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12
Memorandum concerning the use of Disinfectants.
The subject of Disinfection is a wide one, which requires very
careful consideration, more particularly as advances in science
have proved the fallacy of very many preconceived theories
concerning the causation and propagation of diseases. Disinfection
demands the destruction not only of disease germs, but also of the
spores of those germs. It is therefore imperative to differentiate
between Deodorants, which merely mask mal-odours, and Disinfectants,
which are absolute germicides. Whilst the former may
be useful to sensitive people, the latter are truly valuable in cutting
short the vitality of those subtle active principles which often
spread broadcast the seeds of disease, and too frequently carry
death with them. The arrows of the sanitarian must therefore be
aimed at all zymotic germs, and this can best be done by the
selection of suitable disinfectants. I do not allude here, of course,
to natural disinfectants, as air, water, &c., but will at once state
the particular manufactured articles which I consider most
appropriate to the special work required to be performed by them.
Thus, for the disinfection of enclosed spaces, sulphurous acid
and chlorine gases should be generated in them by means of
suitable apparatus. For the disinfection of clothing, and such
like articles which can be removed, super-heated steam is required.
For bricks, plaster, wood, and paint, I know nothing to equal a 1
in 2000 solution of mercuric chloride, which has also cheapness to
recommend it. Chloride of lime is also valuable for this purpose.
Sanitas and carbolic acid, purchased in their crude states, are the
best preparations when dissolved for use in the streets and courts,
and also for flushing gullies. Urinals are, perhaps, best treated
by solutions of sulphate of iron. For dust-bins, and other
collections of offensive rubbish, carbolic powder offers the most
ready means of application, but I hope we may soon be able to
eliminate these from our category. (Vide note on "Pail System.")
Table M,* which contains a complete list of the District
deaths for the year 1887, may be compared with the following
table,† whereupon is shown the Metropolitan deaths for the same
year. They both indicate again a large mortality from diarrhoea.
In our own District, out of a total of 80 deaths from the disease,
*Page 25. †Page 26.