i86 Sterilization and Disinfection 



as these are not unsightly the patients make no objection to carrying 

 them with them. Tuberculous patients should be provided with 

 rice-paper instead of handkerchiefs, and should have their napkins, 

 towels, knives, forks, spoons, plates, etc., kept strictly apart from 

 the others of the household and carefully sterilized by boiling after 

 using. Patients with sensitive dispositions need never be told of 

 these arrangements. 



The excreta from cases of typhoid fever and cholera require 

 particular attention. These, and indeed all alyine matter the pos- 

 sible source of infection or contagion, should be received in glazed 

 earthen vessels and immediately and intimately mixed with a 5 

 per cent, solution of chlorinated hme (containing 25 per cent, of 

 chlorin) if semi-solid, or with the powder if liquid, and allowed to 

 stand for an hour before being thrown into the drain. 



Thoughtful consideration should always be given the germicides 

 used to disinfect the discharges, lest combination of the chemical 

 with ingredients of the discharge produce inert compounds. Thus, 

 bichlorid of mercury cannot be used because it forms an inert com- 

 pound with albumin. 



The Clothing, etc. — The bed-clothing, towels, napkins, handker- 

 chiefs, night-robes, underclothes, etc., used by a patient suffering 

 from an infectious disease, as well as the towels, napkins, handker- 

 chiefs, caps, aprons, and outside dresses worn by the nurse, should be 

 regarded as infective and carefully sterilized. The only satisfactory 

 method of doing this is by prolonged subjection to steam in a special 

 apparatus; but, as this is only possible in hospitals, the next best 

 thing is boiUng for some time in the ordinary wash-boiler. In drying, 

 the wash should hang longer than usual in the sun and wind. 

 Woolen underwear can be treated exactly as if made of cotton. The 

 woolen outer clothing of the patient, if infective, requires special 

 treatment. Fortunately, the infection of the outer garments is un- 

 usual. The only reliable method for their sterilization is prolonged 

 exposure to hot air at i io°C. In private practice it often becomes 

 a grave question what shall be done with these articles. Prolonged 

 exposure to fresh air and sunlight will, however, aid in rendering 

 them harmless; and can be practised when it is not certain that they 

 are actually infective. Infective articles of wool may be sent to 

 the city hospital and baked. 



The doctor visiting a case of dangerous infection or a hospital 

 for infectious diseases should cover his clothing with a linen or 

 cotton gown, and protect his hair with a cap, these articles being 

 disinfected after the visii. By such precautions he will avoid spread- 

 ing infection among his patients or carrying it to his own family. 



The Furniture, etc. — The destruction of infective furniture is 

 unnecessary. The doctor treating a case of infectious disease, if 

 he properly perform his functions, will save much trouble and money 

 for his patient by ordering his immediate isolation in an uncarpeted, 



