Quirks of dye nomenclature. 7. Gentian violet and other violets

The name, gentian, appeared about 1880. Immediately following its discovery in 1861, this violet dye was known as Violet de Paris or as methyl violet. Initially used as a textile dye, it was soon used to color virtually anything. The names and identity of the components, the varying modes of manufacture, analytical methods and the dye's significant contribution to biological staining are discussed here. Finally, I discuss the dye's declining medical use following the revelation of its toxic nature.