Note 11 — Chapter X · BACTERIA AND SANITATION

The chief Disinfectants are: fresh air, sunshine, heat, formaldehyde, etc. Airing and sunning will destroy some germs in bedding and clothing as effectually as chemicals. Boiling and steaming are the best ways of applying heat. Formaldehyde is a volatile liquid. After room is sealed and strips of paper pasted all over cracks, a specially constructed generator is applied to keyhole, and room kept closed for 12 hours. Mercuric chloride (corrosive sublimate) is used 1 part to 1000 parts of water for disinfecting soiled clothing, towels, utensils, surgeon’s instruments, and wounds. In place of this, carbolic acid, 5 per cent solution, may be used, but it is not so good a germicide.