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16
disinfectants which act not by decomposing the
pntrescible matter, but simply by arresting putrefaction.
Of these anti-septic substances, Creasote
and Carbolic Acid are unquestionably the best;
the latter having the additional advantage of cheapness,
is on this ground most to be recommended.
During the last few years it has been largely used
in this country, in France and in Germany, and
its claims have been submitted to repeated scientific
investigation.
In July and August complaints were received
in great numbers of the offensive emanations from
gully grates, on which account it was thought
necessary to resume the disinfecting operations in
use in the year 1859. A small sum was employed
for the purpose, those localities being selected for
the purpose in which complaint had for the most
part arisen, and in which the condition of the Sewers
admitted of their being advantageously operated
on. For the disinfection of Sewers, crude Carbolic
acid is used in the liquid state along with an excess
of milk of lime; it has the great advantage over
Chloride of Lime that it is beneficial to the health
of the workmen employed in the Sewers, whereas
when the chloride is used the air of the Sewers
cannot be respired without producing irritation of
the bronchial tubes.