one at
least twice daily unless more frequent disinfection is called for
because of the nature of the disease. In measles and diphtheria, for
example, the nasal and throat conditions will undoubtedly call for more
frequent and more thorough disinfection than twice daily. This may also
apply to scarlet fever if the throat is involved as is often the case.

Pocket handkerchiefs should never be used by a patient suffering from a
contagious disease. The nose and mouth should be wiped with pieces of
gauze or cheesecloth, cut into small squares for this purpose. These
should be immediately burned after being used.

To disinfect the throat, a solution of formalin, six drops to six ounces
of water, is effective. To disinfect the nose, a solution of
Glyco-Thymoline is suitable. These applications should be made by means
of an atomizer, a different atomizer being used for the patient and
nurse.

Receptacle for the Sputum.--A cuspidor, or basin, should be constantly
kept at the side of the bed in which the patient may conveniently
expectorate. This utensil should contain the chloride of lime solution
previously mentioned.

Care of the Skin in Contagious Diseases.--As in all other sick
conditions, the skin of the patient should be bathed frequently with an
alcoholic solution. In the later stages of measles and scarlet fever it
is essential to anoint the skin while the patient is scaling. This may
be done with carbolated vaseline. Mothers should understand why this is
necessary. These diseases have a distinct rash or eruption. This
eruption practically kills the skin cells and at a certain period these
cells are cast off by the new growth of skin underneath. This process is
called scaling. In measles the scales are small, and are cast off in the
form of bran like dust. In scarlet fever, the cells adhere together and
are cast off in large scales. These scales are contagious. They are very
light and will float in the air if dry. The movement of the patient,
changing the bed clothing, etc., will waft a multitude of these
contagious scales into the air of the room and infect every article they
may land on. This would make the disinfection of the room difficult and
tedious. In order to obviate this tendency experience has taught us that
much of the difficulty and nearly all of the risk of contagion may be
overcome by rubbing some oily or sticky substance on the skin. By this
method the dust and scales are rendered heavier than the ai