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Biased Colloidal Silver Article

This article is extremely one sided, on the verge of propaganda, and only researched from the point of view that colloidal silver is a scam. Why go to the effort to write such an article if you aren't going to present ALL the information, if you're going to leave out important truths just to make you're OPINION seem like fact? I have used colloidal silver for various levels of infections and gotten great results every time, with children and adults. The thing I think a lot of people forget when they are trying to be "scientific" is to research ALL available information, not just what supports the OPINION they've already decided to have. Certain persons are seemingly afraid of handling any part of their own health care, and would rather defer to a doctor for any cut, bruise, or mild infection. It's o.k. to know things about your body and take care of YOURSELF. In our modern western world, drugs and doctors have become god-like entities to NEVER be questioned. Antibiotics are given out like candy, with less and less effectiveness over the long term. Please...use all parts of you're brain, and stop spreading misinformation to people who really want facts.Vinland999 (talk) 18:58, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

As you feel this article is biased, perhaps you could help remedy the problem. It's certainly possible that we've overlooked sources that paint colloidal silver in a more positive light. Please keep in mind that this is an encyclopedia, and is intended to be a serious, respectable reference work summarizing the current state of human knowledge. To that end, we value solid, reliable sources (as detailed here and here). If, after perusing those guidelines, you find such sources that we've overlooked, please present them so they can be discussed and incorporated. On the other hand, please recognize that testimonials are best suited for late-night infomercials and paid advertising, but are not particularly useful for a serious encyclopedic article on colloidal silver. MastCell  20:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

Even if the article isn't factually biased its certainly biased in its structure. Silver has 'no medical support' is repeated 7 times in assorted ways. 'Silver is toxic' is also repeated 7 times. Is that typical of a 'respectable reference work'? DHawker (talk) 10:40, 29 July 2009 (UTC)

Not to mention that most of the studies are simply links to government agencies banning the substance with no real clue as to its effectiveness. Just another case of the market criminalizing anything they can't make profits from.

Anti-bacterial effect of Silver Ions (Which are contained in Colloidal silver): http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/73503276/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

With electric currents applied (not really applicable here): http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=444706

Outside the human body (Colloidal silver): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VG6-4JKRTKJ-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=994175037&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b55c5d53657503fbba009880a0923980
and http://www.springerlink.com/content/n2g120j41r282124/

Not to mention that colloidal silver was what was used before the discovery of antibiotics. If you can't sell it, ban it. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 00:41, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

People seem to have no trouble selling, and profiting, from colloidal silver regardless of the FDA's opinion of it. Mercury and arsenic were used before the discovery of antibiotics, but that doesn't mean that they've been banned by greedy government bureaucrats and Big Pharma. They just don't work that well, and they're toxic. In any case, this isn't a soapbox, nor a venue for you to present cherry-picked literature. MastCell  04:02, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

I was not synthesizing a conclusion. I simply presented papers that assure silver as an antibacterial substance. Colloidal silver contains silver suspended in liquid, so one could only conclude that the silver in colloidal silver has the same antibacterial properties as silver on its own. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 18:40, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

In fact, after reading this article, the studies "disproving its efficacy" are 1) The FDA decision to ban it as a remedy() and 2) Silver causes Aryria(). The latter is what I believe is the abstract, or a response to the publication, which I managed to find after a good search. It is pretty clear that this study goes on to show that Colloidal Silver may cause Argyria, not that it was ineffective at treating Lyme disease.

Further to this, the single case of a man dying from what the author believes is colloidal silver, uses one reference labeled "Argyria secondary to ingestion of homemade silver solution". There are thousands of "safe" drugs that are used as band-aids for every condition from the cold to cancer, which if they were homemade would surely cause illness or death. What strikes me is that one reference claims the man's death (), while the other claims "generalized argyria," which is ONLY the pigmentation of the skin.().

The lead also claims argyria as if it were poisoning, rather than a cosmetic issue.

As such, I've made some corrections per WP:NPOV - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 01:43, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

You may be misunderstanding the scientific method as it applies here. As a default, you require proof that a substance is effective. You don't assume that something is useful and then demand disproof of that assumption. It makes no sense, from a scientific standpoint, to argue that there's no proof it's ineffective. Argyria is technically both a poisoning and a cosmetic condition; I have no objection to describing it as the latter. As to the death, the article is very clear that it is a single case report in which the authors attributed death to colloidal silver ingestion. MastCell  04:15, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

MastCell, I don't think doctors would have used it in the past and described its use, and results in medical journals if it wasn't effective. I don't think it would be considered for use for disinfecting water on space stations and in 3rd world countries if it hadn't been proven effective, at least as an antibacterial. --stmrlbs|talk 05:22, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

Doctors have used, and described as successful, all sorts of things in the past. The fact that people thought something was a good idea in 1913 does not categorically suggest that it's a good idea today. To move away from assertions and toward reliable sources, there are several cited in the article as finding a lack of evidence of effectiveness. What experts thought about colloidal silver in 1913 is of historical interest. However, it should not be conflated with what experts today think of colloidal silver. I'm worried that we're eliding this obvious and relevant distinction, for whatever reason.

Similarly, no one has disputed that colloidal silver functions as a water disinfectant, along with chlorine and the like. I believe the article covers this usage in depth. Perhaps we could avoid conflating that with its purported properties as an oral antibiotic? Or should we assert that because chlorine disinfects drinking water, it must be an effective oral antibiotic? MastCell  06:25, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

You seem to think that the only way people use colloidal silver today is to ingest it. That isn't true. There are a lot of topical uses - example - for eye infections - as it was used successfully in the past. And, there is research showing the effectiveness of colloidal silver used for antibacterial purposes in this article . --stmrlbs|talk 08:37, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

The article currently says.."Currently, colloidal silver is marketed for internal and external use as an alternative medical remedy, though there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness." Actually theres plenty of scientific and historical medical evidence that it has been effectively used topically. http://robholladay99.tripod.com/cs1.htm. So perhaps it should say ".... there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness ''in vivo". I also think on reflection that the current wording does imply there have been scientific tests conducted that prove its 'inneffectiveness'. In fact there have been no clinical tests of any kind that prove anything in vivo, so the wording should perhaps say "Currently, colloidal silver is marketed for internal and external use as an alternative medical remedy, though no scientific studies have been conducted as to its effectiveness in vivo." DHawker (talk) 09:12, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

Yes, I think that is a more accurate description. --stmrlbs|talk 16:18, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

The wording is taken practically verbatim from reliable sources, so I don't see a strong need to water it down based on editorial opinion. I would be fine with more clearly differentiating internal from external uses. However, the majority of marketing of colloidal silver appears to advertise it for internal use for unproven indications; several reliable sources highlight this aspect, hence it seems a reasonable focus for our article as well. MastCell  17:56, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

But we should present the facts as they are. Sure a source may say its ineffective, but what studies have been published on its efficacy? I'm not seeing anything that proves or disproves its ability to work. I see the FDA banning it and threatening people, I see a few cases of morons killing themselves through self-medication, but I see nothing that proves its effectiveness or ineffectiveness. Therefore, the ideal wording is "no scientific studies have been conducted as to its effectiveness," as that is the fact, plain as day, that is presented when there has been no studies conducted as to its effectiveness. Indeed, if it's so ineffective as the article currently claims, shouldn't there be a multitude of studies disproving it? No, instead there are a few governments just deciding to ban it without conducting studies first. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 18:40, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

Again, I think your argument is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the scientific method. But that's beside the point. I don't see the need to "improve" upon the wording contained in reliable sources. In fact, I think these repeated proposals to substitute our own "ideal wording" for that contained in the actual sources are clear violations of Misplaced Pages's basic content policies, including verifiability and no original research or synthesis. In order to comply with Misplaced Pages's conduct policies, I will refrain from speculation as to the reasons for this insistence, but it is nonetheless inappropriate. You say you want to "present the facts as they are". The facts are that every reputable body and source that has looked into colloidal silver for internal use has concluded that it's ineffective and possibly dangerous. In that light, your proposals obscure the facts, if anything. I'd be fine with soliciting outside input if you feel I'm being unreasonable. MastCell  18:54, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

(outdent)Which reputable bodies/sources claim this? (Note that the FDA's banning is not an appropriate reliable source to deem something ineffective and dangerous. The study which the FDA used to make that recommendation would be). If you were to reference, say, this study (As opposed to NCCAM), I might be inclined to agree with the current wording. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 19:07, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

The cited source, NCCAM, states in its lead that "colloidal silver products have been used for a variety of health purposes—although there is no scientific evidence to support their safety or effectiveness." The FDA's assessment of a substance's safety and efficacy is, of course, relevant to any serious, respectable reference work. The paper you mention is also cited further down in our article, and supports the general summary we provide. MastCell  19:16, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

Mastcell said "However, the majority of marketing of colloidal silver appears to advertise it for internal use for unproven indications; several reliable sources highlight this aspect, hence it seems a reasonable focus for our article as well". That seems to indicate that you think the purpose of this article should largely be to provide a counter argument to the claims of colloidal silver advertisers. That sounds like bias to me, not a good basis for a reliable 'stand alone' encyclopedic article. DHawker (talk) 23:17, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

