298 OF DESTROYING CONTAGIOUS 



between the layers of clothing" to be disinfected. 

 After being allowed to remain for a week or longer, 

 they may be freely exposed to the air. Moderate 

 heat greatly expedites the process of disinfection. 



Heat is a valuable disinfectant, but is only avail- 

 able in a limited number of cases. Clothing and 

 various substances may be thoroughly disinfected by 

 exposure to a dry heat 'of 200 to 300. No appa- 

 ratus suitable for hospitals and workhouses working 

 satisfactorily, has yet been, completed, as far as I am 

 aware.* 



Practical Methods of destroying Contagious Disease 

 Germs in the Air. Disease germs can be separated 

 from the air by filtration through cotton wool, as has 

 been already mentioned on page 276, but practically it 

 is not possible to carry out the process efficiently on a 

 large scale ; and although the patients and attendants 

 might wear cotton wool respirators, the practical objec- 

 tions to such instruments are so numerous, and the idea 

 itself is so very fanciful, that it is needless to consider 

 the suggestion further. Moreover, the germs would 

 only be collected, and not destroyed, by filtration 

 through cotton wool. 



* On the subject of disinfectants, the reader is referred to "Disin- 

 fectants, and how to use them," by Dr. Edward Wilson, of Cheltenham. 

 The directions are printed upon cards, which are sold in packets of 12 

 for is. ; published by Mr. Lewis, 136, Gower-street. These cards 

 should be in the possession of all medical practitioners, clergymen, and 

 others, whose duty and desire it is to prevent as much as possible the 

 spread of contagious diseases. 



