BACTERIOLOGY IN A NUTSHELL. 



Disinfection. 



Antiseptics. 



Germicides. 



Deodorants. 



tion used interchangeably as expressive of the 

 same meaning, which, strictly speaking, is not 

 accurate. When we sterilize anything we are 

 supposed completely to destroy the vitality of 

 all bacteria present, either within, or upon the 

 substance sterilized. The process of steriliza- 

 tion is accomplished by the proper application 

 for a stated period of either chemical agents or 

 heat. 



In order to disinfect anything we do not 

 necessarily destroy all the bacteria present, but 

 only those that are harmful, because of their 

 power to create disease — power to infect — in 

 other words. 



Certain substances used to prevent the 

 growth of bacteria, but which may not neces- 

 sarily destroy them are called antiseptics. An 

 antiseptic does not always possess the power to 

 disinfect, but a disinfectant is always an anti- 

 septic. 



Germicides and disinfectants are inter- 

 changeable terms because they both possess the 

 power to destroy disease-producing germs. 



Deodorants are substances or agents used to 

 destroy offensive odors ; they are not of neces- 

 sity disinfectants, but they may be. Creolin, 

 lysol, formalin and carbolic acid are all both 

 deodorants and disinfectants, while such de- 

 odorants as Eau de Cologne and violet extract 

 have no power to disinfect. 

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