PNEUMONIA. 49 
In view of the probable fact that pneumonia is contagious, also that disin- 
fectants must have a favorable influence on patients whose blood holds the poi- 
son of the disease, it is advisable that some one of them be constantly employed 
in the quarters of the sick. Possibly the best is creosote, which may be conve- 
niently used as follows: Select a shallow tin basin and put into it a quart of 
boiling water. Add to the same one teaspoonful of creosote. Now if there be 
a fire in the room, let the basin stand on the stove where its contents will con- 
stantly boil gently. In the absence of a fire, place the basin as near the patient 
as he will permit, and into it from time to time drop a hot stone. By this means 
a steam will be generated. During the process, which should be resorted to 
every few hours, the windows and doors should be closed; or over the patient 
and basin, a sheet being used, a tent can be raised that will hold the vapor until 
much of it has entered his lungs. 
Caretakers should not allow discharges from the nose and mouth to accumu- 
late, but frequently bathe the parts with a solution made by adding about fifteen 
drops of creosote to a pint of water. 
