DISINFECTANTS-HOW MOST EFFECTIVE. 
sibility of the overthrow of the power of sepsis 
through the use of antiseptics. 
Sterilization and Disinfection. —We often 
hear the terms sterilization and disinfection used 
interchangeably as expressive of the same mean¬ 
ing, which, strictly speaking, is not accurate. 
When we sterilize anything we are supposed 
completely to destroy the vitality of all bacteria 
present, either within, or upon the substance 
sterilized. The process of sterilization is accom¬ 
plished by the proper application' for a stated 
period of either chemical agents or heat. 
In order to disinfect anything we do not neces¬ 
sarily destroy all the bacteria present, but only 
those that are harmful, because of their power to 
create disease-—power to infect, in other words. 
Certain substances used to prevent the growth 
of bacteria, but which may not necessarily destroy 
them, are called antiseptics. An antiseptic does 
not always possess the power to disinfect, but a 
disinfectant is always an antiseptic. 
Germicides and disinfectants are interchange¬ 
able terms because they both possess the power to 
destroy disease-producing germs. 
Deodorants are substances or agents used to 
destroy offensive odors; they are not of necessity 
disinfectants, but they may be. 
VARIOUS CONDITIONS MODIFY THE POWER OF DIS.- 
INFECTANTS. 
I.—The kind of bacteria we wish to destroy. 
Some are more difficult to kill or to render pow¬ 
erless to do mischief than others. Spores are 
found much harder to deal with, as was spoken 
of in describing their formation, than the bacteria 
from which they spring. 
73 
Sterilization. 
Disinfection. 
Antiseptics. 
Germicides. 
Deodorants. 
Conditions 
Modifying; the 
Power of 
Disinfectants, 
