Semantic Bypassing in Technical Communication: The Historical Case of Antiseptics

Although problems resulting from ambiguity in technical discourse are generally recognized, few studies provide examples of actual instances. Specifically, the problem known as bypassing has not been fully explored. This paper therefore examines an important historical example, the medical term antiseptics, to show the impact that bypassing can have on communication of technical information. The term antiseptics was in use for over 150 years before Joseph Lister adopted it in the 1860s to describe his new system of surgical treatment. A review of published responses of Canadian doctors to Lister's writings indicates that confusion arose owing to the fundamentally different perceptions of the term for Lister and his audience. 59