362 Scientific Proceedings, Royal Dublin Society. 



Dubief and Bruhl found that the germs were always reduced in 

 number after the action of diluted sulphur dioxide gas ; therefore 

 the latter destroyed the vitality of bacteria. It was further 

 found that the number destroyed increased with the duration of 

 the action of the gas, and that this destructive action was accele- 

 rated when the humidity of the air was increased. 



In all the experiments with the rather dilute sulphur dioxide 

 gas used the latter proved particularly fatal to micrococci and allied 

 bacteria, whether diffused through the air of a chamber or attached 

 to its walls. As these are organisms of the class which true disin- 

 fection seeks to destroy, this testimony to the value of sulphur 

 dioxide is of exceptional importance. 



Lastly, those investigations have shown that sulphur dioxide 

 gas is a true bactericide even in a dry state, though longer time is 

 then required for the production of its full effect. 



The bearing of these results on the value of Thiocamf is obvious, 

 for if simple sulphur dioxide gas be the powerful bactericide 

 MM. Dubief and Bruhl have proved, the mixture of sulphur 

 dioxide with vapours of other disinfectants of acknowledged value 

 should be a reliable combination. Moreover, there is no mate- 

 rial that I know of save Thiocamf which can give off so large 

 a relative volume of sulphur dioxide gas (the contents of a small 

 six ounce bottle can afford over 20,000 cubic centimeters) without 

 any special treatment, save exposure in a very thin layer on an old 

 tray or dish to the air of a room to be disinfected. Further, one 

 ounce of Thiocamf shaken up with a quart of water forms a power- 

 ful disinfectant for ordinary purposes, such as sprinkling over 

 various matters, purifying drains, &c. ; while a still more dilute 

 solution (one ounce to a gallon) can be used for soaking clothes in 

 which have been in contact with infected persons. The residue of 

 Thiocamf has a pleasant aromatic odour. 



This concentrated disinfectant can now be obtained at a cheap 

 rate, as a company, formed for its manufacture, can produce 

 several hundred weight of Thiocamf per week. 