I see it as a simple application of Misplaced Pages policy. If most or all reliable sources discuss colloidal silver in the context of its promotion as an unproven cure-all, then Misplaced Pages should reflect that emphasis. It would be biased to downplay the conclusions of numerous reliable sources, and the weight of expert opinion, because we disagree with it. Again, if this seems unreasonable, the most appropriate course of action is probably to involve other experienced editors from outside this narrow realm. MastCell  06:05, 30 August 2009 (UTC)

I think that the article needs to differentiate between the different types of colloidal silver solutions. There are several types with some fairly major differences. I think the types of colloidal silver solutions and the PPM of solutions referenced by the research should be specified. And, I think the types and PPM of colloidal silver solutions that cause argyria should be specified. I think the statement "the majority of marketing of colloidal silver appears to advertise it for internal use for unproven indications" is WP:OR, because all you have to do is do a google search on colloidal silver uses, you can see for yourself that it isn't just internal use that is advertised. However, it is the internal use that gets the most attention from FDA, and the other "reliable sources" that MastCell refers to, because it is the internal use that is unproven. --stmrlbs|talk 06:29, 30 August 2009 (UTC)

Mastcell, the reliable sources that you suggest are everywhere are in fact pretty rare. Theres the FDA and the NACCM and thats about it. Most of the other sources seem to refer back to those two which in turn refer to the same one or two lightweight, dubious, and now quite old, pub-med type articles that contain lots of theories but no proof or original research. All this snowballing and repetition creates the illusion there's a mountain of evidence proving CS is dangerous. There isn't a mountain at all. In fact theres not even a molehill of real evidence that CS is dangerous. Theres more evidence (some of it bleeding obvious) that silver is very safe. The EPA and Toxic Substances Registry have extensive research on this. Apart from Argyria, silver is totally harmless when used with any degree of common sense. (in fact if you have no common sense at all you probably still can't do anything worse than turn blue.) I defy anyone to find actual ORIGINAL proof or credible ORIGINAL research that shows colloidal silver has or could cause brain damage, kidney failure, liver failure, coma, amnesia, or any of the other ludicrous suggestions that are recycled in the so-called 'peer reviewed' medical articles. DHawker (talk) 07:17, 30 August 2009 (UTC)

I'd like this article to be based on verifiable material from reliable sources. You guys are telling me that a) we need to water down the language because we know better than the experts, and b) we need to water down the language because of a bunch of dubious websites that turn up on Google search. I don't see a point in continuing this; either I am not understanding your argument, or you guys deeply, deeply misunderstand this project's goals and policies. I suspect the latter, because you guys offer no encyclopedic sources, only your personal opinions, Google hit counts, and an apparent desire to weaken the obvious findings of reliable sources. Make a source- and policy-based argument, and I'll listen. Otherwise, I don't see this going anywhere; I'd suggest involving outside input if you think I'm being unreasonable. MastCell  06:23, 31 August 2009 (UTC)

What on earth are you raving on about Mastcell? What dubious websites? What Google searches? What Google hit counts? What personal opinions? You are imagining things. I know you'd like this whole colloidal silver article reduced to just a link to the NCCAM but I think the readers want more. These are the facts I want made clear in the article: 1. There is medical evidence proving the effective topical use of colloidal silver. 2. There have been no in vivo scientific studies conducted into the use of colloidal silver. I don't see that a 'policy-based' argument is needed to insert such clear facts. DHawker (talk) 10:02, 31 August 2009 (UTC)

Stmrbls, above, cited the results of a Google search to rebut the contents of various reliable sources. I'm open to citing medical evidence of the effectiveness of colloidal silver as a topical antibacterial; what sources do you propose to support this? MastCell  18:09, 31 August 2009 (UTC)

I've changed the section heading from Toxicities to Adverse Effects in line with most other Wiki articles about drugs and medicines. Toxicity is clearly a term that is most commonly use to mean 'poison' and is too pejorative a term to use on a product that has no proven adverse effect apart from argyria. Even the Wiki articles on the 7 most dangerous commonly used drugs in conventional medicine, with adverse effects ranging from blindness to sudden death, do not use the term 'toxicity', in fact most simply use the pretty mild words 'Side-effects' as a section heading. (You can look them up.. Lortab, Oxycontin, Endocet, Angiotesin, Zocor, Aspirin, Adderall). Even the NCCAM restricts itself to 'Side effects' as a section heading in its colloidal silver article.DHawker (talk) 12:30, 31 August 2009 (UTC)

I don't feel strongly about it; that's fine with me. MastCell  18:07, 31 August 2009 (UTC)

The quote from the NCCAM suggests there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of colloidal silver. In light of the reference from The American Society for Microbiology that statement is clearly wrong, misleading, or out of context. The NACCM is obviously refering to in-vivo research, thats all I was trying to clarify. But have it your way if you don't mind confusing the readers. The reference I have added contradicts the NACCM but its a fair addition. —Preceding unsigned comment added by DHawker (talk • contribs) 23:51, 1 September 2009 (UTC)

Nothing is proven in science, especially not by one study. Anyway, it's a bit of a strong pronouncement for just having a single source. Auntie E. 01:13, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

As opposed to the single source on the other side, NCCAM? Please, if you disagree with one word, do not revert the whole damn edit! Just change the word that bothers you. In this case, changing scientific proof to scientific evidence quickly fixes your conundrum. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 02:04, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

Some references as to uses as topical germicide and at what strength it kills bacteria:

• Chapter on how doctors used colloidal silver solutions as germicides and disinfectants in the 1920s and 1930s
• The use of silver in wound management can be traced back to the 18th century, during which silver nitrate (AgNO3) was used in the treatment of ulcers.1 The antimicrobial activity of the silver ions was first identified in the 19th century, and colloidal silver was accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as being effective for wound management in the 1920s.2,3 However, after the introduction of penicillin in the 1940s, antibiotics became the standard treatment for bacterial infections and the use of silver diminished.
• Antibacterial efficacy of colloidal silver alone and in combination with other antibiotics on isolates from wound Infections
• In its colloidal form, silver does not eliminate viruses, but is considered highly effective in destroying different types of bacteria. Silver’s disinfection mechanism acts by inactivating bacteria and mold cell enzymes that need oxygen for their metabolism; its causes their cellular disruption, although over periods that vary widely according to the water temperature. Very long periods are required at temperatures of 10 °C or less, making it difficult to determine silver’s precise germicidal power. Colloidal silver can remain in the water for a long period of time, but is not considered to have good residual power because of the slowness of its reactions in eliminating organic matter. The recommended dose for high germicidal efficacy is in the range of 25 to 75 micrograms of silver per liter (0.025 – 0.075 mg/l). WHO document on water disinfection

note: (0.025-0.075 mg/l = 0.025-0.075 ppm / most colloidal silver solutions produced by electrolysis is 5-10 ppm) (10 Centigrade = 50 Fahrenheit) --stmrlbs|talk 02:21, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

Floydian. Colloidal Silver has not been banned as a medical treatment. Doctors or anyone can use it if they wish. The only thing that has been banned is making unproven 'medical claims'. I don't think such comments are appropriate in the opening section anyway. Its past history and its better explained in other sections anyway.DHawker (talk) 02:40, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

Mastcell grow up. You've found just one poorly conducted test in Botswana demonstrating that some colloidal silver bought on the internet didn't work, and you want to use that to show that colloidal silver doesnt work in-vitro. And you have the nerve to call it a 'major' study. Thats ridiculous. The research we referenced is far more credible and is just two from a mountain of research proving silver is antibacterial. If you want to make an argument about the quality of internet colloidal silver do it in an appropriate section.DHawker (talk) 06:39, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

I'll expand on this further. The Botswana Ear Clinic test is flawed as a reference for a number of reasons. Firstly its already been proven by other credible research that colloidal silver, like most forms of silver, is antibacterial IN VITRO. A negative test is therefore somewhat pointless. All it proves is that you can make anything fail if you try hard enough. Secondly, buying a single product off the internet and testing it proves nothing about other brands and types of colloidal silver. Thirdly, and most importantly... the test was done in an agar well diffusion. Colloidal silver is a liquid, the silver ions and particles must come in contact with bacteria to kill it. To immobilise it in agar is tantamount to neutralizing it. This is a mistake that has been made by other researchers. You will find however that successful tests using colloidal silver use broth or other liquid mediums that allow the silver to circulate. This Botswana test was doomed to fail from the start. The bottom line is that it simply cannot be put on equal footing with other far more credible tests that prove colloidal silver works in-vitro. (No-ones trying to claim this proves anything in-vivo)DHawker (talk) 09:01, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm not going to respond to your personal opinions. While I find your reasoning flawed on several levels this talk page has degenerated far enough. Your personal criticisms of the published scientific literature are neither here nor there for Misplaced Pages's purposes, as you must know by now - having been reminded of it dozens of times. I will solicit outside opinions since I find this discussion depressingly circular and non-policy-based at present. MastCell  16:28, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

