path: root/78809-0.txt

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78809 ***


  Transcriber’s Notes

  Text between _undrscores_ represents text printed in italics in
  the source document. Small capitals have been transcribed as ALL
  CAPITALS. Text between hash marks (#) represents a note printed
  in the margin.

  Volume I of this text is available at Project Gutenberg as well.

  More Transcriber’s Notes may be found at the end of this text.




  MORE
  SECRET REMEDIES.

  WHAT THEY COST & WHAT THEY CONTAIN.
  BASED ON ANALYSES MADE FOR THE
  BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

  SECRET REMEDIES--SECOND SERIES.

  LONDON:
  BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,
  429, STRAND, W.C.
  1912.
  COPYRIGHT.




TABLE OF CONTENTS.


                                                                    PAGE

  CHAPTER     I.--Remedies for Rheumatism, Gout and Neuralgia          1

    „        II.--Preparations for Eczema and other Skin Affections   30

    „       III.--Nerve Tonics and “Elixirs of Life”                  44

    „        IV.--Medicines for Coughs, Consumption, Catarrh etc.     71

    „         V.--Medicines for Indigestion, Constipation, etc.       87

    „        VI.--Kidney Medicines                                   102

    „       VII.--Obesity Cures, and a “Flesh Producer”              112

    „      VIII.--Medicines for Alcoholism and for the Tobacco Habit 128

    „        IX.--Soothing Syrups for Infants                        147

    „         X.--Medicines for Epilepsy                             152

    „        XI.--The “Tremol Treatment” for Bad Legs                167

    „       XII.--The “Crimson Cross Remedies”                       178

    „      XIII.--Medicines for Amenorrhœa, etc.                     184

    „       XIV.--Wallace’s Specific Remedies--“An Absolute System
                  of Medicine”                                       210

    „        XV.--Preparations for the Hair                          222

    „       XVI.--Some Miscellaneous Medicines                       231

    „      XVII.--Unqualified Practice through the Post              241

    „     XVIII.--The Advertising of Proprietary Medicines           252

    „       XIX.--The “Expert” behind the Proprietary Medicine       256

    „        XX.--Some Echoes of Volume I.                           259

  INDEX                                                              265




PREFACE.


The publication by the British Medical Association--under the title
“Secret Remedies: What they Cost and What they Contain”--of the
results of a series of analyses of some of the most advertised of the
many proprietary medicines put forward for the cure of disease, has
perhaps done more than anything else to open the eyes of the public,
the authorities, and the Legislature to the true facts in regard to
the nature of such articles and of the enormous traffic that goes
on in them. At the time of the publication of this second volume, a
public inquiry into the matter by a Parliamentary Committee has just
been opened, with a view to deciding on what alterations of the law
are necessary or desirable. The present state of the law in regard
to the matter, and of its administration, undoubtedly leave room for
much amendment. But the surest enemy of quackery in this department
is increased publicity in regard to the facts, and the recognition by
the public of the great disparity that exists in many cases between
the actual composition of many nostrums on the one hand, and the
extravagant claims that are made for their curative powers on the
other. As a further contribution to a general enlightenment on the
subject, the British Medical Association publishes in the present
volume the results of a further series of analyses of proprietary
medicines which have been carried out for the purpose, together with
extracts from the statements of the proprietors of the medicines. The
number of those at present existing is so vast that it is only possible
to deal with comparatively a few, and these have been selected, as a
rule, as being some of the most widely advertised or the most largely
sold.

It will be recognised at once that there is a very wide variation in
the degree of exaggeration in the claims put forward. In a few cases--a
small minority--the advertisements appear to consist of very little but
an indication of the disorders for which the medicine is recommended.
At the other end of the scale there are nostrums put forward with the
greatest assurance for even the most serious disorders, including
consumption, smallpox, cancer, etc., etc., and in many cases one and
the same article is asserted to be a cure for almost every disease to
which the human body is liable. As a rule, the more extravagant the
claims made, the more surely does the composition of the article, as
revealed by analysis, show it to be of little or no value, if not even
harmful, for the diseases named. Between these extremes, of the modest
proprietary medicine--more or less of the nature of a harmless domestic
medicine--on the one hand, and the most fraudulent quackery on the
other, are to be found all gradations. The medicines described in this
book have not been chosen as inclining more in one direction than the
other, but include the various grades. From the facts stated the reader
will be able to draw his own conclusions; it has not been necessary, as
a rule, to express opinions on the articles described, a juxtaposition
of the claims made and the facts shown by analysis being sufficient.

The analyses here published have been made with the greatest care
during the last few years. Since it is open to the maker of a
proprietary medicine to alter its composition at any time without
warning (and very great alterations have been proved in some cases),
it is, of course, possible that some of those described may have been
altered since the analyses were made, though there is no reason to
suppose that such has been the case. It is desirable to repeat here
the caution that was expressed in the first volume: most of the active
substances employed in medicine can be detected with certainty, even
in complex mixtures, by sufficiently painstaking work on the part
of the analyst; but this is not the case with preparations of some
organic drugs, usually of vegetable origin, that have never been fully
investigated, and especially with mixtures of the extracts of several
vegetable drugs; in such cases analysis can only give approximate
results, and constituents having no well-defined characters may
escape detection. Since the maker of a secret medicine is in no wise
limited to the Pharmacopœia or to drugs in ordinary use, but may
employ, for example, a mixture of extracts of a dozen plants, none
of which possesses any medicinal virtue or is recognised as a drug,
it is no matter for surprise if all the constituents of a nostrum
cannot be named as the result of analysis. But if it is remembered
that the _active_ ingredients of most substances having medicinal
properties possess well-defined characters by means of which they can
be identified, it will be seen that the limitations of the powers of
analysis here referred to are of comparatively little importance in
regard to exposing the _essential_ nature of a given medicine, or
substance put forward as such.

The figures given in this book as the “estimated cost of ingredients”
of the various articles refer only to the ingredients, the cost prices
being taken from a wholesale druggist’s list; nothing is allowed for
the cost of making up the ingredients into the form in which they
are sold, or for bottles, boxes, packages, etc. Where the results of
analysis are not sufficiently definite for the cost of ingredients to
be estimated with reasonable fairness, the figure is omitted.

Dr. F. Zernik, of Berlin, has continued the publication in the
_Deutsche Medicinische Wochenschrift_ of the results of his analyses
of various nostrums sold in Germany, and some of his results are here
included.




MORE

SECRET REMEDIES.

WHAT THEY COST AND WHAT THEY CONTAIN.




CHAPTER I.

REMEDIES FOR GOUT, RHEUMATISM, AND NEURALGIA.


  The medicines described in this chapter include some of those most
  widely advertised for the treatment of these complaints. They show a
  great variety in the methods of treating them, including as they do
  powders, pills, tablets, drops, and mixtures to be taken; liniments
  to be applied externally (one of these being also taken internally),
  paint, ointment, and plasters to be stuck on to the soles of the
  feet. The medicaments employed also vary much, but for the most part
  consist of articles in common use. The advertisements are in several
  respects instructive; for example, there is undoubtedly a prejudice
  among the more ignorant section of the public in favour of drugs
  coming from other and less civilised countries where they have been
  discovered by “natives,” or introduced in some other way than through
  careful experimenting, and some of the statements made are clearly
  intended to turn such prejudices to account. Thus in one case it is
  stated that the discoverer “went back to the heart of Nature in an
  endeavour to wrest from it the secret of an ideal liniment. In the
  course of his searches he was favourably impressed with the healing
  properties of many herbs used by native tribes,” etc.; in another,
  “this wonderful preparation is the discovery of a Hindu doctor in the
  Himalayan Mountains.” In their varied forms of appeals to “Nature”
  some of the advertisers do not hesitate to ascribe high intelligence
  to the medicines or to parts of the body other than the brain.
  Thus one states that “No one can reasonably deny an instinctive
  knowledge and a physical power exerted in the stomach by a conscious
  principle which selects and rejects, and which in its natural purity
  may be ranked as a nerve of sense”; another that “Immediately the
  liniment has been applied it sets out upon its message of discovery
  and healing, travelling with lightning rapidity to the seat of the
  trouble”; yet another calls his preparation “A subtle extract from
  the vegetable kingdom, the hidden fire or life of plants and flowers,
  the ‘Quintessence of Life.’”

  Among these articles, as in most other groups of nostrums, the
  claims made by rival proprietors are mutually exclusive; those dealt
  with in this chapter include the following: “Greatest and latest
  discovery in medicine ... there is nothing known in medicine which
  will compare with it”; “the only efficient remedy ever discovered
  for these disorders”; “the finest cure for these complaints,” curing
  “when all other remedies fail”; “we guarantee magic foot drafts to
  cure any case of rheumatism”; “it is the one remedy that achieves a
  complete and permanent cure”; “the most effective scientific remedy.”
  Obviously, such claims cannot all be true.

  Most advertisers of proprietary medicines seem unable to resist
  dragging in references to the medical profession into their
  advertisements. There are two principal ways in which this is done:
  the one is to claim to be receiving the support and recommendations
  of medical men, and the other is to vilify and slander them as rogues
  and fools, or both. These two methods are both illustrated here; the
  former includes “highly endorsed by the leading medical profession”
  and “physicians are already using them in their regular practice,
  and recommending them”; the latter is exemplified by “certain
  medical men have done their best by tongue and pen to persuade the
  public that Box’s Golden Fire is poisonous.... Those who raise the
  cry of ‘poison’ are wholesale traffickers in the same--it is their
  stock-in-trade; poisons bring grist to their mills, while the poor
  victims who swallow them perish by thousands.” It is hardly necessary
  to remark that statements of the former kind are as a rule just as
  baseless as those of the latter.

  One preparation described below--Bengué’s Balsam--cannot be properly
  described as a “secret remedy,” since the principal constituents are
  mentioned on the label; seeing, however, that it is advertised in
  somewhat the same way as others, it is useful to include it here.


DR. HOFFMAN’S RHEUMATIC POWDERS.

These powders are supplied by “The International Chemical Co.,” from an
address in London. They are advertised in the following terms:

  Greatest and latest discovery in medicine.

  Dr. Hoffman’s Celebrated Rheumatic Powders.

  Great German Rheumatic Cure.

  Will cure permanently all forms of Rheumatism, Gout, Neuralgia,
  Sciatica, Excess of Uric Acid, etc.

  Highly endorsed by the leading Medical Profession, Analytical and
  Consulting Chemists, and general public in all parts of the world.
  Contain absolutely no injurious drugs, poison, or any kind of
  Narcotic. Its manufacture is based on scientific principles.

  Relief is felt after the First Dose.

  There is nothing known in medicine which will compare with it.

A circular enclosed in the package contained statements similar to the
above, accompanied by a so-called “analysis” in the following terms:

  I hereby certify that “Dr. Hoffman’s Rheumatic Powders” have been
  tested in these laboratories, the data obtained being of a most
  satisfactory character, and indicating them to be judicious and
  skilful preparations that are well suited for the purposes for which
  they are designed. They are valuable powders for rheumatism, gout,
  and kindred complaints. These powders are free from narcotics,
  poisons, or undesirable constituents, but are powerful uric acid
  solvents. I consider them to be perfectly safe, reliable, and
  effective medicines.

This recommendation, or testimonial, bears the name of an individual
who has made himself conspicuous by giving such puffs under the guise
of analyses; his name is followed by a long paragraph setting forth
his title to speak with authority, commencing with “Ph.D.,” and
concluding with “Ph.D., etc.,” but with no mention of the university
which conferred this duplicate degree. Such distinctions as “author
of ... ‘The Physiology of the Invertebrate,’ ‘Respiratory Proteids,’
etc.... Analytical Chemist, Assayer and Chemical Engineer, Consulting
Chemist, and Expert Adviser to Foreign Governments, Corporations,
Collieries, Companies, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Manufacturers;
... Bacteriological and Agricultural Expert,” are no doubt intended
to display his ability to pronounce with authority on the merits of
powders for rheumatism or on any other subject whatever.

The powders are supplied in boxes at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. A 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. box was found to contain 12 powders. The directions are:

  Take one powder every three or four hours; place on the tongue, and
  wash it down with a draught of water.

It would appear that the amount taken at one time is not regarded as
of great importance, as the powders in one box varied in weight from
11.3 to 20.8 grains, the average of the 12 being 15.8 grains. Analysis
showed the powder to have the following composition:

  Acetyl-salicylic acid  66.4 per cent.
  Phenacetin             11.4    „
  Caffeine                1.3    „
  Sugar                  20.1    „
  Moisture                0.8    „

Acetyl-salicylic acid is also known by the shortened name of the B.P.
Codex, acetosalic acid, and by the trade names Aspirin, Xaxa, etc. The
estimated cost of the materials for 12 powders is 1d.


EADE’S GOUT AND RHEUMATIC PILLS.

These pills are supplied by a firm in London. In an advertisement it is
stated that they

  instantly relieve and rapidly cure the worst form of gout,
  rheumatism, rheumatic gout, pains in the head, face, and limbs.

The extracts which follow are from a circular enclosed in the package
with the pills:

  They are specially recommended to the afflicted, with confidence
  arising from experience, as one of the valuable results of the
  improved state of medical science, and the only efficient remedy
  ever discovered for these disorders.

  The never-failing effects of Eade’s Gout and Rheumatic Pills in
  curing these distressingly painful diseases have secured to them a
  celebrity unequalled by any medicine of past or present times. They
  not only give relief in a few hours where the patient has been driven
  to madness by the horrible, excruciating tortures of this disease,
  but restore to perfect health in an inconceivably short space of
  time--in most cases giving relief from the intolerable pain in one or
  two hours; one bottle will frequently carry off the attack in two or
  three days, even when the patient has kept his bed for as many weeks,
  and sometimes months.

  These Pills have repeatedly succeeded after all the usual internal
  and external remedies have failed; and it is their peculiar property
  that the first dose completely arrests the frequent tendency of those
  diseases to attack some vital part while, if attacked, the symptoms
  are immediately and effectually removed.

The pills are supplied in bottles at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d.; a 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. bottle was found to contain 18 pills, and a 2s. 9d. bottle 60
pills. The directions are: “Take one pill three times a day, and two
at bedtime; for delicate females and weak persons, one pill night and
morning.”

The pills were not coated, as ordinarily understood, but had a thin
irregular layer of adherent powder, which proved to be carbonate of
magnesia; the average weight of one pill was 5.4 grains. Analysis
showed the presence of aloes, powdered colchicum corm, and extractive,
with cane sugar, glucose, gum and dextrin, various characters
indicating that the sugars were added in the form of treacle; the
amount of colchicine was determined (and the alkaloid identified) and
was found to be considerably more than would be proper to the amount of
corm present, and this fact and the presence of an extract pointed to
extract of colchicum being present as well as the corm. The amounts of
the different constituents were determined as accurately as possible;
the amount of aloes, not being determinable with any exactness, was
arrived at by comparing the pills by various tests with a mass of known
composition. The formula was found to be approximately as follows:

  Barbadoes aloes          10 per cent.
  Extract of colchicum     18    „
  Powdered colchicum corm  35    „
  Treacle                  27    „
  Gum and dextrin          10    „

Estimated cost of materials for 18 pills, ³⁄₄d.; for 60 pills, 2¹⁄₂d.


URICURA DROPS AND LINIMENT.

These preparations, also known as Hammond’s Specifics, are made by a
firm in Glamorganshire. An advertisement inquires:

  Have you tried to eliminate the cause of Rheumatism, Gout, Lumbago,
  and Sciatica? Uricura Drops will do this for you, being the finest
  cure for these complaints.

The price of each is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. A bottle of the drops contained half a
fluid ounce, and of the liniment 4 fluid ounces. On the package of the
former appears:

  N.B.--In conjunction with the drops it is strongly recommended to use
  Uricura Liniment.

And on the package of the liniment:

  _N.B._--It is strongly recommended that for Rheumatism, Lumbago, and
  Sciatica, Uricura Drops be taken in conjunction with the Liniment.

In a circular enclosed in each package it is stated that:

  “Uricura” Liniment and Drops (Hammond’s Specifics) Cure Rheumatism,
  Gout, Sciatica, Lumbago and Neuralgia When All other Remedies fail.

  These invaluable preparations have permanently cured many bad cases
  of from One to Twenty Years’ standing. They give immediate relief,
  and effect a Cure quickly if Regularly and Persistently used as
  directed....

  For Colds in the Chest, Sore Throat, and Swollen Glands, nothing
  better than the Liniment can be used.

  Athletes and others will find the Liniment a most efficacious remedy
  for Sprains, Bruises, Stiffness and Cramp. It has been used with
  remarkable results by leading Football Players.

_Uricura Drops._--The directions are:

  Dose.--Four Drops on sugar, night and morning. Increase two drops
  each day up to 10, and then reduce two drops each day.

Analysis showed the liquid to contain oil of turpentine, terebene, and
oil of amber; no other ingredient could be detected. The proportions
of the constituents were ascertained as nearly as possible by
analytical methods and checked by comparison with made-up mixtures. The
approximate formula arrived at was:

  Oil of amber        5   per cent.
  Terebene           47.5    „
  Oil of turpentine  47.5    „

Estimated cost of ingredients of half a fluid ounce, ¹⁄₃d.

_Uricura Liniment._--The directions are:

  To be gently rubbed in for 10 to 15 minutes, night and morning.

The liniment consisted of a partly separated emulsion, which was
found to contain oil of turpentine, acetic acid, ammonia, alcohol,
egg-substance (as emulsifying agent), and water; a trace (under
0.01 per cent.) of alkaloid was found, but this did not possess any
properties by which it could be identified, and may have consisted
of bases derived from the egg. The acetic acid and ammonia of course
combine, but the former was in excess and the liniment moderately
acid, about one-fourth of the acetic acid being in the free state.
The quantities of the different ingredients were determined (the
egg-substance only approximately) and the formula arrived at was as
follows:

  Oil of turpentine            42    parts (by measure)
  Acetic acid (_B.P._)         10      „       „
  Strong solution of ammonia    2.3    „       „
  Alcohol                       9.0    „       „
  Egg-substance                 2.0    „       „
  Alkaloid (?)                  0.01   „       „
  Water, to                   100      „       „

In estimating the cost of ingredients, the alkaloid is neglected; if
the alcohol present were added in the form of rectified spirit, the
cost of the ingredients for 4 fluid ounces would be about 1¹⁄₂d.; but
if, as is more likely, “non-mineralised methylated spirit” were used,
the different odour and other characters would be covered by the other
ingredients, and the cost would be about ³⁄₄d.


CHAMELEON OIL.

This is made by a limited company giving an address in London. It is
advertised as “The Only Perfect Liniment,” but the directions show that
it is intended to be taken internally as well as applied externally.
Besides being recommended for human patients, it is described as “The
Best Veterinary Medicine Known.”

It is stated on the package that:

  Chamelion Oil Relieves and cures Rheumatism, Sciatica, Lumbago,
  Neuritis, Neuralgia, Toothache, Headache, Earache, Backache, Colds,
  Sore Throats, Sprains and Strains, Stiff and Swollen Joints,
  Chilblains, Chapped Hands, Insect Bites, etc., etc.

A pamphlet enclosed in the package gives further particulars;
paragraphs headed “The Story of its Birth” and “Discovery of an Ideal
Liniment” do not actually give much information, but the references to
the heart of Nature and herbs used by native tribes seem to indicate
a method of discovery common to a very large number of nostrums. The
following are extracts from these paragraphs:

  When a Roman Scholar coined the word “Liniment” which, literally
  translated, means “to anoint” he had in mind the germ idea of what
  a perfect liniment should be. In his day the physician anointed
  his patient with a healing balm which had the magical effect of
  curing muscular trouble without the aid of that tiresome modern
  invention--massage. Such a thing was totally unnecessary with Romans,
  who possessed a supreme knowledge of the curative action of simple
  herbs upon the human frame.... But the priceless secret of that
  painless balm was lost, and so it happens, at the present day, when
  an embrocation or a liniment is mentioned one instantly conceives of
  some crude preparation which must be rubbed into the skin violently.

  ... It was left to Dr. Chas. F. Roberts to bring the word back to
  its original meaning, as being an ointment whose sole method of
  action would consist of simply anointing the affected part, and thus
  painlessly effecting the cure. The task he had set himself was to
  produce an external application which, to the two other virtues of
  being “soothing and pain-killing,” should add a third, and the most
  important of all, “a healing power.” As an advanced medical man he
  realised that the ideal of the healing art should be to relieve
  human pain by natural means. And so like the ancient physician, he
  went back to the heart of Nature in an endeavour to wrest from it
  the secret of an ideal liniment. In the course of his searches he
  was favourably impressed with the healing properties of many herbs
  used by native tribes, because being a rational person he believed,
  like the late Rev. Charles Spurgeon, that there was a deal to be
  gained from the use of “Sanctified commonsense,” which, after all,
  is the sum of a man’s own tried and trusted experience. Armed with
  this knowledge, which he further tested by very careful laboratory
  research, his industry was at length rewarded in finding a perfect
  liniment with the treble merit of being “healing, soothing, and
  pain-killing,” the result of which is embodied in Chameleon Oil
  Liniment.

  The action of Chameleon Oil is simplicity itself. Immediately the
  Liniment has been applied it sets out upon its message of discovery
  and healing, travelling with lightning rapidity to the seat of
  the trouble. This found, it restores to the affected part all
  that pristine freshness which pain and suffering has caused it to
  lose, quickens the action of the blood, and renews the patient’s
  vitality.... The principle of Chameleon Oil Liniment may be summed up
  in a few words--it releases those healing powers which nature itself
  has set in the human body in order to overcome the constant wastage
  and ravages of disease.

The general directions are:

  Shake the bottle thoroughly until the contents become cream coloured.
  Rub the Oil gently into the affected part (use plenty of the Oil)
  until the pores of the skin refuse to take any more and sweating
  begins; then cover with a layer of wool, flannel, or other porous
  material, and fix with a bandage. FOR STRONGER EFFECT, wash affected
  part with hot water and apply Oil as above after drying. FOR VERY
  POWERFUL EFFECT, wash first with very hot water, apply Oil as above
  after drying, and bandage with flannel or absorbent cotton wool
  soaked in the Oil or solution of it. Keep on bandage as long as
  possible; note that if kept on too long it will raise a blister.

Special directions are given for its use in various complaints. The
following will serve as a sample:

  FOR COUGHS AND COLDS. FOR COLD ON THE CHEST.--Rub the throat, chest,
  and the back between the shoulder blades thoroughly with the Oil,
  and while the skin is still moist apply a fold of warm flannel; take
  15 to 20 drops of the Oil in a little sweetened water, or gruel, at
  bedtime. FOR CATARRH OR COLD IN THE HEAD.--Mix one part of the Oil
  with eight parts of warm water, gargle the throat, inhale the fumes
  up the nostrils, and a few applications will cure. FOR CONTINUED
  COLDS.--Rub the chest thoroughly every night with the Oil, and cover
  with a piece of flannel. Take 15 drops of the Oil in a wineglassful
  of water three times a day between meals.

A 1s. 1d. bottle which was examined contained 3 fluid ounces, and a 2s.
9d. bottle 9¹⁄₄ fluid ounces. The liquid in the two bottles differed in
composition; it consisted of an oily and an aqueous layer, these being
in the ratio of 1 to 1.66 in the one case and 1 to 2 in the other. The
figures given on the next page refer to the mean composition of the two.

The oily layer consisted of a mixture of essential oils; this
was submitted to fractional distillation, and the following were
recognised: Oils of turpentine, camphor, mustard, spearmint, pimento,
and cassia (or cinnamon). The aqueous layer contained some alcohol,
free ammonia in considerable quantity, and a resin in combination with
ammonia as a soluble resinate; some of the resin was extracted and
examined, but its characters did not agree with those of any single
resin in ordinary use; various mixtures were made and compared with
it, but complete agreement in all characters was not arrived at, and
it is not possible to speak positively as to the nature of the resins
present. By making a mixture of balsam of tolu (4 parts) and storax
(1 part), boiling with ammonia, and filtering from the undissolved
portion, a solution of ammonium resinates was obtained which agreed
fairly well with that present in the Chameleon oil.

The amounts of all the other constituents were determined with as much
exactness as is possible with such a mixture, and the following formula
was arrived at:

  Essential oil of mustard      0.75 part by measure
  Essential oil of spearmint    0.45    „      „
  Essential oil of pimento      1.5  parts by measure
  Essential oil of cassia       1.5     „      „
  Essential oil of camphor     15.0     „      „
  Oil of turpentine            15.0     „      „
  Alcohol (90 per cent.)        7.3     „      „
  Strong solution of ammonia    8.0     „      „
  Resins (as above)             1.6     „      „
  Water, to                   100.0     „      „

A mixture prepared by this formula agreed in physical and chemical
properties with the original, except in regard to some minor characters
of the resins.

Assuming the resins to be of the nature indicated, the estimated cost
of the ingredients for 3 fluid ounces is 3¹⁄₁₀ pence if rectified
spirit were used, and about 2¹⁄₂d. if non-mineralised methylated spirit
were used.


LEVASCO.

The address given on the package of this article is merely “Levasco
Depôt, Dover”; it is described as “The Great Indian Gout and Rheumatic
Cure.”

The following extracts are from a pamphlet contained in the package:

  Levasco.--This wonderful preparation is the discovery of a Hindu
  Doctor in the Himalayan Mountains, and if you but give it a trial you
  will find yourself Quickly freed from pain and anguish.

  Levasco is for outward application only, is not an oil, and requires
  no rubbing, it can be conveniently used at any time. Two or three
  applications daily Cures the most Chronic cases....

  Levasco is not being advertised altogether as a business venture, but
  partly from extreme gratitude of one who for many years was a great
  sufferer.

  Levasco has an exhilarating effect on every nerve and muscle similar
  to a soothing electric current, which diffuses a gentle warmth, goes
  direct to the pain centres, and gives immediate relief.

  Levasco penetrates the skin, breaks up the Uric Acid, causing the
  blood to flow freely, the pain then ceases.

  Levasco will effect a permanent Cure after years of suffering if the
  directions are followed and persevered with....

  Levasco has a pleasant and invigorating odour, the relief is
  marvellous. Sufferers will sometimes resort to ordinary remedies, and
  the continual pouring of drugs into an already weakened system will
  snap the vitality, and cause their lives to become a misery, which
  brings habitual users to an early grave.

  Gout cured in a few hours--Apply Levasco upon the affected parts....
  The first application will give immediate relief. After a few hours’
  treatment--during which time Levasco should be applied as often as
  possible--your Gout will have entirely disappeared.

  Levasco applied freely will cure Lumbago or Sciatica in one night.

  _Neuritis._--Levasco rubbed upon the affected part gives immediate
  relief, and after three or four applications the pain will be
  gone, but do not cease using to effect the cure. You must continue
  to use for a week or two--two or three times daily, or when the
  pain is felt. This is a most difficult complaint to cure, and some
  great authorities say it is incurable, but we have evidence where
  perseverance and regular use of Levasco has effected the cure.

  No athlete should be without a bottle of Levasco. A little rubbed
  on the limbs previous to and after any extra exertion ensures your
  fitness for the next event.

  Headache Cured in a few minutes.

  Earache Cured in 2 minutes.

  Toothache Cured in 2 minutes.

  Great care should be taken that Levasco is not applied to wounds,
  cuts, or embrasures (_sic_).

A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle was found to hold rather less than 1 fluid
ounce. Analysis showed the presence of oleo-resin of capsicum, oils
of rosemary and lavender, camphor, alcohol, and what appeared to be
a trace of soap. The quantities of the different ingredients were
determined as exactly as possible, and the results indicated the
following formula, and a mixture prepared in accordance with it was
practically indistinguishable from the original:

  Oleo-resin of capsicum      3  grains
  Camphor                     6    „
  Oil of lavender             3  minims
  Oil of rosemary             4    „
  Soap                       ¹⁄₈ grain
  Alcohol (90 per cent.) to   1  fluid ounce

Estimated cost of ingredients, ¹⁄₂d. if methylated spirit were used;
about 2¹⁄₂d. if made with rectified spirit.


