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complaints having been received as to damaged goods, etc. To
one of these Equifex Machines, a simple and efficient (so it is
stated) patent air-controller (working automatically), the invention
of Mr. Wolf Defries, has been fitted during 1904 as an experiment,
at a cost of £25. By this means, the patentee stated, the
exact time can be registered when the last trace of atmospheric
air has been driven out of the interior of the machine, by the
incoming steam, and when, consequently, steam fills every nook
and crevice of such interior. It is acknowledged that, to obtain
the maximum efficiency from steam as a disinfectant, such steam
must not be mixed at all with atmospheric air; but, hitherto, the
difficulty has been to know when all the atmospheric air had
been effectually expelled. Should the patent prove efficient in
its practical working, the second Equifex Machine will be fitted
with it, as also the Sterilising Machine.
The Staff, which consists of the Superintendent, 4 Disinfecting
Men, 4 Drivers, 1 Stove Assistant, and 1 Stableman, has,
collectively and individually, given satisfaction.
Two separate chemical examinations of the 40 per cent,
formalin solution used for disinfection by spraying were made
in 1904, and in both instances the solution was found to be up
to the standard guaranteed. Spray disinfection is the method
now chiefly used in Lambeth in dealing with infected rooms,
instead of the old-fashioned method of burning sulphur in
rooms previously sealed up. The latter method is troublesome,
takes a long time,and is of doubtful scientific value, whereas the
former is easily performed, is expeditious, and of scientific
value. Further, in connection with the spraying method, the
room can be used again within a short time of being sprayed—
the odour of the formalin quickly and readily dispersing. A
scented formalin solution is used in Lambeth.
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