Letters to the editor

Abstract

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SIR:The reports on thermal injuries due to warming blankets t-4 stress the importance of ensuring safe operation of these. The work of Craig and Pask 5 thus meets an evident need. We have but one objection to the construction presented, and that is the use of mercury in glass thermostats. In the six cases of burns caused by heating mattresses which we have experienced in our clinic, 4 two could with certainty be attributed to defects in operation of the mercury in glass thermostats. On both occasions the malfunction was caused by the presence of air bubbles in the mercury column. As a consequence the department has participated in the construction of a safety device without incorporation of mercury in glass thermostats 6.