Copper complexes of phenols related to salicylic acid were prepared in DMSO and applied to the shaved dorsal skin of rats. The following activities were assayed: (i) suppression of the carrageenan or hydroxylapatite paw oedemas; (ii) reduction of chronic inflammation in established adjuvant arthritis; (iii) local skin toxicity. Cu(II) was an essential component. Some limited structure-activity correlations were made among alternative cupriphores. DMSO solutions of copper complexes were more potent than their solutions in ethanol. Glycerol was a beneficial additive. Reducing the acidity of some copper salicylate formulations also reduced their potency. Niflumic acid and phenylbutazone were effective non-salicylate transcutaneous cupriphores.