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16
of the illuminated particles, and consider the interval of
time which must inevitably elapse before the suspended
atoms, contained in an area of even one cubic foot, could
fortuitously be conveyed into proximity with the fluid, or be
driven to impinge upon its surface.
But even if we admit for the sake of this calculation, that
which cannot be admitted in fact, namely, that the disinfectant
is sufficiently powerful to destroy, in one minute the
vitality of the microbes, in the twelve cubic inches of air
superincumbent upon its surface, and that this volume could
be replaced in successive quantities, at intervals of one
minute, the infected taking the place of the sterilized, and
the process continued, six hundred hours would elapse
before the sterilization could be completed.
It must now be admitted, even in reasoning upon any
theory of probabilities, that not a conceivable fraction of the
number of the infected particles, contained in the air of a
sick room, could be destroyed, by the action of disinfecting
fluids, even though exposed for an unlimited length of time.
The small quantity of air which finds access through a
niche in the door, and by which a corresponding volume of
vitiated air is displaced, has a more perfect action, and has
immeasurably more effect, than disinfectants used in the
manner indicated, in the purification of the air of the sick
chamber.
The infected atmosphere of the sick room is injurious,
alike, to the attendant, and to the patient; to the one, by
inducing a predisposition to disease, to the other, by impeding
the progress of recovery, and as fresh air is of a first
importance in the maintenance of health, so in like manner
it is essential in the treatment of disease.
Disinfectants have a place in the sick room, they are exceedingly
useful in the destruction of the contagium of disease,