CONSUMPTION GERMS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1645, 11 January 1913, Page 3

CONSUMPTION GERMS

IN WHARF SWEEPINGS.

Mr. F. H. Molesworth, F. 0.5., F.G.S., Central- Analytical and Assay Office, Sydney, reports:— "In order to test tho Germicidal Power of Lifebuoy Soap, I conducted the following experiments:— " No. 1. —I obtained, by sweeping, about a pound weight of ordinary miscellaneous dust.' This samplo I gathered from a well-known passenger wharf and its approaches. I placed! some of this under a most powerful microscope, whioh enabled me to clearly distinguish various forms of germs or microbes. Some of these I was able to identify, but otherß were unknown to mo. 'f Among those with which I.was more or less familiar, I recognised the Bacillus of Tuberculosis, the germ of Consumption. " I then immersed th» dust in a 10 per oent. solution of Lifebuoy Soap for fifteen minutes. After filtering off tho solution, I again submitted the dust to the same examination under the microscope, and found that all life, even that of the Tuborcle Bacilli (which were fairly numerous) was extinct.- " No. 21—In a Bimilar manner to the foregoing I colleoted a sample ■ of common household dust, and conducted a like test. Tubercle germs were present, but so few that I had to repeat my observations more than once to feel certain,of the fact. " The destruction of tho baoterial life was quite as satisfactory' as in tho first experiment. After a lapse of 24 hours I again examined tho two samples.or treated dust, but foundj as before, ho traces of life in them, which I consider very clearly demonstrates the strong germicidal powers of Lifebuoy Soap."