Instructions and observations concerning the use of the chlorides of soda and lime / by A.G. Labarraque ; translated by Jacob Porter.

  • Labarraque, A. G. (Antoine Germain), 1777-1850.
Date:
1840
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Instructions and observations concerning the use of the chlorides of soda and lime / by A.G. Labarraque ; translated by Jacob Porter. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    Instructions respecting the Method of Using the Chloride of Lime after the Process pointed out by M. Liabarraque, Pharmaceutist. It appears from repeated experiments, that the chloride of lime diffused in water has the property of sensibly purifying the air and of checking putrefaction. Though the employment of this agent may become useful in a variety of circumstances, we shall, in the present Instructions, limit ourselves to its application in two of the most frequent cases. It will be easy, by analogy, to make use of the same process at all times when it shall be thought necessary to have recourse to it. Taking up and Inspecting a Corpse. Before approaching a corpse in a state of putrefaction, it will be necessary to procure a tray, into which should be turned two pailfuls of water ; (24 liters)—on this water turn a bottle, (half a kilogram,) of the chloride of lime and stir well the mixture. A cloth should then be taken and wet in the water of the tray, in such a manner as to be taken out easily, and laid very readily on the corpse. For this purpose let two persons unfold the cloth, and put it in the liquid, holding the extremities, which should lie on the edges of the tray; this should then be brought to the side of the putrefy- ing body, and, at the same time, let the moistened cloth be taken out and spread on the corpse. Soon after the putrid odor will cease. If blood or any other liquid proceeding from the corpse should fall on the floor, it will be necessary to turn upon this liquid one or two glasses of the chlorated water ; then rub it with a broom, and the fetid odor will disappear. The operation, however, should not be performed in this man- ner when the liquids spread on the floor are to become the sub- ject of a chymical analysis. It will then be desirable to collect with care the greatest quantity possible ; and, after this, it will be proper to proceed to the cleansing of the floor as above directed. If the infection spreads into the neighboring apartments, such