Xvi LABORATORY MAXIMS 
x 
8. If by accident, a drop or more of a culture should be 
spilled upon the table or floor, pour over it a sufficient quan- 
tity of a disinfectant (corrosive sublimate solution 1-1000, or a 
5% solution of carbolic acid) to completely cover the infected 
area. After this has acted for ten minutes wipe it up and boil 
or burn the cotton or cloth. If any of the culture should drop 
on the hands or clothing, a disinfectant should be applied 
immediately. > 
9. In sterilizing culture media, always see that there is 
enough water in the pan of the steam sterilizer or in the water 
bath before lighting the gas. Do not put the media in a 
sterilizer and leave the laboratory. 
10. Always disinfect, by boiling, all cultures before cleaning 
the tubes or plates containing them. (A liberal supply of 
cleaning mixture can be used to advantage in some instances 
for destroying cultures.) 
11. At the beginning of each laboratory session read the 
directions for the next exercise in order to be able to make 
any preliminary preparations which may be required. 
12. Careful notes should be taken on all observations made 
in the study of cultures and preparations made from them. 
