Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1893 — Dust, Upholstery and Disease. [ARTICLE]

Dust, Upholstery and Disease.

Householders in furnishing wotlld do well 1,6 remember that the ordinary practice of covering a floor with carpet is not without Its disadvantages, even its dangers. The particles which give substance to the pure search light of a sunbeam as it penetrates the window pane are of the most varied character. Harmless as are very many of them, there are many more possessed of true morbific energy and capable of almost unlimited multiplication. Anyone can see therefore how, when sheltered in dusty woolen hangings, chair holstery and carpets, they render these articles veritable harbors of disease. The less we have of such the better, especially in bed-rooms. Some practical deductions naturally suggest themselves. As to curtains and carpets, H is but rational that they should, as a rule, consist of the smoother and harder fabrics which will bear thorough and frequent brushing. If thicker floorcloths and rugs be used, they should be such in size and arrangement that they can be readily taken up and beaten. It is but part of the same argument to say that as much of the floor as possible should be either varnished or laid with oilcloth, so as to allow of frequent cleansing. Cane and leather, for a like reason, are incomparably superior to the richest upholstery when we come to speak of general furniture. Some, perhaps, may imagine that in making these observations we treat this matter too much as a hobby. Only one circumstance, however, is required in order to convince any such of their real and practical significance, and that is the actual presence of infectious disease. When this appears, all forms of cumbrous comfort in the apartment must give place, not merely to a freer and simpler arrangement. but even.to bare, sunlit and airy desolation.—London Lancet.