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Nightingale, Florence, 1820-1920

"Notes on Nursing What It Is, and What It Is Not"

I can hardly say which is
most abominable, whether to do this or to rinse the utensil _in_ the
sick room. In the best hospitals it is now a rule that no slop-pail
shall ever be brought into the wards, but that the utensils shall be
carried direct to be emptied and rinsed at the proper place. I would it
were so in the private house.
[Sidenote: Fumigations.]
Let no one ever depend upon fumigations, "disinfectants," and the like,
for purifying the air. The offensive thing, not its smell, must be
removed. A celebrated medical lecturer began one day "Fumigations,
gentlemen, are of essential importance. They make such an abominable
smell that they compel you to open the window." I wish all the
disinfecting fluids invented made such an "abominable smell" that they
forced you to admit fresh air. That would be a useful invention.


II.--HEALTH OF HOUSES.[7]

[Sidenote: Health of houses. Five points essential.]
There are five essential points in securing the health of houses:--
1. Pure air.
2. Pure water.
3. Efficient drainage.
4. Cleanliness.
5. Light.
Without these, no house can be healthy.


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