I notice that this article omits a great deal of information and misrepresents the facts. While it is true that in 1999 the FDA formally established that all colloidal silver products are unclassified drugs, this wasn't a Ban, and it would be more accurate to call it a reclassification based on cases of Argyria. The article makes no mention to that fact that prior to this there was official FDA approval for Colloidal Silver products to be sold as a Drug because the FDA was presented with evidence that it works. If it wasn't for the noted side effects, it would still have approval. But because the FDA now feels that the potential risks outweigh any gains you may not market a product with the antibiotic claims. Again, that is very different from saying it doesn't work. It should also be made clear that while their reasons was cases of Argyria, the only recorded cases involved taking extremely high doses. In one recorded case, it took a man 16 ounces, 450 ppm a day for 10 months, to contract the condition. (source: http://dermatology.cdlib.org/111/case_reports/argyria/wadhera.html ) There has never been (to my knowledge) a recorded case of Argyria among those who consume as Doctors once suggested over 50 years ago. This is an important fact to be distinguished. If you take any drug in a way that a Doctor advises against there are going to be consequences. You can read the specific FDA article here: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/98fr/081799a.txt it will give you all of their reasons for not approving it again in 1999. -- Elliander, 2:48 PM CST, 14 September 2009

Among their concerns, more interestingly, is that many products sold as colloidal silver were not true colloidal compounds at all, some of which do not even contain any silver. Two (and only two) physician comments were submitted with the claim that it had no benefit. One comment submitted it's safe benefits, but did not detail enough information for consideration. "Another comment added that most of the reported cases of argyria resulted from the use of silver nitrate, various ionic silver salts, or highly concentrated mild silver protein." which cast doubts on the sude effect concerns. Another comment submitted numerous studies in rats that "reported that no abnormal clinical or behavioral signs were observed after 12 days of treatment" thus establishing at least that short term use of even high doses could be safe. Another comment submitted to the FDA that is documented lists a partial list of "650 diseases that colloidal silver has been used against and included a number of testimonials." ... the page goes on and on, but all of this information is available on a single website, all documented by the FDA. It would be VERY easy to take this information and add the details to this article so that it would no longer be biased, all from a single credible source. -- Elliander, 3:25 PM CST, 14 September 2009

Virtually anyone can submit a comment to the FDA; it's part of the deliberative process. As many people swear by colloidal silver as a cure for what-ails-you, the FDA received many comments during its review of the subject. Individual supportive comments should probably not be cherry-picked, especially in light of the fact that the FDA seemed to find them rather unconvincing. Put another way, you seem to be suggesting that we cite a few anonymous letters to the FDA more highly than the agency's scientific analysis and synthesis of evidence on the subject, which seems to me to conflict with Misplaced Pages's content policies. MastCell  21:27, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

I only suggest you make factual reference. For example, the 1999 decision was for "New Drugs" only (the link I provided made that very clear) and they permit old drugs to continue to use the labels with claims as the production complies with pre-1999 decisions. Again, the main reason for this had nothing to do with the idea that it didn't work and everything to do with quality control. Now, I am not suggesting referencing anonymous comments, but the FDA records include well documented studies that are not anonymous. You should also make clear the nature of the assesment: It was about if it is safe or not. The question of it it works was not really an issue. It just seems that by omiting so much information you give the false impression that the FDA feels it doesn't work. At the very least you could include the fact that the decision is for new drugs only and does not apply to all products on the market. That is, if you want to reference the FDA at all. If you reference an FDA decision and omit an important detail like that it's of no use to anyone. --- Elliander 6:43 PM CST, 18 September 2009

I honestly can't tell if you're serious or just pulling my leg. The FDA final rule clearly states that colloidal silver is not generally recognized as "safe and effective", and furthermore that "adequate safety and effectiveness data have not been provided" (emphasis mine). These directly contradict your assertion. It was not just a matter of safety, but of effectiveness. I don't know what "well-documented studies" you refer to; none are indexed in PubMed, and the FDA found that "the previous studies are not adequate and well-controlled clinical studies... The studies have major methodic flaws." I don't understand; am I missing something, or are you really just assuming I haven't actually read the FDA document? MastCell  05:53, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

biased

The pharmaceutical industry will not allow anything to be published that is effective, so relying on the medical society anymore is hopeless. Baxter, the producer of the flu vaccine has already been found out for having willfully sent out lethal and poisonous vaccine material, knowingly and have not retracted it. Criminal charges have been filed several times already against both them and Bayer, at one point the NGO filed criminal charges with ten different offices of the FBI, all disappeared.

There are extremely few cases of argy', skin disorder, mainly people who have made their own with huge amounts of metallic silver, and ignoring the dilution direction. saying or warning that colloidial silver is creating skin disorder is like saying that eating aspirin will make you sick because we assume you are going to eat three packets of the stuff at one go.

The cases of skin disorder were initial and by amateurs. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.215.44.195 (talk) 09:29, 17 October 2009 (UTC)

Nonsense, as usual. There is still no evidence that internal use of colloidal silver has any benefits, nor that it has significant damage. (The skin condition, although possibly serious, doesn't have many side effects, itself.) — Arthur Rubin (talk) 09:54, 17 October 2009 (UTC)

Better rationales

Frankly, this edit summary is a bit offensive, and the reasoning is not particularly strong either. The "tinpot test in Botswana", as DHawker charmingly refers to a journal article whose conclusions s/he disagrees with, is the only source I'm aware of that actually tested colloidal silver products as they are marketed for antibacterial effect. It was negative. It's fine to add papers from the physics and physical chemistry literature about the effect of silver ions - I have no objection to that. But they do not negate a study of the actual properties of widely available colloidal silver remedies, and the removal of this particular source unbalances the article and damages the goals of providing an accurate overview worthy of a serious reference work. I will not revert further at this point, but I would like to hear some explanation for this removal, beyond cheap shots at the study's country of origin. MastCell  16:23, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

To add to this: J. Wound Care appears to be a reputable and established journal, e.g. listed in the top 20 nursing journals by frequency of listing in a UK assessment exercise in which each academic lists their top publications. Why should it matter where its authors come from? Frankly that comment just comes off as bigoted. —David Eppstein (talk) 17:12, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

My objection is not to where the test came from but to its obvious flaws and the weight Mastcell wants to give it in this article. A single study of a single product randomly bought on the internet should not be used to discredit overwhelming research that proves that scientifically prepared colloidal silver solutions have anti-microbial properties. Clearly the authors of the study neither had, nor sought, any control over the manufacture or quality of the internet product, so how can this possibly be acceptable as a 'scientific test' of any importance? That point alone makes it little better than a 'consumer report'. (Thats why I called it tinpot). Yet Mastcell wants us to believe its a 'major study' (his words) and give it priority at the start of this Wiki article. Properly prepared colloidal silver (like all silver) kills germs in test tubes. Endless references prove this. Information about the inadequacy of 'internet products' should be kept separate from comments about credible, comprehensive in-vitro lab tests of properly prepared solutions. Further. I intend to reinstate the Tiawan reference. This is clearly relevant to the comment about Silver ions killing germs.DHawker (talk) 00:53, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

I disagree that I'm proposing excess weight; I have no objection to noting that the study involved a single commercial preparation of colloidal silver (in fact, I think this is its relevancy). For completeness, you may want to note that the authors also tested 2 colloidal silver solutions produced in their laboratory, with similarly negative results. I also have no objection to citing papers from the physical-chemistry literature which did find an antimicrobial effect. Your hostility toward the source is noted, but the fact that you personally dislike the study does not strip it entirely of its relevancy. I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say the "Tiawan" study. MastCell  01:21, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

The question that begs to be asked is whether or not this study established if their internet product was indeed Colloidal silver solution, prior to testing its antimicrobial properties. The second question is whether they used the solution as is, or if they monkeyed with it. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 01:24, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

Partly my point. It sounds like part of the rationale was to accept what it said on the label. Thats reasonable for a consumer report but hardly good science. The real ppm of Colloidal silver is extremely difficult to measure and requires highly specialised and expensive equipment that virtually no manufacurers have. So label values are often extremely misleading. Most manufacturers just use a cheap water conductivity meter that has a huge error factor at this end of the scale. But look, I don't care if the reference is included in the article as long its used in context.DHawker (talk) 02:13, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

Would you be willing to make a greater effort to respect the talk page guidelines? These pages are not a forum for editors to expound at length their personal views of the published literature. It would be more productive to focus on discussion that has at least some basis in Misplaced Pages policy. MastCell  04:06, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

Well you're the expert. Whats the policy on physically structuring an article to reflect your bias? I'm referring to your habit of 'bookending' any 'positive' info with your 'negative' info. As such I'm going to break the opening section back into paragraphs for each defined topic. This appears to be inline with other Wiki articles and rules of good grammar generally. It should also make it easier to edit in future. As I see it the topics are 1, The physical/chemical structure of colloidal silver. 2, The chemical effects (i.e. antimicrobial properties). 3 Consumer use (NACCM, Internet marketing, and the Botswana test of an internet product.). 3, The side effect argyria. If you have a good reason for reducing the readabily of the article I'd be happy to hear itDHawker (talk) 04:40, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

There are two topics here, effectiveness and safety. (This is the standard way to discuss any proposed treatement). It is reasonable to put effectiveness first, then safety; it is not reasonable to artificially create subcategories like "The physical/chemical structure of colloidal silver" and then "consumer use". The coverage of effectiveness should reflect what reliable sources say on the topic: they should not begin with a special paragraph that lists only positive results from in vitro studies. I therefore reverted that change. Eubulides (talk) 05:58, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

The opening Physical/Chemical subcategory already existed. I didnt 'artificially' create it at all. And I made the safety issue (i.e. argyria) even more prominent by giving it a new para. My concern is the mingling of comprehensive scientific laboratory research with the product test of a single internet purchase. The credible lab tests deserve more respect than they are getting here.DHawker (talk) 06:16, 3 September 2009 (UTC) I don't think the results of 3 credible in-vitro lab tests should be sandwiched or buried between the NACCM comment about in-vivo evidence and a single dubious test on a bottle of colloidal silver bought on the internet.

