1. 1. A comparative study has been made in 199 burns of four topical applications: Foille, tannic acid, sulfadiazine and cod liver oil. 2. 2. These agents are of about the same value in the saving of life. 3. 3. Superficial burns, correctly treated, heal kindly whatever the local application. Here the tannic acid and silver nitrate treatment has the advantage of simplicity. 4. 4. Foille is superior to the other agents as a dressing for deeper burns, in the following respects: (1) Simplicity of application; (2) it significantly reduces the healing time of third degree burns; (3) it acts as a detergent for grease and oil, and (4) it forms a soft, mildly antiseptic, easily changed coating, ideally suited to infected burns, to burns of the hands, face and genitalia, and to the sloughing stage of third degree burns.