The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-04-18
REMEDY FOR INFECTION.

One of the most astonishing discoveries,
proceeding from the advanced state OF
science, is that of material to disiniect'
places and objects of the offensive and
deadly vapcurs inherent in putrefactive
masses; and also in confined and infested
situations. If subsequent experience shall
verify one half the benefit which the dicov-
erer M. Labarraque, a chemist in Paris)
inters from the instances he has witnessed
of its surprising efficacy, we may hope that
yellow fever, and other frighttul forms OF
pestilence, which walk invisible, will be
banished from the world. The discoverer
find no difficulty in making it, so that 1t
may go with perfect safety into common
use. The chemical combinations Of chlor-
ide of soda, and chloride of lime, are the
materials which possess the wonderful pow
er of depriving substances of their often
sive odours, and of checking the putrefac-
tive process. The chloride of lime has
been applied to the purifcation of Lazaret-
tos, infected ships, hospitals, manufactures,
the persons Of soldiers, sailors, merchan-
die at quarantine, and with the most trium-
plant success in the cleansing of sewers.
One instance in proof Of the latter occur
red IN = horrid sewer in Paris, which had
been impossible for more than forty years."
Eight workmen lost their lives in attempt
ing to penetrate it in 1882. 1t had been
left to itself from the dread it Justly inspir-
ed in the workmen and authorities but as
it was an accommodating and horrible nuis-
ance, the Council of health solicited the
advice of NJ. Labarraque, who offered to
superintend the operation.
Several workmen had fallen into a state
of suspended animation the day before.
NJ. L.. caused large tub filed with the So
luton of chloride of lime to be placed near
the margin, and a pail full by the side of
each workman, who often wet his hands,
arms, and face in it, and applied it with
moistened cloth to his mouth and nostrils.
The surface and walls of the sewer were
constantly sprinkled with it, and the work
was completed in four hours without any
accident. NJ. L. Immediately proceeded
to the house Of one of the men who had
been struck senseless. Although it had
been many hours since he lost his recollec-
ton, inhaling the vapour Of the chloride of
soda instantly relieved him, and he recov-
cred In few days. In another case /" the
patient was unconscious, the breathing APP
peared extinct, eyes closed and insensible.
A moistened napkin was Immediately plac-
ed under his nostrils, when in q minute he
uttered a plainhve cry, and opened his
eyes. The application was repeated, when
after few minutes the tetanus, with its
frightful train, disappeared he breathed
freely, and was in condition to resume his
work"
The use of the remedy in healing
wounds, arresting modification, modifying
cancerous and other disagreable tropical
are among the blessings attrib-
lted to this discovery Another important
benefit insisted on by N. l.. is, that a judi
,ious application of the solution will divest
the dissecting room of its noxious qualities,
preventing those severe cases of typhus fe-
yer which are found among the students of
anatomy, who thus fall sacrifice to their
owe of science by constantly inspiring an
loaded with her pernicious ex-
halations.