The discussion of effectiveness should start with the mainstream consensus of experts on real-life effectiveness. It should not begin with discussion of in vitro studies, which are less relevant to real-life effectiveness. I see that you just now reinstated the overemphasis on in vitro studies with the misleading edit summary "Removed weasel words like 'some' and 'an' that imply the effect was some kind of accidental side effect." The primary effect of that change was not to remove weasel words: it was to shove the favorable in vitro evidence to the front and to make it more prominent. Please don't use misleading edit summaries like that. Since this is evidently a contentious area, I suggest proposing this sort of edit on the talk page first. For now I reverted the misleadingly-summarized and disputed edit. Eubulides (talk) 07:11, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

As an aside — Do "electrically generated silver ions" fit the definition of "colloidal silver"? If not (and I can't imagine why they would), then the study does not belong in this article. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 07:19, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

The question of electrically produced colloidal silver has been discussed in the past and it was agreed that it fit in "the broader definition of colloidal silver". This is spelt out in the opening para of the article. As probably 95% of the 'colloidal silver' that is available commercially is electrically produced it would be odd to exclude it.DHawker (talk) 08:32, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

Eubulides said. "The discussion of effectiveness should start with the mainstream consensus of experts on real-life effectiveness. It should not begin with discussion of in vitro studies, which are less relevant to real-life effectiveness." I don't actually see the logic in that at all. Evidence of its most significant effects is a natural progression from its physical properties that are described in the opening para. These effects are not just a side issue or incidental, they are absolutely fundamental to the whole topic. DHawker (talk) 09:01, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

The simplest and lowest-level physical effect is argyria, but the wording you installed did not start with argyria. And even if we accepted the dubious argument that in vitro antibacterial is the most physical property, followed by in vivo lack of effectiveness, followed by argyria as the least physical property, the problem would still remain that the resulting discussion would put a relatively unimportant cart (in vitro) before the more-important horse (real-life effectiveness and mainstream consensus). Eubulides (talk) 09:34, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm not arguing that any particular aspect is more important than the other. You can arrange the horse and cart however you like. Put argyria first and in-vitro evidence last if you prefer. I just want is to see each point laid out logically and clearly so it can stand on its own merits, not melded into a mish mash paragraph that buries any 'inconvenient truths'. Thats the type of biased editing I've been fighting all along.DHawker (talk) 12:18, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

How is there "mainstream consensus" if no in-vivo studies have been done? There would only be mainstream assumptions. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 16:31, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

You've answered your own question. If there is no evidence that a treatment is effective, then the scientific conclusion would be that there is no evidence that it's effective. That is, in fact, what the reliable secondary sources here have concluded. It's not complicated. MastCell  18:57, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

There's a difference between an unknown effectiveness due to a lack of study into its effects and no effectiveness due to studies proving that it has no effects. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 19:01, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

Not necessarily. Clinical studies are not so good at disproving a claim of effectiveness. Witness the repetitive argument every time a new major study shows that megavitamin doses are ineffective or harmful - the true believers in the therapy will argue that the dose was wrong, or the formulation was wrong, or the patient sample was wrong, etc. If a substance lacks any evidence of effectiveness, then it is considered ineffective until proven otherwise, at least by the sorts of "conventional" and "mainstream" authorities upon which this reference work is supposed to rely. MastCell  19:36, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

That seems very misleading. It should just state things as they are... That is that no studies have been done. If it still says that this means that it is considered ineffective, then so be it... But it should establish that it is considered ineffective because it hasn't been tested upon. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 20:22, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

You may or may not consider it misleading - that's your prerogative. I'm only trying to explain why reliable sources use the wording that they do - since a great deal of argument on this talk page seems to be along the lines of "reliable source X is wrong because I said so." MastCell  20:36, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm not saying reliable source A is wrong, but rather more along the lines of reliable source A, while essentially saying the same things as source B, C, D, E and F, is poorly worded to misrepresent the reality of the situation in their bias". Misplaced Pages's articles are not direct copies of their sources, it is ok if a word or two isn't the same word as those used on the sources (Especially when a look through the primary sources indicates the alternative wording is more appropriate, even if the reliable secondary source has interpreted and used other words that, semantics aside, still mean the same thing). - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 03:47, 4 September 2009 (UTC)

2 edits for you to consider. The Brandt reference should be removed from the case of 'status elipticus'. That reference has nothing to do with that particular case. And as previously mentioned I believe the following sentence contains weasel words: "Some in vitro studies demonstrate an anti-bacterial effect of electrically generated silver ions". IMHO this existing wording sounds like the effect was just a minor and unexpected side effect. In fact it was the very focus of the experiments and the effect was totally conclusive. The wording also suggests that 'some' in-vitro studies (i.e. more than one) do NOT demonstrate the anti-bacterial effect. At best there is only one such study and the wording should reflect this. I propose simpler, unambiuous wording... i.e. "In vitro studies have demonstrated the anti-bacterial effect of silver generated ions (followed by the existing wording re the Botswana test) - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 18:03, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

It is not weasel-wording to state: "Some in vitro studies demonstrate an anti-bacterial effect of electrically generated silver ions." I don't see how this violates, or even really touches upon, WP:WEASEL. It would be inaccurate to make a blanket statement that "studies support" an antibacterial effect of colloidal silver. Some studies do not; and given the moving goalposts for what actually constitutes "colloidal silver" I'm not sure the sourcing is as strong as a certain currently blocked agenda account might suggest. The "Some studies support... while others have found..." wording is a more accurate representation of the sources, in my opinion. MastCell  23:33, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

Well, given that the collective weight sides with it indeed having an antibacterial effect, should it not be worded instead: "Some in vitro studies do not demonstrate the anti-bacterial effect of electrically generated silver ions." to give light that most do, but some do not?? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 01:49, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

I would say "an anti-bacterial effect", rather than "the anti-bacterial effect", but otherwise that would be OK with me. I still have concerns about our definition of "colloidal silver", and its lack of clarity - particularly since we seem to be casting a wide net to pull in any positive silver-related study - but we can work on that. MastCell  04:33, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

Sorry, but the whole emphasis on in vitro in the lead sounds fishy to me. Ethanol has an antibacterial effect in vitro too, but it'd be pretty misleading for Alcoholic beverage to mention this fact in the lead. Let's just state the mainstream consensus in the lead and leave the fine print about in vitro for the body. Eubulides (talk) 06:19, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

Because prior to the discovery of antibiotics, doctors didn't pour bourbon on wounds, did they? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 15:49, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

Actually I find it funny you mentioned that... Because Ethanol is antiseptic above 50-60%, and is used at 60-65% in most hand sanitizers. This is far above the average maximum distillation of alcoholic spirits (35-42%). This is of course beyond the fact that spirits are taxed/more expensive than ethanol, contain numerous impurities that would counter the anti-septic effect, and rarely, if ever, have been historically used for the management of lacerations. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 16:15, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

Actually, doctors did pour bourbon on wounds, in a pinch. But that was my point. Does alcohol's obvious antibacterial effect in vitro mean that it is useful as an antibacterial agent for your system when you drink it, as colloidal silver is normally taken? Eubulides (talk) 20:06, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm not arguing that point though. I'm saying that colloidal silvers in-vitro use is significant in the big picture of colloidal silver (Which, though recently marketed by naturopaths as a systemic anti-bacterial, was used significantly in the past in vitro for its antibacterial effect). In fact, that use should take the forefront in the lead since it was used more significantly for that purpose. It should then go on to speak of its current use as an internal anti-bacterial, which is unsupported by studies. In the big picture of alcoholic beverages, its in-vitro anti-septic effect is not significant... Though if doctors did indeed pour bourbon on wounds, then YES! It should be in the article on alcoholic beverages. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ _¢ 00:35, 9 September 2009 (UTC)

• The antimicrobial properties of wine and beer were very significant historically. See Wine is the foremost of all medicines. Colonel Warden (talk) 14:20, 24 September 2009 (UTC)

How do you get proteins from a metal?

I was checking out one of the intro sentences:

The broader commercial definition of "colloidal silver" includes products that contain various concentrations of ionic silver, silver colloids, ionic silver compounds or silver proteins in purified water.

What in the world is a "silver protein"? Protein is, by it's very definition, an organic compound found in living cells. Where did we get a reference to "Silver Proteins"? Padillah (talk) 19:29, 10 September 2009 (UTC)

Next sentence. "Colloidal silver with concentrations of 30 parts per million (ppm) or less are typically manufactured using an electrolysis process, whereas colloidal silver with higher concentrations of 50 ppm or more are usually either silver compounds such as silver chloride and silver iodide or are solutions that have been bound with a protein to disperse the particles."

