-95— 



of dressings. The sizes were usually as follows: 12" x 14" cakes into 6" x 7" 

 or 4" X j"; 10" X 14" cakes into 7" x 10", Sometimes we were asked for whole 

 cakes but in such cases they were mostly used for pads, being too large for an 

 ordinary dressing. We sewed our dressings into muslin bags, one inch larger all 

 around than the dressing, to allow for swelling. 



Sterilization 



Moss used for surgical dressings must be thoroughly disinfected or sterilized. 

 The common method of sterilization used by the Germans was steam heat. At 

 first the method recommended was to expose the moss to steam heat for 24 hours. 

 This was found to be injurious to the moss so that, as a result of further experi- 

 mentation by Korach in 1915, it was changed, limiting the time of sterilization 

 to one-half hour, by which the ability of the moss to absorb water was not im- 

 paired. 



In some cases where the dressings were used as bed pads the sterilization 

 was considered less necessary, and was sometimes omitted. These pads were, 

 however usually saturated with an antiseptic and then dried before using. At 

 other times the moss was washed with an antiseptic, such as corrosive sublimate 

 (i-iooo) or with potassium permanganate and then thoroughly dried 



and made into pads. 



Application of Sphagnum Dressings 



The application of these dressings was very simple. They were used almost 

 entirely as outer dressings. The wound was covered with a thin gauze dressing 

 first and the moss pad placed on it and bound up. They were usually fastened 

 over the wound with a bandage or the smaller ones with adhesive tape. These 

 remained unchanged for one, two, or three days, or even longer — much longer 

 than the fine muslin or cotton dressings could be left. As soon as the moss began 

 to absorb the liquid it became soft and pliable, fitting closely to the body. 



What are some of the things for which sphagnum may be used other than 

 surgical dressings? 



Sphagnum is the only moss for which any very important economic use has 

 been reported, and the more it is studied and experimented with the more 

 varied and extensive are found to be its uses. The last word has not yet been said 

 about sphagnum and the economic uses to which it may be applied. It makes 

 an excellent insulator, much better than sawdust or even cork. Many Germans 

 used it during the war in their homes for keeping milk warm or cool. The inside 

 of a wooden or paper box was well lined with it, thus acting as an insulator, 

 and bottles of milk put in the center. 



In Sweden some of the coarser kinds of paper, like wall-paper, wrapping 

 paper and building paper are made from this moss, while in Germany a fairly 

 good and cheap cloth is made by mixing it with wool and weaving them together. 



It is well known the part this moss plays in the formation of peat, as well as 

 the common use nurserymen make of it in packing plants, especially where 

 moisture is required for a considerable time about the roots. Varieties of orchids 

 are known to thrive as well in sphagnum as in their native haunts. 



