Tests Conducted by the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine to Appraise the Usefulness of DDT as an Insecticide

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Abstract
The synthetic organic chemical 2,2-bis(parachlorophenyl) 1,1,1-trichloro-ethane, or DDT, was first prepd. by Zeidler in 1874 and its possible insecticidal usefulness was first made public about 4 yrs. ago through the researches of Paul Muller in Switzerland. Chemically pure DDT is a crystalline solid, practically colorless, almost odorless, and rather stable. It is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents and it has a low volatility. The reaction of certain insects to DDT indicates that it is a nerve poison. It is distinctly toxic when ingested or dissolved in a solvent which can be absorbed through the skin. Preliminary tests suggest that DDT is one of the more promising synthetic organics that might be used to control insects.

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