84 
blankets or their equivalent. Somewhat less will suffice for linen and : 
cotton goods. 
This means the use of from 50 to 100 c. c. per cubic foot. ! 
i 
Increasing the amount from 2.5 c. c. to 4 c. c. per square foot does not 
correspondingly increase its power of penetration, but gives constant 
results. I 
Increasing the time of exposure over twenty-four hours does not 
increase the penetrating power of the disinfectant. 
Pouring the liquid in one place, and splashing the one liquid on with ; 
brushes will not suffice. The formalin must be carefully sprinkled in 
small drops and distributed uniformly over the surface, between many ; 
layers. j 
Excessive moisture of the fabrics interferes with penetration and gives ! 
irregular results. 
Formalin, as sold commercially, has an acid reaction. This is some - 1 
times excessive and ruins colors and fabrics. Pure formalin spots and I 
“fixes” leather, and injures certain dyes. Even pure water will spot: 
some delicate silks and colors. Care must therefore be exercised as to ; 
the articles with which the formalin comes in contact. 
As far as known, all our quarantinable diseases are caused by non- 
spore bearing organisms, and our object is to disinfect, not sterilize. 
However, the quarantine regulations of the United States require the 
use of chemical and physical agents sufficient to destroy spores. This 
excess is justified as an element of safety to secure good results in prac-! 
tical work on a large scale. This method of disinfection by sprinkling 
or pouring formalin in a closed box, as here set forth, does not reach i 
this standard, for even in large amounts it sometimes fails to kill anthrax 
spores through one layer of blanket, and therefore can not be consid- 
ered a good method of disinfection. 
O 
