LYSOL AS A DISINFECTANT 
619 
the same results, namely, that the minimal fatal doses for each 
kilo of body weight are as follows: for carbolic acid, 0.3 
grains; for creolin, 1.1 grains; for lysol, 2.3 grains. Thus 
showing by actual demonstration that carbolic acid is eight 
times more poisonous than lysol, and that creolin is twice as 
poisonous as lysol. 
3rd. It is the most easily soluble of all disinfectants. 
4th. Its cost is so reasonable as to permit of its general 
use in surgical practice; \ per cent, solution being equal in 
strength to a 2 per cent, solution of carbolic acid. One has 
but to compare price lists to determine that the odds stand 10 
to 1 in favor of lysol as regards cost. 
5th. Its great value as a deodorizer. 
As regards the saponifying character of lysol, a great deal 
may be said in its favor, Especially is this true in cases of 
gynaecology and obstetrics, as the condition sought for in a 
great many cases, is produced by this agent. 
Dr. Pee reports its use in 550 cases in the Berlin obstetrical 
clinics with the best of results in every case; a \ per cent, 
solution was used. 
In wounds its oily property serves the purpose of soap and 
thus lnore deeply penetrates the infected tissues. 
As to how the destruction of the germ is brought about I* 
am unable to state with any degree of certainty. All evidence 
goes to show, however, that it does not form a chemical union 
with the organism as does corrosive sublimate. 
Several bouillion tubes were inoculated from the solution 
after the germ had remained in contact with it from 15 min¬ 
utes to i|- hours, and after periods varying from 3 to 7 days 
no growth had taken place thus showing that a liquid me¬ 
dia has no power to release the germ. Should it be a chemi¬ 
cal combination, corrosive sublimate and carbolic acid have 
always held the foremost rank as disinfectants and antiseptics. 
Investigation has proyen corrosive sublimate to be a traitor 
as a true disinfectant. It is not, however, denied an honora¬ 
ble place in # the list of antiseptics. 
The poisonous effects of carbolic acid have been, to a de_ 
gree, demonstrated, and after carefully considering the merits. 
