The aseptic hospital washstand, as shown in Fig. 9, will be found an ideal piece of furniture; it has a frame constructed of wrought iron, white enameled. The top is of one-inch polished plate glass, with two twelve-inch holes. [Illustration: FIG. 9.—ASEPTIC WASHSTAND.] The entire stand can be moved away from the wall, to permit of thorough cleaning of basins, supply pipes, etc. The basins are the best annealed glass, and are supported by nickel-plated traps, with connections for vent pipes. The water supply is controlled by foot valves, which enable the operator to draw either cold, medium, or hot water at will. The waste is also controlled by a foot valve, as shown. The systematic law of cleansing the hands should be insisted upon at all times. Rules for the method followed might be displayed in abbreviated form in the operating room by glass or enameled signs hung on the wall over the basin and reading as follows: +----------------------------------------------------------+ | YOUR HANDS | | | | I. Clean nails. | | II. Scrub with very hot water and soap for five minutes.| | III. Wipe in sterile towel. | | IV. Brush with eighty per cent alcohol. | | V. Dip into antiseptic solution. | +----------------------------------------------------------+ Green soap is commonly used and is to be preferred to powdered or cake soap. The powder cakes and clogs the container in damp weather, while the latter collects impurities from the air. Synol soap, also liquid, is perhaps the most ideal, a two per cent solution of which forms an excellent lavage for cleaning instruments, as well as washing down furniture in the operating room. The brushes to be used are of the common wooden-back, hard-bristle make, which can be boiled without injury. There should be several of these, marked on their backs as desired, so that one brush can be used for the one purpose only. In cleansing the hands, the forearms, and even the elbows, should be similarly treated. After scrubbing with soap, as directed, they are to be rinsed, dried with a sterilized towel, again scrubbed with alcohol, and then dipped or flushed with a bichlorid solution. GOWNS No woolen garments should be allowed to come in contact with the site of the operation, nor is it well to allow such material in the operating room while working. Freshly laundered linen gowns of Von Bergman’s pattern, reaching to the shoes, should be worn. They should contain half sleeves and be buttoned on the back. See Fig. 10. These may be sterilized in the steam sterilizer or washed in one-per-cent soda solution. When soiled or blood-stained they should be relaundered.