HYGIENIC VALUE OF PERFUMES.
DOCTOR ANDRES, of Philadelphia, a few years ago made the discovery that the ozone in the atmosphere, which is the great purifier, was mainly supplied from blooming flowers, and for this reason blooming plants were healthful in dwelling houses, as well as attractive. Some interesting experiments with the odors of flowers have been made in the Old World, and it is found that many species of microbes are easily destroyed by various odors. The odor of cloves has been known to destroy these minute creatures in thirty-five minutes; cinnamon will kill some species in twelve minutes; thyme, in thirty-five. In forty-five minutes common wild verbena is found effective, while the odor of some geranium flowers has destroyed various forms of microbes in fifty minutes. The essence of cinnamon is said to destroy the typhoid fever microbe in twelve minutes, and is recorded as the most effective of all odors as an antiseptic. It is now believed that flowers which are found wrapped with Egyptian mummies were placed there more for their antiseptic properties than as mere ornaments or elements in sentimental work.—Trained Nurse and Hospital Review.