DYXOL.

This preparation is supplied by a firm in a small town near London. It
is stated on the package that:

  Dyxol cures Neuralgia, Toothache, Cold in the Head, Headache,
  Stiff-neck, Lumbago, Rheumatism, etc., etc.

Further particulars are given in a circular enclosed with the bottle,
from which the following extracts are taken:

  This is a simple Preparation of great value for the removal of all
  kinds of Pains. Most of these are caused by Congestion of the Blood
  in certain parts of the body. Relieve this Congestion and you drive
  away the Pain.

  Dyxol has the power, above all other known preparations, of almost
  instantly dispersing congested blood. Its efficacy in this direction
  can be easily demonstrated. Rub one drop of Dyxol on the face, when,
  in less than one minute, the spot will temporarily redden through the
  flow of blood to the surface.

In another advertisement the following statements occur:

  Simply rub on or inhale Dyxol according to directions, and neuralgia
  vanishes like magic. Muscular Rheumatism is speedily relieved by
  rubbing in a little Dyxol. Dyxol quickly removes the most obstinate
  cold in the head and on the chest, and it is an excellent remedy for
  Headache, Toothache, and Earache. Dyxol inhaled prevents influenza.

A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle contained 2 fluid drachms. The general directions
are:

  No rubbing is necessary. Apply one or two drops to the part affected.
  When using, fan away the vapour which arises. This will prevent
  discomfort to the eyes. To produce a milder action add a small
  quantity of Dyxol to an equal quantity of pure Olive Oil.

Analysis showed the principal constituent to be volatile oil of
mustard, others being oils of pimento and nutmeg, liquid paraffin
(heavy and light), and a fixed oil; the latter appeared to be
cottonseed oil, but the quantity was too small for positive
identification. The results of quantitative analysis indicated the
following formula, and a mixture prepared in accordance with it was
practically indistinguishable from the original:

  Essential oil of mustard  20 per cent. by volume.
  Essential oil of nutmeg   20    „          „
  Essential oil of pimento   4    „          „
  Cottonseed oil             6    „          „
  Liquid paraffin, yellow   17    „          „
  Kerosene                  33    „          „

Estimated cost of ingredients for ¹⁄₄ oz., 2d.


POND’S ARTHRITICUS.

This preparation is supplied by a firm in London. It is stated on the
label that it

  cures Gout, Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, Lumbago, Sciatica, and
  all Rheumatic Affections.... It contains no drugs, no colchicum.
  Arthriticus neutralises all Gouty and Rheumatic Acidity in the
  Stomach, Liver and Bowels; removes the offending matter from the
  System, the Blood is purified, the Liver and Kidneys are relieved,
  the Joints become supple, and there is a general freedom from pain.
  The Skin, participating in the improvement, loses any Gouty Eczema
  which may exist, and assumes a healthy appearance.

A pamphlet enclosed in the package bears the title:

  Gout and Goutiness. Their cause, treatment, cure, and prevention. By
  Geo. P. Pond, M.P.S., Surgeon-Chiropodist. In practice since 1857.

The degree of enlightenment to be obtained from this treatise may be
judged from the following extracts:

  No food or drink is gouty; yet, no alcoholic drink can be said to be
  good for gout; that is, anti-gout; it is the quantity and quality
  which are so....

  No one can reasonably deny an instinctive knowledge and a physical
  power exerted in the stomach by a conscious principle which selects
  and rejects, and which in its natural purity may be ranked as a nerve
  of sense....

  Air, again, is as necessary with every mouthful in the process of
  digestion as the gastric juice itself; it mixes with the saliva which
  pours out of four different glands of different kinds and forms a
  powerful solvent for the food....

  Water, like air, is nourishing....

  Cold is death, warmth is life. Cold is, perhaps, the greatest cause
  of disease.... Of all supposed remedies to strengthen the body, cold
  baths in cold weather are the most dangerous.

Several other preparations from the same maker are recommended in the
pamphlet.

The price of “Arthriticus” is 2s. 6d. per package; this was found
to contain a bottle holding nearly 13 fluid ounces of liquid and 16
powders. The directions are:

  One of the Powders to be taken with every dose, mixed thus: In a
  tumbler pour a wineglassful of water, mix with it a sixteenth part of
  the Arthriticus, then add one of the Powders and drink immediately,
  while effervescing.

It is ordered to be taken night and morning for gravel and affections
of the kidneys and bladder, and all abnormal conditions of the urine;
twice or thrice daily for rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, etc.; and
similarly in other cases.

The powders varied in weight from 10.9 grains to 17.4 grains, the
average being 14.2 grains; they consisted of tartaric acid. Analysis
showed the mixture to have the following composition:

                                          In one dose,
                                         approximately.
  Lithium citrate            1.4 parts     5.0 grains
  Potassium citrate          0.9 part      3.0   „
  Sodium citrate             0.2   „       0.7 grain
  Sodium salicylate          1.5 parts     5.3 grains
  Potassium bromide          1.6   „       5.6   „
  Potassium bicarbonate      8.0   „      28.0   „
  Glycerine                  5.1   „      18.0   „
  Chloroform water, about   10     „   by measure
  Water, to                100     „        „

On mixing a dose of the liquid with one powder, the resulting draught
would be alkaline even with the heaviest powder; the alkalinity would
of course be greater when the lighter powders were used.

Estimated cost of ingredients for mixture and powders, 2¹⁄₂d.


MAGIC FOOT DRAFTS.

This is the name by which plasters, to be applied to the soles of the
feet for the cure of rheumatism, are supplied by the Magic Foot Draft
Company, London, the price being 4s. 6d. per pair. In addition to the
numerous advertisements of the article by name, others have appeared
recently, offering in the name of R. A. Oliver to send “my Celebrated
External Treatment [for Rheumatism] ... to try free” to anyone sending
his name and address. On sending a name and address a pair of the “Foot
Drafts” was received (differing from those sold in the ordinary way by
bearing no revenue stamp), together with a long letter and a printed
sheet of testimonials. The letter states:

  the Drafts cannot be purchased for less than 4s. 6d. per pair
  anywhere, and you can see that we could not afford to send them on
  approval if they did not really cure.

  To introduce our great discovery most favourably to you, and through
  you to your friends, we are going to make this extraordinary
  inducement: Give this pair of Drafts a careful trial; if the results
  give you faith in our wonderful absorption method, as they must, we
  shall be pleased to send you three more pairs of our Foot Drafts on
  receipt of 11s., and as we make no charge for the first pair to all
  those who accept this offer, this will make four pairs (18s. worth)
  of Magic Foot Drafts for only 11s.... We have found by careful study
  of this disease, based on years of experience, that this number of
  Drafts will effect a cure in nine out of ten patients, because it
  nearly always takes all the power of the first two pairs to open up
  the clogged pores and start the removal of all poisonous acid urates.
  It is the third and fourth pair that invariably bring that sense of
  relief and freedom from pain that every poor sufferer is looking for.

This was followed at short intervals by other letters pressing for
money to be sent. In the second it is stated:

  We take a sincere interest in your case [no case had been even
  mentioned in sending for the “cure”], and we are going to cure you.
  Now that the cure has been started, every day’s delay makes it more
  difficult for the Drafts to do their work, and we trust that we shall
  hear from you by return post.

From the third letter:

  We prefer to think that the promise you made us two weeks ago has
  escaped your memory.

[Of course no sort of promise had been made.]

From the fourth:

  We think that we are justified in asking to hear from you, for we
  have spent some considerable time and money in your case; frankly,
  because we were interested in it.... According to our terms, which
  you accepted when writing for the first pair of Drafts, we must have
  by return either 4s. 6d. (for which another pair of drafts will be
  sent) or your statement on honour that you received no benefit.... We
  guarantee to cure you.

The letters quoted freely from alleged testimonials, and further
printed sheets of these were also sent. On one of these is printed in
large capitals: “We guarantee Magic Foot Drafts to cure any case of
rheumatism!”

Curious discrepancies are shown by some of the testimonials. Thus in
the advertisement, referred to above, in which the name “Foot Drafts”
is carefully avoided, we read:

  A marvellous cure has been effected in the case of Mr. James Bodman,
  8, The Mount, Frome. Mr. Bodman writes: “I have suffered from
  Rheumatism for the past seven years, and was almost a hopeless wreck.
  I tried all sorts of remedies and doctors, but to no avail, and was
  sinking fast when I tried your treatment. I am glad to say that it
  has cured all my sufferings, and I have had no aches or pains since.
  I may add that I am 72 years old, and feel as supple in my joints as
  a young man.”

The following is printed on one of the sheets mentioned above:

    8, The Mount, Frome,
    1st Feb., /09.

    The Magic Foot Draft Co.,
    Shoe Lane, E.C.

  Dear Sir,--I received your letter of recent date, and am pleased
  to give you the following account of my case of Rheumatism. I have
  suffered from this complaint for the past seven years, and was almost
  a hopeless wreck. I could neither dress nor undress without help. I
  could get no rest in bed or up, and my life was a perfect misery. I
  tried all sorts of remedies, too numerous to mention, which did not
  give me the least comfort. I also saw a doctor, who stated that he
  could not cure me. He, however, gave me something to relieve the pain
  for a couple of nights, but then I became even worse than before. At
  last I gave up all hopes of ever getting better; in fact, I felt I
  was fast sinking, until a kind friend called to inquire after me. She
  said it grieved her to see me walk about such a pitiful sight, and
  asked if I would try Magic Foot Drafts, as she had received such good
  results from them. I consented, and she wrote to you for me. I only
  used three pairs, which cured me of all my sufferings, and I have had
  no aches or pains or any other complaint since. I may add that I am
  in my 72nd year, and feel as lissom in all my joints as a young man.
  I cannot estimate the value of your Magic Foot Drafts to sufferers
  from Rheumatism. I have highly recommended them to several sufferers
  since my cure. I scarcely ever go out without someone asking me how I
  got so well. It makes me feel almost like an agent of the Magic Foot
  Draft Co. Please send me another of your books, so that I may bring
  your treatment more directly before my friends and acquaintances.
  Again thanking you,

    I remain, yours faithfully,
    JAMES BODMAN.

Yet again, in one of the letters from the Magic Foot Draft Co., already
quoted from, dated “June 2nd/10,” it is stated that:

  Mr. James Bodman, of 8, The Mount, Frome, Somerset, has just written
  us regarding the result of three pairs of Drafts. “I have suffered
  from Rheumatism for the past seven years, and was almost a hopeless
  wreck, as I could not rest in bed nor when I was up, so that my
  life was a perfect misery. I tried various remedies, and also saw a
  doctor, who, while he could not cure me, gave me something to relieve
  the pain for a couple of nights, but I became worse after this. I had
  given up all hope when a friend who called to see me stated that she
  had received wonderful results from Magic Foot Drafts, and asked for
  permission to send for a pair for me. I am now delighted to tell you
  that after wearing three pairs of Drafts, I have not an ache or pain,
  and I am completely cured of all my sufferings. I am in my 72nd year,
  and I feel as supple now in all my joints as a young man. I cannot
  estimate the value of your Magic Foot Drafts, and I can never thank
  you enough for the benefit they have given me.”

This had been “just received” on June 2nd, 1910. The phraseology
has not changed much in the interval of sixteen months; but as the
gentleman is still in his 72nd year, evidently time stands still with
him; curiously, though, in the letter first quoted, which appeared in a
newspaper advertisement on May 18th, 1910, he is already 72 years old.

One wonders how Mr. Bodman was induced to send three variants of his
letter, one of them obligingly omitting any reference to Foot Drafts by
name and substituting “your treatment.”

The same differences are shown in other letters; in one place is a
letter over the name of J. W. Ludell, ascribing two cures to Magic Foot
Drafts, while in the advertisement in which the latter name is not used
he is represented as saying that one cure was due to “your Antiseptic
Plasters” and the other to “your treatment”; two variants are given in
different places of a letter from Mr. J. Bull, in one of which he says:
“I am thankful to think I tried the Foot Drafts, for they are worth
double what you charge for them,” and in the other: “I am thankful
that I tried your Foot Drafts, for they are worth a good many times
the money that I paid.” All this appears to suggest either that the
writers of the testimonials are very obliging in supplying varying
readings of them, or else that the advertiser alters them according to
his fancy; unless indeed, they are entirely manufactured.

A booklet which is also sent, entitled “Rheumatism, Its Cause and
Cure,” contains various plain and coloured pictures professing to
represent nerves, arteries, etc., of the leg and foot, and gives an
account of how the “Drafts” are supposed to act; the following extract
will suffice:

  The rheumatic sufferer faces this situation:--His or her system
  has become more or less clogged with rheumatic poisons--lithic
  acid, uric acid, lactic acid, or any other toxin, as the case may
  be. This poison may be either driven out or drawn out. Certain
  agents--salicylic acid, for example--will sometimes accomplish the
  former result; but the system will then contain a poison worse than
  the rheumatism. In fact, remedies which are strong enough to be
  effective against rheumatism almost invariably ruin the digestive
  organs. Magic Foot Drafts, as the name implies, draws the poisons
  out through the pores of the tender skin on the bottom of the feet.
  The Drafts absorb this poison. A pair should be worn only six days,
  as they become filled with the waste matter from the body and need
  renewing in that length of time, if the case is a bad one....
  Physicians are already using them in their regular practice, and
  recommending them.

The “drafts” consisted of plasters spread on a sort of jaconet backing,
of oblong shape and measuring about 5 in. by 3¹⁄₂ in.; the darker
central portion measured about 3³⁄₄ in. by 2¹⁄₂ in. The margin was
coated with about 10 grains of sticky material, which had the physical
and chemical characters of “Venice turpentine”; the darker portion,
or the plaster itself, weighed about 80 grains and was found to be a
mixture of Stockholm tar and the powdered rhizome of white hellebore
(_Veratrum album_); determination of their proportions showed the
formula to be, approximately:

  Powdered white hellebore  40 per cent.
  Stockholm tar             60    „

No other ingredients could be detected.

Estimated cost of ingredients for one pair ¹⁄₆d.


CELMO.

This preparation is supplied by the Celmo Company, London. It is in the
form of tablets, of which a 2s. 9d. bottle contained thirty-six. In a
booklet contained in the package the tablets are described as:

  Specific for all uric acid ailments, viz.: Gout, Rheumatism,
  Rheumatic Gout, Lumbago, Gouty Dyspepsia, Sciatica, Eczema, Neuritis,
  Gouty Eczema, Suppressed Gout, etc.

Other extracts are:

  In order to effect a cure the first requisite is to remove the cause.
  This can only be accomplished by administering a remedy which has
  the power of dissolving uric acid, and which will also restore the
  normal alkalinity of the blood so as to prevent fresh depositions.
  This remedy we present in “Celmo” Tablets. It is the One remedy that
  achieves a complete and permanent cure, and is the only medicine
  in the world that has a direct and combined action on the Kidneys,
  Liver, Stomach, Bladder, Bowels, and Digestive Organs....

  We find, in the large majority of cases, from five to eight bottles,
  4s. 6d. size, sufficient. The tablets must be taken with absolute
  regularity, and there should be no interval whatever between the
  bottles. It is always advisable to state your ailment and order of us
  direct. We then can change the dose as and when required to expedite
  a cure.

A so-called “analysis” is published, which is as follows:

  I have made a careful Chemical examination of the above-described
  sample of Compressed Tablets known as “Celmo,” and from my results
  I am able to certify that they are absolutely free from Arsenic,
  Mercury, Opium, Digitalis, and Colchicum.

  I find that these tablets have been prepared from pure drugs of the
  best possible quality, and contain nothing of an injurious nature
  whatsoever. The formula from which they are made has been submitted
  to me, and I am of opinion that it is an excellent one in every way,
  and one which is not capable of improvement.

After reading in the booklet quoted from that Celmo is “the One
remedy,” and “the only medicine in the world that,” etc., it is
somewhat surprising to read, in another circular also enclosed in the
package, that:

  Every intelligent person is aware it is impossible to prepare any
  one medicine for Rheumatism, Gout, etc., to suit every system. We
  overcome this difficulty by supplying “Celmo” Tablets in two forms,
  both for Uric Acid ailments.

It further appears that there is also a “Celmo No. 2” for indigestion,
etc. (described in Chapter V.), “Celmo Laxative,” “Celmo Ointment,” and
“Celmo Liniment.”

The directions are:

  In commencing treatment, take two tablets with half an ordinary glass
  of water just before or after each of the three meals, making six
  tablets per day. In very severe cases three tablets can be taken at
  a dose until pain is relieved, then two as above. A child’s dose,
  one-half to one tablet at times stated.

The tablets had an average weight of 5¹⁄₂ grains. They had a slight
smell of oil of juniper, but the amount present was far too small to be
determined, and can only be described as a trace. Analysis showed the
presence of acetyl-salicylic acid (commonly known as aspirin), powdered
charcoal, maltose, glucose, and dextrin (these three being evidently
present as malt extract, used for binding the powders together),
magnesium silicate, alkaloid, extractive, and the mineral constituents
commonly found in vegetable extracts; a slight trace of a pungent
substance resembling capsicum oleo-resin was also present. Ordinary
talc is magnesium silicate, but the mineral of that composition here
present did not have the physical properties of ordinary talc; it is,
of course, quite inert, talc being commonly added to tablets as a
lubricant to facilitate their production by a machine. The alkaloid and
extractive did not show any characters by which they could be certainly
identified; the alkaloid did not agree, in its behaviour to various
tests, with any of the alkaloids in ordinary medicinal use.

The proportions of the various constituents were determined as
accurately as practicable, and indicated the following formula:

  Acetyl-salicylic acid       35.5 per cent.
  Powdered charcoal, about     8.0    „
  Malt extract, dry           18.0    „
  Magnesium silicate          14.5    „
  Other mineral constituents   2.8    „
  Water                       12.3    „
  Alkaloid                     0.5    „
  Extractive, about            8.0    „
  Oleo-resin of capsicum      trace.
  Oil of juniper                „


DR. BENGUÉ’S BALSAM.

This preparation, made by a firm giving addresses in Paris and London,
differs from most of those dealt with here in the important respect
that the principal constituents are stated on the label, and it is,
therefore, not altogether a “secret remedy.” It is included in this
series, since it is advertised to the public as

“A wonderful Remedy for Rheumatism, Gout, Neuralgia.”

In a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that:

  The following is an enumeration of the different diseases in which
  Dr. Bengué’s Balsam has proved to be the most effective scientific
  remedy.

    Acute or Chronic Rheumatism;   }
    Gout;                          }
    Various forms of Neuralgia,    } Spread the Balsam on the affected
      Facial, Intercostal, Lumbar, } part and cover up carefully with
      Ovarian, Sciatical;          } cotton wool. After two or three
    Locomotor Ataxy;               } applications the parts affected
    Various forms of Hyperæsthesia;} should be cleansed with warm water
    Saturnine Colics;              } so as to facilitate the absorption
    Nephritic Colics;              } of the Balsam when the next
    Peritonitis;                   } dressing of the Balsam is applied.
    Gastralgia;                    }
    Torticollis; Zona.             }

The “Balsam” is supplied in collapsible tubes; a 2s. package contained
1¹⁄₅ oz. On the label, following the name, are the words “Menthol,
Methyl-Salicylate, Lanolin,” and these three substances were found to
be present. Analysis showed the composition to be:

  Menthol                 18 per cent.
  Methyl salicylate       20    „
  Lanoline, anhydrous     54    „
  A fat, apparently lard   8    „

Estimated cost of ingredients, 1¹⁄₄d.


BOX’S PILLS AND GOLDEN FIRE.

These preparations are supplied from an address in a south-coast town.
The “Golden Fire” is more especially recommended for rheumatism, but
it is stated that “in severe cases of Rheumatism, etc., Box’s Pills
should be taken in conjunction with the ‘Golden Fire,’” and the two
are associated in many of the statements made. The following specimen
extracts are from circulars enclosed in the packages, and other
advertisements:

  Box’s Golden Fire is a New Discovery for the removal of diseases,
  being an Electric Fluid of Intense Power in rapidly attenuating,
  dissolving, and removing obstructions in any part of the system.

  Box’s Golden Fire, which is used internally and externally, is a
  subtle extract from the vegetable kingdom, the hidden fire or life
  of plants and flowers, the “Quint-essence of Life!” Call it, if you
  please, “Bottled Fire!” “Bottled Health!” “Bottled Life!”

  This Great Remedy and its accompaniment are sure cures for
  rheumatism, diphtheria, etc.

In some advertisements the medicines are described as “The Giant
Remedy,” and it is explained that

  The Giants have declared war against unbelief, and are determined to
  push the battle to the gate. The Giants ask for no quarter nor will
  they show any, therefore one of the contending parties must be wiped
  out. The Giants in fight are a noble race and are of ancient origin.
  Their fathers lived in Eden, and their seed rising upon the wings of
  the wind, ultimately spread over the whole earth.

  They have lived since the days of creation in the fields, without a
  covering, sipping the dew and drinking in the sunshine and the rain.
  When in their prime they were translated to ---- ---- ---- where
  they sleep. And when the proprietor of the Giant Remedy calls them
  they awake, and, springing upon the foe, they quickly overwhelm and
  annihilate him, and joyfully hand back the captive to his friends
  in perfect health. Their origin is Divine. As you now see them so
  they came from the hands of their Creator, filled with the nectar of
  health and life from root to leaf.

In a circular dealing more especially with the pills directions are
given for their use for costiveness, bad taste in the mouth, heart
disease, corpulency, sick headache, wind and swelling after meals,
toothache, influenza, inflammation of brain, stomach, bowels, lungs,
kidneys, etc., fevers, sore throats, diphtheria, and tumours. One of
the “testimonials” is headed, in large letters, “Cancer Cured.” The
full directions in the case of influenza will serve as a sample:

  Take as directed on the label. Also make a strong tea of Elder
  Blossom and Peppermint Herb, and drink a pint at bedtime. Repeat
  the tea at bedtime for two or three nights, if necessary. It seldom
  requires repeating. This will save when on the brink of death.

The thrilling nature of some of the testimonials may be judged by an
extract:

  My brother-in-law had his leg jammed in South Africa between rocks,
  just above the ankle. He came home, and feared he would be a cripple
  for life. I advised him to get your Pills and “Golden Fire,” which he
  did, and after 6 days a spot came out under the heel as Black As Your
  Hat. He has since left for America Quite Cured.

Another circular states:

  As certain medical men have done their best by tongue and pen to
  persuade the public that Box’s Golden Fire is poisonous, the said
  Golden Fire in consequence has been submitted to a rigid Chemical
  Analysis. The following Report from the Eminent Analyst will
  effectually sew up the lying lips.

Then follows the report, which is in the usual style of such
“analyses,” and states that the “Golden Fire” was found to consist
of “certain carefully selected and powerful, but perfectly innocent,
ingredients, which combined (as in the mixture) may be taken internally
or applied externally without fear or hesitation.”

The circular continues:

  Those who raise the cry of “Poison” are wholesale traffickers in the
  same--it is their stock-in-trade: Poisons bring grist to their mills,
  while the poor victims who swallow them perish by thousands.

The directions for use are:

  For Rheumatism, Lumbago, Gout, Neuralgia, Sprains, Chest Affections,
  Asthma, Bronchitis, Swellings, Tumours, Enlarged Joints, etc., the
  Golden Fire should be rubbed in briskly three or four times a day;
  and in extreme cases a piece of flannel should be saturated with the
  Golden Fire and applied after each application.

  For Sore Throat, Quinsy, and Diphtheria, rub in several times a day;
  and to one tablespoonful of Golden Fire add one tablespoonful of
  water and gargle every two hours.

  For the above, Golden Fire should be taken internally three times a
  day, in a little water, beginning with six drops and increasing a few
  drops each dose until a teaspoonful is reached, and continue until
  well.

  For toothache, apply Golden Fire to the Tooth and rub it well into
  the gums. For Neuralgia, Bruises, Sprains, etc., rub it briskly over
  the seat of pain. For Polypus, apply with a camel-hair brush, and rub
  in on the outside twice a day.

A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle of the “Golden Fire” contained nearly 2¹⁄₂ fluid
ounces of liquid. Analysis showed this to contain acetic acid, sodium
chloride, volatile oils, a little alcohol, starch, dextrin, extractive,
and the pungent principle of capsicum. The mixture of essential oils
appeared to consist of oils of camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary, and
amber. After determining the quantities of the other ingredients, the
amount left to be described as starch, dextrin, and extractive was
about 7 per cent. of the liquid; this part possessed no characters
by which its source could be determined, but the liquid contained
solid particles which appeared to be due to defective straining, and
microscopical examination of these showed them unmistakably to consist
of barley, lobelia, and capsicum, and the liquid appears, therefore,
to be a decoction of these, with the addition of the other ingredients
named. The pungency was just similar to that of an aqueous decoction
of capsicum; the proportions of barley and lobelia could not be
determined; the amounts of the other substances found are given in the
following formula:

  Oil of amber                0.16 per cent.
  Oil of rosemary             0.16    „
  Oil of eucalyptus           0.32    „
  Oil of camphor (essential)  1.3     „
  Sodium chloride             6.4     „
  Glacial acetic acid         6.4     „
  Alcohol                     1.0     „
  Decoction of capsicum.
  Decoction of barley.
  Decoction of lobelia.

It is hardly necessary to point out that lobelia is a dangerous drug to
be administered and taken by ignorant people.

A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box of the pills contained fifty-three of various sizes
and shapes, roughly coated with talc, and having an average weight of
2¹⁄₂ grains each. The directions on the label are, “Dose--Two pills
morning and evening, after meals.” Analysis showed the presence of
powdered capsicum in considerable quantity, this drug forming, in
fact, so large a proportion of the pill, that the recognition of other
ingredients was a difficult matter; microscopic examination showed
also powdered gentian, and a flour which did not agree perfectly
in character with any ordinary flour, though having a considerable
resemblance to barley flour; small quantities of soap and aloes
appeared to be present, and a trace of an essential oil or other
aromatic substance which was not identified. The following formula
gave a pill substantially agreeing in characters with the pill under
examination:

  Powdered capsicum       35 parts.
  Powdered gentian        15   „
  Flour                   15   „
  Aloes                   20   „
  Soap                     5   „
  Water               to 100   „


BOWDEN’S INDIAN BALM.

This article is supplied by a firm in the West of England at prices
from 7¹⁄₂d. to 10s. A tin priced 2s. 9d. was found to contain about 4
oz.

It is described on the package as

  For all Inflammations, Muscular Complaints, Skin Diseases, etc., as
  Inflamed Eyes, Neuralgia, Face-ache, Bronchitis, Rheumatism, Eczema,
  Ringworm, Cuts, Stings, Wounds, Scalds, Burns, Strains, Piles,
  Chilblains, Chaps, etc.

Circulars enclosed in the package also contained recommendations
of the use of the Balm for colds, congested nostrils, catarrh,
whooping-cough and croup, lumbago, stiff-neck, erysipelas, bedsores,
irritation after fever or vaccination, eruptions, abscesses, boils,
ulcers, itching at the anus, sores, sprains, bruises, mumps, abrasions,
stings of mosquitos and other insects, sunburn, sore and tender feet,
inflammation of the bowels, cancerous sores, asthma, coughs and chest
complaints, sore throats, whitlow, corns and warts.

It is further stated that:

  This Preparation contains no less than seventeen ingredients,
  including Valuable Balsams, Extracts, Essences, Indian Oils,
  etc., and so is a veritable little Medicine Chest in itself. Few
  other remedies will be required where it is kept at hand and used
  habitually.

