The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-04-16
FIGHTING DISEASE GERMS.
Useful Hints Concerning Disinfectants,
Antiseptics and Fumigation.
Philadelphia Press.

Philadelphia Press.
1t is Of the greatest importance for every
housewife TO understand the working Of
the various disease germs, and be able to
combat them intelligently II is often the
case that our best friends become our
worst enemies. Thus II is with water and
air. Both are capable OF doing much good.
and also, under favorable conditions. OF
doing great evil. Both are necessary TO
life and both have the power of taking
life They are the two great sanitary
agents. on the one hand they have power
TO prevent disease. on the other. they are
the two great vehicles for the transmits
sion Of disease germs.
The germs of typhoid fever. cholera, dys-
EMERY and many other diseases, are con-
veyed by drinking water more frequently
than by any other agency. Knowing the
power of water 10 hold and convey dis
ease germs. IL becomes a duty 10 use only
pure water. Water contaminated by sur
face drainage must be avoided, as also that
which has stood over night in a close room.
Although disease germs Will stand great
deal of cold and not be destroyed, they ara
not able TO stand heat above a certain
degree. Taking advantage OF this fact, we
can render drinking water perfectly pure
and safe by thoroughly boiling and filter
ing it. 1t might be interesting 10 give d.
and the various methods of detecting its
impurities. but space forbids
The most effectual way of purifying the
air is by thorough ventilation Every house
should be provided with a good system OF
ventilation. One OF the simplest and best
appliances is the fireplace. The great OBJ
lection to windows as ventilators is the
danger OF producing draughts- This is
very important item in sick rooms, as a
draught of air may produce serious conse-
quences. This may be obvIated by fitting
a board under the lower sash so as TO
raise the window four or hve inches ms
will leave an air space between the upper
part of the lower and the lower part or
the upper sash sufficient for good Ventila-
ton. In the various elaborate systems or
ventilation now in use. the great caution
to be observed is TO be sure that the source
of air supply is absolutely pure.
In addition 10 what has been said re-
garding cleanliness, there may be men,
toned certain chemical agents that aid
greatly in preventing disease. These are
disinfectants and antiseptics Many make
the mistakes OF confounding these sub
stances with deodorants, and the distinc-
ton is not always made clear even by the
medical profession. Professor Gilman re-
ports the case of a physician of consid-
cradle reputation" who had ATTENDED a case
of contagious diseases which terminated in
the death of the patient. He reported that
he had personally superintended the disin-
fection OF the house" and that the work
had been done thoroughly" The board or
health made inquiry into his method, ana
disclosed the wonderful work OF "spr1nk-
ling coffee grounds on n pan or Goals ana
disseminating its pleasant aroma through
premises.
that the board took the matter into its
own hands and gave the task Of regenerat-
ing the premises TO competent individual.
An antiSeptic is substance which pre-
vents decay in material tpat is liable to
undergo decomposition. Sugar, salt, vine
gar alcohol, smoke, heat and cold are IA
miliar domestic examples, while in surgery
we find carbolic acid, corrosive sublimate,
boracic acid and various other substances
in common use.
A disinfectant is a substance that de-
stroys germs after they have been formed.
and renders inert that which produces de-
composition disease. All disinfectants
are antiseptics, and all antlseptlcs II suiil-
GENTLY concentrated or used In large guam
titles, are diSinfectants. l viii briefly men
ton few of the most important disin-
fectants now in use and the method or
Copperas is a good and cheap disinfect-
ant for many purposes; 1t is easy TO Oh,
tain and readily dissolves in warm or cold
water. 1t should be used in the proportion
of two pounds to the pailful Of water.
Chloride of zinc is superior to copperas
as diSinfectant, but it is more expensive
and therefore not so available where large
quantities are required. The proportion Is
half q pound to the gallon; This s,I Is a very
house drains, etc, also in vessels used
about the sick room
Corrosive sublimate in a solution con-
sisting Of one Part of the salt to a thou
effective disinfectants known. 1t can he
used for any purpose when a disinfectant
is needed, but being a dangerous poison,
it should be handled with care.
QUICK liIle anu tiiioi VI az
able to scatter around wet places under
buildings, in stables, etc. The offensive
odor of the latter, however Is the chief
disadvantage.
A solution Of sulphate Of zinc. one
pound; carbolic acid, two ounces; and
water, four gallons, answers every purpose
for washing soiled clothing taken from a
sick room: after washing the bed linen and
other clothing i'm this a thorough boiling
will effectually destroy all disease germs.
BY fumigatiOn we are able to reach
every nook and corner where disease germs
may Turk. Many substances may be used,
but chief among them is sulphur Have
all the windows fireplaces, fiues, keyholes,
doors and other openings securely closed
by strips of paper pasted over them. Then
in washtub containing an inch or two
of water place pan or live Goals. sup
ported upon brick. Upon these throw two
or three pounds Of sulphur. Providing care
should be taken to remove all living things
and any paintings or delicate ornaments
which may be injured by the sulphur
fumes (theSe, however, should never be
allowed in a sick room to collect the dust
and disease germs), then place the bedding,
curtains etc, in such position as to secure
a thorough exposure to the fumes. After
twenty-four hours the rooms may be
opened.
Although the subject has been by no
means exhausted, sufficient has been said
| TO suggest a remedy for much Of the sick
ness. loss of appetite, etc, so prevalent
| i'm the spring, and if such hints should be
| thoroughly carried out in every household
it should not be long before a higher de-
gree OF health would prevail throughout
the year.