The use of coal tar in the treatment of cutaneous diseases, although vaguely known for many years, was first specially mentioned in modern times by Fischel1 in 1894. Several years later it was in vogue among members of the dermatologic profession, and a number of writers reported on its use. Among these were Sack2 (1896), Leistikow3 (1900) and Dind4 (1906). The latter probably was the first to call attention to its beneficial effect in cases of infantile eczema. Brocq5 (1909) wrote an excellent summary of previous work and included an account of his own experiences with the drug. Since then other authors have mentioned it from time to time, including Whitfield6 in England, in 1911, and White7 in America, in 1918.
Crude coal tar is now widely used in the treatment of infantile eczema, and the prompt and striking relief which it so