  The most delicate Lady or Child, as well as the strongest Athlete,
  will find the Indian Balm to be a treasure. It can be used with
  perfect safety upon an open wound, be placed upon the Eyeball for
  Inflammation, or be used internally for Complaints of Throat and
  Chest. It will draw out every particle of injurious matter before
  healing any Ulcer or Sore, thus preventing a return of the trouble.
  Prompt application to Wound, Scald, or Burn is the best preventive of
  Blood Poisoning.

Lengthy directions are given for its use in a variety of cases; the
following will suffice as examples:

  Ophthalmia and Inflammation of the Eye.--Rub the Indian Balm round
  the Eyes two or three times a day. In acute cases apply inside the
  lids.

  Inflammation of the Gums, Toothache, and Faceache.--Well rub the
  Balm on the Gums and Face. When the Tooth is hollow the Balm can be
  inserted on cotton wadding.

  Inflammation of the Bowels and Pain in the Small of the Back.--Foment
  the parts with hot water, and briskly rub with Balm (10 to 15 minutes
  at a time) till relieved.

It would appear to be equally efficacious when administered internally,
for we read:

  Sufferers from Asthma, Croup, Bronchitis, and all Throat or Chest
  Complaints find the soothing and healing effects of Indian Balm, when
  taken internally on lump sugar, to be immediate and remarkable. It
  also enables patients to get rid of injurious phlegm. Public Speakers
  and Singers should use it. The Balm is pleasant to use and effectual
  in operation.

The “Balm” consisted of a brownish-yellow ointment. Analysis showed
the presence of about 7 per cent. of volatile oil, in which oil of
eucalyptus predominated, and a fatty basis. The oil did not contain as
much cineol as an ordinary good specimen of eucalyptus oil, and some
evidence was obtained of the presence of essential oil of camphor,
terebene, and oil of lemon. The solid basis contained, besides fatty
constituents, a very small amount of ammonia, and a little of a
resinous substance; the latter was not ordinary resin, but showed no
distinctive characters sufficing for its identification. It may have
been derived from balsam of Peru, or some similar ingredient, but
comparison of its properties pointed to the probability of a mixture
of balsamic substances. The statement that seventeen ingredients are
present may be true, for the essential ingredients are a fatty basis, a
mixture of volatile oils, and resinous material, and each one of these
can easily be made of an almost unlimited number of ingredients mixed
together; no other active substance was found. An ointment prepared
from the following formula, which is based on the analytical results
obtained with the “balm,” strongly resembled the latter, and only
differed from it in minor points:

  Lard                      35   per cent.
  Cocoanut oil              35      „
  Tallow                    10      „
  Rape oil                   5      „
  Lanoline, anhydrous        4.5    „
  Balsam of Peru             1      „
  Oil of eucalyptus          5      „
  Terebene                   1.5    „
  Essential oil of camphor   1.5    „
  Essential oil of lemon     0.5    „
  Solution of ammonia        1      „
  Annatto colouring         a sufficiency.


BATH SALTS FOR RHEUMATISM.

Recently certain “bath salts” have been largely advertised for the
treatment of complaints of this kind by means of baths. We give here
the results of analysis of some of the principal articles of this kind.


OZONIA.

This is supplied by a firm in Dublin, in a packet, price 1s.,
containing about 3 oz. The package contained a descriptive leaflet,
from which the following extracts are taken:

  The introduction of Ozonia marks a new era in the treatment of
  Rheumatism, Gout, and allied complaints. This remarkable preparation
  is used in the bathing water, where it reaches the source of the
  trouble through the pores of the skin. The whole body is treated
  at once, and not the least trouble is entailed to the sufferer.
  The system is thoroughly cleansed--the poisonous uric acid is
  neutralised, and the patient is reinvigorated. The method is new, but
  it has hundreds of wonderful cures to its credit already--so try one
  packet, and judge by results....

    The Bath Cure. Bathe in it--that’s all.

  There are many complaints which are acknowledged to have one root
  cause. The cause of Rheumatism, Sciatica, Lumbago, and Gout is the
  presence of too much uric acid in the blood. The problem of how to
  remove this poison has hitherto proved unsolvable, but now Ozonia
  has been proved to be the proper means. The worst cases of uric acid
  troubles yield to the soothing medicated waters of Ozonia....

  “Ozone,” the health-giving principle of Fresh Sea Breezes, is
  liberated in the “Ozonia” bath, and has a marvellous exhilarating
  effect on the patient; this, combined with the stimulating effect
  of the other constituents of the bath, induces a feeling of bodily
  well-being which is most gratifying.

    How to use “Ozonia.”

  Dissolve one packet in an ordinary bath of hot water, and immerse the
  body in it, keeping the face and back of the neck sponged.

  Remain in the bath at least 15 or 20 minutes, even longer if desired.

  The best time for taking the Bath is before going to bed, but this is
  not imperative.

  Number of Baths to be taken. In severe cases a bath every second
  night is advised, but when the acute symptoms have disappeared, a
  bath once or twice a week is sufficient; in most cases, a series of
  12 baths will be found to effect a perfect cure.

  If total immersion is not feasible, stuping with a hot solution (a
  tablespoonful of “Ozonia” to a gallon of water) is very beneficial,
  but complete immersion gives best results.

Analysis showed the composition of the salt to be:

  Sodium carbonate, reckoned as anhydrous  77.00  per cent.
  Water                                    22.30  per cent.
  Chloride, reckoned as sodium chloride     0.46  per cent.
  Potassium salt                           a trace.

In view of the statement, quoted above, that ozone is liberated in the
bath, special search was made for any ingredient, such as percarbonate,
perborate, or peroxide, which could yield oxygen, but no trace was
found of any such substance. Commercial sodium carbonate commonly
contains a little chloride, such as the quantity found.


ANTURIC BATH SALTS.

This preparation is supplied by a limited company in London. A tin,
price 1s. 6d., contained about 4¹⁄₂ oz. It is described on the package
as:

  For Gout, Rheumatism, Sciatica.

  Directions. Dissolve the contents of one tin in a bath full of hot
  water. Take two baths weekly for six weeks. The water should be as
  hot as can be comfortably borne. In severe cases the contents of two
  tins may be used for one bath.

  If it is inconvenient to use a full bath, or for local affections
  fomentations may be used; for this purpose dissolve a tablespoonful
  of the Anturic Salts in a gallon of hot water, and bathe the part
  affected.

  After the cure an occasional bath is desirable.

Analysis showed the salt to consist of:

  Sodium carbonate, reckoned as anhydrous  96.86 per cent.
  Water                                     2.70    „
  Chloride                                 trace
  Potassium salt                             „
  Perfume                                    „


RHEUMSOL BATH SALTS.

This is supplied from an address near London. A tin, price 1s.,
contained about 5 oz. It is described on the tin as:

  Uric Acid Solvent. For Rheumatism, Gout, etc.

  Directions for use. Add the contents of this tin to a full-sized bath
  of hot water. For a smaller bath less in proportion. A bath should be
  taken every third night for a month.

Analysis showed the salt to consist of:

  Sodium carbonate, reckoned as anhydrous  87.96 per cent.
  Water                                    11.18    „
  Chloride                                 considerable trace
  Potassium salt                           trace

Exsiccated sodium carbonate (_B.P._) is practically anhydrous, and
is priced in a wholesale druggist’s list at 7d. per lb. One pound of
anhydrous sodium carbonate of commercial quality represents about 2³⁄₄
lb. of common washing soda crystals.


SOME GERMAN NOSTRUMS.

Dr. F. Zernik, of Berlin, has continued the publication in the
_Deutsche Medicinische Wochenschrift_ of the results of his examination
of various German nostrums. The following notes refer to preparations
advertised for rheumatism.

  _Dr. Richter’s Orudon Essence_ preparation has been introduced
  at the “Hof-Apotheke” (a pharmacy holding the right of using the
  affix “Court”) in Elbing as a remedy for rheumatic and analogous
  affections. The directions for use are that the essence should be
  taken in doses of from 4 to 6 teaspoonfuls according to the severity
  of the case, diluted in a tumblerful of sugar water. It is claimed
  that it contains a new chemical substance--namely, _ammonium iodatum
  salicyl. solubl._--as well as other ingredients which the medical
  profession has found to be most useful during the past decades.
  Among these is mentioned “_diaethyl-diamin_,” aromatic extract
  and brandy (cognac). It is sold in bottles, containing 135 c.cm.,
  at 6s. the bottle. The fluid, which is dark brown and bitter, was
  found to contain ammonium salicylate and iodide, but not a trace
  of the “new” chemical substance, which Zernik points out has long
  been recognised in chemistry, piperazin, which is diaethylen-diamin
  and not diaethyl-diamin, as well as alcohol and some extractives
  and perfumes, the nature of which could not be identified. _Orudon
  Salt_ is supposed to act well in the same conditions as the essence.
  A bottle of this powder costs 5s. 6d., and is stated by the
  manufacturers to contain basic citrate of urea (an imaginary chemical
  substance!), magnesium, sodium, lithium carbonate, citric acid,
  sodium sulphate, and extract of almonds. The analysis proved it to
  be a mixture of about 10 per cent. theobromine-sodio-salicylate, 10
  per cent. sodium sulphate, 4 per cent. urea, 16 per cent. magnesium
  citrate, 4 per cent. sodium citrate, 2 per cent. lithium citrate,
  and fully 40 per cent. citric acid, together with a bitter extract.
  No trace of a substance which could correspond to the alleged basic
  citrate of urea was found.

  _J. Völlner’s World-renowned Rheumatism Cotton-wool_ is, it is
  stated, manufactured by W. Völlner, Hamburg, London, and New York. It
  is claimed by the manufacturers that it produces five times as much
  warmth as ordinary cotton-wool, being impregnated with the finest
  kinds of resins. The packet costs 1s. and contains 86 grams of a
  cotton-wool sheet, measuring 1 cm. in thickness, 36 cm. in width, and
  80 cm. in length. On analysis Zernik found that the cotton-wool was
  ordinary raw cotton-wool, which had been superficially singed on one
  side and which was not even fat-freed. There was nothing else in the
  wonderful rheumatic wool.

  _Limosan_ is vaunted as a certain cure for rheumatism, gout, and
  “stone.” In one of the booklets accompanying the preparation
  testimonials galore were reproduced. It consists of white limosan
  tablets and greyish-green laxative tablets; 30 of the former
  tablets contained in a tube cost 6s., while 15 of the latter cost
  6d. Several tubes are required for a course, since the patient is
  told to take 10 of the white and 4 or 5 of the laxative tablets
  daily. The composition is given as follows: Aethylenimin, 1 gram;
  glycocol-para-phenyledin (basic), 4.5 grams; lithium carbonate,
  0.1 gram; salicylic salt, 1 gram; and acetic salt, 0.4 gram. The
  first-named ingredient is merely a synonym for piperazin, the second
  name on the list is used instead of phenocoll, while the salicylic
  salt has the same form as the substance usually known as salocoll.
  The laxative tablets are stated to contain Tinavelly senna, rhamnus
  purshianus, and frangula, of each 20 parts; liquorice root, rhizoma
  root, of each 10 parts; peppermint, marigold, and poplar tree leaf,
  of each 5 parts. The action, therefore, would depend on the senna,
  cascara sagrada, and frangula. The manufacturers have, it is stated,
  repeatedly been punished in courts of law for the puffing nature of
  the advertisements of these limosan preparations.

  _Professor Tissander’s cure for rheumatism, gout, and sciatica_ is
  stated by Zernik to be sent for 4s. 6d. by “The Sabalek Syndicate,”
  of London. Quoting from a letter received from this firm, the “cure”
  is said to be composed of a number of reagents which act against
  uric acid. These reagents, together with a kidney stimulant and a
  blood purifier, are combined by “Professor” Tissander in a very
  concentrated form. It is pleasant to take, and does not produce any
  deleterious effects of any kind. The examination revealed that the
  tablets contained sulphur, salts (chiefly alkali phosphates), and an
  emodin-containing vegetable powder (rhubarb, senna). Zernik concludes
  by saying: “This composition indicates sufficiently in how far the
  preparation can possess the action ascribed to it.”




CHAPTER II.

PREPARATIONS FOR ECZEMA AND OTHER SKIN AFFECTIONS.


  A selection from the numerous proprietary articles advertised for the
  cure of skin diseases, including ointments, lotions, dusting powders,
  and medicines to be taken internally, is described in this chapter.
  It will be seen from the extracts from advertisements which are given
  that the claims made for the respective preparations are to a large
  extent contradictory and mutually destructive, as, for example,
  “sulpholine lotion is the only external skin remedy,” “eczema and
  all skin ailments are completely cured by sulpholine lotion,” and,
  on the other hand, “the potent ingredients of a remedy, which are
  necessary to the successful cure of eczema, cannot be contained in
  the form of a liquid. Lotions, besides containing mercury, must
  necessarily contain some alcohol or water, which are irritants and
  should be rigidly avoided.” (The apparent implication that all
  lotions contain mercury is novel and surprising.) It is not always
  even necessary to take statements from rival makers in order to find
  contradictions; statements made by one firm in different parts of
  their advertisements are sometimes quite inconsistent, as in the
  case described below where on one page it is stated that “there is
  not one among the many healing extracts used which is not highly
  lauded by skin specialists the world over,” and on the next page of
  the same pamphlet “several of the medicaments used in the ointments
  and blood tablets are very rare and not in use in Great Britain, and
  do not form any part of the British doctor’s medical outfit.” One
  of the commonest inconsistencies, of course, is that between the
  extravagant prospects of speedy cure held out to attract in the first
  place, and the far more guarded statements made when the patient has
  paid for the article and is beginning to find out for himself what
  its curative powers amount to. The first preparation mentioned below
  furnishes an example of this; in a Press advertisement readers are
  assured that “just a drop or two of D.D.D., the Guaranteed cure for
  Eczema and all Skin Diseases, applied to the burning skin, and that
  torturing, endless, nerve-racking itching is at an end”; “not only
  does D.D.D. stop all irritation and pain immediately--we guarantee
  it--but the cures that invariably follow are permanent,” while in
  a pamphlet supplied with this very article it is stated that “the
  person fortunate enough to become familiar with D.D.D. Prescription
  in the early stages of his disease may commit the error of being
  impatient of cure.... The eruption may have appeared only on a few
  spots of his body, but this is evidence that the disease germ is
  lodged in his skin. The germs will grow and multiply and spread; ...
  it may take some time to dislodge the germs from his skin.... Is it
  not worth careful study, a few months’ patience, to be rid of that
  horrible malady?”

  A limited company, which uses the name of “Dr. Cassell,” sends
  a list of questions to be answered and endeavours to persuade
  sufferers that it deals with them just as a qualified practitioner
  would do: “When you consult a doctor, he first inquires into the
  causes leading up to your trouble, then carefully examines all the
  symptoms and indications. Upon the results he forms his diagnosis,
  which in turn suggests the treatment. We do exactly the same when
  you return the examination form filled up.” The trifling omissions
  of the years of study, training, and experience requisite for a
  medical qualification, and of personal examination of the patient,
  are treated as of no consequence; naturally, some illuminating
  diagnoses may be looked for under such circumstances, as in the case
  described, where having received the answer “Eczema” to the question
  “What are you suffering from?” and after “carefully studying” the
  answers to this and other questions, the company gravely informs the
  patient “You are suffering from a severe and disagreeable form of
  eczema.”


D.D.D.

The preparation sold under this name is supplied by a firm in London at
2s. 3d. and 4s. 6d. per bottle; a 2s. 3d. bottle was found to contain
2.1 fluid ounces.

A Press advertisement is headed:

  Psoriasis, Dry and Wet ECZEMA, and all skin diseases cured by D.D.D.,
  the new liquid remedy, which gives instant relief, and a positive
  cure when everything else has failed.

and the following claims are made:

  Just a drop or two of D.D.D., the Guaranteed Cure for Eczema and
  all Skin Diseases, applied to the burning skin, and that torturing,
  endless, nerve-racking itching is at an end.... Not only does D.D.D.
  stop all irritation and pain immediately--we guarantee it--but the
  cures that invariably follow are permanent--the disease never returns.

The following are extracts from a pamphlet enclosed in the package,
entitled “Cause and Cure of Skin Diseases”:

  D.D.D. is no ordinary patent medicine, but the prescription of the
  skin specialist, Dr. D. D. Dennis, who used the compound now known
  as D.D.D. successfully for years on all patients suffering with skin
  diseases. On urgent advice of his patients, Dr. Dennis was prevailed
  upon to have the compound put up as a proprietary article for sale
  through drug stores....

In spite of the “guarantee” quoted above that D.D.D. stops all
irritation and pain immediately, a caution is given against
discouragement:

  Occasionally in bringing the disease to the surface, D.D.D. will
  spread the eruption temporarily over a much larger area. THIS IS NOT
  A SIGN THAT THE MALADY IS GROWING MORE SERIOUS, BUT ON THE CONTRARY
  IT SHOWS THAT THE DISEASE IS BEING UPROOTED.

It appears that more patience may be required, even when the sufferer
is only “in the early stages,” than the advertisement quoted might have
led him to suppose:

  The person fortunate enough to become familiar with D.D.D.
  Prescription in the early stages of his disease may commit the error
  of being impatient of cure.... The eruption may have appeared only
  on a few spots of his body, but this is evidence that the disease
  germ is lodged in his skin. The germs will grow and multiply and
  spread; ... it may take some time to dislodge the germs from his
  skin.... Is it not worth careful study, a few months’ patience, to be
  rid of that horrible malady?

“The germs” are, of course, freely utilized to give an air of
scientific knowledge:

  The reader familiar with the deeper questions of medical science
  knows that there is still some dispute among the best authorities on
  the germ theories, but it is pretty well understood now, largely as a
  result of Dr. Dennis’s discoveries, that eczema is purely and simply
  a germ disease caused by germs that lodge in the skin. According
  to the germ theory, there must be several species of eczema germs,
  causing the several diseases known as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm,
  dandruff, etc. The germs are all of the same type, and produce
  ailments with varying symptoms, all eczematous. The germs live only
  in the skin, feeding on the oily ingredients of the epidermis.

It might be interesting to know where “Dr. Dennis’ discoveries” were
published.

D.D.D. is put up in two forms, called “D.D.D. Ordinary” and “D.D.D.
Strong”; the “Ordinary” was taken for analysis. The directions for this
are:

  The remedy may be applied in various ways; it is best, however, to
  rub the skin as little as possible while making the application;
  hence we recommend it to be applied by saturating a piece of
  absorbent cotton with D.D.D. and dabbing this gently on the parts
  affected, or applying it with a small camel hair brush, so that the
  pores will absorb the remedy.

Analysis showed the liquid to be composed as follows:

  Salicylic acid                            0.75 part
  Phenol                                    1.18 parts
  Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen)    1.00 part
  Glycerin                                  9.28 parts
  Alcohol                                  65.10 parts by measure
  Water, to                               100    parts by measure

It had a slight yellow colour, which may have been due to a trace
of colouring matter, or may have been developed from the oil of
wintergreen.

The alcohol is by far the most costly ingredient, and the estimated
cost of ingredients for 2.1 fluid ounces is 3³⁄₄d.


HOMOCEA.

This preparation is made by a limited company in London. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.
tin contained about ³⁄₄ ounce, and a 2s. 9d. tin about 2¹⁄₂ ounces. It
is recommended for a very large number of disorders, as is shown by the
following extracts from a circular enclosed in the package:

  Homocea ... Ointment ... is far and away the best remedy known for
  Open Wounds, Sores, Cuts, Ulcers, Bad Legs, Burns, Scalds, Chaps,
  Wasp, Bee, and Insect Stings, Earache, Inflamed Spots, Skin or Flesh
  Troubles of all sorts, Broken Chilblains, etc. In treating any of the
  above lay Homocea lightly with the finger, or spread some on clean
  rags or lint and apply to the parts affected. For Bruises, Blotches,
  Chaps, Chilblains (unbroken), Eruptions, Swellings, Mumps, Croup,
  Sore Eyes, Rashes, Ringworm, Jelly Fish Stings, Sunburns, etc., etc.,
  smear or gently rub in Homocea where required.

  For Piles (bleeding or blind) Homocea stands alone amongst remedies.
  It affords immediate relief at all times, and in many cases
  absolutely cures.

  For Internal Piles the insertion of Homocea Suppositories is
  recommended.

  Cold in the Head is cured by putting Homocea up the nostrils and
  rubbing the bridge of the nose well with the Ointment at night.

  Soft Corns and Bunions are cured by applying Homocea as a pad, to be
  kept on day and night.

  Eczema (in many forms), Hay Fever, Prickly Heat Jigger, and Veldt
  Sores, Warts, etc., cured by Homocea.

  Homocea will cure the Bites and Stings of Mosquito, Gnats, Sand
  Flies, and, better still, will prevent these pests from attacking
  you, if the face, neck, hands, and other exposed parts of the body
  are smeared with the Ointment.

  It is impossible to bring within the compass of a short circular all
  that Homocea in its various forms will do, but we claim, without
  fear of contradiction, that there are few of the ordinary everyday
  ailments incidental to the human frame that Homocea, if promptly and
  properly applied, will not immediately alleviate and cure.

  The efficacy of Homocea is easily and unanswerably explained. It
  kills inflammation immediately it comes in contact with it, and you
  can readily understand why pain vanishes and wounds heal so quickly.

Analysis showed the presence of eucalyptus oil in considerable
proportion, with beeswax, a soft fat, and a very small quantity of
ammonia; evidence was also obtained of a small proportion of another
essential oil, apparently oil of lemon, though, as essential oils are
complex in composition, it is not possible to speak positively on
this point. Other medicinal ingredients were found to be absent. The
quantities of the ingredients found were determined as accurately as
possible, and the results gave the following formula:

  Oil of eucalyptus    25   per cent.
  Oil of lemon          0.2    „
  Beeswax              25      „
  Fat                  49      „
  Solution of ammonia   0.8    „

The characters of the fat agreed with those of a mixture of lard and
cocoanut oil in about equal parts. An ointment prepared according to
this formula was practically indistinguishable from the original.

Estimated cost of ingredients for 2¹⁄₂ ounces (2s. 9d. tin), 2¹⁄₂d.


ECZOLINE TREATMENT.

This “treatment” is supplied by a firm at Swindon, and consists of
ointment, tablets, and soap; the two former were taken for examination.

An advertisement contains the following somewhat disconnected
expressions:

  A wonderful Remedy. Eczema, Rashes, Pimples, Spots, Sores, Ringworm,
  Chaps, Chilblains, Rough Skin, Bad Legs. Stops all irritation at
  once. Cured by the Eczoline Treatment. Worth its weight in gold.

_Eczoline Ointment._--A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box contained about 1 ounce. On the
box it is described as

  A positive cure for Eczema, and good for all skin diseases.

Analysis showed the presence of zinc oxide, sulphur (flowers),
glycerin, a little water, and a fat which agreed well in its characters
with lard, with a trace of oil of lemon; no other constituents were
found. The quantities of the respective ingredients were determined,
and the results gave the following formula:

  Flowers of sulphur  39      per cent.
  Zinc oxide           3.7       „
  Glycerin            13.5       „
  Lard                39.8       „
  Water                4         „
  Oil of lemon        a trace

Estimated cost of ingredients for 1 ounce, ¹⁄₂d.

_Eczoline Tablets._--A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box contained 43 sugar-coated
tablets, having an average weight, without the coating, of 5.2 grains
each. These are described on the label as

  For Cooling, Purifying, and Strengthening the Blood. Dose--One or two
  Tablets three times a day after meals.

Analysis showed the tablets, from which the coating had been removed to
consist of

  Ferrous sulphate        16.5 per cent.
  Sulphur (precipitated)  56      „
  Talc                     3.4    „
  Starch                   7.3    „
  Extractive              16.8    „

The extractive was bitter, and showed the reactions of extract of
cascara sagrada, but it was not bitter enough or dark enough to consist
only of this extract, and appeared to be a mixture of cascara sagrada,
and an inert extract, the former constituting about 5 per cent. of the
substance of the tablets.

Taking the whole of the extract as being of the same price as extract
of cascara sagrada, the estimated cost of the ingredients for 43
tablets is ¹⁄₂d.


DR. CASSELL’S MEDICINES.

These are supplied by a limited company in a town in Lancashire. This
firm is described on its notepaper as “Sole Agents for Great Britain,
India, Africa, Australia, and all European Countries for Dr. Cassell’s
Specialities,” and the “Specialities” appear to be really of American
origin. The form of advertisement which appears to be most in favour is
a small announcement of

  An indispensable illustrated book written by an expert, dealing in
  a clear, common-sense way with a safe and speedy home cure of Skin
  Diseases of all kinds, with special chapters on Diseased Blood,
  Ulcers, Bad Legs, and “The Woman Beautiful,”

to be sent free on application. A request for a copy of this brought
a pamphlet of 31 pages, together with a “self-examination form,” and
a letter urging that the form should be filled up and returned. In a
further circular the following statement is made with regard to the
mode of procedure:

  When you consult a doctor he first inquires into the causes leading
  up to your trouble, then carefully examines all the symptoms and
  indications. Upon the results he forms his diagnosis, which in turn
  suggests the treatment.

  We do exactly the same when you return the examination form filled
  up; we carefully examine it, and from the answers you give to the
  questions we are able at once to select for you, from the numerous
  Ointments, Powders, Mixtures, and Medicated Tablets manufactured for
  this Company from the formulas of that world-famed specialist, Dr.
  Cassell, a treatment perfect in every detail with the requirements of
  your case.

It is further stated that:

  There is not one among the many healing extracts used which is not
  highly lauded by skin specialists the world over.

Which seems rather inconsistent with the statement on the next page
that:

  Several of the medicaments used in the Ointments and Blood Tablets
  are very rare and not in use in Great Britain, and do not form
  any part of the British doctors’ medical outfit, yet are of such
  incalculable value as to constitute the basic strength and great
  healing virtue of the treatment.

The “self-examination form” was as follows; the words in italics are
the answers which were filled in:

  QUESTIONS.

    Date      19

    Name in full .......................

    Address in full ....................

    Age. _37._        Sex. _Male._

  Occupation. _Groom-Gardener._ Stout or thin? _Medium._

  Married or single? _Single._ How long suffered? _About two years._

  Are you able to work? _Yes._ If not, how long have you been disabled.

  What are you suffering from? _Eczema._

  What was your previous health? _Good._

  Where are you affected? _Arms worst; also neck and shoulders._

  What do doctors call your trouble? _I don’t know._

  Have you been treated for it? _Not by doctors._ If so, how? _I have
  used some lotions._

  Have you attended any hospital? _No._

  Is your general health good? _Yes._

  Are you constipated? _No._

  Have you indigestion? _No._

  Do you stand much? _Yes._

  Are you in contact with much heat? _No._

  Do you perspire freely? _Yes._

  Are your hands much in soap and water? _No._

  Do you use much soda? _No._

  Does your employment entail contact with gritty or irritating
  material, and if so, what? _No._

  Have you much itching? _Yes._

  Have you a scaly eruption? _No._

  Is the part red or inflamed? _Yes._

  Is there any discharge? _Sometimes._ If so, what colour is it, and
  does it smell? _Like water._

  Have you any bleeding from the part? _No._

  Have you any pain? _Yes._

  Is your trouble inclined to spread? _Yes._

  Do you suffer from varicose veins? _No._

  Do little blisters form? _No._

  Did the trouble start with a pimple? _No._

  Have you any rash? No. If so, where? _No._

  Have you a sore throat? _No._

  Have you recently had measles or any fever? _No._

  Have you ever suffered from any specific blood disease? _No._ If so,
  what?

  What is your usual diet? _Porridge, bread and butter, coffee, meat
  and potatoes, beer, cheese._

  Do you eat much oatmeal, shellfish, or tinned food? _A good deal of
  oatmeal porridge._

  Are you a teetotaler? _No, but very moderate._

  Are you worse more at one season than another? _No._

  What is your own opinion as to the cause? _I don’t know._

  Here fill in any other details you may think of use.

