164 
LINT AS USED AT THE LONDON HOSPITAL. 
the same time frayed. The flue is very readily detachable from 
the threads, and the fabric is thin and without sufficiency of sub- 
stance. 
Not knowing the comparative cost of the above kinds of lint, I 
have of course not made cost a matter of consideration, but have 
endeavored to place them in the position which they should occu- 
py, according to their respective merits as regards quality. 
39, Broad Street Buildings, Nov. 12, 1850. 
We subjoin a letter from Mr. Tustin, on the same subject, which 
was deferred in anticipation of the above, that both communica- 
tions might appear together. 
London Hospital, Oct. 17. 
Sir, — Owing to the great consumption of lint and rags at this 
hospital, it was some time ago proposed to make a trial of the pa- 
tent lint manufactured by " The National Linen Company," to 
see if any improvement in the quality and saving in the cost could 
be effected in that article. On examination it was found that a 
pound of the A 2 lint, at 2s., certainly had a greater extent of sur- 
face than the same weight of the ordinary rag lint supplied to the 
hospital at 2s. Id. It was found, however, that the gain was 
more than counter-balanced by some objections which the surgeons 
and assistant-surgeons made to its use. Passing over several of 
the minor objections, such as its being too fluffy, and its not giving 
sufficient support, they pronounced it inconvenient of use, inasmuch 
as it would not tear in any direction. The use of the old-fashion 
rag lint is, therefore, preferred here, which has the advantage of 
tearing readily in one direction, and of being strong, and giving 
great support in the other. 
The quantity of lint and rags used here in 1849, w r as as follows : 
lbs. surface. Cost. 
Lint . . 1140 .... 2596 square yards £118 15 
Hags . . 720 ... . 4040 « 5100 
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, T. H. Tustin. 
Lond. Pharm. Journ., Dec. 1, 1850. 
