STOVARSOL IN THE TREATMENT OF SYPHILIS

Abstract

Many clinical observers feel that the present method of intravenous arsenical therapy is not entirely satisfactory in all cases of syphilis. Patients are often seen who have received the usual intensive intravenous arsenical therapy early in the course of the infection and yet develop latent manifestations. The search for more efficient remedies has persisted. Recently, French investigators have called attention to an important arsenical product which is used orally in the treatment of syphilis. This product is known as stovarsol or 190. In 1760, Louis Cadet of Paris discovered the first organic arsenical compound. This product, known as Cadet's arsenical liquid, was studied intensively by Robert Bunsen during the years from 1837 to 1843. He separated it into its predominant elements of carbon, hydrogen, arsenic and oxygen, and showed that the oxygen was replaceable by nonmetallic elements. Berzelius recognized this oxygenated arsenical compound and gave it the name of cacodyl