With respect to disenfectants I would say, better that they should never be used, than that their use should tend to supercede fresh air and cleanliness. In order to disabuse the minds of some who look upon disinfectants as charms, I give a list of some of them, with their supposed action:— Charcoal absorbs moisture and noxious effluvia; its value depends upon its being _fresh_ and _dry_; it stops meat from becoming putrid. Bromine is the most efficient antiseptic known, but it requires great care and caution in its employment, consequently it is best left to the direction of the medical attendant as to how, when, and where, it should be employed. Condy’s disenfectant, Darby’s fluid and ozonized water, are but solutions of the permanganate of potassa, and it is upon this that their value as antiseptics and deodorizers depend. Carbolic acid and coal tar are also antiseptic and deodorant in their action. McDougall’s powder contains carbolate of lime, and is a very valuable preparation in arresting putrescence and controlling effluvia. Chloride of lime is a common disinfectant, and is useful in destroying noxious compound gases. Heat is the last disinfectant that I shall mention. It is at once cheap and effectual, and is by far the most valuable in destroying contagious virus, transportable infections. All bedding, garments, &c., should be purified by hot air or steam, as it will effectually destroy cell life, cryptogamic and infusorial organisms.