HISTORY OF DISINFECTION FROM EARLY TIMES UNTIL THE END OF THE 18TH-CENTURY

The author describes and analyses the methods of disinfection in use u ntil the end of the 18th century, i.e. before the scientific demonstra tion of the role of pathogenic microorganisms. These methods are class ified into three categories: chemical (by derivatives of sulphur, merc ury, copper, and also by alkalis and acids), physical (heating, fumiga tion, filtration, etc.) and biological (burial). The author concludes that, despite their empiricism, these methods were of great value to t hose responsible for controlling diseases of animals, as in some cases they were able to eradicate diseases while still ignorant of the caus al mechanisms.