PRACTICAL DISINFECTION 445 



1000 cubic feet of space.* Let the room remain sealed up for 

 twenty-four hours, then be freely opened. Formaldehyde gaseous 

 disinfection may be used as described above. But it would appear 

 that neither sulphur or formaldehyde are always reliable in dis- 

 infecting after tuberculosis. The most important point is to 

 cleanse surfaces, and probably the most efficient disinfection of a 

 room is by Lingner's apparatus (glyco-formal, 1 litre to every 

 1000 cubic feet), coupled with spraying or washing surfaces with 

 germicidal solution. 



To disinfect walls, floors, etc., wash or spray with chloride of 

 lime solution (1-100), izal (1-100), formalha (2-100), or carbolic acid 

 (1-40). The last-named solution may be used to wipe down fiirniture. 

 These disinfectants may be used after sulphur fuming. Formic 

 aldehyde may also be used by autoclave or Lingner's apparatus. 



To disinfect bedding, etc., the steam sterilisation secured in an 

 efficient apparatus is the best (115° G. for thirty minutes). Eags and 

 infected clothing, unless valuable, should be burnt. 



To disinfect garments and wearing apparel. — If possible, steam in 

 an efficient steriliser ; if that be not available, such articles should 

 be washed in a disinfectant solution (5 per cent, carbolic), or fumed 

 with formic aldehyde (Lingner's glyco-formal apparatus). 



To disinfect excreta or putr^ying solutions, enough disinfectant 

 should be added to produce in the solution or matter being disinfected 

 the percentage of disinfectant necessary to act as such. Adding a 

 small quantity of antiseptic to a large volume of fluid or solid is as 

 useless as pouring a small quantity of antiseptic down a sewer with 

 the idea that such treatment will disinfect the sewage. The mixture 

 of the disinfectant with the matter to be disinfected must contain 

 the standard percentage for disinfection. Chloride of lime is a 

 common substance for use in this way {\ lb. to a gallon of water) or 

 in a 4 per cent, solution. Potassium permanganate (1-100), and 

 carbolic (5 per cent.), and many manufactured bodies containing 

 them, are also widely used. Corrosive sublimate (1-500), izal (1-100), 

 copper sulphate (1-20), lysol, cresol, or creolin (1-40), have all been 

 found efficacious (Houston). Drs Hill and Abram recommend that 

 the excreta and disinfectant be thoroughly mixed, and stand for at 

 least half an hour.-f For various reasons they particularly advise 

 chinoSol as the most convenient disinfectant for this specific purpose. 

 But subsequent experience has perhaps hardly supported this 

 recommendation. 



Antiseptics for wounds. — Carbolic acid (1-40) or corrosive sub- 

 limate (1-1000) are commonly used in surgical practice. Boracic 



* The measurement of cubic space is, of course, made by multiplying together in 

 feet the length, breadth, and height of a room. 

 t Brit. Med. Jour., 1898 (April), p. 1013. 



