Because it is a solvent for all greasy, oily matters.
What are the best agents for depriving putrid and decaying animal and vegetable substances of their offensive odors?
Chloride of lime is the most effectual agent; and chloride of zinc and sulphate of iron (green vitriol) are also exceedingly efficient. On a large scale, as in the sanatory cleansing of towns, pulverized charcoal, burnt clay, and quicklime are to be recommended.
What effect does the use of perfumes or the burning of pastiles have upon offensive odors?
They merely disguise the odor, but do not remove or destroy it.
By adopting what precautions may a person safely enter sick rooms, or visit, without risk, the most dangerous receptacles of filth?
By moistening a linen cloth with vinegar, and sprinkling over it finely-powdered chloride of lime.
Air breathed through this, applied to the mouth and nostrils, will enter the lungs charged with a minute quantity of chlorine, which will effectually destroy any noxious vapors or miasms that escape from diseased bodies, or from decaying animal and vegetable substances.
What three conditions are requisite to produce putrefaction in animal and vegetable substances?
It is necessary that they should be exposed to the combined influence of air, heat, and moisture.