Effect of Acids on Certain Carbocyclic Antiseptics

Abstract

During the course of recent experimental studies on the pathology and treatment of burns directed toward reducing the incidence of infection associated with the Davidson tannic acid treatment, the addition of various antiseptics was considered. Aldrich1 had pointed out the low antiseptic value of tannic acid alone and noted the frequency of infection beneath the heavy eschar. In view of his findings, Aldrich substituted crystal violet for tannic acid in the treatment of burns. Experimentally, burns treated with crystal violet, either alone or in combination with tannic acid, allowed the development of B. pyocyaneus and the colon group. Obviously, the proper antiseptic must be compatible with tannic acid, must have high bactericidal value against both cocci and bacilli, and low toxicity for tissue cells both locally and generally.The carbocyclic group of compounds seemed to give the most promise of satisfying these criteria, and amyl tricresol (Upjohn and Company) was the first one tried. This material use...