DISINFECTION OF INSTRUMENTS. 



83 



be of oil, glycerine, or melted vaseline. When instruments havf been 

 soiled with a particularh' virulent discharge, like that of tetanus, septi- 

 caemia, etc.. the best method is to immerse them for ten minutes to a 

 quarter of an hour in the oil or ghxerine bath. Otherwise pro- 

 longed boiling in ordinar\' water or carbonate of soda solution is 

 sufficient. The vessel in w^hich this boiling takes place should be 

 provided with a tight lid, so that after boiling the whole may be 

 placed on one side to cool. Immediatelv before operation the instru- 



FiG. 75. — Curved scissors with Germai 

 aseptic joint. 



Fig. 76. — Curved scissors Fiu. 77. — Straight scissors 

 with French aseptic joint, with French a,septic joint. 



ments are removed from it, and placed in trays containing an anti- 

 septic solution (3 per cent, carbolic), in \vhich they remain until 

 required for use. Should the operator have finished with an instrument 

 for the moment it should be immediately returned to the solution, and 

 never allowed to come in contact with the straw or be laid on the 

 animal's body. Trays of glass or porcelain are very useful, though vul- 

 canite is also largely employed, being much less brittle. All vessels 

 of the kmd must be subjected to a thorough cleansing before use. As 

 the wooden handles of instruments are injured by boiling, the handle 



