In 1865 Joseph Lister began using carbolic acid as this, from the Latin for "against putrefaction"
10) The study of the body's defenses 
against pathogens is called .... 37) The term that literally means "against 
putrefaction" is ... 50) Joseph Lister reduced the incidence of wound infections in 
health care... [DOC] [TLE] Full text of "Lord Lister" - Internet Archive [PAR] (1865-1867) -  - - 178 CHAPTER XIV First reception of the antiseptic doctrine.