It's not a silver protein per say, but rather silver bound by protein. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 16:42, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

OK, is there, perhaps, a better way to phrase this? Maybe "...ionic silver compounds or bound proteins in purified water." This article is getting enough bad press as it is making claims of "silver proteins" can't help. Padillah (talk) 17:07, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Sounds good to me, I think that clarifies it a little better. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 17:13, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Interesting research here

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18802883 - Silver is a topical antibacterial http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16761169 - Again http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17453933 - Silver is not toxic, argyria is not a toxicity and is cosmetic only

Put away your red sharpie! It's pubmed, peer reviewed, and recent (2006-2008). I also found a 1958 study that treated a peptic ulcer with it, It's behind the times, but I don't see any recent studies disproving its conclusions. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 16:52, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

• PMID 18802883 and PMID 16761169 both deal with topical silver as a wound dressing, as you've noted. The first specifically cites the importance of ionic (as opposed to colloidal) silver in producing antimicrobial efficacy. The second is about silver sulfadiazine, a pharmaceutical topical antibiotic widely used for burn patients in particular. It does not deal with colloidal silver. We have articles on silver and silver sulfadiazine; this article is specifically about colloidal silver. We should probably resist the temptation to pick out any positive reference that involves some form of silver and apply it here. We should focus instead on references dealing with colloidal silver rather than silver sulfadiazine or ionic-silver/activated-silver topical dressings, which are different animals.
• PMID 17453933 is useful as a general review of silver toxicity, and might be a good citation for our section here on argyria.
• Worth noting that the Cochrane Library systematic reviews of topical silver products found 3 usable trials, none of which used "colloidal" silver. The reviewers concluded: "There is not enough evidence to recommend the use of silver-containing dressings or topical agents for treating infected or contaminated chronic wounds." (, ) In any case, the point is that the literature on wound healing does not deal with colloidal silver, and thus is a bit off-topic for this particular article. MastCell  17:25, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Correct me if I'm wrong... But what about colloidal silver makes it not have the same effects as plain ol' AG? Is it not just silver suspended in water? My bottle of CS just says Medical ingredients: Silver - 10ppm. Non-medical ingredients: Ultra-pure water. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:38, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm probably not qualified to say anything in-depth, but my understanding is that a true colloid would be a suspension in elemental, rather than ionic, form. The antimicrobial effect of silver is mediated by the silver ion, Ag. That said, the lead of this article indicates that there is a "broader" marketing definition of colloidal silver which includes mixtures with low concentrations of silver ion. I'm not able to find much in the way of good sources on this distinction (or lack of a distinction), so if you see any, let me know - or maybe someone more knowledgeable about inorganic chemistry can help out. MastCell  18:48, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

I thinkthe "source" for that distinction is the existence of products labeled "Colloidal Silver" that have ionic silver in them. It's kind of the same situation with Wasabi, very little is true Wasabi root, most of it is pickled horseradish, so now "Wasabi" is forms of pickled horseradish. Padillah (talk) 20:28, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

question about MastCell's change

- edit summary: "Current applications: not a good source here, per discussion on talk page; other ref is fine". Where was this discussed? I can't find the discussion. --stmrlbs|talk 15:09, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

You're right; it was discussed (briefly) on the AN/I thread about DHawker, not here. I must be getting old. I'll clarify my concern: Scientific Research and Essay is not indexed by MEDLINE, or any other major scientific index that I can tell, and the content appears to be primarily in the field of botany. There are a million non-indexed journals out there; I'm not sure that this reaches the level of warranting citation here. MastCell  22:39, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

You also forgot to mention this thread you posted on the Fringe Theories Noticeboard: . I thought the Misplaced Pages etiquette was to notify editors when you post about them. However, since you posted on this noticeboard, and based on "current applications" being alternative, I have added this article to the Alternative medicine category. I am sure you will have no problem with that.

I also wish to point out this part of Misplaced Pages:Fringe_theories#Parity_of_sources: "Parity of sources may mean that certain fringe theories are only reliably and verifiably reported on, or criticized, in alternative venues from those that are typically considered reliable sources for scientific topics on Misplaced Pages. For example, the lack of peer-reviewed criticism of creation science should not be used as a justification for marginalizing or removing scientific criticism of creation science, since creation science itself is almost never published in peer-reviewed journals. Likewise, the views of adherents should not be excluded from an article on creation science because their works lack peer review. Fringe views may be excluded from articles on mainstream subjects to the extent that they are rarely if ever included by reliable sources on those subjects.". This reference meets or exceeds that criteria since even though this particular journal is not indexed by a major scientific index, it is research by pubmed published researchers: . Perhaps this should not be in "current applications" section, as I don't know if it is being used in Nigeria, but it certainly should be included as a reliable source for the effects of colloidal silver. --stmrlbs|talk 17:10, 13 September 2009 (UTC)

No, I didn't forget. On 2 September I wrote: "I will solicit outside opinions since I find this discussion depressingly circular and non-policy-based at present." Immediately thereafter I requested outside input at WP:FTN, just as I indicated I would. It is unfortunate but typical that people are willing to expend hundreds of kb of rhetoric on this page but unwilling to take the first step in dispute resolution - the solicitation of outside opinion. I urged those editors who constantly complain about the bias in this article to take such a step; when they repeatedly failed, I did - and I notified everyone here, on this talk page. I don't have a problem with adding the article to Category:Alternative medicine; I think that's a good idea.

You are abusing WP:PARITY. If you wish to use Scientific Research and Essay to represent "the views of adherents" to a fringe theory, then I can accept it as a source in that context, I guess. But then it needs to be characterized honestly, as representing the views of colloidal-silver advocates. Instead, the article is being cited to source a claim of medical fact - that usage is well outside both the letter and the spirit of WP:PARITY.

In general, I think a) this is a poor-quality, unencyclopedic source, and b) we have marginally better sources which make virtually the same point. That renders this source both inappropriate and superfluous. MastCell  00:17, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

MastCell, I have no problem with 3rd party opinions. Neutral uninvolved 3rd party opinions. It doesn't sound like that is the input you got, based on the response- but then your stated question wasn't really neutral, was it? But even when people get 3rd party opinions from uninvolved experienced Wikipedians, I've gotten the impression with my past experience on other articles that it is also a wasted effort if the regular editors on an article decide they don't like the 3rd opinion . I can't speak for the other editors, but I would be open to someone who has not already made their decision about all of alternative medicine taking a look at this article, and giving their opinion as to what is allowed based on Misplaced Pages policy.

As for the research in question, it used a product from the marketplace, and states the company that it got it from, Formor, and the ppm used. What product did the Bostwana Ear clinic test use? --stmrlbs|talk 01:19, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm sorry you had a frustrating experience at Stephen Barrett. I find the atmosphere around those articles unpleasant enough that I long ago stopped editing there, so I sympathize. On the other hand, I'm not particularly interested in your criticism of the way in which I solicited outside opinions. No one else bothered to take this basic step in dispute resolution, despite entreaties to do so. WP:FTN is a legitimate part of the content process, albeit unpopular in some quarters, and I continue to feel that it was an appropriate venue to solicit opinions on the questions at issue here. To stay with the matter at hand, Scientific Research and Essay is both a relatively poor-quality source and superfluous here, and I think the WP:PARITY argument you're making is inapposite. MastCell  05:00, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

What product did the Bostwana Ear clinic research test? I don't have access to the full article, and the abstract was rather sparse in details. thanks. stmrlbs|talk 03:16, 19 September 2009 (UTC)

This hasn't been answered, and this flawed test should be removed as it has undue weight.

"Prior to 1938, colloidal silver was used as a germicide and disinfectant. Physicians used it as an eyedrop for ophthalmic problems, for various infections, and sometimes internally for diseases such as tropical sprue, epilepsy, gonorrhea, and the common cold."

I haven't read every source, but I can safely assume that each one of those has some mention that it is a topical antibacterial. That is seven sources, plus the three that source it in the lead. I think 10 sources is more than enough to justify wording beyond "some studies", as it is clear that the Botswana test was a one-off. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 16:26, 16 October 2009 (UTC)

Original research promotion

The article currently uses a few studies which purport to see a certain effect on bacteria with a certain silver discharge. However, there is nothing to indicate that the authors of these studies are supporting the claims of colloidal silver as marketed by alt med outfits. To that end, I recommend removing the clause about these studies from the lead entirely. The only study which actually looks at colloidal silver in the way it is marketed in alt med situations is reference 5. Per WP:MEDRS, WP:FRINGE, and WP:ASTONISH, I think it is clear that this is the way we need to present information on this particular topic. ScienceApologist (talk) 14:19, 20 October 2009 (UTC)

I agree, and I boldly removed this relatively-unimportant material from the lead. Eubulides (talk) 08:02, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I have reverted the change as this is total semantics once again to remove anything positive and leave the negative. The botswana test is a one off, and IT should be removed. Removing the rest of the about 11 sources that claim an antibacterial effect is the biggest fucking piece of point of view pushing I've seen on this website. The test need not indicate that they support colloidal silver as an alternative medicine, as they are testing whether it has an antibacterial effect. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 16:31, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

