Silver’s Use in History

Silver has a long and documented history as an antibiotic in human health care, and has been one of the most sought-after materials globally for centuries. Silver has been seen in use as an anti-microbial as far back as 300 B.C. in ancient Greece. Other examples of silver’s beneficial use in history include:

• Hippocrates (300 B.C) ‘The Father of Modern Medicine’ noted the beneficial use of silver in wound care.
• The Phoenicians used to store water, wine and vinegar in silver bottles to prevent spoiling.
• Prior to antibiotics, Silver was used widely in hospitals as a bactericide.
• In the early 1800s, doctors used silver sutures in surgical wounds with very successful results.
• Pioneers of the American West placed silver dollars in their casks of drinking water to keep the water safe from bacteria, algae, etc.
• In the early 1900s people would put silver dollars in milk bottles to prolong the milk’s freshness.
• Silver leaf was used to combat infection in wounds sustained by troops during World War I (before antibiotics).

Modern technology has incorporated silver into several different products to help kill infection and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew. Some examples:

• Pools, Spas and whirlpools use silver as a chlorine alternative to sanitize water systems.
• Food packaging liners use silver to preserve food quality.

And now, Argent 47^TM antimicrobial silver yarn is used in the entire Bye Bye Bacteria Corp.’s line of baby products.