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district. This is much needed, as disease is fostered and
spread from infected bedding and clothing. I
1873 The subject of domestic disinfection in a sick
room has been treated of in former reports, but 1 may
recapitulate former directions. A washing tub or vessel
containing a mixture of one table spoonful of Sir W. Burnett's
chloride of zinc, or of good carbolic acid, to one gallon of
water should be ready to receive linen, &c.,of all kinds. All
vessels intended for the reception of the excretions of patients
should have a similar solution placed in them.
The drains should be flushed daily with a solution of
similar strength; the rooms also sprinkled with a similar
solution.
Baths and Wash-houses.
1867.—In this large district no facilities for bathing
exist, and in some instances all the washing (and in wet
weather all the drying) of linen by the poor has to be done
in their own houses and rooms, and renders them uncomfortable
and unwholesome.
Establishments of this kind might be made self-supporting,
or, if not, would be assisted by the subscription of the
inhabitants. And a disinfecting chamber might be connected
with the building.
1869.—There is much need in the district, as I have
explained in former Reports, of a steam oven or other
apparatus for disinfecting the clothes, linen, bedding, &c.,
of those who are or have been suffering from epidemic
disease, &c.
Disinfecting Apparatus.
1873. In some of the London districts public disinfecting
chambers are constructed for purifying infected clothes and
bedding by means of heat; and I find that many miscellaneous
articles of wearing apparel are constantly sent for
prification. It has not been deemed of sufficient importance
to erect a building for that purpose in this district, but