24 
BACTERIOLOGY. 
tion of intestinal discharges of typhoid fever patients. 
It undergoes decomposition readily; so care must be 
taken that it be fresh if good results are expected. 
For disinfecting stools the amount of lime solution 
should be much in excess of the amount of the stool, 
and it should be allowed to act for several hours. It 
can also be used for disinfecting floors and woodwork, 
but should not be used on colored fabrics, as it is a 
powerful bleacher. 
Dakin’s solution is a neutral solution of sodium 
hypochlorite. It is used in strengths varying from I 
to 4 per cent. During the war it was used a great 
deal for the disinfection of wounds either in the form 
of wet dressings or by irrigation. The solution de¬ 
composes readily, so care must be used that the solu¬ 
tion is fresh and kept in well stoppered bottles. Chlo- 
ramine-T is a more stable form of hypochlorite solu¬ 
tion and is generally used in 2 per cent, strength in 
the treatment of wounds. Dichloramine-T is another 
chlorine disinfectant but is insoluble in water. It is 
dissolved in oil or paraffin and is sprayed on wounds 
or gauze covering wounds in from 6 to 10 per cent, 
strength. 
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes readily, giving off 
free oxygen upon which its disinfectant action depends. 
It is used to a large extent for destroying the pus 
bacteria of superficial wounds, and is an excellent 
mouth disinfectant. 
Alcohol, either absolute or in 95 per cent, strength, 
is weakly disinfectant. The addition of water seems 