Verbal, read the bloody talk page before you revert. This is vandalism and advocacy (of your POV) on your parts, and I will take it to ANI if it continues. The sentence that those references are the sources to do not claim that those tests approve the use of colloidal silver as an alternative medicine... And really why do they need to? Its two completely separate ideas. Better yet, where's the original research part of this claim? From NPOV Noticeboard: "The studies which purport to show anti-bacterial effect do not conclude that the use of colloidal silver as marketed by alt med outlets is justified." Of course they don't, because its not what they discuss. They conclude the anti-bacterial effect!!! The marketing of the product with those effects does not change the effects! - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 17:03, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I've never had pov on my parts before! I don't see the discussion on NPOVN or here favouring your version, and it looks to me like misusing the studies to support an alt therapy. Perhaps they can be included with different framing and in the article body. And why the need for swearing? Verbal chat 17:43, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I'm sorry, I can get worked up over the fact that it seems like editors who push a specific point of view (And yes, I know I am one of those too) will gang up to get their way rather that diving down to the logic of the situation. Those studies are not used to advocate colloidal silver as it is used today as an alternative medicine. They are used to back up the historical application, which like it or not, colloidal silver was used as an early anti-biotic, and the external use of it is very much proven by multiple reliable sources. I hardly see how the Botswana test is more reliable than the 11 (At least 5, as many as 11, I can't read all the full articles) sources that say that it is indeed a topical anti-bacterial. Why the struggle to remove this well sourced information besides to paint a negative picture (In fact, you remove the information, but the sources which still make those claims are used elsewhere in the article)? At the VERY least, the status quo should remain and this discussed for more than 12 hours. Given what it was used for, the historical applications are far more important than its use as an alternative medicine. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 17:52, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

proposal to end the constant reverting caused by the conflicting interpretation of "colloidal silver"

This article is not just about the scientific term "colloidal silver", but for the most part, is about the products sold on the current market as "colloidal silver". Most of the solutions on the market, and most of the directions for making colloidal silver involve water, silver anodes/cathodes and electricy -i.e., the solutions are made with electrolysis that produces solutions with silver ions. It is appropriate to bring into the article research articles about the effect of silver ions. Even some of this research talks about making the solutions they test with using electrolysis, water and silver. Here is one from the Applied and Environmental Microbiology, November 2005 issue Bactericidal Actions of a Silver Ion Solution on Escherichia coli, Studied by Energy-Filtering Transmission Electron Microscopy and Proteomic Analysis . Here is a quote of how they created the solution they used in this research:

The silver ion is known to have antimicrobial effects, and it is increasingly utilized in electric appliances, such as washing machines. Many papers have been published on its effects, and early authors hypothesized that the silver ion primarily affects the function of membrane-bound enzymes, such as those in the respiratory chain, through binding to thiol groups (1, 4, 7). However, proteomic insight into the detailed mechanism is stilllacking. In this paper, bactericidal actions of a silver ion solution on Escherichia coli as a model microorganism was studied using energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Experimental details are as follows. 'An aqueous solution with a silver ion concentration of 900 ppb was electrolytically prepared by applying a current of 12.5 mA for 28 s between two silver plate electrodes installed in water.' The residual chlorine content in water was less than 0.2 mg/liter. The silver ion concentration in the obtained solution was measured with a Hitachi Z-5010 polarized Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometer. :As a reference, a 0-ppb solution was also prepared, without electrolysis.

If we are going to include all these references about colloidal silver as it is currently marketed, then it is appropriate to talk about ionic solutions. To selectively include any negative reference about colloidal silver, then when something is added pertaining to the properties of silver ions, to say "colloidal silver" is not ionic, is not about silver ions, is contradictory. If there is a problem with talking about silver ions in this article because the title is "colloidal silver", and the editors that continually revert any reference to ionic silver feel that only the technical definition of colloidal silver should apply to any reference used in this article, then let's create a separate article, ionic silver solutions, or alternative colloidal silver, and talk about the the history of colloidal silver solutions and current alternative colloidal silver products on the market in that article, and state that even though they are for the most part marketed as "colloidal silver", they are really a range of solutions going from ionic solutions created basically with water and silver and electrolysis, and solutions with other substances added (like salt) to create different solutions (usually to create higher ppm) to other methods used to create mostly true colloidal silver solutions. But I think this selective cherry picking of reasons for reverts.. one minute every reference about adverse results caused by alternative colloidal silver products is a-ok, but any reference about silver ions is not ok because "colloidal silver" is not ionic silver, is cherry picking references and editing to perpetuate a POV. So.. shall we split this into 2 articles? One for describing only silver solutions that are stricty "colloidal silver", and another for describing alternative colloidal-ionic silver solutions? stmrlbs|talk 19:24, 18 October 2009 (UTC)

I don't believe the article should be split. Having an article on colloidal silver as a product and medicine is the only article that should exist. There is no colloidal iron page, so too should be the case for silver as a colloid. This article is about the medicinal product Colloidal Silver, and each and every variant thereof including ionic. I'm also going to seek some outside input on how the NCCAM ref is used to weaselly word the intro to say that, essentially, studies have been conducted but no evidence found (incorrect) as opposed to no studies have been done and therefore there is no evidence as of yet (correct). I don't give two shits about the scientific method is, because this is not a scientific journal, its an encyclopedia that should inform the general public to the realities. Enough POV on this article, its got to go. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 20:39, 18 October 2009 (UTC)

Either split, separate the "commercial" rigidly and distinctly from the chemical, or simply rename it as "Silver in medical use" or some such as a more general topic. I prefer the third option. Seems the alt med colloidal silver has little to nothing to do with silver colloids. And, yes the "POV" stuff (esp. that by alt. med promoters) needs to stop. Vsmith (talk) 00:26, 19 October 2009 (UTC)

Please, the other side of the argument is just as guilty, as innocent as they all back up each other to be. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 02:47, 19 October 2009 (UTC)

Since the bulk of this article is about the medicinal use of colloidal silver, and the use of commercial colloidal silver products, I think a solution to this would be to create another article, "Colloidal silver (chemical)", a pointer to that page from here, or a disambiguation page for Colloidal Silver with links to both articles on Colloidal silver, with an explantion for both. Any problem with that? stmrlbs|talk 01:54, 19 October 2009 (UTC)

I could see splitting the article if we were overwhelmed with quality sources and so much well-sourced material. But that's not the case. We barely have enough usable sources to construct one decent article summarizing colloidal silver, so I can't support splitting it. All of the relevant aspects can be summarized in different sections of a single article. MastCell  04:56, 20 October 2009 (UTC)

As a sanity check, if I visit Google Scholar and query for "colloidal silver", asking for sources published in the past 5 years, then 2 of the first 20 sources are about medicinal uses of colloidal silver (both are about argyria after someone took colloidal silver). This is an indication that, although the current article should indeed cover medicinal uses, it should cover the non-medicinal uses more than it does. Eubulides (talk) 16:52, 20 October 2009 (UTC)

I agree. There is plenty there for an article on the purely chemical (and therefore non-ionic) colloidal silver. Then this article should be about what alternative medicine calls colloidal silver. That will eliminate the constant bickering about whether the article is about the chemical definition of colloidal silver or the general definition of colloidal silver as it was used in the history of medicine and as it is marketed and used now in alternative medicine. stmrlbs|talk 01:35, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I don't see how the Google Scholar sanity check implies that the article should be split. If anything, it implies the reverse. Eubulides (talk) 07:57, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

Or the article should just have a section on the chemical and a section on the alternative medicine. The chemical section will explain that it has a stricter definition of colloidal silver. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 16:28, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

Pursuant to how to convey the level of evidence for the modern uses of colloidal silver in a medical setting: Topical silver for treating infected wounds at Cochrane is inconclusive, and a similar protocol could find no matching studies (this reference should be checked for relevance to colloidal silver before use). While it is really cool to see surface-enhanced Raman scattering seeing some uptake in the bioresearch community, a search of PubMed basically agrees with Eubulides' quick check above. I did find Silver in health care: antimicrobial effects and safety in use (2006) (currently ref 29), which appears to be mostly about Ag, but mentions colloidal silver; and Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment (1996), which is currently ref 14 but looks to be useful for a great deal more non-dated material.

It would therefore be inappropriate, per WP:MEDASSESS and WP:FRINGE, to report the current medical use of colloidal silver, especially orally or nasally administered, as well-accepted.

There is also some use of in textiles, which we appear not to mention at the moment. - 2/0 (cont.) 20:59, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

2/0, I don't think anyone is going to argue that colloidal silver is "well-accepted" by the current medical establishment. Colloidal silver fell out of favor once antibiotics were discovered. It is obvious why they fell out of favor - antibiotics acted fast, there weren't the problems in the past that they have now with antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. They were cheap, with few side effects, and powerful. But, before antibiotics, colloidal silver solutions were used by doctors - mainly for antibacterial purposes, and this is what a lot of the current alternative use is based on. And it was used with success - much as some people would have you believe that all medicine before our current modern medicines only worked because of the placebo effect. stmrlbs|talk 04:36, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Edit warring

Can we please discuss changes here and not in the edit history? Full protection is so much less productive than simple cooperation (treat this like a page protection; no endorsement, just trying to spur discussion). Master of Puppets 17:59, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

Thats all I'm trying to do. After dealing with this on several different unrelated topics in the last couple weeks (each time in the end it was decided I was in the right), I have found myself getting annoyed rather quickly at editors reverting and not persuing further communication at my implore. This was discussed zilch and immediately implemented, and that alone warrants holding it off until further discussion commences. There are far more editors that are closely knit on the anti-everything-to-do-with-non-allotropic-medicine side of the arguments that take place at many articles that deal with natural or alternative medicine therapies, and whether by intention or not (I can assume good faith y'know) tend to assist one another feeling that they share the same greater goal of... goodness, for the encyclopedia. Because of this, their sway can quickly overwhelm the limited and sparse editors who are not single purpose accounts, and who are rationable and reasonable (though maybe at times emotional in their language). I only ask for further inquiry into this, beyond what happened in the amount of time that I was asleep last night. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:12, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

So will you self revert? You are not supported here or at NPOVN. Verbal chat 18:15, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

Well, the discussion at NPOVN was going somewhere, so why not pursue it there? I'm sure that you guys can reach a consensus. Master of Puppets 18:29, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I am not supported here because there are two editors that would actually discuss my side of the argument and offer some support (though WP:NOTAVOTE applies to both sides of this argument), one of them hasn't responded yet, and the other is blocked. I will not continue to revert, but I feel its an abuse of power (or something) to have the changed version instated before there is proper discussion around it and proper consensus achieved. There is discussion going on, but very little of it by outside editors (And I do know you participate at Homeopathy discussions), and very little of it verified in my opinion. Leave the status quo until some equally weighed discussion has taken place.

