In the following experiments forks, spoons, teacups and milk glasses in constant use at the Reception Hospital, Saranac Lake, were used. This institution receives patients suffering with pulmonary tuberculosis, a large majority of whom are in an advanced stage of the disease, and some of whom are in the last stages.
The experiments were made without the previous knowledge of the nurses or maids of the institution, and several months apart, to avoid the possibility of the dishes receiving an unusually good washing.
For the first experiment thirty forks and twenty-five each of spoons, cups and tumblers were selected immediately after breakfast, and after ordinary good washing but not sterilization, the modus operandi of which was as follows: The utensils were first thoroughly cleansed with a mop or cloth, with soap and water as hot as the maid's hand's could stand, and then rinsed in running water as hot as