The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-01-08
HEALTH
HYGIENE
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMPT
MEDICAL ADvicE AND TREAT
MENT IN THE PRESENCE OF
DISEASE AND INJURY.

II
In close relation to home medica.
ton is the misconception on the part
of the public regarding the definition
and use Of disinfectants which arc
generally COMPOUNDED with deodorants
and purchased for the purpose of
preventing or neutralizing offensive
odors. The function of a true disin-
fectant is to destroy Infectious germs
and not odors, for even the most val
liable disinfectants can not be de.
pended upon for this purpose. On the
other hand deodorants ARD agents
which neutralize offensive odors
chiefly by chemical means but can
not be depended upon to destroy in
fictitious germs.
During recent years the public has
gained some information regarding
the germ theory of infectious dis.
ease but it has been limited and has
been limited and has rather encour.
aged the belief that infection exists
everywhere and that it is with great
difficulty that we escape germs in
their active state concealed in cloth.
ing, baggage, money, furniture, etc.
and also in public places and convey.
ances. AS a matter of fact this con.
dition does not exist, for the fear of
infection through these sources is
largely without reason. Many I'm.
necessary and ridiculous means are
taken by the public to prevent dis.
ease, this state of mind has been slim.
ulated by an ever-increasing supply
of so-called disinfectants which are
advertised to free the home from all
forms of disease. Many Of those arc
of no practical value whatever and
while others may under certain condi.
tions be destructive to infectious or
ganisms, their use in the household
is as rule uncalled for except in
the presence of infectious diseases,
then the disinfectants should be Sc
lected by the attending physician and
sed under his direction.
number of deaths have recently
occurred as the result of poisoning
by bichlcride of mercury or corro-
taken by mistake for some headache
cure or other patent medicine. Bich-
loride of mercury as we'll as other
poisons, are often purchased for home
distinction, although as rule the
purchaser has no definite knowledge
of the subject, but relies chiefly upon
the advertisements and information
which may be transmitted from one
personlto another The sale of thes
articles should be not only prohibited
by law except upon the prescription
of a physician, but the public should
know that these agents, except in
special instances, are not necessary
to insure a sanitary condition OF the
home. for this is obtained by fresh
air and cleanliness, which includes q
plentiful supply Of soap and water
If this is properly carried out there
should be no offensive odOrs in the
house and the use of disinfectants
should be left for the attending ply
stefan to look after when disease oc-
ours.
In country districts or in places
where there is no modern system OF
sewerage or proper outlet for fifth
offensive odors occur in connection
with privy vaults, cesspools pr wher1
garbage is deposited on the surface
of the ground even when great care
is used. This unpleasant condition
is due to decomposed organic matter
and requires the use of deodoran'
and not a disinfectant, for 1t Woule
be practically impossible to destroy
the infectious organisms which NIGH
be present in such mass unless
every portion of it is thoroughly
| mixed with Jn0 ulSluioSedh "nANA
never occurs; besides disinfectant'
would not necessarily destroy odors
Under these conditions deodoran
need not be purchased, for the mos
valuable and practical one in U.s.
may be provided with but little trou
BILE or expense by adding a pount
each of unslacked limo and sulphat'
of copper to ten gallons OF water
This mixture costs less than one cen
a gallon. If large quantity Is pre-
pared for future use 1t should D
kept in a closely covered receptacle
otherwise the water will cvaporati
Furthermore, this mixture does nc
!, easily dissolve and should be thol
oughly stirred before using. There l
no better or more economical way G
applying it than by the common gal
den sprinkling pot. By this mean