As the question, “What are you suffering from?” was answered by the
word “eczema,” it was not altogether surprising to be told in the
letter which was received in reply:

  Your Examination Form has been duly received and carefully studied.
  You are suffering from a severe and disagreeable form of eczema.

The letter proceeds with a warning that it is

  inadvisable to use ordinary salves, lotions, etc., indiscriminately,
  as you will readily realise that what will suit one person will
  not necessarily suit another, and many doctors don’t appear to
  reconise [_sic_] the fact that the complaint should be treated both
  locally and constitutionally, therefore their treatment often proves
  ineffective. We make a special point of treating every case entirely
  upon its merits, and yours is one in which Dr. Cassell’s combined
  treatment will produce speediest and most brilliant results.

It appears, however, that even these “speediest and most brilliant
results” are not very speedy, as a further paragraph states:

  Although it may take a few months to effect a permanent cure, we are
  quite confident, if you make up your mind to have yourself properly
  treated now, it will save much suffering and expense in the future.

The letter further intimated that the treatment would consist of a
dusting powder, tablets to be taken internally, and an ointment, and
that the charge would be 12s. 6d.

As no reply was sent at once, this was followed about a week later
with another letter, offering to send the medicines for 9s. 6d., and
containing the statement:

  We are quite safe in guaranteeing a cure in your case provided you
  make up your mind to persevere for a reasonable length of time.

The sum required was then sent, and the articles named were received.
The powder, in a pill-box, weighed a little less than 1 ounce; the
bottle of tablets contained 90, of average weight 6 grains; and the pot
of ointment contained just over 1 ounce. They were accompanied by an
intimation that a further supply would cost 9s. 6d., and the following
directions:

  Ointment. Wash the hands thoroughly clean in hot water and apply a
  little of the Ointment to the affected parts every night on retiring.
  It is not necessary to use a great quantity, the chief thing being to
  have it evenly distributed on the parts requiring treatment.

  Powder. A small portion should be dusted on with a piece of clean
  lint every morning on arising.

  Tablets. One to be swallowed whole in water three times daily,
  between meals.

_Cassell’s Dusting Powder._--This was labelled “Antiseptic Dusting
Powder No. 2.” Analysis showed it to contain boric acid, talc, maize
starch, and powdered slippery elm bark. The proportions of the first
two ingredients were determined and the other two estimated as
accurately as possible, and the formula given below was obtained. A
powder prepared in accordance with this formula agreed in all respects
with the original, except that the latter had a faint perfume and a
creamy tint; the traces of colouring matter and perfume were far too
minute to be identified.

  Powdered talc               60 per cent.
  Powdered boric acid         20    „
  Powdered maize starch       17    „
  Powdered slippery elm bark   3    „

Estimated cost of ingredients for 1 ounce, ¹⁄₃d.

_Cassell’s Blood Cleansing Tablets._--The label was marked “Price 4s.
6d. a bottle,” and, as stated above, the bottle contained 90 tablets of
about 6 grains each.

Analysis showed the tablets to contain:

  Phenolphthalein                                 0.75 per cent.
  Potassium iodide                                1.25    „
  Sugar                                          81       „
  Talc, approximately                            11       „
  Calcium carbonate and sulphate, approximately   2       „
  Water                                           1       „
  Extractive                                      3       „

The extractive showed no distinctive characters by which it could be
identified; the tablets had a faint anise-like odour; no alkaloid or
other active principle was found. The dose of phenolphthalein in one
tablet is 0.045 grain, the usual dose being 1 to 8 grains; the dose of
potassium iodide in one tablet is 0.075 grain, the official dose being
5 to 20 grains.

If the extract present is taken as being of the same price as extract
of taraxacum, the estimated cost of the ingredients for 90 tablets is
¹⁄₂d.

_Cassell’s Ointment._--This was labelled “Ointment No. 2,” and the
pot contained just over 1 ounce. Analysis showed it to contain oils
of wintergreen and eucalyptus, lanoline, a fat or oil, soft paraffin,
boric acid, a small quantity of alkali, and a powdered vegetable
tissue. The latter appeared to consist chiefly of a bark; it was
carefully compared with a number of powdered drugs, but was not
found to agree with any drug in ordinary use; it showed a good deal
of resemblance to powdered krameria root, and agreed exactly with
it in the colour changes caused by various reagents, and while not
identical with either of the species of krameria compared with it, the
resemblance suggested that it might be from a nearly related plant. The
proportions of the different constituents were determined as closely as
possible, and the following formula was arrived at:

  Boric acid           8 per cent.
  Borax                2    „
  Oil of eucalyptus    2    „
  Oil of wintergreen   3    „
  Anhydrous lanoline   4    „
  Oil (? olive)        8    „
  Soft paraffin       63    „
  Powdered drug        7    „
  Water                3    „

An ointment prepared in accordance with this formula, with krameria
root as the drug, closely resembled the original.


SULPHOLINE LOTION.

This lotion is prepared by a limited company in London. A 1s. bottle
contained 2 fluid ounces. This preparation is advertised in the
following terms:

  Eczema and all skin ailments are completely cured by Sulpholine
  Lotion, which directly attacks all forms of Eczema, Eruptions,
  Pimples, Acne, Spots, Blackheads, or Disfiguring Rashes, leaving the
  skin in the soft, clear, supple, attractive condition designed by
  Nature.

And in a pamphlet enclosed in the package it is further stated that

  Sulpholine Lotion is the only external skin remedy.

  There is no phase of Eczema, chronic or acute, red, dry, scaly, or
  pustular (moist), psoriasis, pityriasis, impetigo, prickly heat,
  tetter, salt-rheum, or even superficial scorbutic ulcerations, but
  Sulpholine will grapple with, and in most cases completely eradicate,
  leaving the skin its natural, clear, smooth, pliable surface.

The directions on the label are:

  To be damped on with a handkerchief or piece of cotton wool, and
  allowed to dry. One application of the Lotion should be at bedtime.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Sulphur, precipitated            3   parts.
  Zinc oxide                       2.1   „
  Calcium sulphate                 0.6 part.
  Glycerin                         9   parts.
  Strong rose water, to 100 parts by measure.

The rose water is by far the most expensive ingredient, and the
estimated cost of ingredients for 2 fluid ounces is 1¹⁄₄d.


CADUM.

Supplied by Omega, Limited. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. tin contained just over 1 oz.

This is described in a circular enclosed in the package as:

  The New Medical Discovery for the Treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis,
  Ringworm, Acne, Pimples, Blackheads, Itch, Facial Eruptions, Salt
  Rheum, Shingles, Herpes, Hives, Prickly Heat, Boils, Rash, Itching
  Piles, Cuts, Sores, Burns, Chafing, Sunburn, Scabies and other Skin
  Troubles.

Its origin is thus described:

  The discovery of Cadum, the wonderful new skin remedy, was not the
  result of mere chance or accident, but of patient, painstaking
  investigations, extending over a long period, by an eminent chemist
  who became possessed of the conviction that the old method of taking
  internal remedies to cure external diseases was erroneous. After a
  careful study of all the best-known products, it was discovered that
  an extract from a particular part of a well-known tree possessed
  superior antiseptic and curative properties, and exerted a powerful,
  beneficial effect on the skin tissues. It was, however, found that
  this valuable vegetable extract possessing such desirable qualities
  was difficult to compound with other ingredients necessary to present
  it in a form convenient to use. After further investigations and
  experiments, a method of special treatment was devised by which
  this seemingly insurmountable difficulty was overcome, resulting in
  a unique combination of ingredients, possessing to a marked degree
  valuable therapeutic properties, the like of which has never before
  been produced.

Directions are given for the use of this preparation in some thirty
affections of the skin.

Analysis showed the presence of zinc oxide, sulphur, boric and
salicylic acids, oil of cade, and a paraffin basis. The proportions
of the several ingredients were determined as accurately as possible;
since oil of cade is variable in composition, and there is no direct
means of determining its quantity in such a mixture, this was estimated
from a number of comparisons with known mixtures, and the figure given
is certainly not far from exact. The formula arrived at is:

  Zinc oxide          11.3 per cent.
  Flowers of sulphur   8.0    „
  Boric Acid           3.1    „
  Salicylic acid       0.8    „
  Oil of cade          7      „
  Hard paraffin       10      „
  Soft paraffin       60      „

Estimated cost of ingredients for 1 ounce, ¹⁄₃d.


POSLAM.

This is supplied by the Emergency Laboratories, New York. A 2s. 3d. tin
contained ²⁄₃ ounce.

It is described in a circular enclosed in the package as

  The Newest Medical Discovery for the treatment of Eczema and all
  other skin affections.

Some further extracts from this circular are as follows:

  It is a singular fact that, notwithstanding the great strides that
  have been made in medicine for the past decade or two, skin diseases,
  and particularly eczema--the worst of them--are about as little
  understood by the medical profession to-day as they were a generation
  back.

  Eczema is one of the most prevalent diseases, and statistics shows
  that at least _50 per cent. of humanity have it in some form or
  other_. It may be that physicians have failed to give this trouble
  the proper amount of study because, not being a fatal disease,
  they have considered it unimportant enough to wilfully neglect its
  thorough diagnosis.

  Another reason may be that the _advertised preparations for eczema
  have been so exploited as to convey wrong impressions about the
  disease_, ascribing it to causes most ridiculous, and harping on the
  erroneous idea that it is a blood trouble, only curable by internal
  remedies. Doctors, in the absence of any recognised specific for the
  disease, have given either internal remedies or ordered the use of
  special soaps, both of which courses show that the average medical
  man is helpless to combat the growing trouble of skin diseases....

  LOTIONS AND INEFFECTUAL “REMEDIES.”--_The potent ingredients of a
  remedy, which are necessary to the successful cure of eczema, cannot
  be contained in the form of a liquid. Lotions, besides containing
  mercury, must necessarily contain some alcohol or water, which are
  irritants and should be rigidly avoided._....

  _There is no need of an extended course of treatment in the cure of
  eczema. If the remedy is the right one, its effects will be apparent
  immediately, and the progress of its work may be noted daily._....

  POSLAM, THE CURE.--_The success of Poslam in the cure of eczema
  and all kindred skin diseases, has been absolute since its first
  introduction to the public and the medical profession. It is entirely
  different from anything yet used, and as a remedial agent in skin
  diseases, may be said to be positively infallible in its action._
  Hitherto there has been a common base to all ointments and salves
  that were supposed to be “remedies” for eczema. _Poslam has a base
  of its own, and contains no grease, poisons, mercury, or any other
  harmful constituent._

The general directions are:

  Apply Poslam twice daily, night and morning, directly to the parts
  affected.

  Do not rub or irritate, but apply gently.

Analysis showed the presence of zinc oxide, sulphur, starch, salicylic
acid, oil of birch tar, oil of cade, lanoline, and soft paraffin.
Since oil of birch tar and oil of cade are both very complex bodies
of variable composition, it is not possible to determine exactly the
quantities present in such a mixture; it is even possible that some
samples of oil of birch tar might possess the properties observed,
without the presence of oil of cade, and the latter is given in the
formula with this reservation. The various ingredients were determined
or estimated as exactly as possible, and the following formula was
arrived at:

  Zinc oxide          12   per cent.
  Flowers of sulphur   8      „
  Maize starch        18      „
  Salicylic acid       1.5    „
  Oil of cade          1.5    „
  Oil of birch tar     8      „
  Anhydrous lanoline  25.5    „
  Soft paraffin       25.5    „

Estimated cost of ingredients of ²⁄₃ ounce, ¹⁄₂d.




CHAPTER III.

NERVE TONICS AND “ELIXIRS OF LIFE.”


  A very large class of proprietary medicines consists of those
  advertised as nerve tonics and restoratives of lost vitality, and
  a number of these are described in the present chapter. Some of
  them are conspicuously advertised in the newspapers, and are sold
  through retailers in the ordinary way; while in other cases the
  interest of those likely to become purchasers is usually aroused by
  a small advertisement with a bold headline to catch the eye--such
  as “Lost Manhood Restored”--in which a free book is offered, to be
  sent by post on application. The applicant is not only urged by the
  contents of the book which is sent to place himself at once under
  the advertiser’s treatment, but this advice is further pressed on
  him by letters at intervals. Medicines of this kind are not usually
  sold through retailers, but only direct from the advertiser to the
  consumer. The latter is often supplied with a list of questions to
  be answered, and--to judge from the examples described--when he
  has answered them, and paid the one or two guineas demanded, he is
  likely to be told that his is a complicated case requiring additional
  treatment, for which, of course, further payment is to be made. In
  some cases references occur to “our consulting physician,” or “our
  specialist,” etc. In regard to specialists of this anonymous kind,
  some facts elicited at a coroner’s inquest, mentioned in chapter
  XIX., throw some light on the probable value of such references.
  Obviously, no real expert would consent to work under such conditions
  as those indicated; but even if that difficulty could be got over,
  no satisfactory diagnosis could be made in the manner pretended,
  and the paying of a fee for advice in such circumstances is a very
  different thing from paying for the attention and skill of an expert
  who really investigates his cases.

  In regard to the nerve tonics supplied through retailers, it will
  be seen that some of these consist of a few simple and commonplace
  drugs, the cost of which is almost negligible compared to the
  price charged. Others, which have only recently appeared on the
  market, appear to be based--at least in regard to the wording of
  the advertisements--on the orchitic fluid suggested by the late Dr.
  Brown-Séquard, and a good deal of play is made with a few terms
  having a scientific appearance, but serving--as, for example, “the
  red corpuscles or phagocytes,” and “a vital extract (C₂H₅N₁)”--only
  to display to anyone understanding them the ignorance of the
  advertiser. The last of the articles dealt with has been very
  extensively advertised as a “brain and nerve food”; our advertisement
  shows that the daily dose of this preparation, costing ninepence,
  represents about a teaspoonful of beaten-up egg and a wineglassful of
  skim milk.


PHOSFERINE.

This widely-advertised preparation is supplied at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s.
9d. by a limited company in London. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle was found to
contain 2 fluid drachms, and a 2s. 9d. bottle just over 1 fluid ounce.

Phosferine is described in an advertisement as

  The Greatest of all Tonics.

  A Proven Remedy for

  Nervous Debility, Influenza, Indigestion, Sleeplessness, Exhaustion,
  Neuralgia, Maternity Weakness, Premature Decay, Mental Exhaustion,
  Loss of Appetite, Lassitude, Neuritis, Faintness, Brain Fag, Anæmia,
  Backache, Rheumatism, Headache, Hysteria, Sciatica, and disorders
  consequent upon a reduced state of the nervous system.

In a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that

  Phosferine is a potent strengthening medicine, withal gentle in its
  action and perfectly harmless; being akin to gastric juice, it rests
  and restores the digestive organs and regulates the bowels to normal
  action.

  The public cannot be too strongly warned against the many purging
  medicines advertised for indigestion, etc., which are not only a
  fruitful source of piles, but injure the coating of the stomach and
  sap the very gastric juice Nature is straining herself to supply.

  Unlike other tonic medicines, Phosferine does not injure the teeth or
  upset the stomach and cause constipation; on the contrary, it will be
  found beneficial in these conditions.

  Phosferine may be taken at all times with benefit; there is no
  possible objection to its continued use either as an appetiser or a
  general strengthening and nerve remedy.

Somewhat varying directions are given as to the quantity to be taken
for different ailments, the dose being stated as from five to ten
drops, to be taken from twice to four times a day.

Analysis showed the presence of alcohol, quinine, phosphoric acid, and
a little sulphuric acid; a trace of sodium salt was found, but this
was probably an accidental impurity in the phosphoric acid; no other
ingredient could be detected. Expressing the acids as the dilute acids
of the _British Pharmacopœia_, and the quinine as the ordinary official
sulphate, the formula arrived at is

  Quinine sulphate           0.67  part
  Diluted sulphuric acid     2.5   parts by measure
  Diluted phosphoric acid   54.6     „        „
  Alcohol                    8.1     „        „
  Water, to                100       „        „

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 1 fluid ounce (2s. 9d.
bottle) is ¹⁄₂d.


GUY’S TONIC.

This is a liquid prepared by a London firm; a bottle priced 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.
contained 6 fluid ounces. In a circular enclosed in the package it is
stated that:

  Guy’s Tonic is a rich Cordial prepared from Vegetable Tinctures and
  other curative agents found in the British Pharmacopœia.... Guy’s
  Tonic is not put forward as a Remedy for “all the ills to which flesh
  is heir,” for no such thing as a “Cure-all” exists. It is, however,
  confidently recommended for the specific Ailments enumerated.... The
  use of Guy’s Tonic will be attended with the happiest results in:--

  1. Disorders of the Digestive System: Dyspepsia, Heartburn, Loss
  of Appetite, Pain after Food, Flatulence or Wind, a sensation of
  Nausea (Sickness), Furred or white-coated Tongue, unpleasant Breath,
  disagreeable Taste in the Mouth, Drowsiness after Eating, a feeling
  of weight or discomfort in the Chest, palpitation of the Heart,
  shortness of Breath and Acidity of the Stomach.

  2. Functional Derangements of the Liver: Sluggishness, Congestion,
  Constipation, Biliousness, Despondency, Dizziness, Sallowness of the
  Complexion, Blotches on the Skin, dull pains between the Shoulders,
  variable Appetite, Headache, disturbed Sleep, Lassitude, and
  Irritability.

  3. Disorders of the Blood: Anæmia, Emaciation, Paleness, Weariness,
  and Disorders dependent upon a Vitiated or Impoverished condition of
  the Vital Fluid.

  4. Nervous Maladies: Neuralgia, Nervousness, Hysteria, Giddiness,
  Alcoholism, disturbed Sleep, unpleasant Dreams, confused Thoughts,
  lack of Confidence, Loss of Memory, Depression, Melancholy,
  Exhaustion, Languor, and affections due to Malnutrition of the Brain
  and Spinal Cord.

  5. General Diseases: Gout, Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, Lumbago, and
  Disorders characterised by Perverted Nutrition and Lack of Vital
  Force.

  6. Convalescence from Acute Diseases: also in cases of recovery from
  Influenza, Fevers, Bronchitis, and other exhausting Diseases, and in
  General Debility and Prostration from whatever cause arising.

The dose is stated on the label to be:

  For adults, one tablespoonful. Under 9 years, one dessertspoonful.
  Under 2 years, one teaspoonful.

Analysis showed it to contain small quantities of hydrochloric and
phosphoric acids, alcohol, bitter and aromatic substances and colouring
matter, and a trace of chloroform. No alkaloid was present; the bitter
and aromatic substances present in very small amount agreed well with
those of the official compound infusion of gentian; the behaviour of
the colouring matter indicated that it was cochineal. The quantities
of the two acids and the alcohol were determined, and the amounts of
the other ingredients estimated by methods of comparison. The following
formula gives an exactly similar mixture:

  Diluted hydrochloric acid       0.59 parts by measure
  Diluted phosphoric acid         0.52   „        „
  Alcohol                         2.27   „        „
  Compound infusion of gentian   40      „        „
  Chloroform water               50      „        „
  Cochineal colouring           a sufficiency
  Water, to                     100 parts by measure

The estimated cost of the ingredients of 6 fluid ounces is ¹⁄₂d.


VITAE ORE.

The article sold under this name is supplied by a limited company in
London, price 4s. 6d. per package.

An offer to send a package, containing sufficient for one month, to
be paid for only if benefit is received, is largely advertised. The
advertisement usually includes an illustration of a man’s head, said to
represent “Prof. Theo. Noel,” described as “the well-known geologist.”
The following are extracts from one of these advertisements:

  I discovered by accident the dried residue of the greatest curative
  spring in the world. It seemed worth while to try whether this,
  when redissolved, would have mineral spring virtues. The results
  astonished me and those who experienced them. The spring was a
  marvel--far exceeding anything that Homburg, Harrogate, Aix, Bath,
  or any other spa can show. Some untraceable element defying the
  chemist’s analysis--is it Radium?--enters into the rock. Whatever
  the element may be, its effect can be distinctly felt when the drink
  made from this deposit, which I call Vitae Ore, or “life-rock,” is
  taken as a beverage. Those who use it say that it gives a degree of
  buoyant, cheerful energy, which they never, perhaps, experienced
  before.

  Everyone knows a few people with health and vigour to spare--the men
  whose breezy personality carries all before it, so that no one can
  resist them; the women whose warm bloom and feminine grace capture
  all hearts. Well, Vitae Ore will give these things to ALL, if used as
  I will tell you how to use it. No artificial drug enters into it. No
  artificial drug can rival its effects.

  Whether you are well or ill--strong or weak--Vitae Ore will give you
  new life. Under its influence Nature herself cures

    _Rheumatism_
    _Sciatica_
    _Gout_
    _Anæmia_
    _Dropsy_
    _Catarrh_
    _Indigestion_
    _Constipation_
    _Nervous Exhaustion_
    _and all Liver, Blood, and Stomach Diseases...._

  Its effect in giving new vigour and nerve-force to people of mere
  ordinary health, turning them into noticeably and radiantly strong
  men and women, makes it worth using in every case....


  How to use Vitae Ore.

  Vitae Ore comes to you as a box of powder. You simply dissolve it in
  a pint of cold water, and of this mixture drink a teaspoonful in a
  half-tumbler of water three times a day, and at bedtime, for a month.
  In a few days, a week, or later, according to your present condition,
  you will begin to notice greater strength, better digestion, higher
  spirits, a clearer complexion, a healthier appetite. These are the
  effects of the new vitality in Vitae Ore.

A 4s. 6d. package contained 137 grains of the substance; analysis
showed it to contain a slightly basic but soluble iron sulphate,
magnesium sulphate, and combined water; the quantity of each
constituent was determined and found to be as follows:

  Ferric oxysulphate, calculated as anhydrous  47.57 per cent.
  Magnesium sulphate, calculated as anhydrous  15.89    „
  Water, in combination                        36.54    „

No other substance was detected. The iron, magnesium, sulphate, and
water were all determined separately, and, as the figures add up to
100.00 per cent., not much is left for “some untraceable element
defying the chemist’s analysis.” If the directions, quoted above, are
followed, each dose would contain:

  Iron oxysulphate, anhydrous    0.47 grain.
  Magnesium sulphate, anhydrous  0.15   „

The estimated cost of the ingredients contained in one package is about
one-eighth of a penny.


COCAPHOS.

This preparation is supplied by a firm in London. A box priced 4s. 6d.
contained 94 tablets.

The following extracts are from an advertisement in a magazine:

  Gavin’s “Cocaphos” Puts New Life Into You.... You cannot do your
  work if you are in a nervous state; the worry and stress of modern
  life tells on the best of constitutions. Many fly to stimulants
  and find temporary relief, but as there is always reaction, they
  find it necessary to continue taking them, and thus a bad habit is
  formed. When you feel run down and need energy and go the finest
  thing to take to brace you up and allow you to make the most of
  your opportunities, to remove that tired feeling, and to build up
  your nervous system is “COCAPHOS.” This is composed of the finest
  ingredients for the purpose, acknowledged by the Medical Profession
  to be a fine recuperative tonic.

The dose is given on the label as “One tablet after each meal.”

The tablets were sugar-coated, and coloured red externally; after
removal of the coating the average weight was 3.9 grains. Analysis
showed the presence of:

                                                    In one tablet.
  Iron hypophosphite                20   per cent.   0.78 grain.
  Quinine sulphate                   2.8    „        0.10    „
  Extract (probably damiana) about  50      „        2    grains.
  Sugar
  Talc                              11      „

The extract agreed in characters and tests with extract of damiana; it
was not possible to determine exactly how much was present. The name
of the article appears to imply that a preparation of coca is present;
no evidence was obtained of any, but a small proportion of extract
of coca, if present, could not be identified in the presence of the
extract of damiana.

The estimated cost of ingredients for 94 tablets is 8¹⁄₄d. The most
costly ingredient is the extract of damiana, which is also the least
certain in quantity; probably the figure given is a liberal estimate.


DAMAROIDS.

The tablets sold under the name “Damaroids” are supplied by a limited
company in London at 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. per box. A 2s. 9d. box
contained 36 tablets.

“Damaroids” are thus described in an advertisement:

  They are a Safe and Sure Cure of General Weakness, Physical Decay,
  and Loss of Nerve Power, Varicocele, etc., etc. They are a Unique and
  Wonderful Specific for men. Effectually Restore Lost Vitality and
  Stamina, counteract result of late hours, etc. “Damaroids” is The
  True Nervo-Spinal Tonic, the Safest and most effective medicine yet
  introduced for nervous and all exhausting diseases.

  They have cured thousands of cases--and they Do cure.

On the label they are described as:

  A Safe and Sure Remedy for General Weakness, Spinal Exhaustion,
  Neurasthenia, Physical Decay, and Loss of Nerve Power.

  Directions:--One to be swallowed three times a day, after meals.

The tablets were sugar-coated and coloured red externally; after
removal of the coating they had an average weight of 3.9 grains. They
exactly resembled the tablets just described as “Cocaphos” and showed
the same composition, with some difference in the proportions of the
ingredients. The figures arrived at are:

                                                    In one tablet.
  Iron hypophosphite                14.2 per cent.    0.55 grain.
  Quinine sulphate                   3.4    „         0.13   „
  Extract (probably damiana) about  50      „         2 grains.
  Sugar
  Talc                              16      „

The same remarks apply here as in the preceding case, and the cost
would be approximately the same, about 3d. for the ingredients of 36
tablets.


INVIGOROIDS.

The tablets sold under the name Invigoroids are supplied from an
address in Yorkshire at 2s. 9d. per box containing 54 tablets.

They are thus described in a circular:

  Invigoroids are a pure and powerful nerve and organic tonic and
  food, designed to replace (at a reasonable price) the highly priced
  and pernicious remedies that are so common. With results much more
  beneficial and yet with no evil after-effects, Invigoroids are worth
  their weight in gold to suffering, sorrowful men, and are regularly
  prescribed by leading specialists. Invigoroids create blood, nerve
  force and energy. Fill weak and worn-out men with healthy life and
  rampant vigour. Make existence a perfect pleasure, and render the
  system disease-proof and capable of sustaining prolonged exertion in
  any form.

  The only Cure for Impotence in Men....

  We Speak to You If your complaint is amongst the following: Back
  Pains, Brain Fag, Dejection, General Weakness, Head Pains, Hysteria,
  Impotence, Loss of Flesh, Lost Vitality, Nerve Paralysis, Nervous
  Debility, Senile Decay, Unnatural Forebodings, Weakness of Generative
  Organs, etc.

In a newspaper advertisement it is stated that:

  Invigoroids contain free phosphorus (nerve and brain food) and rare
  herbal blood and flesh-forming specifics.

The directions on the label were: “Take one three times daily.” The
label was printed, “Take two, twice or three times daily,” but this was
altered in ink, not very clearly, to the preceding.

The tablets were sugar-coated and coloured red externally, after
removal of the coating they had an average weight of 2.8 grains.
Analysis showed the presence of asafœtida, ferrous carbonate, zinc
phosphide, strychnine, brucine, and sugar of milk. The alkaloids were
probably added in the form of extract of nux vomica, and the amount
of this is calculated from the proportion of alkaloids found; the
asafœtida was estimated from the proportion of resin found. The results
of tests for the zinc phosphide were somewhat obscured by the other
substances present; the amount was calculated from the proportion
of zinc found. The ferrous carbonate is calculated as the official
saccharated carbonate. The formula so arrived at is:

                                                 In One Tablet.
  Extract of nux vomica           1.0 per cent.   0.028 grain.
  Zinc phosphide                  2.4    „        0.067   „
  Saccharated carbonate of iron  18.0    „        0.50    „
  Asafœtida                       9.0    „        0.25    „
  Sugar of milk.

