Transactions of the Meeting of the American Surgical Association Volume 17 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 Excerpt: ...of turpentine, afterward alcohol, and then I am doubly sure. I never hesitate to immerse my hands for a considerable length of time or minutes in a strong solution of bichloride of mercury, but never stronger than 1: 1000. Immediately before operating I wash away any of the antiseptics that may remain on the surface of the hands by immersion and bathing in plain normal salt solution. I have abandoned entirely the use of sterilized water either for hand cleansing or for cleansing the field of operation. I believe sterile water is objectionable, and I have supplanted it entirely by the use of the normal salt solution, which is always on hand. I think that we are all deeply indebted to Prof. Kocher, and that we shall perhaps modify our practice in the future in consequence of his very valuable instruction. Dr. Leonard Freeman, of Denver, Colo. In the early days of surgical cleanliness the sterilization of the hands was supposed to be easy of accomplishment, but we have gradually learned that it is an exceedingly difficult and complicated problem. The micro-organisms, unfortunately, are not strewn upon the surface of the skin like grains of salt upon a plate, but they lie in creases, between and beneath the epithelial scales, and down deep in hair follicles and the openings of sweat glands. The regions about the nails offer particularly favorable hiding-places. It is extremely difficult to reach all these micro-organisms with antiseptics, not only on account of their impregnable positions, but also because they are protected by grease and by being bunched together. The full significance of this bunching together is not always recognized. An antiseptic will kill the germs on the outside of the bunch, but cannot reach those within. Some time ago I dried portions ...