FUMIGA′TION

Syn. Fumigatio , Suffumigatio , L. Fumigations ( FUMIGATIONES ) are vapours of gases extemporaneously extricated for the purpose of destroying contagious or noxious miasmata or effluvia, or to mask unpleasant odours, or to produce a medicinal action on those parts of the body with which they are brought in contact. Fumigations, for the purpose of obviating or masking unpleasant odours in the sick chamber, must never be employed to the neglect of cleanline and ventilation; for most of them, instead of purifying the air, actually render it le fit for respiration. The common practice of burning scented paper, pastilles, sugar, juniper berries, benzoin, cascarilla, ., so as to create an odoriferous smoke, is of this character. As disinfecting agents, they are probably usele , and are relics of an ancient custom of burning frankincense and other odorous substances in vitiated air, to overcome the fetor which is more or le present. The fumes thus diffused through the atmosphere “disguise unpleasant odours; but they accomplish nothing more. The infection remains not only unaltered by the diffusion of the most powerful aromatic vapours, but its deleterious properties are sometimes augmented by them.” [320] [320] We deem it right to remark that a different opinion respecting the disinfecting power of odoriferous smoke is now held by many scientific men. According to this opinion, the minute particles of aromatic substances do really destroy or render inert the noxious miasmata. Among the various substances used as DISINFECTING FUMIGATIONS , chlorine, by almost general consent, holds the first place. Dr Car michael Smyth recommended nitrous acid, which is even now preferred by Dr Christ is on to chlorine; whilst Prof. Graham regarded the fumes of burning sulphur as more efficacious than either of these substances. The vapours of hydrochloric acid and of vinegar, and the smoke of gunpowder, which once had their advocates, have now justly sunk into disfavour. No apartment should be submitted to fumigation until it is vacated; as until then its thorough disinfection is impo ible, and but little benefit or immunity from contagion is conferred by any aërial disinfecting agent, the presence of which fails to cause discomfort to the patient. Of all common diseases, scarlet fever appears to be the one most requiring fumigation. For this purpose, chlorine gas or heat should be employed. The infectious matters of certain diseases, especially scarlet fever, are either di ipated or destroyed at a heat slightly above that of boiling water. (Dr Henry.) Contagious diseases are very commonly propagated in this metropolis by persons having their linen washed by laundre es who perform their operations in the same sinks of dirt and misery in which they live. See Cigars (in pharmacy ), Disinfectant , Inhalation , ., and below .