r, stick
together and will not float. During the scaling period there is a
constant itch present which irritates the little patient. By using
carbolated vaseline to anoint the skin we accomplish two purposes. The
carbolic acid in the vaseline relieves the itch, and the vaseline itself
greases the skin so that the scales remain in the bed. Each day the
nurse changes the bed-sheet, gathers the scales in the sheet and puts
all in the disinfecting solution.

Convalescence After a Contagious Disease.--Complete isolation must be
kept up until all danger from contagion is passed. In diphtheria this
period is not reached until the examination of the throat contents under
the microscope is returned negative. In diseases Which have a rash this
period is not reached until all scaling is completed. Even then, and for
a number of days or weeks, the patient may be taken out for exercise
daily, but must not be allowed to play with other children until his
strength justifies active exercise. It takes a much longer period to rid
the system of the poison of a contagious disease than most mothers
appreciate. Many children have died from heart failure after they were
considered well simply because the active exercise overtaxed the heart
before the system was wholly free from the poison of the disease.

Before the child is removed from the sick-room for the first time he
should have a disinfecting bath. This bath should be in a solution of
bichloride of mercury, the strength of which should be one part to five
thousand parts of water. The towels used to dry the patient after the
bath should be fresh and should not have been in the sick-room. He
should then be dressed in clothing which has never been in the
sick-room.

DISINFECTING THE SICK-CHAMBER

How to Disinfect a Room.--The most efficient way to disinfect a room
is by means of formaldehyde gas. This, however, requires a special
apparatus which can only be used by one familiar with the process. In
all large cities the Department of Health usually undertakes the
disinfection of rooms after any contagious disease. The next best method
is by sulphur.

When sulphur is employed it should be used in the form of powder or in
small pieces. This is placed in a shallow iron pan set on a couple of
boards in a tub partly filled with water. The sulphur is moistened with
alcohol before it is set on fire.

It is always necessary, of course, before disinfecting by any process to
make the room