=Boiling= is one of the most satisfactory and easiest methods of disinfecting. Continuous boiling for an hour in water at 100° C. will result in the destruction of most germs of the so-called infectious dis-eases. There are some of the spores, such as those of anthrax and tetanus, that will survive the most strenuous processes of boiling. However, most of the germs will be destroyed before the boiling point is reached. Boiling is the best method to be used in disinfecting bedding, body linen, towels and other fabrics which will not be harmed by this process. There is a great variety of articles that may be disinfected in this way, such as utensils and bed pans. The surfaces of the floors, walls, beds, and other objects may be cleansed with boiling water. In this use it is advisable to add some disinfectant to the water. =Steam= is not only a disinfectant but it is also a sterilizing agent. All forms of germ life, including spores, are completely destroyed. It is therefore our best known disinfectant. There are many objects that are injured and some ruined by steam, such as silk, wool, furs, oilcloth and rubber goods, and articles containing varnish or glue. There is danger from staining and running of colors. Disinfection may be either with streaming steam or with steam under pressure. For the use of streaming steam no particular device is necessary. Some means of providing the steam and some place to hang or place the objects and articles to be disinfected are the two essentials for this method. It is not necessary to have an air-tight place. To use steam under pressure there must be a specially constructed apparatus. There are many such devices on the market and they are used in institutions where it is found necessary to disinfect with steam. Sterilization may be accomplished in twenty minutes with steam at about one atmosphere of pressure which will give a temperature of about 120° C. A temperature of about 125° C. is obtained with the pressure at about twenty pounds to the square inch. This reduces the time for sterilization to about fifteen minutes. Other Disinfectants Carbolic acid which is a good antiseptic but a comparatively mild germicide is another disinfectant. It has very little penetrating power and is of most value in a 3% to 5% solution for washing floors, walls and woodwork. The cresoles are more powerful and effective disinfectant than carbolic acid. The most common of this group are: creoline, lysol, and saprol. Their use is about the same as that of carbolic acid. Bichloride of mercury may be used in a solution of from one to two thousand, to one to five hundred and forms a very good disinfectant. It kills germs but corrosive sublimate will kill spore-bearing bacteria only in a solution of one to five hundred. In weaker solutions it forms a very good antiseptic. Lime forms a very good disinfectant, especially for excreta, cesspools and cellars. CHAPTER XIV HYGIENE AND SANITATION IN THE SICK ROOM