Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-11-21
To Prevent Diphtheris.

Seeing as we now do. the prevalence in our
State Of the dread disease diphtheria carving of
fair children in startling rspiaity, and sometimes
sweeping away an entire family, it is due the
people to be made aware how they may guard
against this terrible malady, and how best to keer
their homes and premises in a condition that will
not allow the sdmttance of the disease therefore
give to readers list of several disinfectants
employed by the Providence Board of Health
and though exceedingly simple, yet found to be
very etiicacious, and worthy of trial. There is
danger lurking in every household, however
neatly kept the premises and it may easily and
cheapy avoided by the use of cheap disnfectants
One of the cheapest and best dsiufectants for
vaults and drains is the following:
|. Take five (5) pounds of copperds (sulphste
of from, and dissolve 1t in three four gallons
Zone pailiuD OF boiling water, mixing with i, one
pint of crude cdrboiic acid. Larger quantities in
the same proportion. Hot water is necessary be-
cause copperas will not dissolve readily 10 cold
water.
This may be used freely in vaults or drains. A
considerable quantity NAV be necessary at first,
and it should be repeated every day or two unit Il
all offensive odors are completely DESTROYED
Copperas, in quantities of five pounds more
, will cost three cents per pound, and the crude
carboc acid. contsiniDg 80 per cent. of the acid
will cost seventy-fve cents per gallon.
2. Nitrate Of Lead dissolved, one pound to one
gallon of water, is excellent dsinfectant to
pour into sink pipes and water closets. 1t is with
out odor clean, and may be used freely wherever
needed. The nitrate of lead will cost abou,
twenty cents per pound.
3. PermaRgdhdte Of Potash is excellent
chemical dslntectant 10 purify cistern rain water
that has become offensive. The quantity necess-
ny can only be determined by trial. Dissolve a
quarter of pound of the crude or impure per
manganate in two three quarts of water and
pour 1t INTO the cistern, stirring it well from the
bottom. If necessary repeat the dose. The i'm
pure permanganate of potash will cost about one
dollar per pound.
4. Crude Carbolic Acid largely diluted with
water, makes a most valuable disnfectant &c
sprinkle in yards about priyies, on heaps of filth
in filthy lanes, and especially upon offensive ma
nuie in stables. 1t will prevent offensive odors
and also drive away flies. The crude article, con-
Ia lining twenty five to thirty per cent of csrboliC
acid, will cost seventy-ive cents per gallon, and
one gallon is sufficient to mix with one barrel Of
water, stirring it briskly when used.
B. Cdrbotate of Lime is a very valuable and
safe dislntectant, and may be sprinkled freely il
cellars. yards, on heaps of filth, and in any pact
where foul air is perceived 1t will cost eight cents
per pound in quantities of five pounds more
There are other disiDfecting powders in marke
containing carbolc acid in finely powdered clay, OF
other materials, all of which are valuable, and il
some cases the fine powder is preferable 10 tn,
carbolste of lime.
| 6. Chloride Of Lime, dry, gives off chlorine
gas, and acts instantly to remove offensive odors
and Is often Uery Ud(udbte for this purpose on &C
count of its speedy and ditfusive action. But i
soon absorbs moisture and loses it power. 1t will
cost six cents per pound in quantities OF five
| pounds or more.
| 7. Ventilation and withdrawing with fresl
| lime are the bet disinfectants for cellars ant
dark and damp places, and also let the fee sun
places. whenever ls