The term Aniline Dyes refers to synthetic dyes in dozens of shades, all made from aniline from coal tar. Aniline dyes were first discovered in 1856, by the English chemist William Henry Perkin while he was trying to synthesize the drug quinine from coal tar. The first aniline dye was deep purple and was known in France as mauveine became a huge commercial success. Aniline dyes produce brilliant colors that work well with fibers like silk. These are now generally considered obsolete and are not used in textiles because of poor colorfastness.