Its first use internally is attributed to Robert A. Chesebrough, who patented it in 1872 for the manufacture of a "new and useful product from petroleum." After Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane, who was then Chief Surgeon of Guy's Hospital, recommended it as a treatment for intestinal stasis and chronic constipation in 1913, liquid paraffin gained more popularity.
Robert A. Chesebrough first employed it internally in 1872, patenting it for the manufacture of a "useful petroleum-derived product." Following Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane's endorsement as Chief Surgeon at Guy's Hospital in 1913, recommending its use to treat intestinal problems, liquid paraffin gained widespread acceptance.