The package was not labelled “Poison,” although it would appear to come
within the schedule of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for fifty-four tablets is ¹⁄₂d.


DR. MORGAN’S RADIO-VIMETTES.

This preparation is supplied by a limited company in London at 2s. 9d.
per box, containing 20 pills. They are advertised in the following
terms:

  Proved by thousands to be unsurpassed in restoring lost vitality and
  strength in all cases of Debility, Nervous Exhaustion, Lost Vitality,
  Varicocele, and all Diseases of the Blood, Nerves, and Brain. Not
  a quack remedy, but compounded from the Private prescription of a
  celebrated Doctor.

A supply was obtained by post, and a few days later a letter was
received from the makers as follows:

    Dear Sir,

  We sent you a week ago a course of Dr. Morgan’s “Radio-Vimettes,”
  and as in every case in which these are sent, we take, not merely
  an interest to sell the Vimettes, but a genuine interest in your
  ailment and its cure, we are writing now to know just what benefit
  has accrued from the course of treatment you have had.

  If your case is a mild one we have no doubt that by this time your
  nerves are strengthened, your energy restored and your general
  vitality and health renewed, and it only remains for us to say how
  glad we are that the Vimettes have once more vindicated their claim
  to supremacy.

  If, on the other hand, you had not regarded the first signs of
  disease and wrote us only when nature positively demanded relief
  from suffering we know that you cannot possibly be ENTIRELY CURED,
  and if such is your ailment, our interest in its eradication still
  continues firm. For all such ailments our primary desire is to
  relieve, and should you still be suffering we beg you to let us know
  AT ONCE, not merely saying “I am not cured,” but by writing a quiet,
  friendly letter saying just how you feel, giving particulars of your
  case,--the cause--and the result. Direct this to “The Specialist”
  marked “Private,” and it will then be read only by him, regarded by
  him as most strictly confidential and, if desired, returned to you.
  Enclose a stamp for return postage and you will then obtain full
  advice on your case FREE OF ALL CHARGE, and we sincerely trust that
  by so writing health, strength, and vitality may be yours again.

A leaflet was enclosed on “Special Courses of Radio-Vimette Treatment,”
from which it appears that there are three such courses, referred to
as: “No. 1. Neurasthenic; No. 2. Urinary; No. 3. Impotence.”

  The Courses of Treatment in each case enumerated above are put up in
  two forms, the supply being sufficient approximately for one month’s
  treatment.

  No. 1. SPECIAL STRENGTH for mild cases, 11s. per Course, Carriage
  Paid.

  No. 2. CONCENTRATED for severe cases and cases of long standing, 21s.
  per Course, Carriage Paid.

  The best advice of the Specialist is at the services of every Patient
  free of all charge, and in every case correspondence is treated in
  the strictest confidence.

A list of questions to be answered was also sent.

The dose is given, in a circular of “General Directions,” as follows:

  The Ordinary Strength Radio-Vimettes will be found sufficiently
  powerful for all mild cases of Nerve trouble, such as NERVOUS
  DYSPEPSIA, HEADACHES, etc.

  For these troubles One Radio-Vimette should be taken night and
  morning after meals.

The pills were ovoid in shape, sugar-coated, and coloured purple
externally. After removal of the coating they had an average weight of
3.7 grains. Analysis showed the presence of free phosphorus, reduced
iron, quinine sulphate, and excipient. The amounts found were:

                                      In One Pill.
  Reduced iron      70    per cent.  2.6   grains.
  Quinine sulphate  11.8     „       0.44  grain.
  Phosphorus         0.13    „       0.005   „

The estimated cost of the ingredients for twenty pills is ¹⁄₂d.


GORDON’S VITAL SEXUALINE RESTORATIVE.

This preparation and a number of others are supplied by a firm in a
Yorkshire town. The price of this “restorative” is 22s. per bottle,
holding 21 fluid ounces.

The usual advertisement is of a pamphlet called “Strength, How Lost,
How Regained,” which is thus referred to:

  Interesting and instructive remarks to young and middle-aged men on
  “How to Preserve Strength and Retain the Powers.” A Brief Treatise
  on Nervous Exhaustion, Loss of Strength, and Debility in Men. This
  book not only contains valuable remarks on how to preserve Strength
  and retain the Powers to an advanced age, but points out the best
  means of restoring Exhausted Vitality, Poverty of Nerve Force, Mental
  Depression, and will especially interest those who wish to create
  Vitality, increase Nerve Stamina, renew the Vital Forces, or fit
  themselves for business, study, or marriage.

The pamphlet is further entitled:

  “A Confidential Treatise on Nervous Exhaustion, Spermatorrhœa,
  Varicocele, Generative Weakness, Debility, Special Diseases and
  Urinary Derangements in Men, THEIR CAUSE AND CURE, By Concentrated
  Herbal Remedies. A Popular, Practical, and Moral Exposition of Some
  of the Fundamental Problems of Sociology. By Charles Gordon, P.M.B.”

“P.M.B.,” it may be noted, does not represent any known medical
qualification, but is of unknown signification, and is probably
intended to suggest to the ignorant some sort of medical degree.

It is a booklet of 43 pages, with sections on Onanism, Spermatorrhœa,
Marriage, Varicocele, Impotence, Gonorrhœa, Gleet, Syphilis, etc. An
“advice form” was also sent, containing a list of questions to be
answered by those desiring medicine.

A price list gives the prices of the following: Vital Sexualine
Restorative (described as “for Onanism, Night Emissions, Seminal
Losses, Waste of Vitality, Brain Fag, Depression, General Weakness,
Loss of Energy, Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhœa, and Varicocele”),
Viro-Erectile Elixir, Anti-Syphilitic Mixture, Bubo Compound, Gleet
Compound, Gonorrhœal Mixture, and Gravolene, all at 22s. per bottle,
and Gentiana Tonic and Varixolene Liniment, at 11s. per bottle.

On the label of the “Vital Sexualine” it is called:

  The Great Nerve Restorative, Brain Fertilizer, and Vital Tonic.
  Feeds, Strengthens, and Sustains the Nerves, prevents Losses and
  waste of Vitality, Creates Nervous Fluid, Brain Matter and Nerve
  Force. Brightens the intellect, improves the memory and mental
  faculties, restores strength, and promotes a renewal of life in the
  entire system. A proven remedy for all weakened conditions of the
  system dependent upon the deficiency of the vital forces.

  Permanently Cures--Neurasthenia, Nervous Breakdown, Brain Fag,
  Depression, Loss of Energy, Sleeplessness, Nervous Headache,
  Melancholia, Trembling, Poverty of Nerve Force, Nervous Prostration,
  General Weakness, Loss of Strength, Exhausted Vitality, Premature
  Decay, Brain Wreckage, Neuralgia, Nerve Tire, etc.

  Dose.--One small teaspoonful in a wineglassful of cold water three
  times a day, immediately after meals.

The liquid was reddish-brown in colour, and syrupy. Analysis showed it
to contain:

                                        In One Dose.
  Iron hypophosphite         0.50 part  0.27 grains.
  Calcium hypophosphite      0.50  „    0.27   „
  Sodium hypophosphite       0.60  „    0.32   „
  Potassium hypophosphite    0.14  „    0.07   „
  Quinine sulphate           0.50  „    0.27   „
  Citric acid                0.90  „    0.48   „
  Sugar          (approx.)  51    parts
  Glycerine          „      36    parts by measure
  Colouring matter
  Water                 to 100     „    „    „

Metallic hypophosphites are not generally considered to be
“concentrated herbal remedies.”

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 21 fluid ounces is 10¹⁄₂d.


THE MARSTON TREATMENT.

This is supplied by a firm in London, and is advertised as follows:

  EVERY MAN

  Suffering from GENERAL and PHYSICAL DEBILITY should send for a
  Valuable Pamphlet explaining how all Nervous and Organic Derangement
  may be successfully treated without stomach medication. The method is
  easy and pleasant, and will effect a perfect and permanent cure. Sent
  in a plain sealed envelope post free 2 stamps.

Application to the address given brought a paper-covered book of
seventy-two pages, entitled _A Treatise on the Modern Treatment of
Nervous Diseases and Exhaustion in Men by Local Absorption_, the scope
of which is indicated by the following extracts:

  The object of this treatise is to describe, in as clear and simple
  a manner as possible, for the non-professional reader, the various
  diseases and affections resulting in the nervous and sexual systems
  from the indulgence of early pernicious habits, excessive venery,
  fast living, and other irregularities, the product of our modern
  civilisation....

  In issuing this edition of our treatise on NERVOUS DISEASES, we
  desire especially to point out that ours is not an empirical or
  secret treatment, nor do we use merely one single preparation and
  designate it a cure-all and panacea for every variety of disease.
  On the contrary, the Remedies used are varied, and such as long
  experience in the treatment of Nervous and Sexual ailments have
  proved to be the most valuable in their cure. Our object is to
  prescribe the course necessary to be taken to ensure the result
  expected or hoped for; we claim no new or occult discoveries in the
  domain of Medicine or Pharmacy, but we do claim that our method of
  combining medicinal drugs, in the form of a suppository and applying
  them directly to the immediate locality of the diseases described
  in this treatise, is not only more successful in its results but is
  more effectual and rational than purely stomach drugging for nervous
  Diseases allied with sexual troubles.

The book was accompanied by various other papers, and a letter from
which the following extracts are taken:

  If for any reason after a perusal of our book you are unable to
  select the course of treatment necessary, you may give us a full and
  as clear a statement as possible of your symptoms, and we will submit
  it to the consulting physician, when such course as will meet the
  requirements of your case will be prescribed. The treatment can be
  sent to you by post, together with the necessary medical and hygienic
  advice suitable for your case.

  Should you still have any doubt as to the advantages of rectal
  treatment in your case, possibly owing to some complication that does
  not enter within the scope of our treatise, we shall be glad to hear
  from you, and any letters will be treated in the fullest confidence.
  Consultation personally or by letter free of charge.

In a subsequent letter the following occurs:

  We are well aware that there are firms in existence which treat
  nervous debility on similar lines to our own, but we again
  emphatically claim and challenge all rivals to contradict the
  fact, viz., that we are the oldest established advertising medical
  business, and that we were the first to originate the Rectal Method
  for the cure of Nervous and Sexual Diseases.

From the papers sent it appears that five kinds of treatment are
supplied, as follows:

  Graded Course for the cure of Seminal Losses, Spermatorrhœa, etc.

  Impotence Course for the cure of Impotence, Loss of Sexual Vigour,
  Erectile Power, etc.

  Urinary and Prostatic Course for all troubles of the Prostate Gland,
  Bladder, Kidneys, etc.

  Developing Course for Atrophy or Wasting and Shrinkage of the Organs,
  etc.

  Neurasthenic or Nervine Tonic Course for General Weakness, Debility,
  Loss of Memory, Sleeplessness, Melancholy, Despondency, Depression,
  Neuralgia, Brain Exhaustion, and all those conditions arising from
  Debility associated with Nervous Diseases.

The price of the treatment is the same in all cases, namely, £1 1s. for
one month’s treatment, and £2 2s. for three months’ treatment, of any
course.

In a third letter it was stated that--

  To convince you of our confidence in our Treatment to effect your
  cure, we will send you a three months’ course of treatment upon
  receipt of One-Half the Regular Price, namely, 21s., and you need not
  pay the balance of 21s. unless you are perfectly satisfied with the
  results.

A guinea was accordingly sent for a three months’ supply of the Nervine
Tonic Course; this elicited a request for answers to the printed
questions that were sent, and a sample of urine, for “our Consulting
Physician.” The question paper was therefore filled in with particulars
of an imaginary case of nocturnal emissions, and sent with a sample of
normal healthy urine to which some glycerine and water had been added.
Three boxes of suppositories were received, with a letter, of which the
principal parts were as follows:

  We have your favour with answers to questions and sample of urine
  enclosed, and our Consulting Physician has submitted the latter to
  a careful examination, and we are pleased to inform you that it was
  found to be of normal specific gravity, and showed no evidence of any
  organic kidney disease, but an examination of the urinary débris,
  together with the statements made in the diagnosis form discloses
  sufficient evidence to convince us that your nerve and sexual system
  is very much below par, and in order to bring about your complete
  restoration to sexual health and strength it will be necessary for
  you to undergo the treatment our Consulting Physician has prescribed
  in your case....

  You will therefore see that it is absolutely necessary in your case
  for you to undergo, in addition to the Tonic Course which you ordered
  in your previous letter, a three months’ treatment of the Graded
  Course to permanently check all losses either at stool, in your
  urine, or by nightly emissions, and by this means a reinvigoration of
  the exhausted seminal secreting organs will be gradually effected.
  This course could be used every night whilst you are using the Tonic
  Course every morning ... we forward you herewith a three months’
  treatment of the Tonic Course.... Use from box No. 1 the first month,
  box No. 2 the second month, and box No. 3 the third month.... If you
  would like to follow our advice and use the Graded Course at night
  and will remit the reduced fee of 21s. for the same, the further
  remedy will be at once prepared and sent you....

Each box contained 29 suppositories, or 87 in all, having an
average weight of 16¹⁄₂ grains. All three kinds were found to be
similar in composition; they differed a little in the proportions
of the ingredients, but, as the drugs are not soluble in the fat,
suppositories of such a composition, if prepared by melting and pouring
into moulds, would show such differences in strength as those found,
unless prepared in very small quantities and with extreme care. The
composition shown by analysis was:

  ----------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------
                        |   No. 1.    |   No. 2.    |   No. 3.
          ----          +-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
                        | Per |Grains | Per |Grains | Per |Grains
                        |Cent.|in One.|Cent.|in One.|Cent.|in One.
  ----------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
  Calcium hypophosphite |  0.4|  0.07 |  0.3|  0.05 |  0.3|  0.05
  Powdered gentian and  |     |       |     |       |     |
  powdered cinchona bark|  2.1|  0.35 |  3.7|  0.61 |  2.7|  0.45
  Oil of theobroma      | 97.5|   --  | 96.0|   --  | 97.0|   --
  ----------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------

The two vegetable drugs could not, of course, be determined separately;
they appeared to be present in something like equal quantities.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for the eighty-seven
suppositories (ordinary charge 42s.) is 5d.


MURRAY’S COMBINED TREATMENT.

This “treatment,” which has so great a resemblance in many respects to
the preceding as to suggest that it can hardly be merely accidental, is
supplied by another London firm.

It is advertised as follows:

  BOON TO MAN.

  All Men suffering from Nervous Exhaustion, Physical Debility, and
  all Allied Troubles, should send for my Illustrated Book, fully
  describing Symptoms, together with most modern scientific method
  of cure, including hundreds of testimonials of complete cures. No
  Trusses. No Electricity. Sent sealed Post free two stamps.

On application to the address given two paper books and a small
pamphlet were sent. The first entitled _The Combined Stomach and
Rectal Treatment for the Permanent Cure of Nervous Debility and Sexual
Diseases, including Spermatorrhœa, Impotence, and other Disorders,
resulting from these Conditions_, is a booklet of eighty-four pages,
from which some extracts are given below; the second is a booklet of
forty pages, entitled _Varicocele: Its Symptoms and Cure_; and the
pamphlet, of eight pages, is entitled _A Treatise on Venereal Diseases
Gonorrhœa, Gleet, Stricture, etc._

The “Treatment” is thus explained:

  The present therapeutic methods of treating Nervous Debility may be
  described as three distinct systems, viz.:--Treatment by the Stomach
  alone, Treatment by Local Absorption, through the means of the Rectum
  or opening of the lower bowel, and the Murray system of combined
  Rectal and Stomach Treatment.

  The two former methods used separately have proved of considerable
  advantage in removing some of the distressing symptoms of this
  disease, but the successful cure of Nervous Debility, needless to
  say, depends upon the cure and removal of every symptom associated
  with the disease.... This result is effected by “Murray’s Treatment,”
  which has received the appellation “Combined” from its peculiar means
  of administration. It comprises two forms of treatment. The first
  consisting of prescribed remedies taken by means of the stomach....
  The second form ... is that of a Rectal Suppository.

The books were accompanied by various papers and a letter of the usual
type, which was followed at intervals by others, in one of which it was
stated that:

  It is always the earnest endeavour of my Consulting Physician to
  carry out to a successful issue the many cases that come under
  our care, and I am glad to say that the results have in no way
  contradicted my claims as to this satisfactory issue.

  In all cases that are submitted to my opinion, it is honestly given
  after consulting with my Physician, and in no case do we encourage
  or give hopes of a successful cure in those chronic cases which
  sometimes do not yield to treatment.

From the book it appears that five “courses” are supplied--namely:

    The Nervine Tonic and Brain Food Course.
    The Seminal Course.
    The Impotence Course.
    The Genito-Urinary Course.
    The Atrophy Course.

  From a long and varied experience in the treatment of Nervous
  Debility my Physician and myself find it very requisite that three
  months’ treatment should be prescribed in order to bring about a
  thorough and complete cure.

  The fee for a three months’ Treatment is £2 2s.

  The fee for a month’s Treatment is £1 1s.

No order having been sent, a further letter was received, containing
the following offer:

  ... I shall be most happy to make such reduction in the cost of the
  treatment as I hope will adapt itself to your means; and to show
  you the confidence I have in the value and benefits of my method of
  cure, I am willing to meet you in the matter of payment, and would
  suggest your paying me, say, 20s. for a three months’ course, and the
  balance of 22s. I shall only expect or look for, provided that you
  are perfectly satisfied with the results obtained from its use.

Twenty shillings was then sent for the “Nervine Course,” and brought
a request for answers to the questions on a sheet forwarded, and a
sample of urine. The questions were answered in the same way as for the
Marston Treatment (above), and a sample of the same mixture of urine,
glycerine, and water was sent. Not only was the result the same, that
is, a discovery that an additional course--at an additional fee--was
necessary, but it was conveyed in very similar words:

  It is evident that your case is more complicated than your first
  letter indicated, and from the full particulars to hand, together
  with result of examination of urine, your case needs in addition to
  the Nervine Tonic Course a Special Seminal Course to permanently
  check all seminal losses, whether at stool, in the urine, nightly or
  otherwise, and it will strengthen the now weakened seminal secreting
  ducts. This extra Course would have to be used in the morning, and in
  conjunction with the night Course they will act in harmony with each
  other and attack every symptom of your case.... I shall be pleased
  to let you have this extra Course on the same reduced terms, viz.,
  20s., and upon receipt of this amount it will immediately be prepared
  and sent you with full directions, and I trust you will see your way
  clear to order the same at once so that they may be used conjointly.

The preparations sent consisted of three boxes of gelatine perles
(called “gelatinoids”) marked “No. 1,” “No. 2,” and “No. 3,” each box
containing 10, and three boxes of suppositories, similarly marked, each
containing 30. It was explained that:

  I am only sending you the first month’s gelatinoids, as it may be
  necessary to modify these next month.

The general directions were to use a suppository

  from box No. 1 first day, box No. 2 second day, and box No. 3 third
  day, recommencing with box No. 1 again on fourth day, and so on in
  this order day after day. The Stomach Gelatinoids are to be swallowed
  and in same alternative order as Rectal Treatment.

The directions on the gelatinoids were “Take one every morning after
breakfast.”

_Gelatinoids No. 1._

Each contained 0.75 grain of quinine sulphate, partly dehydrated,
equivalent to 0.84 grain of the _B.P._ salt. No other substance was
present.

_Gelatinoids No. 2._

The contents of one had an average weight of 1.35 grains, and contained:

  Ferrous phosphate (Fe₃2PO₄,8H₂O)  26 per cent.
  Quinine phosphate (Q₂H₃PO₄,8H₂O)  35    „
  Strychnine.
  Talc                              11    „
  Milk-sugar.

The strychnine was only a small proportion of the alkaloid, and
the amount of material available did not suffice for its separate
determination.

_Gelatinoids No. 3._

The contents of one had an average weight of 1.66 grains, and consisted
of a brown extract agreeing in most characters and tests with extract
of damiana. No other ingredient could be detected, but some other
extract _might_ have been present, as a mixture of some vegetable
extracts could not be separated with such a small quantity as was
available.

The estimated cost of the ingredients of the 30 gelatinoids is 1¹⁄₄d.

_The Suppositories._

All the three kinds of suppositories had the same constituents, only
showing such small variations in the amounts as would be inevitable in
making a large quantity in the usual way; the average weight was 16
grains. Analysis showed the presence of:

  ----------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------
                        |    No. 1.   |    No. 2.   |    No. 3.
          ----          +-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
                        | Per |Grains | Per |Grains | Per |Grains
                        |cent.|in One.|cent.|in One.|cent.|in One.
  ----------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
  Calcium hypophosphite | 4·05|  0·7  | 3·54|  0·6  | 3·70|  0·6
  Powdered gentian and  |     |       |     |       |     |
  powdered cinchona bark| 3·90|  0·6  | 4·30|  0·7  | 5·30|  0·9
  Oil of theobroma      |92·05|   --  |92·16|   --  |91·00|   --
  ----------------------+-------+-----+-----+-------+-----+-------

In the mixture of powdered gentian and cinchona, the former appeared to
constitute more than half.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 90 suppositories is 5¹⁄₂d.,
and therefore of the entire “combined treatment” 6³⁄₄d.


SEQUARINE.

Sequarine is supplied by a firm in London, at the price of 8s. a
bottle, holding 1 fluid ounce. It is advertised as “The New Serum
Cure,” and both newspaper advertisements and the descriptive pamphlet
sent on application include what is stated to be a portrait of “The
Discoverer, Dr. Brown-Sequard, F.R.S.” It is stated in the pamphlet
that:

  Since the discovery of blood circulation by Harvey there has been
  no greater addition to the forces of medical science than the
  strength producing element discovered by Professor Brown-Sequard,
  F.R.C.P. (London), L.L.D. (Cambridge). This element, which is
  the Serum-Sequarine, has already become an indispensable aid to
  physicians.... The new serum has been given various names, such
  as “Sequard Fluid” and “Spermine,” etc., but the registered and
  generally recognised name of Professor Brown-Sequard’s discovery is
  “Sequarine”--a name derived from that of the discoverer himself,
  thus: Sequar--ine.

Since the general nature of the preparation is thus indicated, it is
not altogether a “secret” remedy; but from the way in which it is
advertised to the public, and the attempt to identify Brown-Séquard’s
orchitic fluid (which, of course, is _not_ a serum) with the
preparation supplied by this particular firm under a registered trade
name, it is fairly to be classed among nostrums.

The following is an extract from a newspaper advertisement:

  Nature and Action of the Serum.

  According to leading physicians the nature of Sequarine and the
  manner of action on the human organism in curing disease may be
  briefly summarised as follows:

  Within every animal body there exists a “power of disease
  resistance,” the principle of “natural immunity”; this power
  resists the entrance of any disease into the body, and if it is of
  normal strength readily repels the disease even after it has gained
  entrance. In treating disease doctors are aided greatly by the
  principle of “natural immunity.” The homœopaths rely on it almost
  entirely--and in a great many instances drugs get the credit for
  a cure when vital resistance has really effected it. The greatest
  scientists have always been baffled in their endeavours to discover
  the element or force which is the basis of this peculiar power. In
  his search for this element Professor Brown-Sequard discovered that
  there exists in the blood infinitesimal quantities of a fluid which
  subsequently proved to be the _basis of the power of natural immunity
  from disease_.

  This fluid is the serum which has been named Sequarine in his honour.

  What Sequarine Cures.

  Sequarine is a cure for any ailment or weakness brought about by lack
  of nerve power or an accumulation of impurities in any part of the
  body.

The attempt to secure the prestige of the name of the late Dr.
Brown-Séquard, without stating precisely that he was in any way
responsible for the article now sold as Sequarine, is very obvious in
a circular letter sent with the pamphlet referred to above, from which
the following is an extract:

  Since the introduction of Sequarine into England an ever-increasing
  number of sufferers have taken this treatment with remarkable
  success. The name of Dr. Brown-Sequard, L.L.D. (Cambridge), Fellow
  of the Royal Society and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
  (London), is a sufficient guarantee of its efficacy.

The directions on the label are:

  Dose.--Adults, 20-30 drops; children, 5-15 drops in half-a-glass
  of water (soda-water or water which has been previously boiled
  preferred).

  To be taken three times daily, half-an-hour before meals.

The liquid contained 35.8 per cent. by volume of alcohol, and
a sufficient trace of oil of peppermint to give a flavour; on
evaporation it left 1.9 per cent. of solid residue, of which 0.6 was
ash--principally sodium and potassium phosphates. The nitrogen present
was 0.22 per cent., equivalent to 1.4 per cent. of protein, but a small
portion of it was present as ammonia, perhaps formed by decomposition
of nitrogenous organic matter. The liquid was thus shown to be of the
nature of an animal extract, with alcohol; definite constituents could
not, of course, be isolated.


NEUROVRIL.

The preparation known as Neurovril is supplied by the Neurovril
Company, London. The price is 21s. per bottle, “sufficient for one
month,” or 7s. 6d. for a smaller bottle, “sufficient for one week.”
The smaller bottle was found to contain nearly 3 fluid ounces. An
advertisement occupying the space of a column in a London daily paper,
is headed, in large letters,

  HAS THE ELIXIR OF LIFE BEEN DISCOVERED?

  Amazing Results of Great Health Discovery announced To-day.

And the first paragraphs are as follows:

  There is announced to-day a mysterious serum, which, whilst according
  relief in cases of severe illnesses, apparently, from the statements
  made, actually introduces into the body not a mere stimulating
  force, but life itself. Although the discovery has been made by
  a Continental scientist, he has already sent particulars to his
  confrères all over the world, and so important do British scientists
  consider this matter, that they are making every effort to place the
  information at once in the hands of those who are ailing.

  The amazing successes that have attended the application of this
  wonderful new health discovery have aroused on all hands the
  question: “Has the Elixir of Life at last been discovered?”

After much more of the same sort, it continues:

  The new serum is a new food for use in cases of

    Loss of Memory,
    Headache,
    Exhaustion,
    Nervous Weakness,
    Brain Fag,
    Melancholia,
    Irritability,
    Slackness,
    Nervous Prostration,
    Partial Paralysis.

  It is a blood food for use in cases of

    Anæmia,
    Rheumatism,
    Sciatica,
    Impoverished Blood,
    Kidney Troubles,
    Disordered Liver.

  It is a physical food for use in cases of

    Wasting Tissue,
    Lack of Muscular Vigour,
    Weak Back,
    Thinness,
    Aged Appearance,
    Premature Decline.

  The wonderful result after even the first dose will be a delightful
  sensation to those who have long lost the vigour of full manhood or
  womanhood.

A booklet is sent on application, from which the following passages are
quoted:

  When it is said that old men and women are made young, that the
  decrepit take on a new virility, that the yellow-hued cheeks assume
  the roses of youth, and the worn out brain gains new power to think
  and control action--these are facts beyond all disputing.

  The great new basic serum makes it possible to defy the approach
  of age, and, better still, enables men and women to come back from
  the realms of senile decay and continuous illness to the vigour
  of perfect man and womanhood. Tissue by tissue, new flesh, new
  energy-creating cells are formed, and as the basic serum is absorbed
  into the system, throughout the whole body is carried on a work of
  rejuvenation....

  Realising the inutility of conducting investigation on stereotyped
  lines, elaborate search was made for a new idea, and in a most
  singular manner the secret that proved the keynote of our scientist’s
  success was found. His work involved ceaseless laboratory experiments
  through the realms of organic chemistry and physiological science,
  and demanded abnormal patience....

  Further experiments proved that the new basic serum not only supplied
  vitality and strength to the body, but could be prepared in such
  a way as to prove an anti-toxin, a means of resisting and curing
  illness....

  To say that Neurovril contains protoplasmic life is no rash
  assertion; it is a perfectly true statement proven by exhaustive
  laboratory tests.