I am open to consensus building, but this is so very clearly a way of selectively removing the information that isn't outright negative (and thus POV given the sources regarding this piece of information), and very little conversation has taken place yet, let alone consensus building.

As for the second item I reverted (Which has not been discussed what so ever), if you look closely that source still backs up "colloidal silver was used as a germicide and disinfectant.", just not the date of when it was used until. Surely you can agree on this at least? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:41, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I would not object to you doing a partial revert that leaves the date fix (unless others object), while removing the unjustified content from the lead.

Again, not enough discussion or parties have taken place in this short time to determine the consensus. There has been no counter to the arguments I've made, just "Nope I agree with the guy that posted before you" (by several editors, I am not pointing the finger at you Verbal). If an uninvolved editor to the topic (or its closely related topics) reverts it, then I will not continue to revert it. I am hoping that an involved editor will do the right thing, and hold off reverting until this clears up. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:57, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I was an uninvolved editor, and came here because of your NPOVN report. Seems to me you should look at WP:IDIDN'THEARTHAT, and are stalling to keep your preferred version against the views of multiple other editors. Verbal chat 19:13, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

What point am I not getting, besides a bad and terribly presented one? Read Misplaced Pages:IDIDN'THEARTHAT#Distinguished_from_productive_editing, the next paragraph. If anything, I would like to press your accusation on the other editors vying for this change, as next to no answers or counters have been made to my completely logical arguments, and now it seems like you are grabbing at straws rather than directly addressing the arguments and the point. Your edit history clearly shows you are very involved in topics related to alternative medicine. Just because you haven't made comments on this particular obscure article doesn't mean that you are uninvolved. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 19:35, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

I see a lot of editors here, Verbal, Eubulides, ScienceApologist, who have never contributed to the article in the past, and who now are just coming by to revert sourced statements, with general statements like NPOV, and no comments here, except to threaten Floydian who is a contributing editor. stmrlbs|talk 05:07, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Please retract your misleading comments and personal attack on other editors. Only one editor has verbally assaulted others in this dispute, and he is not on your list. Verbal chat 16:48, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Obviously some editors have a soft spot for swear words. Fyi, its not a personal attack when its not directed at you. Stop crying foul. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 17:20, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

There appear to be some WP:OWN issues here. I'll lend a hand trying to get article under control of consensus view. Simonm223 (talk) 18:10, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

The ownership issues seem to effect everyone on this topic. Please look closely before only reverting my edits blindly, as all you did was reintroduce information thats already mentioned in the article word for word twice (Not to mention the clear breaking of WP:NPOV given the sources). Please read the lead and not just who the last editor who edited it was, as it currently summarizes the article while leaving the points that are being argued (And there is no consensus, please look closely) in the appropriate section. This is now clearly an attempt to push that little piece of information in the lead to quickly downplay the substance (Which is the only goal of many of the editors here, not creating a well informed and neutral article). - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:22, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

I think that both sides believe that they are trying to create a well informed and neutral article. I suspect that Verbal et. al. believe that a well informed article would make the lack of effectiveness and potential dangers of ingesting this material clear, while you appear to believe that a well informed and neutral article would show all of the potential benefits of eating silver. I suggest that everyone attempt to hew as closely to sources as possible - you, for instance, recently made the lead read that there are no experiments on the effectiveness of silver for various things. That's patently untrue, and no source has written that. Hipocrite (talk) 18:36, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Really? Then show me one study that disproves its in vivo effectiveness (no reviews, I want a study). I wish you good luck, you'll be searching for a while. I am attempting to show the verifiable truth, and they are attempting to misrepresent the substance which has no dangerous side effects (argyria is cosmetic and the result of blatent misuse, in the same line that excessive acetaminophen ingestion causes liver damage, coma, and death. But is that in the lead at Tylenol? No! Even though tylenol has so many dangers that it has a separate article for them). Again, this is clearly a kabal (Yes, I said it again, because you are all working together as a group and rarely presenting independent arguments) attempt to paint alternative medicines as a clear sham, yet make pharmaceuticals seem like a heaven-sent, even when several studies indicate the opposite, and society is increasingly becoming aware of the slap-a-bandaid-on-it allotropic healthcare system we have. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:43, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

I would personally be more concerned about noting in the lede of an article the health risks of swallowing quantities of palladium or cadmium than those of swallowing Tylenol too... and I won't take Tylenol. Simonm223 (talk) 18:49, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Reviews are Reliable Sources. I suggest that they believe they are attempting to show the verifiable truth, and you are attempting to misrepresnet the substance which they believe has no positive effects. I decline to discuss the article on Tylenol - OTHERCRAPEXISTS. Finally, if you cannot stop using antisemtic phrases (kabal/cabal are not acceptable terms), then I will cease discussions with you. Hipocrite (talk) 18:55, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Palladium#Safety and Cadmium#Toxicity. The latter is well established as a poisonous substance. Silver is not poisonous (Though some salts of it are, colloidal silver does not contain silver salts.). Neither of the two you mentioned are commonplace in medicine. If a more poisonous substance that is pushed on people doesn't include it in the lead, then why does this article absolutely have to?

Reviews can be reliable, but what studies does the review cite? Surely it can't be that hard to find where NCCAM gets their information from... Or are they reliable and verifiable? I am bringing up tylenol because it is in the same subject matter and it clearly shows the pushing of bias confined to this article. Cabal is not an antisemetic term, it means a group of people that are (often, secretly) organized and push for the same views. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 19:03, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

I will not further discuss this with you until such time as you cease using anti-semitic terms. Sorry! Hipocrite (talk) 19:04, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Hipocrite - Floydian is probably referencing WP:CABAL with his comments and not intending to say anything anti-semetic. Inappropriate, violating WP:AGF and incorrect (as there is no cabal) but not anti-semetic.

Floydian - basic science time - why did I use Palladium and Cadmium as examples? Simonm223 (talk) 19:12, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

I would not know, you didn't explain. Forget basic science, basic logic: If extremely poisonous substance A and extremely poisonous substance B both do not have anything in the lead regarding their toxicity, yet have entire articles on their toxicity, then why does non-poisonous substance C, which has a paragraph on it, have it in its lead? Answer: WP:UNDUEWEIGHT.

Also, wrt the removal of the horticulture section with a summary of "delete section on horticulture, which was about ionic and colloidal preparations"... So what is this article about if not ionic and colloidal preparations?

Still waiting on a study to verify the claim by the NCCAM review btw. I'm looking deeper than "well it says it, and we've decided for the purposes of this article and our point of view that it is a reliable source and a reliable piece of information." NCCAM only selectively shows it sources, and in my eyes that is a big problem in terms of reliability. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 19:55, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Sigh... they are the two elements adjascent to Silver on the periodic table. My point was that swallowing metal is generally something that one should be careful of. Especially when there is no confirmed health benefit. Simonm223 (talk) 19:57, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Very true, I agree with you on that. One should be careful of ingesting any substance, metal or not, and should do their own independent research before coming to a decision. There is no scientifically confirmed merit, but there is near limitless anecdotal evidence (and yes I'm very aware that wikipedia doesn't rely on that). We must look at both sides of the equation, however: Is there no confirmed health benefits, or are there no studies regarding its health benefits? Is there a study with the conclusion of "Colloidal silver has no effect on health or body function"? There isn't, and since there isn't, why must we word the sentence to make it seem like there has been? Surely there is no information lost, and plenty gained, by explaining it in more details. No there isn't scientific evidence supporting it, but there also isn't scientific evidence condemning it.

Also of note, I just read the article on National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. You should too, as there are apparently some controversies surrounding it. What particularly strikes my attention is "... have neither succeeded in demonstrating the efficacy of a single alternative method nor declared any alternative medicine treatment ineffective."

