The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-10-07
THE CARBOLIC ACID QUESTION
Meeting of the Physicians.

tlemen to order at s o'clock and there were
present large representation.
A letter from the Secretary excusipg him
self on account of pressing engagements was
read.
DR.. o. Huard was called upon to act.
DR.. Tebault had been called out of the
city and could not attend, but in letter he
suggested that all the investigations should be
published in some medical review.
DR.. Jones was then asked to read the re-
port of the committee appointed at the last
meeting. The following is the report:
The committee appointed by Dr. Armand Mer-
cier, at the meeting held in the Central Building
Ct the University Of Louisiana, September 20,
| 1875 met in accordance with the appointment OF
| the Chair. DR.. Tebault, on the 1st OF October.
The following members of the committee were
present: Armand MERCER, nj. D., G. Hamilton
Tebault, NJ. D., John B. Hender son. NJ D., Sabin
Martin, M. D., J. II. Lewis, III. D., Joseph Jones,
M. D.
The committee respectfully submit the follow
ing propositions for the consideration of the
meeting of Physicians to be held in the Gen.
trail Building of the University Of Louisiana, Oc-
tober 6:
1. Carbolic acid, as used for purposes of "dis-
infection" by the Board of Health in New Or
leans, during the years 1867, 1870, 1871, 1879,
1873, 1874 and 1875, has failed to arrest small
pox, scarlet fever and yellow fever.
2. CarbUlic acid, as used for purposes of "dis-
infection" by the Board of Health in New Or.
leans, has in several instances proved injurious
to the inhabitants Of the disinfected districts.
3. The facts observed in New Orleans during
the practice of carbolic acid 'disinfection" upon
larger scale than ever before in the history of
sanitary science, sustain the view held by the
high authorities, that it is impossible to dsinfect
the atmosphere of an entire city, or even of q
| circumscribed area, as of two or more squares.
Cases of yellow fever have occurred in success
sion, at long intervals, in houses and localities
which have been most thoroughly subjected to
the so called ''carbolc acid disinfection."
Instances have been observed where unaccli-
mated individuals returning from the country
ease aud entering these districts of the city in
which carbolic acid has been most lavishly en-
poyed as "a disinfectant," have been attacked
by yellow fever.
increasing up to certain period and then de-
clining with the fall Of temperature, and ceasing
with the appearance OF frost.
No connection has been traced between the de-
cline and cessation of the disease, and the
amount of carbolic acid used for purposes of
disinfection.
S. The absence of widespread epidemics in
1871 1872, 1878, 1874 and 1875, is believed to be
DUE not to carbolic acid disinfectiop, but to the
following causes
l.
epidemic of 1870 during which years large
proportion OF the population afflicted with
the disease, or subjected to the influence Of tho
yellow fever poison.
2. The sporadic nature of the disease and the
small tendency to spread, which it has exhibited
during the years specified no essential differences
having been observed be ween its mode and rate
of spread in " disinfected" and -disinfected"
districts.
8. The cessation of i'm migration and the dimi-
mt nj
causes.
The preceding points appear to be sustained by
the accompanying papers.
DR.. MERCER read from Adolph Gubler's
Commentaries Therapeutics (the author of
which stands at the head of the profession in
Paris), showing that carbolic acid does not
prevent decomposition. Speaking of the
carbolic acid, Gubler says: cit is not truly
disinfectant, for it does not destroy the pro-
due of the organic decomposition, nor sup
press the fetidness thereof Itsimply screens
the putrid smell by its clearly odor, which is
far from being agreeable"
On motion of DR.. Henderson the report of
the committee was adopted as u whole.
DR.. Castellanos moved that the thanks of
the medical profession be rendered to the com
mittee for the manner in which they had per-
formed their duties in regard to the carbolic
acid war.
DIR. LeMonier then read lengthy paper
setting forth his views. He said that he re-
GREETED those of the Board of Health who
favor the use of the acid were not present to
discuss the question at length.
DR.. Castellanos spoke strongly in favor of
the resolutions passed. He advocated the
idea of taking the sense of the medical fra
ternity of the city on the subject, and moved
that lists for signatures be made out. He
said the Board of Health was not such an au-
thority that their opinions were beyond revo-
cation.
DR.. Manegre was called on, who said that
he could corroborate all that had been said
about the acid. His experience in the Fourth
District showed him conclusively that it was
futile to expect beneficial results from it.
DR.. Henderson then read full statement
of the amount of coal tar, carbolic acid, etc,
used by the Board of Health this summer
253 barrels, 1870 gallons and 220 pounds.
The following came from the contractor
263 barrels, containing in all 23,175 gallons,
which will cost the Taxpayers about eleven to
twelve thousand dollars After some further
discussion the meeting adjourned.