  Teeming with millions of life centres, every drop of Neurovril
  introduced into the body effects a wonderful change. The life centres
  develop and give up their energy to the body....

The following appears on the label:

  Analysis of Active Principle:

    75 per cent. phosphates, immediately assimilable.
    20    „      albumen, remarkable for creating virility.
     2    „      carbonate calcic.
     3    „      water.            Total = 100 per cent.

The directions are:

  Take of this Tonic, regularly, half of a Neurovril glass (supplied
  with this bottle) night and morning directly after meals.

“Half of a neurovril glass” is about 5 fluid drachms. Analysis showed
that 100 parts (by measure) of “neurovril” contained 18.9 parts (by
measure) of alcohol, and gave 19.1 parts of residue on evaporation,
of which 18.1 parts consisted of sugar. A trace of oil of cloves was
present, giving a slight clove odour, and a faint odour like that of
an animal extract in a state of incipient decomposition could also be
detected.

The liquid was slightly turbid, and a trace of fatty substance was
present. No appreciable amount of “serum” or other animal substance was
present; only the slightest indication of a trace of nitrogenous matter
could be detected, this being of the nature of an organic base, and
the amount of phosphate was so small that it was doubtful, even with
a very delicate test, whether any at all were present. The total ash
was 0.03 per cent., and it contained a little lime. The 1 part per 100
fluid parts which was not sugar was probably chiefly glycerine, but a
small quantity of glycerine in presence of a large quantity of sugar
can hardly be positively identified by examining a reasonable quantity
of the material.

If the “active principle” contains, as stated on the label, 75 per
cent. of phosphate and 20 per cent. of albumen, it follows from the
analysis that only a minute trace of it is present in the liquid, which
is practically a mixture of simple syrup and diluted alcohol.


OSOGEN.

Osogen is supplied by a firm in London at 2s. 9d., 7s. 9d., and 11s. a
bottle. A bottle price 2s. 9d. was found to contain 1 fluid ounce, and
a bottle price 11s. 5 fluid ounces.

An advertisement, occupying the space of a column in a London daily
paper, is headed:

  MYSTERIOUS SERU-PHOS.--Amazing Elemental Combination Startles
  Scientists. More Effective than the most powerful Serum.

Some extracts from it are:

  Scientific discussion is at present rife anent a mysterious
  new combination of organic elements. Some time ago Professor
  Brown-Sequard, F.R.S., F.R.C.P. (formerly head of Queen Square
  Hospital, London), discovered a serum (Sequard Fluid) which was used
  with success in treating various ailments. Another eminent scientist
  has now discovered that by combining this serum with organic
  reconstituent elements its curative value is more than doubled.
  After Professor Brown-Sequard announced his discovery to the Paris
  Biological Society, Professor Prince Tarkanhov (St. Petersburg) and
  other scientists began experiments with the serum, and hence the new
  remedy is a direct product of the labour and learning of some of the
  greatest scientific men of their age. This seru-phos combination
  (called Osogen) has been pronounced absolutely certain in curative
  effect and more swift in action than the most powerful serum used
  alone. Scientists who investigated it were amazed by its wonderful
  potency, and Physicians, both in London and on the Continent, predict
  that Osogen will supersede many other forms of treatment....

  Osogen is not a secret remedy. It is a vital extract (C₂H₅N₁),
  combined with organic reconstituent elements (glycerophosphates), all
  of which are now recognised by the Medical Profession, and appear
  in Pharmacopœias throughout the world. One of the ingredients has
  been called by famous scientists “More powerful than the interchange
  of blood.” The whole is almost an exact replica of the elements
  which combine to form the human economy. The vital extract increases
  disease-fighting corpuscles, another constituent forms nerve cells
  (especially cells of the Spinal Nerves), another forms tissue cells,
  etc. Its action is restorative in every part of the body, and its
  use is especially recommended in cases where the serum alone has not
  effected a thorough cure.

In a small pamphlet enclosed in the package, “Osogen” is described as

  Serum and Glycerophosphates. A Natural Remedy for Neurasthenia,
  Nervous Disorders, Brain Fag, General Debility, Anæmia, Bright’s
  Disease, Influenza, Sciatica, Functional Weakness, Loss of Vital
  Power, Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Rheumatism, Kidney Disease, Dropsy,
  Diabetes, Asthma, Consumption, Locomotor Ataxy, and Paralysis.

The directions on the label are:

  20 to 30 drops in a wineglass of water after meals three times daily.
  Children over six: 5 to 15 drops as above.

Analysis showed the liquid to contain glycerophosphates of iron,
magnesium, sodium and quinine, a little alcohol and a trace of
chloroform, with glycerine in large quantity. Not more than a trace of
nitrogenous matter was present in addition to the quinine, showing that
if the mixture contained any of Brown-Sequard’s Orchitic Fluid, the
amount was very small. Determination of the quantities of the various
ingredients gave the following formula:

  Quinine glycerophosphate      0.75 part
  Iron glycerophosphate         2.14 parts
  Magnesium glycerophosphate    0.77 part
  Sodium glycerophosphate       0.90  „
  Spirit of chloroform          3.8  parts by measure
  Glycerine                    73      „       „
  Water to                    100      „       „


DR. LECOY’S VIGOROIDS.

These consisted of sugar-coated tablets, coloured blue externally.
After removing the coating, the tablets had an average weight of 2.2
grains. The dose is stated to be two, three times daily.

Analysis showed them to contain:

  Ferrous phosphate.
  Quinine.
  Strychnine.
  A vegetable extract.
  Sugar.
  Starch.
  Talc.

The ferrous phosphate, calculated as Fe₃(PO₄)₂,8H₂O, from the iron
found, was 8.7 per cent., or 0.19 grain in each tablet. The quinine
and strychnine together amounted to 4.35 per cent., or 0.09 grain in
one tablet; the strychnine was clearly not more than one-twentieth
of the total alkaloid (= 0.005 grain in one tablet), but it was not
possible to determine the amount exactly on the quantity available. The
vegetable extract showed no well-marked properties by which it could be
identified; the amount was small, the sugar constituting the largest
part of the tablet.


ANTINEURASTHIN, A BRAIN AND NERVE FOOD.

Readers of daily or weekly papers or magazines who allow their
eyes occasionally to travel over the advertisement pages of these
journals can hardly fail to have seen somewhat frequently a lengthy
advertisement of a preparation called Dr. Hartmann’s Antineurasthin.
The advertisement is usually headed “The Twentieth Century Disease.”
This, it appears, is neurasthenia, and the various stages of its
manifestations are set out in a sort of table, beginning with
“Sensitiveness” and ending with “Suicidal Tendency.” Antineurasthin,
referred to as “this marvellous twentieth century brain and nerve food
discovery,” is put forward as a specific for the cure of neurasthenia:

  Dr. Hartmann’s discovery is one that should personally and very
  deeply interest brain-workers in all walks of life. Every day are
  heard and seen all too serious evidences of the undue strain of their
  intense work on the vital power of the body. And now, on the highest
  possible authority, it is heralded that science has proved equal to
  the stern necessity which demanded the discovery of “Antineurasthin,”
  the brain and nerve food.

  For greater convenience “Antineurasthin” is compressed into small
  tablets, and although its beneficial effect on the brain and senses
  is so immediate, yet there is none of the depressing reaction
  that follows the administration of artificial drug stimulants,
  “Antineurasthin” being a special brain and nerve nutrient, and not
  a brain and nerve drug-irritant. No longer need the brain-worker
  struggle on under the cloud of fear of failing powers of brain and
  body. He or she may, by including “Antineurasthin” as an article
  vitally necessary in the daily dietary, build up and maintain that
  perfect balance of mental and physical power which alone can uphold
  health and happiness.

It appears that this article was sold in Germany before being
introduced here, and it was included in the series of proprietary
preparations analysed by Dr. Zernik. According to Zernik’s analysis, it
consists of dry yolk of egg, milk sugar, a small quantity of starch,
dextrin, and an aromatic substance.

A detailed quantitative analysis of “Antineurasthin” as sold in this
country gave the results described below. A 4s. 6d. box contained
twenty-four tablets, having an average weight of 30¹⁄₂ grains each. The
directions are:

  To be taken when and as required, particularly before or after great
  exertions (bodily and mental); in all cases of nervous disorders and
  mental affections, general debility, etc.

  Usual dose 3-4 tablets a day between meals. Antineurasthin contains
  no injurious ingredients, and is therefore absolutely harmless to the
  most delicate, even if taken in large quantities.

Analysis showed the presence of:

  Protein                              26.4 per cent.
  Fat                                   2.5 per cent.
  Sugar of milk                        32.8 per cent.
  Ash                                   5.7 per cent.
  Water                                 8.3 per cent.
  Gum                            about  2.0 per cent.
  Aromatic substances                  traces.
  Potato starch (by difference)  about 22.0 per cent.

The material of the tablets is nearly white, with yellow particles like
dried egg-yolk distributed through it; extraction with appropriate
solvents proved a fair trace of lecithin to be present; if the whole
of the fat present were derived from egg-yolk it would represent 3.8
per cent. of dried yolk, equivalent to 7.7 per cent. of fresh liquid
yolk in the tablets; this accounts for 1.3 out of the 26.4 per cent. of
protein. Sulphur in organic combination was found to be present to the
extent of 0.09 per cent.; sulphur is practically absent from the yolk,
but occurs in the white of eggs, and the amount found corresponds to
5.4 per cent. of dried, or about 38.6 per cent. of liquid, egg-albumen
in the tablet; a further 5.1 out of the 26.4 per cent. of protein is
thus accounted for. This leaves 20 per cent. of protein, and this
stands in about the same ratio to 32.8 per cent. of milk sugar, and
about 5 per cent. of ash (deducting the ash of the egg and gum), as
corresponds to the composition of a dried separated milk. The ash
consisted principally of calcium phosphate, like the ash of milk. The
aromatic substances appeared to include a trace of vanilla and of some
other substance that could not be identified; these are probably added
to serve at the same time as flavouring agents and preservatives.

The starch was seen by the microscope to be very abundant,
corresponding in appearance to the amount required by difference.
On the above assumptions the composition of the tablets would be
approximately:--

  Dry yolk of egg       3.8 per cent.
  Dry white of egg      5.4 per cent.
  Dry separated milk   57.8 per cent.
  Gum                   2.0 per cent.
  Potato starch        22.7 per cent.
  Moisture              8.3 per cent.
  Aromatic substances  traces.

The daily dose of four tablets, or 122 grains, would, according to this
formula, contain the equivalent of 10 grains of yolk and 43 grains of
white of egg (not dried); the ratio between these is about the same as
exists in an average egg, and the two may be put together and regarded
as about a teaspoonful of fresh egg; in addition, the daily dose would
represent about 2 oz., or a quarter of a tumblerful, of separated milk,
and a little starch.


A GERMAN NOSTRUM.

According to Dr. Zernik:

  _Dr. J. Schäfert’s physiological nutrient (nerve) salts for
  neurasthenia_ is a preparation made in Barmen. The prospectus states
  that it is composed of glycerine phosphate compound with certain
  physiological salts, which act on the formation of the red blood
  corpuscles and improve the circulation generally; 100 grams of the
  salts put up in a glass vessel costs 4s. It consists of 40 parts of
  glycerine phosphate of calcium, 30 parts of glycerine phosphate of
  sodium, and 20 parts of sodium chloride with a trace of iron.




CHAPTER IV.

MEDICINES FOR COUGHS, CONSUMPTION, CATARRH, ETC.


  The medicines described in this chapter include both old and new
  nostrums, and vary from simple pills and lozenges to more or less
  complex “treatments.” The claims advanced for them also vary
  considerably, but are in most cases very wide. A pill containing
  ipecacuanha only is put forward, not merely as sometimes useful for
  coughs, but as “The Best Remedy to Cure all Coughs, Colds, Asthmas,
  etc.” A lozenge containing cubeb and liquorice is similarly described
  as “the best article before the public for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis,
  Asthma, Catarrh, the Hacking Cough in Consumption, and numerous
  affections of the throat.” These, however, are modest claims compared
  to some of the others. A lozenge, in which the only medicinal agent
  found in any considerable quantity was extract of liquorice, is
  not only put forward for most of the above disorders and others
  allied to them, but also for “many cases of Headache, Flatulence,
  and Indigestion.” A liquid which is said to be “the best-known
  remedy for Colds, Influenza, Sore Throat, etc.,” is also described
  as a valuable remedy for, among other things, diarrhœa, disordered
  stomach, bad circulation of the blood, and quinsy. The “treatments”
  are more especially put forward for catarrh, but here, too, the net
  is cast rather wide; in one case, asthma, whooping cough, croup and
  consumption are among the diseases for which it is put forward as a
  cure, while in another the comprehensive, if awkward, description
  of those to whom it is recommended is “all who wish to quickly cure
  Catarrh, Asthma, Adenoids, Polypi, or other Nose-breathing, Chest or
  Lung, and Voice or Hearing or Throat Bronchial Trouble.” Needless to
  say, their claims are mutually exclusive; one of them, an inhalation
  “treatment,” claims to be “the only treatment through which the
  diseased parts of the head, throat, and lungs can be reached”; while
  the proprietor of another modestly says: “I assert, without fear
  of contradiction, that mine is the only apparatus which sends the
  medicated vapour over every membrane that air can reach, and I also
  assert with equal firmness that there are no preparations for similar
  object which can compare in effectiveness with those supplied by me.”
  Two of the treatments are supplied at somewhat high prices; and,
  although no exact estimate is given of the cost of the ingredients,
  it is evident that it is quite out of proportion to the amounts
  charged for them.


FENNINGS’ LUNG-HEALERS.

The article advertised under this name is in the form of small pills,
and is supplied by a firm in the Isle of Wight at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. a box,
containing thirty pills.

The pills are advertised as “The Best Remedy to Cure all Coughs, Colds,
Asthmas, etc.” The following quotations are from a circular enclosed in
the package:

  Directions for taking Fennings’ Lung-Healers. The Certain Remedy to
  cure all Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Influenza, Incipient Consumption,
  The Coughs of Measles and Scarlet Fever, Asthmas, and other
  complaints of the Lungs.

  The Dose is the same for all ages.

  These Lung-Healers, although so beneficial in curing Inflammation,
  quelling Fevers, and eradicating the _virus_ of disease, are
  perfectly harmless and innocent, and can with equal safety be given
  to the most tender infant as well as to the fullgrown person.

  To Cure Colds, Coughs, or Asthma.--One of these Lung-Healers should
  be given to the infant, or person, in jam, or by itself, every
  morning or evening.

  For Bronchitis, Influenza, Incipient Consumption, the Cough
  of Measles, of Scarlatina, or Scarlet Fever, give one of the
  Lung-Healers, in jam, or by itself, three times a day.... If, when
  freely taking of these Lung-Healers, the child or person should
  perchance become sick, it need not be heeded, or reckoned as a bad
  symptom, for sickness often proves of great benefit in a complaint,
  and advantageously assists in lessening all Fever and Inflammation.

The average weight of one pill was 0.22 grain. Chemical analysis and
microscopical examination showed that practically the whole of the
material consisted of ipecacuanha; the amount of alkaloid present was
1.8 per cent., which is a little below the average for ipecacuanha,
and the alkaloid extracted possessed the characters of ipecacuanha
alkaloid. Careful search for other ingredients, and comparison with
powdered ipecacuanha, showed nothing else to be present but the trace
of excipient used to bind the powder into pills. Estimated cost of
ingredients for thirty pills is ¹⁄₇d.


PEPS.

These much-advertised lozenges are supplied by a firm in a Yorkshire
town in boxes at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. per box. A 2s. 9d. box was
found to contain ninety-eight lozenges. The name of the article appears
to be derived from the initial letters of “Pine extract pastilles.” The
nature of the claims made is shown by the following extracts from a
booklet issued by the makers:--

  In the course of scientific research singular freedom from bronchial
  disease was noticed among the dwellers amidst the rich pine forests
  of Europe. The great healing power of the odours and balsams of
  the pine tree was also observed; and at last a striking connection
  between the two facts made itself apparent....

  A study of the peculiar property of pine balsams led to their great
  medicinal value becoming more fully recognised, and the idea was
  evolved of capturing and storing up these rich essences in some form
  convenient for the great masses who are not able to spend winter in
  the far-famed forest resorts. It was practically a matter of finding
  how to transfer to our crowded homes all the real benefits of the
  pine woods, so that those victims of bronchitis, consumption, asthma,
  colds and other throat and chest affections, who could not go to pine
  woods, should have the pine woods and the rich pine air brought to
  them--into the very rooms in which they dwell.

  A novel tablet, containing the richest pine extracts--that is, with
  all the best pine essences and odours held captive in them--was
  eventually perfected; and these tablets, or Peps, as they are
  called, undoubtedly supply a long-felt want in the family medicine
  cupboard. The need is one that has never yet been properly met by
  any of the cough mixtures, lozenges, jujubes, and gums, which no
  medical attendant can conscientiously recommend, chiefly through the
  pernicious drug habits they encourage and their sheer inability to
  grant real, lasting relief. “A Pine Forest in every Home” aptly and
  pithily describes this new remedy....

  As a Household Medicine they are of unequalled service in cases of
  Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Sore or Relaxed Throat, Huskiness, Loss of
  Voice, Asthma, Influenza, Pneumonia, Pleurisy, the Hacking Cough of
  Consumption, Lung Weakness, Children’s Colds, Whooping Cough, Croup,
  Chill or Tightness of the Chest, that old Breathing Difficulty, as
  well as for many cases of Headache, Flatulence and Indigestion. For
  Clergymen, Lawyers, Teachers, and all Public Speakers, they are an
  invaluable boon.

The lozenges had an average weight of 21 grains. The taste and odour
did not suggest pine oil, but peppermint with a trace of anise, and
on distilling out the oils it was evident that the principal one
present was oil of peppermint, but the quantity was far too small to
be determined quantitatively. Resinous matter was only present to the
extent of 0.7 per cent., and this did not show the characters of pine
resin. No alkaloid was found, showing the absence of preparations of
both opium and ipecacuanha. Extract of liquorice was present in rather
considerable quantity, as was proved by extraction of the glycyrrhizin.
Sugars constituted about 75 per cent. of the tablet, but a little
of this would be derived from the extract of liquorice; probably 70
per cent. would about represent the sugar added as such. Talc was
present to the extent of about 4 per cent., and was doubtless added
as a lubricant to aid in making the lozenges by compression. No other
ingredient was found beyond those named; some sort of pine extract
might have been present if it were free from resin or oil, but in that
case it could not be expected to possess much medicinal value.

The results of the analysis may be thus summarised:

  Sugar                 about   70   per cent.
  Extract of liquorice  about   25      „
  Resinous matter                0.7    „
  Oil of peppermint             trace.
  Oil of anise                    „
  Talc                  about    4      „


BROWN’S BRONCHIAL TROCHES.

These are supplied by a firm in Boston, U.S.A. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box was
found to contain forty-eight lozenges.

In a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that:

  “_Brown’s Bronchial Troches_” or Cough Lozenges, allay irritation
  which induces coughing, giving instant relief in Consumptive,
  Bronchial, and Asthmatic complaints.

  “BROWN’S BRONCHIAL TROCHES” were first introduced in the year 1850.
  _It has been proved that they are the best article before the
  public_ for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, the _Hacking
  Cough_ of Consumption, and numerous affections of the Throat, giving
  _immediate relief_....

  The Troches are efficacious for children with Whooping Cough, or
  other affections of the chest, having a soothing influence, assisting
  expectoration, and preventing the accumulation of phlegm, which
  causes the sense of suffocation so common with this disorder.

  _There are no particular directions to be observed in the use of the
  Bronchial Troches. One or two should be allowed to dissolve slowly in
  the mouth, repeating when necessary. We have seen instances of their
  good effects in cases of inflammation of the Bronchial Tubes and the
  hoarseness of children._

The lozenges had an average weight of 11.3 grains. Chemical analysis
and microscopical examination showed the presence of powdered cubeb
(about 6 per cent.), extract of liquorice in small quantity, gum, and
sugar (about 70 per cent.). No other substance was found; if a little
extract of cubeb were present as well as the powdered drug, it could
not have been detected with certainty.


DR. WHITE’S KOMPO.

This is supplied by a firm in Yorkshire in bottles at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and
2s. 9d. A 2s. 9d. bottle was found to contain 11¹⁄₂ fluid ounces.

It is stated in an advertisement that:

  Dr. White’s “Kompo” is the best-known remedy for Colds, Influenza,
  Sore Throats, etc.

with other similar statements. But a wider application is claimed on
the label, in the following words:

  A Valuable Remedy for Colds, Influenza, Diarrhœa, Pains in the
  Stomach and Bowels, Disordered Stomach, Headache, Cold Feet, Cold
  Sweats, Bad Circulation of the Blood, Sore Throat, Quinsy, etc.

  As a Pure Stimulant it is far better than Brandy, or any other
  Intoxicating Drink.

The dose is given as

  One or two teaspoonfuls in a cupful of warm water, well sweetened,
  several times a day.

The bottle contained a brown, somewhat turbid liquid, smelling of
cloves and cinnamon. Analysis showed it to contain 6.42 per cent.
by volume of alcohol, and only 2.4 per cent. of solid matter; this
consisted largely of a tannic acid resembling that of red gum. No
alkaloid was present, but constituents of capsicum, cinnamon, and
cloves were recognised, and a small proportion (0.07 per cent.) of
salicylic acid was found. The following formula gave a mixture
scarcely distinguishable from the original by either physical or
chemical means:

  Eucalyptus gum (red gum)     1.5  part.
  Caustic soda                 0.08   „
  Oil of cinnamon (or cassia)  0.25   „
  Oil of cloves                0.25   „
  Tincture of capsicum         7.5  parts.
  Salicylic acid               0.07 part.
  Rectified spirit             1.5    „
  Decoction of cinnamon and cloves to 100 parts by measure.

The decoction was made by boiling 5 parts each of cloves and cinnamon
with 200 of water until the volume was reduced by half, straining and
adjusting the volume to 100 by measure.

The caustic soda in the above formula was used to darken the colour of
the red gum. A similar result may be obtained by adding a very little
burnt sugar, and there were some indications of the presence of this in
the original.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 11¹⁄₂ fluid ounces is about
6d.


GLYKALINE.

This is a liquid supplied by a London firm of homœopathic chemists. A
1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle was found to contain about 1¹⁄₂ fluid drachms. It is
described in an advertisement as:

  A Sure Cure for all Coughs, Colds, Catarrhs, Hay Fever, Influenza,
  Asthma, Bronchitis, etc. Rapid and reliable in its effects. Checks a
  slight cold with one dose. Cures a severe cold in 24 hours.

And in a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that:

  There is no medicine to equal it for promptly relieving those
  distressing colds where there is a constant flow of a thin watery
  discharge from the nose, accompanied by continual sneezing, throbbing
  of the head, and smarting pains in the eyes, etc.--a few hours
  sufficing to overcome all these unpleasant systems.

The dose is given on the label as:

  Three drops every hour in a tablespoonful of water until relieved,
  then every two or three hours until quite well. Children under five
  years, a third of the above quantity.

Analysis showed the liquid to contain 35 per cent. by volume of
alcohol, but only 0.15 per cent. of solid matter. This consisted partly
of potassium iodide and partly of organic matter. Not the slightest
trace of any alkaloid could be found.

Each dose would contain approximately ¹⁄₃₅₀ grain of potassium iodide,
with a trace of organic matter, which _may_ be derived from some drug.

The cost of the preparation is practically that of the alcohol which it
contains, or about ¹⁄₆d. for the contents of the bottle.


LIQUFRUTA MEDICA.

The preparation sold under this name is supplied from “The Liqufruta
Laboratory.” There appear to be two varieties of the medicine, the one
being called simply “Liqufruta,” and described on the label as “cure
for consumption cough, whooping and every other cough,” while the other
is called “Liqufruta Medica,” and is described on the label as “The
Great Consumption Cure.” The price of the latter is 2s. 9d., and the
bottle was found to contain 12¹⁄₂ fluid ounces.

Other particulars given on the label are as follows:

  Liqufruta Medica the Only Safe Cure for Pulmonary Consumption,
  Chronic Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh.

  Certain of the germicidal constituents contained in this remedy are
  otherwise unobtainable throughout the world.

  Guaranteed free of poison, laudanum, copper solution, cocaine,
  morphia, opium, chloral, calomel, paregoric, narcotics, or
  preservatives....

  Liqufruta Medica heals the chest, lungs, and throat, arrests the
  inflammation, loosens the phlegm, and effectually destroys the
  bacilli of consumption, etc., which no other medicine can reach.
  Whilst the cough will be eased at once, the expectoration will be
  more profuse for a short time.

  Directions. One dessertspoonful every two hours; in severe cases
  every hour, and also during the night whenever cough is troublesome;
  take a dose when getting into bed and the moment of awakening in
  the morning. When symptoms moderate and pronounced benefit has been
  obtained the doses may be administered with one and a-half to two
  hours’ interval if desired.

The mixture was found to be a dark brown, rather thick liquid, smelling
like a mixture of garlic or onion and peppermint. On distilling, a
trace of volatile oil was obtained, the distillate closely resembling
the liquid obtained by distilling onion and a trace of oil of
peppermint with water; 100 parts by measure of the mixture contained
10.05 parts of solids; of these, 2.05 parts were of mucilaginous
or pectinous nature, 3.44 parts were glucose, and 2.28 parts were
cane sugar. A decoction of onion was found to contain a mucilaginous
substance somewhat similar to that obtained from the mixture.

The liquid was acid, and on evaporation and ignition yielded an ash
which was alkaline, the acidity before and the alkalinity after
ignition being approximately equivalent. This is characteristic of acid
salts containing an alkali-metal and an organic acid, such as potassium
bitartrate. The ash contained a considerable proportion of potassium,
but in the presence of the sugars and vegetable extractive the small
quantity of tartaric acid could not be identified; the acidity and
alkalinity indicated 0.4 part (in 100 fluid parts) of potassium
bitartrate, accounting for 0.16 part of ash; the total ash was 0.4
part, and the other constituents were such as are found in the ash of
most vegetable extracts.

Alkaloidal matter was present in very small quantity, the amount being
about 0.01 per cent.; this consisted of two (or more) alkaloids,
neither of which gave the reactions of any of the ordinary medicinal
alkaloids. The other constituents consisted of tannin, a trace of
resin, and extractive. The original liquid had a very slightly pungent
taste, such as would be given by a trace of a preparation of capsicum
or ginger.

The results of the analysis thus showed:

  Oil of peppermint       }
  Oil of onion, or garlic }  traces
  Alkaloids               }
  Potassium bitartrate       0.4   part
  Glucose                    3.44  parts
  Cane sugar                 2.28    „
  Mucilaginous matter        2.05    „
  Tannin          }
  Extractive      } together 1.9     „
  Resin           }
  Water         to 100 parts by measure

No alcohol was present, and no metallic salts beyond the traces
ordinarily accompanying plant extracts.

Examination of the plain Liqufruta (for cough) did not show any
important differences between it and “Liqufruta Medica.”


HYOMEI.

The preparation sold under the name Hyomei is supplied by a firm in
London. The price of an “outfit” is 2s. 6d., and this consists of an
inhaler (consisting of a vulcanite tube), ¹⁄₂ fluid ounce of inhalant,
with pieces of gauze and a dropper; a 3s. 9d. “refill” of the inhalant
alone was found to contain 2 fluid ounces.

