A NEW GERM-KILLER

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1928, Page 4

A NEW GERM-KILLER

BY MEANS OF AN ELECTRIC 1 LAMP.

An important communication has been made by Professor Philibert, the J head of the bacteriological section of J the Paris Faculty of Medicine, to the J Academy of Science, on the subject of • a new method of bacteria destruction by a metallic volatilising lamp. Tin's lamp is the result of research on the part of M. J. Courtier and AT. J. Hi.si or, who occupy high scientific posts at the Sorbonne. The lamp (says the London “'‘Morning Post”) is described as being made of extremely fine aluminium threads, which burn explosively under the action of a strong electric current. The ta.vs emitted from it are of greater intensity than ultra-violet rays and approximate to the wave-length of Xrnys. It is claimed that the lamp. I without necessitating the expensive installation of high-tension current required for X-rays, provides a mechanism for the production of rays of great therapeutic value. M, Risier, in using tlie lamp in connection with microbe life, has achieved remarkable results. The sf.ophylococcns. the bacillus which forms pus, was destroyed J in one 23th of a second, or 130 times faster than by menus of a mercury vapour lamo giving off ultra-violet rays with 3300 candle power. M. Risky has already shown that a selective influence can be exerted on microbes by means of rays by treating them with fluorescent substances. It is thus hoped to render possible the sterilisation of microbes in the living body without at the same time destroying the tissues. The fluorescent substances have the effect of making microbes especially senstive to the action of the rays, and it is regarded as possible that this fact may lead to the discovery of a means for directly attacking the tubercular bacillus in tho human organism,