DISINFECTION 105 



solution. Corrosive sublimate is very cheap and reliable ; but it 

 is poisonous, it coagulates albumin, and corrodes and destroys 

 metals. However it is a very practical disinfectant. 



Sulphur. — Probably sulphur is not as efficient a disinfectant 

 as it is generally supposed to be, although a large quantity of it 

 seems to have decided germ destroying properties when it is 

 used after the surfaces to be disinfected have been moistened by 

 steam or otherwise, and when the doors and windows are kept 

 tightly closed for a long period of time afterward. About 10 

 pounds per 1000 cubic feet of air is needed. It is easily burned 

 if three or four ounces of alcohol are added. The mixture should 

 be placed in an iron kettle and the kettle placed in a tub of 

 boiling water, partly for safety and partly for moisture. 



Sunshine. — Sunshine destroys germs. Long exposure to sun- 

 shine, where time permits, will render safe, infected clothing or 

 any other article carrying an infection on its surface. 



Lime. — Used in the form of fresh whitewash lime is very use- 

 ful as a disinfectant for many places. It is improved in reli- 

 ability by % to Y2 pound fresh chlorid of lime to the gallon. 

 For use by spray pump, it must be rather thin and well strained. 

 Slake by adding 1 pint water to 2 pounds fresh stone lime. 



Milk of lime is prepared by adding water to the slaked lime 

 4 to 1 by volume. Whitewash is merely thinned milk of lime. 



