Complex sentence: The antiseptic properties of phenol were used by Sir Joseph Lister (1827--1912) in his pioneering technique of antiseptic surgery, although the skin irritation caused by continual exposure to phenol eventually led to the substitution of aseptic (germ-free) techniques in surgery.
Split into simpler sentences: The antiseptic properties of phenol were used by Sir Joseph Lister (1827--1912) in his pioneering technique of antiseptic surgery. The skin irritation caused by continual exposure to phenol eventually led to the substitution of aseptic (germ-free) techniques in surgery.