re: cleaning harps

[James Hanson <HANSONJA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> A 70% solution of either ethanol or isopropanol is an excellent dis-
> infectant, probably the most common one used in microbiology and cell
> biology laboratori to disinfect benchtops, the metal surfaces of laminar
> flow hoods, etc.  The alcohols are less effective at full strength.  It 
> works against bac teria, molds, and yeasts.

>	-John Thaden, Ph.D.
>	 Instructor, Department of Medicine
>	 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
>	 jjthaden@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

X-actly.  And why do undistilled spirits (wine, beer, etc.) top out at about
15-20% ethanol (depending on whether you calculate by weight or
volume)?  That's where the little beasties produce enough of it to kill
themselves off!  It's no mistake that when someone drinks heavily they
become inTOXICated!!  Luckily, most of us have enough enzymes to
detoxify the ethanol in alcoholic drinks - but very few organisms have
enzymes that can deal with methanol or isopropanol.  Including ALL
humans - so if you use isopropanol or methanol to clean your harps be
sure to wash all of it out!  (Vodka or PGA won't kill you so quickly...)

In a more harp-ish vein, the old bluesman Tommy Johnson, one of Robert
Johnson's contemporaries, was famous for drinking "Canned Heat" or
sterno - mostly methanol, and it kills you but may blind you first.  One of
his songs is about his craving for the stuff - title "Canned Heat" which
probably inspired a certain band name.  There is also a good cover of it
on Paul Rishell's "Swear to Tell the Truth" CD with Annie Raines that I
bought recently - an excellent CD with a wide variety of guitar styles and
some very  nice harmonica from Annie and another player (whose name
I forget) - just not enough of it.....

J. Hanson
"If that canned heat don't kill me, 
I know I'll never die"