DISINFECTANTS, ANTISEPTICS AND DE0D0EANT3 721 



Bolutions are decomposed by keeping, and by contact with 

 albumin and ammonia. Acids, or common salt, added to 

 bichloride solutions prevent, in a measure, this decomposi- 

 tion ; but, nevertheless, mercuric bichloride is rendered unfit 

 for the disinfection of masses of decomposing albuminous 

 matter, as manure. One of the best solutions, employed by 

 the Paris Disinfection Service, is composed of corrosive 

 sublimate, 2 grammes ; tartaric acid, 4 grammes ; and water, 



1 litre (1-500), colored with 5 drops of a 5 per cent, solution 

 of indigo carminate. An English-solution, in common use, 

 consists of corrosive sublimate, 1 ounce ; hydrochloric acid, 



2 ounces, and water to make 3 gallons (1-768,). The usual 

 strength of corrosive sublimate solutions, for disinfection, 

 varies from 1-500 to 1-1000. These solutions are suitable 

 for articles made wholly, or in part, of leather, rubber and 

 fur ; for blankets, cotton and woolen fabrics, and for floors, 

 walls, and wood work of stables. Surgical instruments, and 

 other metallic implements and fixtures, are injured by corro- 

 sive sublimate solutions. Carbolic acid is more expensive 

 than corrosive sublimate, and less efficient in cases where 

 the latter is applicable. Carbolic acid can, however, be used 

 to disinfect albuminous material and metallic substances. 

 It is employed on animal excreta in 5 per cent. aqueouS 

 solution (about 8 ounces to the gallon of hot water.)* This 

 solution will cause the hands to dry, crack and fissure if 

 they ai-e immersed in it for any length of time. 



Chlorinated lime and quicklime are good disinfectant 

 agents to mix with animal evacuations. In fact, bleaching 

 powder is probably the best and cheapest disinfectant we 

 possess for use in privies, drains, sinks, cesspools, and 

 sewers, and for the destruction of micro-organisms on floors, 

 and in faeces and urine. 



A few pounds of this preparation may be thrown into 

 privies or cesspools once a week, and the pure compound, 

 or a saturated solution, may be scattered over floors or 

 mixed with manure. A 1 per cent, solution is used to dis- 

 infect harness, which should be washed and greased directly 



* A two per cent, solution of commercial cresol is as efileient and 

 cheaper than a five per cent, carbolic acid solution. 



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