ABSTRACT
Wound infection is a problem as old as mankind. It was only in the latter half of the nineteenth century that wound infection was recognized as a disease process in itself. Until that time, infection and inflammation seemed inevitably to go hand in hand and were generally considered a single process in wound healing. Various salves, ointments, noxious concoctions, incantations, and prayers all have had their place in the art of promoting wound healing or preventing certain types of infections or inflammations.The physician or surgeon, until quite recently, has anxiously awaited the appearance of “laudable pus.”
