DISINFECTION, STERILIZATION AND ANTISEPSIS. 259 



Disinfection of Dejecta and Urine. — A 4 per cent, solution 

 of calcic hypochlorite (chloride of lime) is most efficient .and 

 rapid for this purpose. A convenient solution contains six 

 ounces of the salt to one gallon of water. The excreta should 

 be received in a suitable vessel and immediately mixed with an 

 equal bulk of the disinfectant. The contents of the vessel 

 should be allowed to stand for one hour before emptying. 

 A 20 per cent, milk of lime is just as efficient, and possesses 

 the advantage of cleanliness and lack of odor. It should be 

 used in the same quantity and allowed to act for the same 

 length of time. A 5 per cent, solution of carbolic acid may 

 be used, but should be allowed to act for at least four hours. 



Disinfection of Sputum. — The chemical disinfection of tuber- 

 culous sputum is somewhat difficult on account of the large 

 amount of albumin in it and the fatty matter associated with 

 the bacillus of tuberculosis. Dilute solutions of bichloride of 

 mercury are apt to be decomposed and rendered inert by the 

 albumin. Carbolic acid is open to the same objection, but its 

 combination with hydrochloric acid can be used successfully 

 in a strength of 5 per cent. each. Milk of lime cannot be relied 

 upon for this purpose. A 4 per cent, solution of calcic hypo- 

 chlorite (chloride of lime) is the best for general use, and the 

 spit-cup should be kept nearly full of this solution. Sputum 

 may also be disinfected by exposure to the action of steam in 

 the sterilizer or by boiling for fifteen minutes. If napkins or 

 old pieces of cloth are used for the reception of sputum, they 

 may be immediately destroyed in a fire. 



Disinfection after Postmortems. — After autopsies on infec- 

 tious cases it is necessary to disinfect the table and fluid prod- 

 ucts coming from it prior to emptying into the sewer. The 

 table may be disinfected by a liberal sprinkling with 4 per cent, 

 calcic hypochlorite solution. All fluids should be treated with 

 an equal quantity of the same solution. The table should not 

 be cleaned for at least one hour after application of the disin- 



