170 Sterilization and Disinfection 



with rice-paper instead of handkerchiefs, and should have 

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

 apart from the others of the household and carefully sterilized 

 after using. Patients whose mental acuity makes their 

 sensibilities very pronounced need never be told of these 

 arrangements. 



The excreta from cases of typhoid fever and cholera re- 

 quire particular attention. These, and indeed all alvine 

 matter the possible source of infection or contagion, should 

 be received in glazed earthen vessels and immediately and 

 intimately mixed with a 5 per cent, solution of chlorinated 

 lime (containing 25 per cent, of chlorin) if semi-solid, or with 

 the powder if liquid, and allowed to stand for an hour before 

 being thrown into the drain. 



Thoughtful consideration should always be given the 

 germicides used to disinfect the discharges, lest combination 

 of the chemical with ingredients of the discharge produce 

 inert compounds. Thus, bichlorid of mercury cannot be 

 used because it forms an inert compound with albumin. 



The Clothing, etc. The bed-clothing, towels, napkins, 

 handkerchiefs, night-robes, underclothes, etc., used by a 

 patient suffering from an infectious disease, as well as the 

 towels, napkins, handkerchiefs, caps, aprons, and outside 

 dresses worn by the nurse, should be regarded as infected 

 and carefully sterilized. The only satisfactory method of 

 doing this is by prolonged subjection to steam in a special 

 apparatus; but, as this is. only possible in hospitals, the 

 next best thing is boiling for some time in the ordinary 

 wash-boiler. In drying, the wash should hang longer than 

 usual in the sun and wind. Woolen underwear can be 

 treated exactly as if made of cotton. The woolen outer 

 clothing of the patient, if infected, requires special treat- 

 ment. Fortunately, the infection of the outer garments 

 is unusual. The only reliable method for their sterilization 

 is prolonged exposure to hot air at 1 10 C. In private prac- 

 tice it often becomes a grave question what shall be done 

 with these articles. Prolonged exposure to fresh air and 

 sunlight will, however, aid in rendering them harmless; 

 and can be practised when it is not certain that they are 

 actually infected. Infected articles of wool may be sent to 

 the city hospital or to one of the moth-destroying and fumi- 

 gating establishments which can be found in all large cities, 

 and baked. 



