CARBOLIC ACID.

Otago Witness, Issue 1244, 2 October 1875, Page 19

CARBOLIC ACID.

As the season is approaching when proper sanitary regulations demand the nse of disinfectants, it may be well to state for the information of our readers, that prominent among the substances used as a disinfectant now is carbolic acid. Although of comparatively recent introduction, it has already found great favour, aud its introductien for disinfecting purposes as well as its use in the preservation of meats, woods, &c, has created an immense demand for it. Railway sleepers steeped in it have been found to last for more than twenty years, while those not thus prepared have decayed and become worthless in five years at farthest. Meat, bones, hides, &c, are perfectly preserved by immersion in this acid for a considerable length of time. But its principal use ia as a disinfectant. Experiments by eminent French choniists prove that putrefaction, decay, and fermentation are due to the presence of microscopic living beings, which, during their liv s destroy the organic substance to which they adhere. This applies to contagious diseases, such as small-pox, scarlatina, typhoid fever, cholera, &c. The effect of" car* olio acid is to destroy these minute organism. For these reasons cellars and in fact every part of dwellings should be thoroughly disinfected. Tho cost is comparatively trifling, aud the very best results may follow.

To Clean- Black Gzoveh — A good way to clean black gloves that are soiled, turned white, and otherwise injured, is to take a teaspoonful of salad oil, drop a few dr >ps of ink in it, and rub it over the gloves with the tip of a feather ; then let them dry in the sun. Black kid boots and slippers can be restored to their original gloss by the same process. "Vegetables should never be wasl ed until immediately before prepared for the Üble. Lettuce is made almost worthless in flavour, by dipping it in water s.m.e hours before it is served. Potatoes puffer oven more than other vegetables thro.jgh tho washing process. They should not be put in water till just ready for boding.