FOR THE PURIFYING OF STABLES. 
537 
these instances, when I thought of mixing the powdered peat 
charcoal with the linseed poultice, which was constantly in re- 
quisition. The effect was in a measure perfect ; there was no 
longer that offensive stench so familiar in such cases. The other 
instance was treated in a similar way with like effect. In 
sloughing sores, and in certain forms of open cancer (in which 
cases the smell is usually very bad), I have been equally well 
pleased. In short, I may say that I have this preparation in 
almost constant use, and it possesses this advantage over many 
others intended to produce similar effects, that there is no un- 
pleasant or questionable odour in itself. 
“ It is but right to mention that ordinary charcoal has been used 
occasionally in many parts of the world, partly with the objects 
above referred to ; but I do not think that the attention of the 
profession has been much drawn to the subject. However largely 
it might be used by the profession for the purposes alluded to, I 
fear that no great profit could be anticipated from the necessarily 
limited demand ; yet as one out of the many excellent qualities of 
this material, this feature should not be overlooked. 
“ If these statements can be of any use to you to-morrow, or at 
any other time, I have much satisfaction in placing them at your 
disposal. 
I am, my dear Sir, 
Always faithfully yours, 
Wm. Fergusson, F.R.S., Professor of 
Surgery in King’s College.” 
“ To General M'Leod.” 
Mr. Rodgers having read Professor Fergusson’s letter, con- 
tinued : I have made every possible experiment to satisfy myself 
of its deodorizing qualities. I have placed it on plates or dishes 
in vaults, in close rooms, &c. &c., and other places emitting offen- 
sive odours, and in every instance found the experiment emi- 
nently successful. I must confess that at first I was sceptical, 
more especially when applied for the purpose of purifying the 
atmosphere in sick rooms. But my experiments never failed ; and 
all doubt is removed by the following case, which I give on the 
authority of a medical practitioner of eminence, who is present — 
Mr. Bullock, of 15, Cumberland-street, Bryanston- square, which is 
thus recorded by him : — 
“ Chloride of lime, and other disinfectants, had been used to 
destroy the effluvia in the chamber of a patient of Mr. Bullock’s ; 
but the change of atmosphere of the room was as obnoxious to the 
sense as the effluvia itself ; and a lady, the mother of the patient, 
fainted if she remained in the apartment. An experiment was 
tried with the peat charcoal ; a small quantity of it was spread 
VOL. XXIII. 4 C 
