible 

 shall be exposed to the germs causing the contagious diseases, and thus 

 become carriers of infection, it is important that all articles not neces- 

 sary for immediate use in the care of the sick person, especially uphol- 

 stered furniture, carpets, and curtains, should be removed from the 

 room before placing the sick person in it. 



Agents for Cleansing and Disinfection. 



Too much emphasis cannot be placed upon the importance of cleanli- 

 ness, both as regards the person and the dwelling, in preserving health 

 and protecting the body from all kinds of infectious disease. Sunlight 

 and fresh air should be freely admitted through open windows, and 

 personal cleanliness should be attained by frequently washing the 

 hands and body. 



Cleanliness in dwellings, and in all places where men go, may, under 

 ordinary circumstances, be well maintained by the use of the two fol- 

 lowing solutions: 



1. Soapsuds Solution. For simple cleansing, or for cleansing after 

 the method of disinfection by chemicals described below, one ounce of 

 common soda should be added to twelve quarts of hot soapsuds (soft 

 soap and water). 



