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probably dissipate tbe union, upon wbich their virulence 

 and dissemination may depend. The numerous experiments 

 of the late Dr. Henry with the flannel shirts of patients 

 labouring under typhus, measles, and scarlatina, though 

 not quite conclusive in support of his opinions, will perhaps 

 be within the recollection of some of you now present. 

 Dry heat has a great recommendation in its facility of 

 application, without injury, to suspected articles of clothing 

 and fabricated manufacture. 



That by fumigation mischievous vapours might be de- 

 composed and dispelled, has always been a very natural 

 idea; and hence sundry aromatics, even, have occasionally 

 enjoyed no mean share of popular approbation. Doubtless 

 in thus disguising faetor, and in substituting an agreeable 

 for an unpleasing smell, the resulting impression upon the 

 nervous system is not to be despised in enabling the body 

 to resist mephitic influences. The combustion of sulphur, 

 the deflagration of nitre, and the explosion of gunpowder, 

 have severally had their advocates, and the fumes of vinegar 

 are still in repute. Muriatic acid had, as I think deservedly, 

 a great continental fame; and the introduction of nitrous 

 acid gas as a disinfector obtained for its fortunate patron, 

 50 years ago, a Parliamentary grant in this country. It is 

 highly probable that the mineral acids, from their stimulant 

 and corrosive properties upon organised textures, have some 

 good effect on noxious effluvia of animal or vegetable origin ; 

 but except when sparingly impregnating an atmosphere, I 

 do not think them so applicable where they are perhaps 

 most wanted, viz. in inhabited apartments. 



Quick lime, and its hydrate suspended in water as white- 

 wash, has long and very properly possessed public confidence 

 in promoting cleanly and wholesome dwelling-rooms. To be 

 really useful, however, lime-washing should be repeated more 

 frequently than is customary ; for on its power as an absorb- 



