The ideal topical anesthetic agent should have the following properties: (1) rapid onset of effect; (2) high potency, comparable with that of cocaine; (3) low sensitizing potentiality; (4) no irritation; (5) safety, even if absorbed; (6) no cross sensitivity with other local anesthetic agents. Since none of the presently available topical anesthetic preparations meet all of these requirements, the search for one more nearly ideal continues. We have engaged in the clinical evaluation of such preparations in the past and still hopefully examine additional new drugs recommended for topical application to relieve pain and itching. Recently a new and different chemical compound having local anesthetic properties was brought to our attention. This drug, dyclonine, has the formula: 4- n -butoxy-β(1-piperidyl) propiophenone. It is of interest that this compound does not have the traditional ester or amide linkage of local anesthetic agents, but these