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much at variance with common sense, nor would I impute
notions of such child-like simplicity to those of whom I have
spoken, if it could be conceived upon what other hypothesis
their attitude upon the subject of disinfection may be
explained.
It is also a matter for regret, that a fanciful value should
be placed upon the use of disinfectants, or that they should
be endowed, in the eyes of the public, with magical attributes,
for extreme views are likely to lead to re-action, and,
sooner or later, a useful adjunct, failing to fulfil the requirements
of the position of confidence to which it has been
raised by a credulous public, is in danger of sinking to a
lower estimate in popular favour than its modest value
warrants, and of falling into total disrepute.
Nor is this the only reason. If more reliance be placed in
the disinfectant than is consistent with its virtues, other and
more effective measures may be disregarded, and the evils
which, in another case, would have been removed, remain as
a danger to the health of the public.
Many instances have come under my notice illustrative of
the above remarks, in which serious structural defects in
drainage have existed, and of such a character that the air
of the dwelling-house has been impregnated with sewer gas;
yet the occupier has lived in the unhealthy atmosphere in
the enjoyment of a happy sense of security, and until illness
has placed a limit to his misplaced confidence, has firmly
believed that no danger to his health existed, whilst he daily
had followed the expedient of pouring Condy's fluid into the
vortex of the drain, and had taken the additional precaution
of dusting the ironwork at its inlet with carbolic powder.
When a case of sickness of an infectious character occurs,
it is a common custom to place a receptacle, containing a
small quantity of disinfecting fluid, in a prominent place in