Hyomei has been widely advertised in the Press for some time past,
advertisements in the daily newspapers usually occupying a column or
so. The following is the first paragraph of one of these:

  Mr. R. T. Booth, who issues the following announcement, is the
  world-famous temperance orator, who some years ago, in co-operation
  with such friends and co-workers as the late Rev. C. H. Spurgeon,
  Rev. F. B. Meyer, and the late Rev. Newman Hall, Archdeacon
  Wilberforce, Lord Mount Temple, and others, founded the Blue Ribbon
  Army, which ultimately led a million to temperance. This glorious
  work was cut short by acute catarrh and threatened consumption, which
  sent him, by the order of the late Sir Andrew Clark, health-seeking
  to Australia. There he made his great discovery of Hyomei (pronounced
  Hi-o-me), which not only cured him, but has since cured multitudes
  of other sufferers. Hyomei is an inhalant which, being a powerful
  germicide, cures by just breathing it.

In a booklet enclosed in the package it is thus described:

  Hyomei, the new Australian Dry-Air Treatment for the Cure of Asthma,
  Bronchitis, Catarrh, Catarrhal Deafness, Coughs, Rose Colds, Whooping
  Cough, Colds, Croup and Consumption.

  The only Natural Method of Cure.

  The First and only Treatment for all Diseases of the Air Passages and
  Lungs ever Endorsed by the Medical Profession....

  What “Hyomei” Is.

  Hyomei is a vegetable compound the result of recent scientific
  research. It is a powerful germicide, and absolute destroyer of the
  germs which cause diseases of the respiratory organs.

  Hyomei is a cure given by a new method--the only treatment through
  which the diseased parts of the head, throat, and lungs can be
  reached.

  What “Hyomei” Does.

  Hyomei cures all diseases of the air passages. Cures them by just
  breathing; cures them through the air you breathe, impregnated
  with Nature’s own antiseptic. No douches, sprays, atomizers, or
  stomach medicines are used. It at once kills the bacilli of catarrh,
  bronchitis, consumption, asthma, and hay fever, bringing a complete
  cure that can be obtained in no other way.

Another circular enclosed in the package is in the form of a letter,
beginning “Dear Friend.” From the heading of the paper it appears
that the company are the proprietors of “Hyomei,” “Hyomei Balm, the
wonderful ointment,” “Hyomei Skin Soap, a medicated toilet soap,” and
“Hyomei Catarmel, for catarrh and catarrhal deafness.” The letter
invites correspondence, as follows:

  ... if you are a sufferer from any breathing trouble or from any form
  of skin trouble I can help you. That is why I here invite you to
  write me personally a letter telling me of your ailment, how long you
  have had it, and what you have done so far to cure it. Then I will
  consider your case from the particulars you give me, and if suitable
  for my treatment, will, without charging you any fee, send you a
  letter telling you what you must do to get your cure, and at the same
  time will send you sufficient of what I recommend to give you a trial
  treatment, free.

“Hyomei” is a liquid smelling strongly of eucalyptus oil. Analysis
showed the presence of eucalyptol, which is the chief constituent
of this oil, together with alcohol and liquid paraffin. Since many
essential oils possess common constituents, and for the separation
of the constituents of one oil, and still more of a mixture, it is
necessary to work on a large quantity of the material, a full and
precise analysis of the mixture in question was not practicable. It
was submitted to fractional distillation _in vacuo_, and the various
fractions were tested and compared with, the corresponding fractions
of mixtures made up to imitate the original. It was concluded that
the alcohol and liquid paraffin formed each about 10 per cent. of
the whole, and a determination of the amount of eucalyptol showed
nearly all the remaining 80 per cent. to be oil of eucalyptus. A small
quantity (under 0.2 per cent.) of solid matter, not resinous, was
obtained on distilling the Hyomei, and this could not be identified,
but agreed in some respects with the solid obtained in a corresponding
way from a mixture containing a little wood tar. A small proportion of
creosote was also indicated.


THE RHYCOL TREATMENT.

This is supplied by a firm in London. The price of an “outfit” is 17s.
6d. The advertisements of the preparations sold under this name are
mostly very lengthy, and application to the address given led to the
receipt of several circular letters and a good deal of printed matter.
A few extracts will sufficiently indicate the nature of the statements
made:

  Free Information how to cure Catarrh and Nose-Breathing Difficulty.
  Patient and Physician tell of how they found a cure. It is the hearty
  desire of the discoverers of the new cure that all who suffer from
  the above complaints should write for a gratis copy of the book
  they have just published, under the title of “Rhycol Respiratory
  Re-Education: The Physiological Cure for Catarrh, Adenoids, Polypi,
  and other Nose-Breathing Difficulties, Catarrhal Deafness and Head
  Noises, Loss of Sense of Smell or Taste, Coated Tongue, Bad Breath,
  Asthma, Bronchitis, and Weak Chest and Lungs.”

  The cure is remarkable, inasmuch as it calls for no sprays or
  injections, no powders to be snuffed--no lozenges or tablets to
  suck--no operations, and no painful cauterizing (burning) of the
  inflamed mucous membrane....

  The joint authors of the discovery--as the result of a fruitless
  quest for relief and cure--were led to experiment along the line of
  the “First Cause”--the nose and its respiratory functions.

  The layman it was who made the first enlightening discovery. A
  singer, he discovered How _the nose could be freed_....

  Upon this first-step discovery has been built the new “Rhycol” cure,
  the details of which are given fully (and illustrated) in the book....

  In the book is explained how to stop

    Nasty Dropping in the Throat,
    Head Stuffiness,
    Nose Stuffiness,
    Throat Dryness,
    Loss of Smell,
    Spitting of Thick Phlegm,
    Discharge from the Nose,
    Loss of Taste, or Offensive Taste in Mouth
    Catarrhal (Coated) Tongue,
    Catarrhal Deafness,
    Gurgling in Ears,
    Bad Breath,
    Snapping Noise in Ears,
    Voice Troubles,
    Hay-Fever,
    Physical and Mental Dulness arising from Respiratory Inefficiency.

  ... all who wish to quickly cure Catarrh, Asthma, Adenoids, Polypi,
  or other Nose-Breathing, Chest or Lung, and Voice or Hearing, or
  Throat Bronchial Trouble should send for a copy.

The “outfit” consisted of two “inspirators,” 56 tampons, a collapsible
tube of lubricant, and a bottle of “Rhycol Antiseptic Solution.”

The “inspirators” were small celluloid shells, open at both ends and
along one side, to be placed in the nostrils to form a lining. They
were marked “R” and “L” respectively, and the sides intended to lie
against the septum and the outer wall respectively were shaped rather
differently; it was not easy, however, to feel quite such enthusiasm
about their beauty, as is shown in the description which accompanied
the outfit:

  The Inspirators ... are hand-modelled and made by one of the
  most skilful Anatomical Instrument Makers in the world. They are
  constructed on perfect anatomical principles, and from a material
  that is not only completely Asceptic in itself, but which cannot
  be in any way contaminated or infected by noxious or morbific
  matters, and is entirely unaffected by oxidation. The inner
  side--that part inclined to the middle septum of the nose--is
  exquisitely modelled, so as to adapt itself perfectly to all the
  sinuosities and flexuations of the central cartilages and, by a most
  skilful conformation, the current of air on each inspiration is
  most favourably directed through the spongy nasal passages to the
  air-openings (nares) at the upper and back of the pharynx.

Since the “inspirators” are supplied to fit (or otherwise) a strange
pair of nostrils, the “exquisite hand-modelling” of one of the most
skilful anatomical instrument makers in the world appears to be rather
wasted. Possibly it is referred to as some justification of the price
of 7s. 6d., which is charged for these without the remainder of the
outfit, but to a disinterested eye they appear likely to have cost at
most a few pence per pair. It may be remarked that each of the articles
constituting the outfit, even including the box, is elaborately
described in a similar laudatory strain.

The tampons were small cylinders of cotton-wool, medicated with a
substance having a fragrant and rather terebinthinate odour. The
instructions are to place an “inspirator” in each nostril and a tampon
in each “inspirator,” so that air is drawn into the nose through the
tampons. They are to be kept in position for about a quarter of an
hour the first time, gradually increasing the time until they can be
worn all night. On extraction with a suitable solvent the tampons
yielded a small quantity of a volatile oil, the average quantity being
¹⁄₁₀ minim. This had the odour of a mixture of oil of eucalyptus and
essential oil of camphor with a little terebene and a trace of oil of
wintergreen, but the total quantity was far too small for analysis. The
price of the tampons alone is 8s.

The tube of Rhycol lubricant, which is priced 1s., contained one-third
of an ounce of soft paraffin with the addition of a very small quantity
of carbolic acid. It is directed to be applied to the inspirators to
facilitate their introduction into the nostrils.

The Rhycol Antiseptic is to be added in small quantity to water, to
make a liquid in which the inspirators are to be laid, after washing,
when not in use. The bottle contained 1¹⁄₂ fluid drachms of the
antiseptic, which was a solution of formaldehyde. Thus the actual
medicament supplied for the 17s. 6d. consists of some 6 drops or so
of essential oils, distributed on a number of small wads of cotton
wool, the other articles being merely accessories to facilitate the
inhalation of this oil.


THE COLMAN METHOD.

Under the name “The Colman Method” various medicaments and apparatus
are supplied by Erasmus Colman, London.

The following are extracts from an advertisement headed:

  Dangerous Catarrh! or, Chronic Cold in the Head.

  It is a fearful mistake to neglect catarrh. It is quite certain to
  develop into something worse. It will not cure itself.

  I, Erasmus Colman, declare that I have a perfect and speedy cure for
  nasal and throat catarrh. It is a system of vapourised medication,
  complemented by other highly effective therapeutic aids. It is a
  home treatment, occupying but a moment or two of one’s time daily.
  The benefit becomes obvious from the first hour. The healing of the
  diseased condition is gradual, yet speedy and certain. There is
  nothing complex about it. Anybody can easily understand it. It is a
  pleasant form of cure. It is permanent.

  I offer a perfectly genuine system of treatment. You cannot obtain it
  anywhere else, because it is the result of years of study and active
  experience, coupled with extraordinary ability in this particular
  line of ailment.

  Any sufferer, regardless of his or her position, can obtain my
  treatment upon simple and easy terms by confiding in me. I know
  that I have the complete cure for catarrh and its consequent ills,
  including asthma, deafness, etc. I want to cure every man, woman, and
  child that suffers.

In a booklet which is sent to inquirers, entitled _Book of Information
concerning My System_, etc., many statements are made in which the
modesty of the above claims of “extraordinary ability” and “the
complete cure” are quite equalled:

  I assert, without fear of contradiction, that mine is the only
  apparatus which sends the medicated vapour over every membrane
  that air can reach, and I also assert with equal firmness that
  there are no preparations for a similar object which can compare
  in effectiveness with those supplied by me.... It is seldom that a
  sufferer who applies to me for treatment does not mention that he has
  paid out a considerable sum to doctors, and has never succeeded in
  getting more than temporary relief. After treating a sufferer until
  a patient’s patience (excuse pun) is exhausted, he, the medical man,
  usually advises a change of climate or method of living. This is
  sometimes practically impossible, and can only be adopted at serious
  and, perhaps, total sacrifice of one’s opportunity for supporting his
  family. He is, therefore, a true martyr--remains where he is, and
  bears the distress of his asthmatic attacks. I want all such persons
  to come or write to me. I assert, upon my word of honour, that I have
  the true cure, and being the genuine--it is the most inexpensive that
  money can buy.

Such statements about the medical profession are, of course, commonly
met with in the utterances of nostrum vendors. It is not always,
however, that contempt for “ethics” is so plainly expressed as in the
following:

  Because of a narrow-minded custom, which, like other relics of
  barbarism, will ultimately be swept away by modern ideas, the
  practitioners of medicine are bound together by a sort of mysterious
  girdle, outside of which they dare not step. If they do--they
  are boycotted by their fellows. One of the rules of the medical
  fraternity is that they may not advertise in the newspapers. They
  must keep their light hidden under a bushel, and, no matter how
  skilful they are, they are almost hopelessly smothered by that large,
  heavy blanket called “ethics.” ... It is a cruel and erstwhile stupid
  form of “protection”--medical ethics. If a registered medical man
  dares to advertise, his name is soon struck from the register. My
  nature is independent--I am frank, straightforward, outspoken, and
  honest. I may be considered as outclassed by medical men, who choose
  to remain fettered by the barbaric bonds of so-called etiquette; but
  I know that I am near to the hearts of my patients, whose shower
  of letters by every post represents an unparalleled outpouring of
  sincere gratitude. That is the reason why I stand aloof from medical
  societies and their old-fashioned rules of etiquette. I advertise--I
  cure--and the world is the better for it.

Since medical societies consist of qualified medical practitioners, it
is just possible that the fact of his not possessing a qualification
may be another reason for this gentleman “standing aloof.”

“Patient’s Report Forms,” with a long list of questions to be answered,
were sent to be filled up and returned. One of these has a space headed:

  Particulars of Previous Treatment.

  (_Patients should here state what doctors have said about case, and
  give particulars of treatment previously followed._)

However, on applying for a “treatment” and sending the money, without
any particulars of any case, the articles described below were
supplied. The price charged was 14s. 6d., but it appears that a larger
amount is usually asked at first.

The “outfit” sent comprised:

An atomiser, for producing a spray, with indiarubber ball.

A “nasal irrigator,” consisting of a bent glass cylinder for pouring
liquid into the nostrils.

Two boxes of “Nebular Tablets,” together containing 41.

A box of “Gargle Tablets,” containing 21.

A bottle of “Atomising Fluid,” containing 1 fluid ounce.

A box of pearl-coated pills, containing 21.

Lengthy directions were enclosed, which may be summarised as
follows:--Every morning: One Nebular Tablet is to be dissolved in
two tablespoonfuls of warm water and the liquid passed into the nose
through one nostril by means of the nasal irrigator until the nasal
cavity is full, retained for two minutes, and run out; this is then
repeated through the other nostril; then, after gently blowing the
nose, the atomising fluid is applied through each nostril by means of
the atomiser. Every evening: Repeat the above treatment, then dissolve
one Gargle Tablet in two tablespoonfuls of cold water and gargle the
throat with the solution. Take one of the pills daily, after the midday
meal.

The nebular tablets had an average weight of 20 grains. Analysis showed
them to consist of

  Sodium chloride                                        28.3 per cent.
  Borax, slightly dehydrated, equivalent to crystalline
  borax                                                  28.7  „    „
  Sodium bicarbonate                                     29.5  „    „
  Sugar                                                  12.3  „    „
  Talc                                                    3.1  „    „
  Oil of wintergreen--sufficient to impart a fairly strong smell.

The atomising liquid was shown by analysis to consist of liquid
paraffin, with small quantities of menthol and oil of cinnamon (far too
small to be determined quantitatively). Traces of other essential oils
may have been present.

The gargle tablets had an average weight of 20 grains. Analysis showed
them to contain:

  Borax, equivalent to crystalline borax   4.6 per cent.
  Sodium bicarbonate                      87.0  „   „
  Sugar                                    4.0  „   „
  Talc                                     2.1  „   „
  Powdered vegetable drug            about 1.5  „   „

They had a faint terebinthinate odour, such as might be given by a
trace of turpentine. The histological characters of the powdered drug,
and the properties and behaviour of the trace of alkaloid extracted
from it, agreed with those of powdered hydrastis rhizome.

The pills, being only subsidiary to the other articles, were not fully
analysed. They had an average weight of about ²⁄₃ grain, and contained
aloin; indications of the presence of jalap resin and podophyllin were
also obtained.

The following extracts from “Truth Cautionary List for 1912,” with
reference to the advertiser of the “treatment” just described, require
no comment:

  “Colman, Erasmus, Gray’s Inn Road, London, W.C.--Under this name
  Edward Marr poses as a ‘catarrh specialist,’ and sells an appliance
  for spraying the nostrils. Asks 15s. at first, but in ‘follow-up
  letters’ gradually reduces the price to 7s. 6d. for a three weeks’
  trial.”

  “Aural Remedies Co., Craven-house, Kingsway, London, W.C.--One
  of the numerous aliases of the aural quack Edward Marr, who also
  exploits the deaf as ‘Professor Keith Harvey.’ This concern is run
  on the lines of the late Drouet Institute. It had for ‘consulting
  specialist’ the notorious H. H. Crippen, who was executed in
  November, 1910, for the murder of his wife. Testimonials given to
  the Aural Remedies Co. have been used for advertising purposes by E.
  Colman and by Elmer Shirley.”


A GERMAN NOSTRUM.

According to Dr. Zernik:

  _Victoria Asthma Drops_ are put up by the “Victoria Apotheke” in
  Berlin, and are supposed to be taken in doses of from 25 to 30 drops
  during an attack every half-hour, and 25 drops regularly three times
  a day as a preventive. The bottle contains a brownish-yellow fluid,
  which was found to consist of tincture of lobelia, tincture of opium,
  liquor ammonii anisatus, acetic ether, and potassium iodate.




CHAPTER V.

MEDICINES FOR INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, ETC.


  The present chapter includes the results obtained on examining a
  number of the most widely advertised pills and other proprietary
  preparations put forward as remedies for indigestion or as general
  aperients. The majority of these are in the form of pills, which
  show much similarity in their composition; aloes or aloin is a
  constituent of all of them, and is accompanied by one or more of a
  small series of drugs in regular use, comprising colocynth, jalap,
  rhubarb, podophyllin, ginger, capsicum, cardamoms, soap, and oils of
  peppermint, and cinnamon. The secrecy of the formula in these cases
  does not apparently conceal any facts which would be damaging to the
  sale of the articles if revealed; but this is, of course, no argument
  in favour of secrecy. Two others of the articles here described, both
  in the form of tablets, and put forward especially for indigestion,
  were found to contain pepsin and diastase, with a small dose of a
  vegetable bitter aperient; the dose of both the digestive ferments
  was small, the diastatic action of the tablets being so slight as
  to be practically negligible. The lengths of mendacity to which
  advertisers may go when the real composition of their wares is
  unknown is well illustrated by another nostrum dealt with in this
  chapter, which is stated to be composed of the active principles of
  rare herbs growing on the Himalaya mountains, and to have the magical
  property, when swallowed, of seeking out any organ or portion of the
  body which is in an unhealthy state and proceeding to cure it. It is
  further asserted, with the emphasis of italics, that “it _cures in
  one dose_.” The booklet in which this pretended treasure is puffed
  shows the most gross ignorance on the part of the writer, who gravely
  asserts that “beetles, spider’s web, crab’s eyes, tiger’s tongue,
  rhinoceros’s horn, and other repulsive objects form part of the
  materia medica now in vogue with the medical profession,” and that
  “all organic substances defy detection by any means known to chemical
  science,” with much more preposterous nonsense of the same sort.
  Analysis, however, showed the powder to consist of potato flour, and
  no other substance could be detected in it.

  In the examination of pills or tablets containing mixtures of such
  substances as aloes or extract of aloes, extract of colocynth, resins
  of jalap, scammony, or podophyllin, oils of peppermint, clove, or
  cinnamon, with powdered drugs like ginger, capsicum, cardamoms,
  colocynth, rhubarb (all yielding extracts as soon as the pills are
  treated with solvents), and the whole probably massed with the aid
  of syrup, glucose, liquorice powder, etc., the difficulties to be
  encountered by the analyst are far greater than in many of the
  combinations that are dealt with in other chapters; and it is not
  possible as the result of any reasonable and practicable amount
  of investigation to assign a quantitative formula for any such
  combination of articles which are themselves variable, and it may
  easily happen that some constituents will escape detection, or will
  be impossible of identification. It is, therefore, better to avoid
  naming any quantities of the different ingredients found, even when
  the quantitative determinations (which have been made in every case)
  have left very little doubt as to the amount of some particular
  substance present in a given combination. And it must be remembered
  that with several of the pills other ingredients than those named may
  have been present in small quantity and escaped detection, though
  it may fairly be said that this does not apply to powerful or very
  important ingredients.


MER-SYREN.

This consists of powders which are supplied at 2s. 9d. per box of
twenty by Mer-Syren, Ltd., London. There are several indications that
the claims made for this article have undergone progressive evolution.
The earliest advertisement of it which is before us is a handbill
apparently issued three or four years ago, which commences thus:

  “They that go down to the sea in ships” and Suffer from the
  distressing Malady of Sea-sickness will find a Safe and Sure
  Preventive and Antidote in Mersyren.

  Mersyren is a never-failing Rapid Remedy.

  Mersyren is not a Drug.

The name at the foot being:

  The Mersyren Syndicate, ---- London, E.C., and Singapore Dispensary,
  ---- Singapore.

A little later a lengthy advertisement in a weekly paper is headed:

  Try this “quick cure” for Biliousness and Indigestion--Free of Cost.

The following extracts are from what follows the heading:

  Digestive troubles are the curse of the present generation. And drug
  remedies for digestive ailments are almost a bigger curse still....

  Here is a way (and a free way) by which you can absolutely cure your
  Digestive trouble by a remedy which is neither a drug nor a purgative.

  Here is a way by which you can absolutely cure:--

    Biliousness,
    Sick Headache,
    Dyspepsia,
    Gastritis,
    Indigestion,
    Liver Trouble, and other
    Digestive Disorders.

  Free of Charge.

  Here is a perfect natural remedy which will be freely sent to
  every reader who writes for it, and which will quickly, almost
  instantaneously, cure your trouble and enable you to regain that good
  health, those unburdened spirits, to which, perhaps, you have been a
  stranger for so very long.

  You have heard of “Mer-Syren,” of course!

  You have heard of it as a non-drug, non-purging remedy for Stomach
  and Liver Trouble.

  But perhaps you have not as yet quite realised what a wonderful
  remedy it is....

  “Mer-Syren” is a _tasteless powder_. It is pleasant to take, and
  swift and sure in action. It is neither a drug nor an aperient. And
  it _cures in one dose_.

A little later again appears a whole-page advertisement in a London
daily; the heading of the first two columns is--

  “Remarkable New Book on Health
  by Dr. Pearson.
  ‘How the Body Cures Itself.’”

and the remainder is headed:

  “The ‘10 Minute Mer-Syren Health Lessons.’”

The first part is devoted to a description of the book, and a summary
of its twenty so-called chapters. The following extracts will suffice
as a specimen:

  Originally published at 2s. 6d., a popular Second Edition is now
  being given free to all who will put to the practical test of
  personal trial the Author’s “10 Minute Health Lessons.”...

  The book tells what every good Doctor knows, but is, for many
  reasons, unable to tell his patients.

  The whole book is written in straightforwardly candid appreciation of
  the fact that the Layman Needs--and Desires--Health Knowledge of this
  vital kind....

  “Mer-Syren” is the name of a tasteless powder derived from a herb
  which powerfully aids the health-reparative power of the body.

  It is not a pill--not a purgative--not weakening--not
  stomach-upsetting--but just a “Mer-Syren 10-Minute Health-Lesson” to
  that part of your body which needs it....

  ... first of all, get and read Dr. Pearson’s book, _How the
  Body Cures Itself_ (by means of the “Mer-Syren 10-Minute
  Health-Lessons”)....

  The book itself is free.

  You have only to get a 2s. 9d. packet of 20 “Mer-Syren 10-Minute
  Health-Lesson” Powders.

The “book” is unquestionably the _pièce de résistance_ of all this
advertising. It is a paper-covered pamphlet of 63 pages, each of the
“chapters” referred to in the advertisement occupying an average space
of less than three pages. It is described as--

  By Dr. Pearson, Author of
  “The Liver in Health and Disease,”
  “What to Eat and What to Avoid,”
  “The Abuse of Phosphorus,”
  “The Etiology of Cholera,”
  etc., etc.
  (Late Principal Medical Officer, North Bhangulpore, India).

Reference to the volume of maps in the _Encyclopædia Britannica_ failed
to discover any place named Bhangulpore or North Bhangulpore in India.

The knowledge possessed by this “Late Principal Medical Officer,” who
curiously omits to give his initials, or his degrees or qualifications
justifying the prefix “Dr.,” may be judged from the following extracts:

  This pamphlet has been compiled for the benefit of the myriads of
  afflicted in every part of the globe, who, after trying the ordinary
  means of cure at present obtaining to no purpose, are casting about
  to discover a method of treatment for disease which shall cure their
  ailments and restore them to their former healthy condition....

  This remedy--Mer-Syren--the direct outcome of many years’ careful and
  painstaking study on the part of a few men who may be said to have
  devoted their whole lives to investigations as to the Cause and Cure
  of Disease--is assuredly one of the greatest boons ever conferred
  upon suffering humanity.

  The plain fact is that, as regards the nature of disease, the
  Medical Profession is pretty much where Harvey left it nearly three
  centuries ago, whilst the means of cure are little better than those
  employed by Celsus or Galen, and diseases are arranged in a few
  haphazard groups, as motley and incongruous in their composition and
  disposition as the various sections of, say, a political party.

  We are, therefore, driven to accept the dictum of Hippocrates: “_All
  diseases spring from one cause, and the types of all diseases are the
  same._” This common origin of all diseases is to be found in that
  condition, which, for want of a better definition, we shall call
  “_Debility of the Cells_,” either _partial or general_. Systems and
  theories may follow each other like the waves of the sea, but the
  trend of medical opinion is setting in this direction, and, to the
  opinion expressed by the Father of Medicine, all Schools of Medicine
  must come at last....

  The Mineral Acids, Nitric, Hydrochloric and Sulphuric, and Mineral
  Oils (Petroleum) are in everyday use as remedies, whilst many of the
  Earths are diverted from the uses for which they were intended by
  the Creator, and forced into the human stomach. Animal substances,
  many of the most repulsive nature and origin, are almost universally
  used by Medical Men the world over.... beetles, spider’s web, crab’s
  eyes, tiger’s tongue, rhinoceros’ horn, and other repulsive objects
  form part of the Materia Medica now in vogue with the Medical
  Profession....

  The old Blue Pill and Black Draught of our forefathers has given
  place to various Salines and the waters of many Spas in the treatment
  of Bilious affections, but all to no purpose, the discovery of
  Mer-Syren ushered in a new era in the History of Medicine; not only
  so far as the Liver was concerned, but also in the case of many
  other affections regarding the treatment of which medical men of
  every school confessed themselves to be nonplussed.... Under its
  specific and benign--yet effective--operation the powers of Nature
  have been reinforced and strengthened so that she has been enabled to
  quickly relieve herself from the incubus of disease, and phœnix-like,
  arise from her ashes renewed, invigorated, and endowed with all her
  pristine vitality.

  This is the sober opinion gleaned from an experience of one versed in
  medicine for a period of nearly forty years....

  Mer-Syren is composed of the active principles of certain rare plants
  which flourish in the valleys situated on the southern slopes of the
  Himalaya, between the immense gorge separating Nepaul from Bhutan
  on the East, and Almorah on the North-West--the very names of which
  are unknown to Western Science, and are therefore not included in
  any Pharmacopœia extant. Mer-Syren, therefore, cannot be imitated
  either in Europe or the two Americas. Nevertheless, purchasers should
  protect themselves by observing that the name of the Mer-Syren
  Company appears on every box, and that the place of origin is clearly
  stated thereon. The alkaloids upon which its extraordinary and
  startling effects depend cannot be determined by analysis, as _all
  organic substances defy detection by any means known to chemical
  science_....

  There are, in fact, no diseased states or conditions in which the use
  of Mer-Syren does not produce beneficial results.

Thus the “powder derived from a herb” of the newspaper advertisement
has become the “active principles of certain rare plants” in the book,
just as the syndicate has become the limited company, and the remedy
for sea-sickness has become the cure-all:

  for Mer-Syren possesses the wonderful property of permeating every
  part of the organism with the same good influences. Moreover,
  although its gentle stimulating and strengthening powers are felt
  throughout the entire organism, yet its specific healing actions
  are principally directed to any part labouring under diseased or
  disordered action. By virtue of its unique and specific properties,
  Mer-Syren immediately operates upon any organ or tissue whose
  functions may be in any way deranged, or whose structures may be
  breaking down in consequence of disease. And all structures in either
  of the two just-named abnormal conditions will instantly respond to
  the gentle action of Mer-Syren, when every other form of treatment
  produces no effect whatever.

