Natural Means
Nature’s means of disinfecting are by dilution, sunlight, desiccation, time and antibiosis. The direct rays of the sun are Nature’s greatest germicide. Few of the microörganisms will live in the direct rays, but there are none that will withstand them for more than a few hours. Germs can not withstand the effect of dryness. Thus we see there is in Nature that which works as a most efficient germicide. The combination of sunlight and dryness forms a most desirable means of disinfection. When germs become attenuated through the effects of these natural processes they do little harm when introduced into the body.
One of the most important adjuncts to the work of disinfection is personal cleanliness and sanitation of the environment.