i 7 8 



PATHOGENIC BACTERIA. 



Instead of the gas, a 40 per cent, solution, which can 

 be sprayed upon the ceiling, walls, floor, and contents of 

 the room from a large atomizer, is sometimes used. Ex- 

 perience has not shown, however, that this possesses any 

 distinct advantages. 



So far as is at present known, the disinfection by form- 

 aldehyde is complete and leaves nothing to be desired. 

 One important point must always be considered — that is, 

 the apparatus — which should be capable of discharging 

 enough of the gas in a short time. 



The Dejecta.— A little thought will direct attention to 

 those of the dejections which are dangerous to the com- 

 munity and promote efforts for their complete steriliza- 

 tion. In cases of diphtheria the vomit, expectorations, 

 and nasal discharges are most important. They should 

 be received in old rags or in Japanese paper napkins — 

 not handkerchiefs or towels — and should be burned. The 

 sputum of tuberculous patients should either be collected 

 in a glazed earthen vessel which can be subjected to boil- 

 ing and disinfection, or, as is an excellent plan, should be 

 received in Japanese rice-paper napkins, which can at 

 once be burned. These napkins are not quite as good 

 as the small pasteboard boxes (Fig. 20) recommended by 



Fig. 20. — Pasteboard cup for receiving infectious sputum. When used the 

 pasteboard can be removed from the iron frame and burned. 



some city boards of health, because, being highly absorb- 

 ent, the sputum is apt to soak through and soil the fin- 

 gers, etc. Tuberculous patients should be provided with 

 rice-paper instead of handkerchiefs, and should have their 

 towels, knives, forks, spoons, plates, etc. kept strictly 



