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34
The results of the experiments with tubercle could
not be ascertained, because the culture used was found to
be contaminated with other growths.
The results of the experiment, combined with the
evidence of other observers, lead to the conclusion that as
a disinfecting gas, formic aldehyde is far superior to sulphur
gas, and wherever circumstances compel the resort to
fumigation only, aldehyde, and not sulphur gas, must be
used.
On the other hand, the experiments have in no way shaken
my faith that in ordinary cases of scarlet fever, typhoid,
and so forth, the usual combined system of (1) fumigation,
(2,) steam disinfection, and (3,) cleansing is practically quite
sufficient, although it may be shown that any one of the
three operations alone may have defects.
At the present time the fumigation with aldehyde
is a troublesome and time-consuming process. The
apparatus itself weighs over 40 lbs., it will have to be
conveyed in a hand-cart to and fro. The Sanitary Inspector
will charge the apparatus, set the lamp alight, and then
seal up the room; he will then have to wait and watch the
thermometer and pressure gauge for probably half-an-hour
or three-quarters of an hour until the proper time
for turning the valve. The gas must stream through the
fine tube for from half-an-hour to two hours,
according to the size of the room, and during all this time
it would not be wise for the Inspector to leave the apparatus ;
the more especially since it has no safety valve, which the
writer considers a great defect.
It is hoped that since formic aldehyde gas will most
certainly be extensively used in this country, that it may be
compressed like oxygen, hydrogen, sulphur dioxide and
other gases and sold in cylinders, and so obviate the
necessity for using an autoclave.