OrFICE OF 
Smuts SLs&LXO* 
DISINFECTANTS. 
SULPHATE OF IRON (Copperas). 
Application.—To disinfect privies, cess pools, drains, sewers, and all vessels and places receiving the dis- 
charges of the sick. It decomposes the sulphuretted hydrogen and the ammoniacal compounds so poisonous and 
offensive in privy vaults. 
How Used.—Dissolve eight or ten pounds of the Copperas in eight or ten gallons of water. Add to this 
solution, one pint of the impure Carbolic Acid. The solution will be rendered more complete if hot water is used. 
A privy which accommodates an ordinary sized household will require at least one-eighth of this quantity twice 
every week during the hot summer months. Masses of filth in privies, sewers or drains should be thoroughly satu- 
rated with it, at brief intervals, until all offensive odors are gone. 
Application.—Mixed in the proportion of one part of the Acid to from forty to one hundred parts of water, 
Carbolic Acid has a wide range of application as an antiseptic and disinfectant. For purposes of thorough destruc- 
tion of disease germs, a solution of not less than two per cent, of the Acid should be employed. When used to 
disinfect clothing, a solution of one part of the Acid to one hundred parts of water would be an appropriate strength. 
Carbolic Acid is believed to be an effectual agent in the destruction of every communicable virus of disease, 
and by its antiseptic property prevents those kinds of fermentation and decay which aid in propagating epidemics. 
How Used.—In solution in water of varying strength, according to the purposes to which it is to be applied. 
It is especially adapted to disinfect sewage, foul grounds, drains, sinks, foul heaps of manure or garbage, stables, privies 
and the air of a foul place in which any pestilential disease exists. 
CARBOLIC ACID. 
Application.—To disinfect rooms and infected clothing. Applied only in case of unoccupied rooms. To be 
effectual in destroying disease germs, the fumes must be so strong that they would destroy human life. 
How Used.—Place in an earthen vessel or iron kettle containing a small quantity of ashes, a few live coals, 
upon which place from one to four pounds of sulphur, in powder or fragments, according to the size of the room. 
One and one-half ounces is the proper quantity to each ioo cubic feet of space. 
To guard against accident by fire, it is well to place the vessel on some fire-proof article or suspend it over a 
tub of water. As soon as the Sulphur is ignited, the room having previously been rendered tight, should be closed 
and remain closed for twelve or twenty-four hours. 
Ventilation, and painting the wood-work, white-washing and re-papering the walls, will complete the process, 
and fit the room for re-habitation. 
SULPHUROUS ACID GAS, 
DRY EARTH. 
Application.—To absorb effluvia from decaying animal and vegetable matter, and appropriately, human 
excreta. 
Dry Earth is nearly a complete disinfectant, if used in sufficient quantities to absorb all moisture. It should 
be abundantly applied. 
There are a number of other disinfectants, but the above will, it is believed, meet all ordinary demands. 
The efficiency of disinfectants in all cases will depend upon the thoroughness with which they are applied. 
It may be remarked that they are almost always used too sparingly.