Semantic bypassing in technical communication: the historical case of antiseptics

J.J. Connor ; J.T.H. Connor Western University

Abstract

The problem known as bypassing is explored using a 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 system of surgical treatment. A review of published responses of Canadian doctors to Lister's writings indicates that confusion arose because of the fundamentally different perceptions of the term for Lister and his audience.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>

Journal
IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published
1988-03-01
DOI
10.1109/47.6915
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
Topics
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

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