If this is true, then why are they the source for the statement that it is ineffective? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 20:13, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Because the information provided is based, in part on the way science works. See what they do is set up a null hypothesis and set out to disprove it (n this case the null hypothesis would be "colloidal silver has no health benefit". If they fail to disprove the null hypothesis they still can not say that they disproved the hypothesis, only that they failed to disprove the null hypothesis. When a result of failure to disprove null hypothesis is produced it is valid to say that they have failed to demonstrate the hypothesis. Simonm223 (talk) 20:35, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Ah, but can you even find a study that does that? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 20:39, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

What really irks me here is that if I don't revert the page repeatedly, these authors all but disappear completely, with the notion of "Well we've got our way so there's nothing to prove". - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 00:05, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

I made it perfectly clear why I was no longer interacting with you. Stop using anti-semitic phrases. Hipocrite (talk) 01:28, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

"Cabal" is not anti-semitic, it refers to a group, and its a Hebrew term as well. Ffs I'm half Jewish, I would not be insulting my own ancestry... Either way, I don't see how you are making that connection seeing as I'm referring to WP:CABAL, but its your choice not to communicate. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 02:49, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

Re-organise a bit - Horticulture bit?

I've re-organised the article, in part to get some of the disputed details out of the lead. No content changes made. Vsmith (talk) 00:52, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Thank you for a well carried out edit. I think that should settle things for now (though I notice it mentions in-vitro studies in two separate locations). - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 05:16, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Noticed that, but didn't want to do any content changing yet. Some cleanup will be needed. Vsmith (talk) 10:51, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

It seems that the horticultural use section doesn't really belong here. It is about ionic silver compounds - not colloidal, and doesn't fit under the "commercial" alt. med. definition either. Vsmith (talk) 00:52, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

VSmith, the use of colloidal silver in the use of cannibus ("pot") cultivation, specifically for the feminization of seeds is very popular. In fact, they use the same method of making the colloidal silver used for this horticultural process as you see explained all over the internet - basically setting up electrolysis using silver electrodes and water - simple process. But it works on the principle that silver ions suppress ethylene production. stmrlbs|talk 04:01, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Hmm ... wasn't aware of that. Vsmith (talk) 10:51, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

I replaced the summary of alt med use in the lead, as the lead should summarise the article. I removed the in vitro studies from the alt med section, as they do not have anything to do with alt med. Until the use of these studies and their relation to colloidal silver is demonstarated, and inclusion supported here, they should remain out. When reinserted they should not go in the alt med section, nor should they be juxtaposed which leaves a misleading impression. Verbal chat 16:46, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Stop your selective POV editing. The only editors who support your selective use of studies (oh yeah its just a big coincidence that only the negative studies are valid, ain't it?) are posters that have never participated here, have their own well announced point of view, or have been misrepresented as supporting your side (Steven Schulz). Discuss and stop being a weasel. The edit by VSmith was appropriate and you just HAVE to come and stir things back up.

Here's the relation: COLLOIDAL SILVER CONTAINS THE SUBSTANCE THAT THEY ARE TESTING UPON! Whats it called... Oh! Silver. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 17:27, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

But not colloidal silver and not in alt med? Definitely WP:SYNTH to put it in that section. per WP:BURDEN please get consensus here for the contested material, and don't use all caps - it's akin to shouting, and is uncivil. Verbal chat 17:31, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Yeah... The edit I'm vying for is the status quo, and the WP:BURDEN is upon you, and so YOU need consensus to put your contested edits in, which there is currently no consensus. I still see the usual split down both sides from the involved editors (Including those that edit other alt. medicine), and the neutral uninvolved editors take a bench seat for the most part. DHawker pointed out that Steven Schulz first sentence is "Sorry, but the well-known antibacterial effect of silver ions in vitro can in no way support any medical claims in ." (based on the sentence that follows, using a metaphor of the ingestion of alcohol, I safely assume that the last word was supposed to be vivo instead of vitro).

It does not matter if you use something intending it to be a medicine or not, it still has the exact same effect. In fact, using it AS a medicine only adds the placebo effect to complicate things. Same goes for the silver being a colloidal or not - The effects of the constituents are still there, just presented in a different form. Its akin to saying sugar is sweet, but if you mix it in water we need a new study to demonstrate that sugar IN water is sweet, since they are so very clearly two completely different substances. You are using wikilawyering to selectively cherry pick out information using the blanket statement of WP:SYNTH. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 17:58, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Most of the colloidal silver on the market today, or made by people for their own use is made very simply from the electrolysis of silver anodes in water. This method produces both silver ions and silver colloids. When you have research that talks about the effect of ions produced by performing electrolysis on water and silver anodes... yes, you are talking about the same thing that people are making at home for their own use from the same process using the same materials -water and silver electrodes, whether they use it for their horticultural experiments or they use it for their own medicinal purposes. Research involving silver ions in water shows the effect that ... silver ions in water will have. Most of the research is about germicidal effects -the same effects that silver (with or without water, in various forms and mediums) has been used in for medicine for centuries. The particular research that I quoted from above only performed electrolysis for 28 seconds (with silver electrodes and water), and yet showed a germicidal effect with E. Coli. To say that this has nothing to do with colloidal silver (at least the form produced by simple electrolysis) is to say research on chili beans, chili spice, and tomatoes is not really research on the dish called chili - because no one actually called it "chili" in the research. stmrlbs|talk 03:12, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

The horticulture section

I removed this because it doesn't talk about colloidal silver preparations, as the text itself states. Mangoe (talk) 03:59, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

Fully agree. Verbal chat 08:39, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

The article would appear to be about an alternative medicine, not an agricultural product. So concur.Simonm223 (talk) 14:36, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

Either way, the section wasn't about colloidal silver, by its own admission. Alt med people might be allowed to get away with this mislabelling in some places, but I saw nothing in the removed text which justified its presence in this article. Verbal chat 14:54, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

It is sourced and correct information though, even if misplaced. If its deleted from here then you should likewise add it to Silver, as it would/may be relevant there. - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:07, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

I would suggest proposing it on the relevant article's talk page. People there might know a better place, or be able to integrate it better. You should note that it was moved from here per the GFDL license (in the edit summary and I think there is a tag too). Verbal chat 18:12, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

Locked

Alright, apparently warnings don't get read correctly, so I've locked this for a week in the hopes of some discussion occurring. First, though, let's go over some extremely basic stuff;

• edit summaries are not for discussion. They're for explaining what you're changing or giving insight into what you're doing in an edit (see Help:Edit summary if you'd like extra explanation). Therefore, please don't use them to argue back and forth while reverting.
• edit warring accomplishes nothing. If somebody's made a contested edit that you don't agree with, discuss it. Do not revert. If they're making it in spite of an admin's warning, report it. Don't take it into your own hands to revert.
• 3RR isn't a 'life system'. It isn't like you've got three free reverts to edit-war with without fear of punishment, so don't act like you do.

I hope this makes sense (you can find me on my talk page if you have additional questions). For now, please try to discuss this civilly and without further conflagration. Master of Puppets 04:12, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

When unprotected

Can we change the first sentence to take out the word "true"? If this is an article on a form of an element then it should read like that, like a chemistry article. We need to state very firmly what colloidal silver is. If when it is used in medicine the definition is different then that has to come afterwards. Itsmejudith (talk) 18:10, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

Perhaps it should start Chemically, Colloidal silver is a...? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:15, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

I don't think any qualifier is necessary. Just "Colloidal Silver is..." As itsmejudith pointed out alternate uses of the phrase can come later. Simonm223 (talk) 18:35, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

If we can't find any non-medicinal uses for Colloidal silver to mention, perhaps we should bypass the chemical definition and just link to colloid, which explains the technicalities of a colloidal substance? - ʄɭoʏɗiaɲ  _¢ 18:43, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

The "true" was my addition as I was attempting to clearly distinguish the meaning of "colloid" from the "commercial" alt. med. usage as either an ionic solution, a metal-protein complex or a colloidal suspension of a variety of silver compounds. And, I'll agree that "true" is not the best word choice there. Even if the article ends up containing no "non-medicinal uses", the defining statement needs to clarify this. Vsmith (talk) 19:05, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

I understand your purpose, but it would be better to start off with "colloidal silver is". It is what chemists understand it to be. If old-fashioned pharmacists defined it differently or if alternative medicine practitioners define it differently, then we can explain. The fact remains that "colloid" and "silver" are precise scientific terms, and if it is worth having an article on this topic then the precise scientific terms should be up front. Itsmejudith (talk) 23:14, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

Itsmejudith has a habit of being right on issues like this. People would do well to heed her. Simonm223 (talk) 03:09, 24 October 2009 (UTC)

Itsmejudith, this is something that that VSmith, Floydian, and I brought up previously hereTalk:Colloidal_silver#proposal to end the constant reverting caused by the conflicting interpretation of "colloidal silver", were discussing (cordially), and trying to come to a consensus with no edit warring before these other editors that had never participated before descended and started reverting. I was suggesting that perhaps a disembiguation page might be in order with a link to an article about the chemical colloidal silver, and a link to an article about the more general use colloidal silver preparations used in the past by doctors and now by alternative medicine. Then the new editors started reverting a lot of the article with no discussion and all hell broke loose. stmrlbs|talk 04:27, 24 October 2009 (UTC)

Well, thank you very much Simon. I appreciate your comments too. Stmrlbs, thanks for the explanation. Yes, splitting the article could be a solution (no pun intended). Do we have consensus for it? (she asked innocently). Itsmejudith (talk) 09:50, 24 October 2009 (UTC)

1. Chopra, Ian (February 16, 2007). "The increasing use of silver-based products as antimicrobial agents: a useful development or a cause for concern?". Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 59: 587. doi:10.1093/jac/dkm006. ISSN doi=10.1093/jac/dkm006. {{cite journal}}: Check |issn= value (help); Missing pipe in: |issn= (help)

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