Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-08-19
De.troyer. Of Contaelon.

GFrom the Boston Journal Of Chemistry.l
Modern science has let in a food of light
upon the cause of many illnesses, and the ma
ture of the contagia upon which their propa-
cation depends Not only has the cause of
disease been traced to agents external to the
body, but the exact form of these disturbing
organisms has been pointed out They con-
sist of minute particles, probably in most or
all cases of a vegetable nature they are
therefore non-gaseous, and in no respect COM
port themselves like gaseous bodies
The contagious principle of fever is cork
screw like spirilla in other diseases it ap-
pears as a large motionless rod in others as
a solid body, ragged, and nearly round.
These bodies float in the atmosphere in
clouds, and when inhaled, or when they come
in contact with abraided surfaces, inocula-
tion occurs and the disease is of the type pc
culiar to the nature of the specific poison.
The bodies start in the circulation a morbid
chemical action, or serve as ferment, which
disturbs or devitalizes the blood, and thus
produces most serious illnesses.
Malarial fevers, measles, diphtheria, scar
let fever, small pox, and many other alarm
ing diseases result from blood poisoning
through the action of these curious external
agents. So long as the nature of the noxious
material was unknown, the chemical agents,
as disnfectants, deodorants antiseptics, ETC.,
were selected to satisfy the most various and
dissimilar theories as to its nature and prop
critics; but since better understanding has
been reached, a more intelligent and scien-
tific selection and use of these substances can
be made. 1t is important that in families
where cases of zymotic diseases prevail, ac-
curate knowledge should be possessed as to
the methods of preventing a spread of the
contagion. Every physician should be we'll
informed on this subject, but unfortunately
some of them are not.
OF course, the septic germs, in cases of
smallpox, diphtheria, etc., fall upon the floors
and walls of rooms, aud upon the clothing of
attendants. Upon these deposits the usual
solid or liquid disinfectants exposed in the
room have little or no effect nothing but
thorough cleansing and ventilation, with the
use of gaseous disinfectants, will expel them
The best method to disinfect clothing is by
the use of heat. Experiment has shown that
no form of contagia can Withstand a temper
ature of 22Oo F. therefore, clothing placed
in hot box two hours, with dry heat above
that of boiling water, is thoroughly disinfect-
ed or it may be soaked in boiling water with
the same result.
Vaccine matter may be taken as the
type of virulent material and experiments
upon this poison prove that disinfectants, to
be effectual, must be used in much larger
quantity than has usually been considered nee
essary. If the destroying agent is of an acid
nature the virus must be rendered perma-
nently and strongly acid. The end desired
is to destroy the infective power completely.
1t is not generally known that carbolic acid,
in quantity equal to per cent. of the virus,
is incapable of doing this work upon vaccine
virus. 1t deprives it of its infective power
for the time being, but this returns as soon
as the carbolic acid has escaped through ex-
posure to the air.
Chlorine is gaseous body, and is in ordin-
ary cases an effective disinfectant. 1t is,
however, inferior to sulphurous acid; this is
the most valuable agent we have, but unfort-
unately it is not safe in inexperienced hands.
| A room in which a case of infectious disease
has been placed can be thoroughly cleansed
by burning little sulphur in the absence of
the inmates. The sulphurous acid is gas
exceedingly disagreeable and irrespirable, and
| great caution is necessary in its use.
Permanganate of potash is true disinfect-
ant, having oxidizing powers of high capa-
bility, but it must be used in much larger
quantities than are usually employed. Its
high cost is bar to its free use, and it is not
| clearly seen how it can ever become cheaper.
Chloride of lime, freely used is good dsin-
fectant; but when it is placed in YES
sells in small quantities in sick-rooms, or
sparingly sprinkled in drains, it has but a
| slight influence as a destroyer of contsgion.
Carbolate of lime is a cheap and good disin-
fectant, but it must be used in large amounts
to be useful. Several of the metallic salts
have powerful antiseptic properties for ex-
ample, the protosulphate of iron. This salt,
in strong solution, is valuable agent and is
worthy of notice. At this point it should be
stated that carbolic acid and the metallic
salts, used in small quantities, are preserva-
tive agents, and may actually prolong the
life of contagium by preventing its destruc-
ton through natural processes.
There are numerous patented "antiseptics"
and "disinfectants," which are perfectly
worthless SO far as any influence upon septic
germs in concerned. 1t is very important
that heads of families, and especially physi
clans, should clearly understand what is re-
quired when selecting an agent for practical
use. Contagious particles of all forms are
imbedded in an epithelial or albuminous
covering, and they do not yield their vitality
readily, and never to improper agents. There
are good deodorants which arrest putrefac-
ton and fermentation, and yet completely
fail to destroy contagious particles.