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inch, which corresponds to a temperature of about 264° This is for the
purpose of thoroughly drying and heating the chamber and its contents.
The truck (a) containing the articles to be disinfected is placed in the
interior chamber, the large doors being opened for the purpose. These are
then closed hermetically, steam is admitted, and the process of disinfection
commences. The pressure is about 20 lbs., so that the steam must penetrate
any mattress, bed, or article of furniture that may be under treatment, and
the temperature of 260°, which is the heat of steam at that pressure, is
rapidly communicated to articles in the chamber. The form of apparatus
shown the Special Committee, though upon the same principle as that just
described, varied somewhat in detail. Instead of doors at each end (s p),
closed by screw gear (b), a single hinged door, fastened by clamps, was
used. This, though a considerably less expensive plan, requires more
labour, and is used at Mr. Lyon's own works, as it suits his particular
purposes better, and he has always plenty of help available. At the time
of our visit a registering thermometer was placed in the centre of a hair
mattress before the chamber was closed. After a few minutes the steam
was shut off, but the thermometer at the top of the apparatus remained
stationary at 260°; and this was due to the outside jacket, the great object
of which is to prevent condensation of the steam within the chamber, for
if such were to take place the articles placed therein for disinfection would
become wetted and spoiled. After being thus treated for about half an
hour, the steam was blown off, the chamber opened, and the goods removed.
The thermometer placed in the centre of the mattress registered 259°.
This process of steaming or cooking must be more efficacious than dry
heat; for there exist the three conditions which ensure the desired object,
namely, heat, pressure, and moisture. Moreover, the process is so rapid
that persons bringing their beds and clothing to be disinfected can have
them done while they wait; and this is often a matter of considerable
importance to persons possessing only one bed, which, if it had to remain
in the apparatus a whole night, would put them to grave inconvenience.
The vestry of St. Mary, Rotherhithe, use this apparatus, and the Medical
Officer, in his answer to my letter upon the subject, uses the following
words:— "I am thoroughly satisfied with the performance of the
apparatus. My disinfection has been a marked success, both as to results
and economy."