Lister's Paste
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Lister's paste is a pasty ointment introduced by Joseph Lister for wound disinfection and protection. Composed of crystalline phenol, olive or linseed oil, and precipitated chalk, it is no longer used today because its antiseptic action is extremely weak and modern aseptic dressings are more effective.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
LISTER'S PASTE (Lister), a pasty ointment prepared in the following manner: 1 part of crystalline phenol is dissolved in 10 parts of warm olive or linseed oil, and precipitated chalk is added until a paste consistency is reached. It was introduced by Lister as a means for disinfecting wounds and protecting them from infection. At present it is not used, because the disinfecting action of phenol in an oil solution is extremely weak, and wound protection is achieved more simply with an aseptic dressing.
Related articles
Cite this page
“Lister's Paste.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/listers-paste/