Bismarck Brown
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Bismarck Brown (also known as vesuvin) is a basic azo dye and hydrochloride salt of triamidoazobenzene, historically used in microtechnique for staining cell nuclei, mucus, bacteria, and cartilage. It is employed as a counterstain in Gram's method and as a 0.3% solution for vital staining.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BISMARCK BROWN (Bismarckbraun, syn. vesuvin), a basic azo dye, the hydrochloric acid salt of triamidoazobenzene. It crystallizes in the form of yellowish-brown leaflets that are sparingly soluble in cold water, and readily soluble in hot water, alcohol, and ether. In microtechnique, aqueous and alcoholic solutions are used for staining nuclei, mucus, bacteria, and cartilage. In Gram's method, it is used as a counterstain. A 0.3% solution of Bismarck Brown is used for vital staining.
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“Bismarck Brown.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/bismarck-brown/