224 INORGANIC AGENTS 



inhaled undiluted, it is an irritant to the respiratory tract, 

 producing sometinies spasm of the glottis, or severe bron- 

 chitis, and at other times a condition of narcotism, with 

 death from paralysis of the respiratory center. In dilute 

 form it is stimulant, antiseptic, and deodorant in relation to 

 the body. Chlorine gas may be generated from salt and 

 black oxide of manganese, 1 part each; with commercial 

 sulphuric acid and water, 2 parts each. 



Bacteria are killed after three hours' exposure to a 

 moist atmosphere containing 1 per cent, of chlorine gas. 

 Chlorine may be used to advantage in this manner as a sub- 

 stitute for sulphur fumigation. Chlorine water is employed, 

 well diluted, for the same purposes and with the same 

 results as the solution of chlorinated soda. Chlorinated 

 lime varies much in strength. To be of any value it should 

 be so irritating to the eyes that it cannot be held near the 

 face. It owes its medicinal value to the hypochlorite of 

 lime which it contains. If the compound is very moist, it is 

 because calcium chloride preponderates. Chlorinated lime 

 is often employed as a deodorizer, standing about premises 

 in vessels, but is of no practical value unless it comes 

 directly in contact with bacteria or sulphuretted compounds 

 which it is desirable to destroy. It is the best and cheapest 

 germ destroyer we possess for disinfecting premises and 

 other appurtenances, apart from the body, as walls and 

 floors of buildings, faecal and other discharges, sewers, 

 privies and cesspools. A 10 per cent, solution is to be em- 

 ployed on the floors, walls and other parts of buildings. 

 The pure compound may be mixed with manure and dis- 

 charges. Even a 1 per cent, solution is germicidal, and may 

 be employed to wash blankets, harness and other parapher- 

 nalia. It is said not to harm woolen or cotton fabrics, in 

 the latter solution. One or two pounds of chlorinated lime 

 is a useful disinfectant when put in privy vaults once a 

 week. 



One or two ounces of chlorinated lime will render 

 drinkable 65 gallons of putrid, bad smelling water, after a 



