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115
As the conditions under which bacteriological investigations
touching methods of disinfection are
carried on in the laboratory differ so greatly from
those attending the every-day use of such methods, it
has been thought preferable to consider the matter on
the basis of statistical results obtained from the year's
work. Unfortunately whilst the published results of
the laboratory investigations are voluminous (and
many contradictory), the only known communication
based on statistics is that of Dr. Kenwood, of which
mention has already been made.
On this occasion no comparison can be made with
the results of other methods, but should any fresh
information be obtained from other sources the same
will be communicated to the Committee. It may be
mentioned that whilst this Report was in preparation,
formaldehyde, both as gas and as spray, has been
adopted by the Department to be used alternately
with sulphur, and the results will be carefully
noted.
It seems reasonable to conclude that the results
of disinfection by sulphur during 1897 were satisfactory,
although it is desirable that the margin of
3'0 per cent. of breakdowns should be eliminated.