Progress with Antiseptics

At the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, under the leadership of Dr. Hugh H. Young, investigations are being made as to the effects of newly discovered chemicals in the treatment of infections. Recently Dr. Young announced the treatment of generalized infections by the injection into the blood of mercurochrome-220 soluble and of gentian violet. The results were considered extraordinary since the treatments were used only in severe cases. It was the belief of the observers that the gentian violet had a selective action against infections with staphylococci. The gentian violet is a dye substance and, when injected into the blood, causes the patient immediately to assume a violet color, or to have the appearance of one about to be asphyxiated. The appearance is wholly due to the color of the dye, however, and passes off rapidly.