The directions supplied with the powders were as follows:

  For Indigestion and Dyspepsia: Upon rising place two Powders dry upon
  the tongue and wash down with a draught of hot water. For Bilious
  Headaches: Take one Powder, or two if the attack be very severe, and
  wash down with cold water.

  In chronic cases it is obvious that in order to effect a complete
  recovery the Powders should be taken regularly until cured.

The powders had an average weight of 25¹⁄₂ grains. Analysis showed
the material to consist principally of starch, with a little broken
vegetable tissue. Microscopical examination showed the starch to be
that of the potato, while the histological elements of the tissue also
agreed exactly with those of the potato. Some raw potato was therefore
dried without heat and powdered, and the two powders compared in their
behaviour to a large number of tests, qualitative and quantitative,
and also by means of the microscope. The potato which was prepared
as described became greyish in colour during the drying, whereas the
Mer-Syren powder was of a creamy colour; no other difference was found
between them, and no other substance but potato could be detected.


CICFA.

This medicine, which has had four different names, but appears to be
called Cicfa at present, is supplied at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. per
package by a London limited company. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. package was found to
contain 21 tablets, and a 2s. 9d. package 63.

The original name of these tablets appears to have been “Tablones,”
but in consequence of legal action taken by another firm, whose trade
mark this word was considered to resemble too closely, it was changed
to “Cicfa.” The derivation of this word is supplied by the phrase which
occurs freely in the advertisements, “Cures Indigestion, Constipation,
Flatulence, Acidity.” Later, however, this word was dropped, and the
medicine advertised as “Mother’s Advice”; more recently still it was
advertised as “Tablenes,” while now the former name of Cicfa seems to
have been re-adopted.

The preparation is advertised in the following terms:

  You may eat what you please when you please as your Indigestion,
  Flatulence and Constipation are not merely Relieved but permanently
  cured by “Mother’s Advice” (Formerly called “Cicfa”). Purgatives
  often relieve Indigestion and make you feel better for a few days.
  “Mother’s Advice” cures absolutely and permanently, because while
  purgatives simply remove the undigested food, “Mother’s Advice”
  completely digests everything you eat.

  WHY “CICFA” MUST CURE EVERY CASE.

  All the tortures of Indigestion, the Acidity and Heartburn, with
  Teeth on Edge, the Burning Spot behind the Left Shoulder Blade, with
  pains shooting through towards the Heart, the Heart Palpitation, with
  Cold Hands and Feet and General Weakness, the Flatulence and Pressure
  and Discomfort, the rumbling and often excruciating Bowel pain, are
  all due to your failure to digest your food, and three-quarters of
  it is due to Failure To Digest Starchy Food Like Bread, Potatoes,
  Bananas, etc.; but you like to eat those, and you need them, and if
  you could digest them you would have none of this pain, discomfort,
  and misery, and you would have all the nourishment which comes from
  such food when well digested

  You do not digest the food because you have not enough digestive
  juices in the Stomach and Bowels. “Cicfa” contains just enough
  digestive material to make sure that the albuminous food like meat,
  eggs, etc., will be digested in your stomach, and just enough of
  that wonderful digestive material Which Is Not Found In Any Other
  Proprietary Medicine which digests all starchy food like bread,
  potatoes, bananas, etc.

  DOSE.--One with the early part of each meal three times daily. Severe
  cases may take two with each meal for a short time, and then reduce
  the dose as the cure proceeds.

The tablets had a chocolate-coloured sugar coating; after removal of
this they had an average weight of 1.85 grains. Analysis showed the
presence of pepsin, diastase, reducing sugar (apparently maltose), a
bitter extract agreeing in characters with extract of cascara sagrada,
a small quantity of a pungent substance which appeared to be oleo-resin
of capsicum, together with talc and a little starch, the last being
probably derived from the coating. The digestive power on egg-albumen
and on starch was determined; the former corresponded to about ²⁄₃
grain of pepsin of B.P. strength in each tablet; the material digested
about 1.4 times its own weight of starch in half an hour at 40°, which
corresponds to a very small proportion of diastase, but as commercial
diastase varies much in strength, no quantity can be specified as
equivalent; from a comparison of the bitterness and pungency of a
mixture made up to imitate the tablets the amount of extract of cascara
appeared to be about ¹⁄₄ grain in each, and of oleo-resin of capsicum
about ¹⁄₃₀₀th grain.


CELMO NO. 2.

This is supplied by the same makers as Celmo, reported on in Chapter I.
It is recommended for “indigestion, gouty dyspepsia, flatulence, etc.,
etc.”

A bottle, price 2s. 9d., contained 30 tablets, of average weight 5.8
grains. The principal ingredients were found to be pepsin and diastase.
The amount of pepsin was found, by its digestive action on albumen, to
be equivalent to about 3 grains of pepsin (_B.P._) in each tablet. The
amount of diastase could only be inferred from the diastatic power of
the mixture, but, as commercial diastase is very variable in strength,
no exact quantity can be stated as the amount present; the diastatic
power was such that a tablet digested 1.9 times its weight of starch
in half an hour under the conditions of the test of the _British
Pharmaceutical Codex_, so that about 100 tablets would be required
to have as much effect in the digestion of starch as an average
teaspoonful of a good active malt extract. Maltose was also present,
suggesting that the diastase may have been added in the form of malt
extract.

A small quantity of a bitter substance was present, which agreed in its
characters with Socotrine aloes, the amount being about ¹⁄₂ grain in
each tablet. Stearic acid and starch were present in small quantity;
these materials are commonly employed as accessories in tablet making.
No evidence was found of any other ingredients.


WHELPTON’S PURIFYING PILLS.

Whelpton’s Purifying Pills are supplied by a firm in London at 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. per box containing 60 pills.

They are advertised in the following terms:

  Indigestion is the primary cause of most of the ills to which we are
  subject. Hence a medicine that stimulates the digestive organs will
  relieve quite a number of complaints. Whelpton’s Vegetable Purifying
  Pills arouse the stomach to action, promote the flow of gastric
  juice, and give tone to the whole system. Headache flies away.
  Biliousness, Kidney Disorders, and Skin Complaints disappear, while
  cheerful spirits and clear complexions follow in due course.... The
  occasional or regular use of Whelpton’s Pills, by assisting Nature
  to get rid of superfluous matter, relieves the congested condition
  of skin and kidneys, and speedily restores the natural functions of
  these important organs. Whelpton’s Purifying Pills are thus a direct
  purifier of the blood.... Daily doses of Whelpton’s Purifying Pills
  will arouse the Liver to proper action, and, by removing the cause of
  obstruction, speedily restore the general health of the body.

  These Pills may be taken at any time, but it is generally found most
  convenient to take them at bed-time. In ordinary cases two will be
  a sufficient dose, but three or four may sometimes be necessary
  according to the age and strength of the patient or obstinacy of the
  complaint.

The pills had an average weight of 2¹⁄₂ grains. Chemical and
microscopical examination showed the presence of aloes (apparently
Socotrine), powdered colocynth, ginger, and gentian, the last-named
ingredient being less positively indicated than the others. No evidence
of the presence of mercury or calomel was obtained.


CHAS. FORDE’S BILE BEANS.

These “beans,” which consist of ovoid, coated pills, are supplied by a
firm in London. A box, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to contain 30 pills,
and a 2s. 9d. box 90.

In a circular enclosed in the package they are described as “absolutely
unequalled” for biliousness and other complaints, of which thirty-eight
are named, including anæmia, piles, influenza, despondency, blackheads,
rheumatism, etc. It is further stated that:

  Chas. Forde’s also cure Fatty and Waxy Degeneration of the Liver,
  “Hob-nailed” or “Gin-drinker’s” Liver (Cirrhosis), and the host of
  ailments having a common origin in impaired digestion, assimilation,
  and secretion, and in defective working of the excretory organs.
  Chas. Forde’s are likewise of inestimable service in all the
  disorders peculiar to women, while as a general aperient and tonic
  remedy they are unsurpassed.

  Chas. Forde’s bile beans do not contain a single particle of Mercury,
  Bismuth, or other poisonous mineral substance, and are also devoid of
  Aloes....

  As a General Aperient.--Two to four beans as occasion may require.

  As a Tonic.--One bean after the midday meal, and one upon going to
  bed.

The pills were coated with gelatine, the coating being coloured black.
The average weight after removal of the coating was 2.3 grains.

The statement that they are devoid of aloes appears to be true only
if it is taken to refer to aloes itself and not to preparations of
aloes, as tests showed very clear evidence of the presence of aloin;
other constituents shown by chemical and microscopical examination were
powdered cardamoms, oil of peppermint, and wheat flour; some evidence
was obtained of extract of colocynth, but not sufficiently conclusive
for its presence to be definitely asserted. No evidence of the presence
of mercury or calomel was obtained.


CARTER’S LITTLE LIVER PILLS.

These are supplied by a New York firm; they are largely advertised
and sold in Great Britain. A package, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to
contain 42.

They are described on the package as:

  Purely Vegetable. For Headache. For Dizziness. For Biliousness. For
  Torpid Liver. For Constipation. For Sallow Skin. For the Complexion,

and in a circular contained in the package as:

  designed to act upon the Liver and Bile in such a manner as to secure
  all the benefits of a prompt and active medicine, without any of the
  unpleasant effects which usually attend the use of ordinary liver
  remedies.

The pills were sugar-coated, and after removing the coating had an
average weight of ¹⁄₃ grain. Chemical and microscopical examination
gave evidence of the presence of aloes (Barbados) or a preparation of
aloes, podophyllin, powdered liquorice root, and wheat starch, the last
probably from the coating. No other ingredient could be detected.


HOLLOWAY’S PILLS.

These are supplied by Thomas Holloway, London. A box, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.,
was found to contain 49 pills.

It is stated in the advertisement that:

  They have positively no equal for thoroughly cleansing the system and
  putting the liver and kidneys in functional order, without pain or
  griping.

A pamphlet which was wrapped round the box is entitled:

  A Key to Health!!! The Hollowayian System of Medicine and its
  adaptation for the treatment of many Diseases incident to the human
  frame.

It appears from the pamphlet that “the Hollowayian System of Medicine”
might be summoned up in the words: Take Holloway’s Pills; apply
Holloway’s Ointment. Among the complaints for which this “system” is
prescribed are gout, rheumatism, sciatica, paralysis, liver complaints,
asthma, inflammation of the kidneys, bronchitis, quinsy, bad legs, bad
breasts, ulcers, wounds, sores, tumours, piles and fistulas, the turn
of life, floodings and the whites, obstruction of the menses, dropsies,
jaundice, youthful indiscretion, impotency, palpitation of the heart,
debility, indigestion, constipation, gravel, stone, venereal diseases,
influenza, erysipelas, lepra blotches, scald heads and ringworms,
scrofula, ague, diarrhœa, etc. The dose recommended in different cases
varies from two pills a day to seven pills night and morning.

The pills had an average weight of 1.4 grain. Chemical and
microscopical examination showed the presence of aloes (Barbados), or a
preparation of aloes, powdered ginger, and soap. There was no evidence
of the presence of mercury or calomel.


PAGE WOODCOCK’S WIND PILLS.

These pills are supplied by Page Woodcock, Limited. The price of a box
containing 32 pills was 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.

They are thus described in a circular enclosed in the package:

  The Most Effectual Medicine Yet Discovered for the Prevention and
  Cure of Disease....

  In all cases of Indigestion, Liver Complaints, Biliousness,
  Constipation, Palpitation, Debility, Anæmia, Irregularities, Bad
  Assimilation, Wind in the Stomach and Bowels, Spasms, Heartburn,
  Giddiness, Disturbed Slumbers, Piles, Toothache, Neuralgia, etc.,
  they will, if taken in accordance with the following directions,
  effect a positive and permanent cure in the most stubborn and
  deep-rooted cases.

The directions in various cases are from three to nine pills to be
taken daily.

The pills were pearl-coated, and after removal of the coating had an
average weight of 1.6 grain. Chemical and microscopical examination
showed the presence of aloes (Barbados) or a preparation of aloes,
a little ginger, a little soap, a trace of capsicum, and oils of
peppermint and cinnamon; some other vegetable tissue was also present,
but it did not possess any characters by which it could be identified.
No mercury or calomel was present.


SCOTT’S PILLS.

Scott’s Pills are supplied by W. Lambert, London, in boxes, price 1s.
1¹⁄₂d., containing 24 pills. A circular sent with the pills is headed:

  Bilious and Liver Complaints, Indigestion, Costiveness, Loss of
  Appetite, Worms, Gout, Inflammations, Rheumatism, Lumbago, etc.,
  effectually removed by the use of Dr. Scott’s Bilious and Liver
  Pills.... Prepared from the Recipe of Dr. Scott, of Bromley, Kent.

The recommendations for their employment include the following:--

  The evil effects arising from intemperance will be prevented
  if recourse is had to them after excess of eating or drinking.
  Preparatory to Sea or Cold Bathing they are particularly necessary;
  by taking a Pill or two for a few nights previous the bowels will be
  cleansed from any crudities that may adhere to them, and the body
  rendered in a proper state for the prevention of many uncomfortable
  complaints. They are also the most excellent alterative and cleanser
  of sallow complexions, caused by obstructions of the Liver. To
  seafaring persons they are particularly recommended, as the use of
  them will prevent many disorders incident to such a life, which
  frequently prove fatal. Pregnant women will find them a most
  efficacious medicine in preventing Bilious Vomitings, Nervous
  Headaches, and other complaints peculiar to their situation....

  Mr. Lambert wishes to impress on parents the necessity of
  administering these Pills to their children; they will find them a
  most efficacious Medicine for eradicating Worms, Fevers, Coughs,
  Inflammations, and all disorders of the Stomach and Bowels; the
  child will be strengthened, saved from all sickness, and the parents
  themselves much trouble and uneasiness.

The pills had an average weight of 2.4 grains. Chemical and
microscopical examination indicated the presence of aloes (Socotrine)
in rather small quantity, ginger, rhubarb, and soap. No mercury or
calomel was present.


KER-NAK.

Ker-Nak, or Ker-Nak Pills, are supplied by a company in Leeds at 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. per package, containing 41 pills. They are thus described in a
circular accompanying the package:

  Ker-Nak is a natural and valuable remedy which marks an important
  step in advance of old-fashioned purges and drastic mineral
  pills. These latter, with their mercury, bismuth, and other crude
  ingredients, only irritate, inflame, and, in the end, seriously
  injure, the delicate linings of the stomach and bowels. All such
  mineral drugs, doubtful in their physiological action and paralysing
  and harmful in their eventual effect, do not in any way, directly
  or indirectly, enter into the composition of Ker-Nak, which, on
  the contrary, contains certain essences and oils, the valuable
  constituents of fresh ripe fruit, together with valuable vegetable
  extracts and internal disinfectants reputed for their purity and
  medicinal worth.... The unapproachable excellence of Ker-Nak from a
  medicinal or healing standpoint, as well as its greater suitability
  for sickness contracted under present-day conditions ... renders
  this _natural_ treatment, so invaluable in cases of: Constipation,
  Headache, Indigestion ... Sleeplessness, Neuralgia, Palpitation ...
  Anæmia, and most Female Ailments (in youth, motherhood, middle-age,
  and declining years), Piles ... Hysterics, Shortness of Breath ...
  Rheumatic Affections, Influenza, and its after-effects....

The lengthy circular concludes with a paragraph headed:

  FREE ADVICE.

  Any reader in need of sound advice upon his or her own ailment can
  have, Free of Cost, the assistance of our fully qualified Medical
  Staff.

  Describe in detail all the symptoms of your illness, say how long the
  illness has lasted, and what you have been doing for it in the past:
  and have no hesitation in stating fully any matter which troubles
  you. The medical staff will tell you frankly and in confidence what
  is the best treatment for you to adopt.

The directions on the package are:

  Dose--1 to 3, or in severe cases, two doses of 2 each, one dose at
  night and repeat after the next mid-day meal.

The pills were coated with orange-coloured pearl-coating; after
removing it they had an average weight of 1¹⁄₂ grain. Chemical and
microscopical examination indicated the presence of aloes (Barbados)
or a preparation of aloes, a little soap, a very little oleo-resin
of capsicum, and a little vegetable tissue which appeared to be
marshmallow root (used as an excipient). There was no evidence of the
presence of mercury or calomel.


COCKLE’S PILLS.

The present maker’s name of these is not given, but they are described
in the circulars which accompany them as being “Prepared by the late
James Cockle, Surgeon and Apothecary, 4, Great Ormond Street, London.”
A box, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to contain 16 pills. It was also
stated that:

  These pills consist of a careful and peculiar admixture of the
  best and mildest vegetable aperients, with the pure extract of the
  flowers of the camomile. They will be found a most efficacious remedy
  for derangement of the digestive organs, and for obstructions and
  torpid action of the liver and bowels, which produce Indigestion
  and the several varieties of Bilious and Liver Complaints ... these
  Pills are not recommended as containing any new or dangerously
  active ingredients; on the contrary, they are characterised by a
  remarkable simplicity of combination, and whatever merit they may
  be found to possess depends as much upon the selection of pure
  drugs and the unusual labour and attention bestowed upon their
  subsequent preparation, as upon the acknowledged peculiarity of
  their composition. They are not recommended as a panacea, nor are
  they adapted to all complaints; but as a mild and efficacious
  _aperient_ and _tonic_ in the various forms of Indigestion, with
  intestinal irregularity admitting their use, it will not, perhaps, be
  an exaggeration to state that they have been resorted to under all
  systems of diet, changes of climate, or atmospheric alternations,
  with an extraordinary degree of success, for a period extending over
  more than half a century.

The directions vary from “One Pill to be taken an hour before dinner”
to “Two or three at any time.”

The pills had an average weight of 4 grains. Chemical and microscopical
examination indicated the presence of aloes (Socotrine), a little soap,
powdered colocynth, powdered jalap, and another vegetable tissue which
did not agree in characters with any drug now in ordinary use, and
which could not be identified. No evidence of the presence of mercury
or calomel was detected.


BURGESS’ LION PILLS.

The first volume of this book contained the results of analysis of
Burgess’ Lion Ointment, and the Pills are a companion medicine. A box,
price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to contain 24 pills. In a circular enclosed
in the package it is stated that:

  The Pills act beneficially by imparting a healthy action to the
  Liver and Digestive Organs, removing Obstructions and purifying the
  Blood, completely renovating the health by expelling and preventing
  the recurrence of disease. When suffering from Headache, Giddiness,
  Pains in the Back or Loins, Loss of Appetite, or a feeling of General
  Debility, these Pills will be found most invaluable.

The directions on the label are “Two to be taken at bedtime.”

The pills were pearl-coated; after removal of the coating they had an
average weight of 4¹⁄₄ grains. Chemical and microscopical examination
indicated the presence of ipecacuanha, rhubarb, a little jalap,
probably aloes (Socotrine), and oil of peppermint, and soap. There was
no evidence of the presence of mercury or calomel.


HOOD’S VEGETABLE PILLS.

These are supplied by a limited company in London, in bottles, price
1s. 1¹⁄₂d., containing 34 pills.

They are described on the package as:

  The great Liver Invigorator. A mild, efficient cathartic, purely
  vegetable, unequalled as a family physic and after-dinner pill.
  A valuable remedy for Liver Complaint, Constipation, Nausea,
  Billiousness, Headache, Indigestion, Sour Stomach, Distress after
  Eating, Jaundice.

The directions, given in a circular enclosed in the package, are:

  For Biliousness, Jaundice, Sick Headache, Constipation, Flatulence,
  Dizziness, Nausea, and all Liver Troubles, and to Relieve or Prevent
  Malaria and Influenza. For laxative effect, the usual dose is one,
  two, or three pills taken at bedtime in a draught of water; for
  purgative effect, from three to six pills, taken in the same way....

  For Indigestion, Heartburn, Distress in the Stomach, Fulness after
  Eating: The usual dose is one pill taken immediately after eating, in
  a draught of water.

The pills were sugar-coated, and, after removal of the coating,
they had an average weight of ¹⁄₂ grain. Chemical and microscopical
examination showed the presence of aloes (Barbados) or a preparation of
aloes--probably aloin, ginger, capsicum, colocynth, soap, and probably
a little jalap. There was no evidence of the presence of mercury or
calomel.




CHAPTER VI.

KIDNEY MEDICINES.


The secret remedies dealt with in this chapter comprise a further
selection from those advertised for the cure of backache and kidney
disorders. Several of those which were described in the previous report
on nostrums of this class (_Secret Remedies_, p. 66) were pills,
nearly all containing potassium nitrate and oil of juniper. Of the
four pills now reported on, only one contains these ingredients; two
consist chiefly of soap and sodium carbonate, and the fourth contains
copaiba as the only active substance found; this, although advertised
for backache and kidney troubles, appears to be principally put forward
for gonorrhœa, gleet, and similar disorders. Neither of the two liquids
described in the report appears to contain any very active substance;
one of these, of American origin, and stated to contain more effectual
doses and more medicine in each dose than any other remedy at the same
price, proved to contain 10.5 per cent. of alcohol and 46.5 per cent.
of sugars, with only 2.4 per cent. of vegetable extractive, which
appeared to be partly derived from cascara sagrada, a trace of oil
of wintergreen giving an aromatic flavour to the whole. Needless to
say, the claims advanced for this combination do not show more modesty
than is displayed in other cases, including as they do the assertions
that it cures Bright’s disease, expels gall stones, cures impotence,
drives malarial poison out of the system, is the best remedy for liver
complaint, torpid liver, and biliousness, and possesses the rarest
electric and therapeutic properties in a very concentrated form.
The other liquid preparation appears to depend chiefly on magnesium
sulphate and potassium citrate, with a very little sweet spirit of
nitre and some vegetable extractive in which no active substances were
recognised. The extraordinary carelessness with which the ingredients
of nostrums may be thrown together is shown by comparing the contents
of different bottles; one contained five times as much magnesium
sulphate as the other. This preparation is foisted upon the public as
an ingredient in a “prescription” which is published in various papers
in the guise of an item of information; readers are advised to take it
only to “chemists of well-known standing,” in order to avoid some other
ingredient being substituted for one of those named; probably chemists
of well-known standing who received such a “prescription” would take
good care to inform the purchaser that one of the ingredients was a
secret nostrum and not a recognised preparation of known composition
like the others, and our analysis may allow of a little further
information being now given. One of the pills reported on is one
member of a series called “The Home Doctor Remedies,” which furnishes
a good illustration of the advantage to the proprietor of a nostrum
in supplying directly to the public. In this case the proprietor is a
limited company--though using the name of an individual--claiming to be
“Specialists in the Treatment and Cure of Rupture,” and inviting every
one suffering from rupture to submit particulars and measurements,
etc., in order to be supplied with an appliance and the application,
shown in a previous report to be a tincture of capsicum with certain
essential oils, which is to “cure” the rupture. In this way large
numbers of names and addresses are doubtless obtained, and the persons
applying are not only furnished with particulars of the rupture
“treatment,” but also--in due course--with the particulars of “The
Home Doctor Remedies” for various disorders, remedies said to have been
evolved for the treatment of complications interfering with the cure
of rupture; they no doubt provide a remunerative subsidiary business.
The pamphlet describing them contains the statement “we have no large
advertising expenses, and are thus in a position to exclude all but
the very best quality of articles used in their manufacture, and still
supply the articles at a reasonable price”; how reasonable the price is
may be seen by comparing the estimated cost of the ingredients (about
¹⁄₂d.) with the price charged for the pills (1s. 9d.).


HOLDROYD’S GRAVEL PILLS.

These are supplied by a firm in the north of England in boxes at 1s.
1¹⁄₂d., containing twenty-five.

They are advertised as:

  A positive cure for Gravel, Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Diseases of
  the Kidneys, Gout, Sciatica.

Some extracts from circulars enclosed in the package are:

  Have you Pains in the Back, Between the Shoulders, In the Joints? If
  so, don’t go on suffering day after day when you can be quickly and
  permanently cured by Holdroyd’s Gravel Pills, which are guaranteed to
  give Immediate Relief in all cases of Gravel, Lumbago, Pains in Back,
  Dropsy, Wind and Water Complaints, Rheumatism, Gleet, Kidney Disease,
  Gout, Sciatica, etc.

  They have never been known to fail and never can. They have cured
  diseases after long years of suffering, when various remedies,
  hospitals, and medical men have tried in vain. A steady perseverance
  with these marvellous Pills has effected wonderful cures.

The directions are:

  Two Pills three times a day, morning, afternoon, and night.

The pills were not regularly coated, but had a thick covering of
loosely adhering magnesia, more or less impregnated with oil of anise
and colouring matter from the pill. After removal of this layer their
average weight was 4.3 grains. Analysis showed the presence of oil of
anise, soap, sodium carbonate, and powdered rhubarb. The proportions of
the different ingredients were determined as nearly as possible, and
the following formula was arrived at:

  Soap                    40 per cent.
  Dried sodium carbonate  20    „
  Powdered rhubarb        20    „
  Oil of anise            10    „
  Syrup                   10    „

Estimated cost of ingredients for twenty-five pills ¹⁄₃d.


DR. DE ROOS’ COMPOUND RENAL PILLS.

These pills are supplied by a firm in London at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box,
containing fifteen pills.

They are advertised as follows:

  Dr. De Roos’ Compound Renal Pills have over Fifty years’ reputation
  as the most safe and speedy remedy for Pains in the Back, Gravel,
  Lumbago, Gout, Rheumatism, Weakness across the Loins, Sandy or other
  deposits, Stone, Stricture, and Diseases of Kidneys and Urinary
  Organs generally.

And in a pamphlet enclosed in the package it is stated that:

  By their use alone many thousands are annually restored to health,
  and the agonies of gout and rheumatism may now be considered a
  voluntary affliction, as no one need suffer these excruciating
  torments if they will only have recourse to these Pills, which are
  confidently recommended by the proprietor as the only real specific,
  and being entirely free from colchicum, mercury, and other injurious
  ingredients, may be taken with perfect safety by sufferers of
  either sex. For weakness across the loins, sandy or other deposits,
  discharges, and diseases of the urinary organs generally, they are
  altogether unrivalled. They correct acidity of the stomach, promote
  the functions of the kidneys, thereby preventing stone in the
  bladder, and many other serious disorders to which these important
  organs are liable. Many complaints, long supposed to be nervous,
  often arise solely from contamination of the blood with certain
  impurities which should have been carried off by the kidneys. Several
  unsightly eruptions of the skin and face also arise from the same
  cause, and may be as readily removed by these Pills.

Varying directions are given for different cases, the dose varying from
“one or two” to “two or more” to be taken either every night, or every
morning, or both night and morning.

The pills were not regularly coated, but had a thick covering of
powdered liquorice. After removing this, their average weight was
4.5 grains. Analysis showed the presence of soap (34.2 per cent.,
calculated as anhydrous), sodium carbonate (19.7 per cent. of the dried
salt), a resin (3.3 per cent.), and a small quantity of vegetable
tissue with moisture and extractive. The resin did not contain
colophony, and did not show the characteristic behaviour of galbanum,
but may have been derived from ammoniacum. It possessed no characters
by which its source could be determined. The vegetable tissue appeared
to be derived from a leaf, but could not be identified with any drug in
ordinary use. No other active ingredient was found.


RED CROSS PILLS.

Red Cross Pills are supplied by a limited company in Liverpool. A 2s.
9d. box was found to contain sixty-one pills.

An advertisement of the pills is as follows:

  Red Cross Pills are the Wonder of the Day. Cure for Kidney, Bladder,
  Backache, Gravel, and all discharge from any cause. 30 years’
  Reputation. Thousands of Testimonials. Send 2s. 9d. postal order.

A box of the pills was sent for, no reference being made to the purpose
for which they were required. They were received by post with the
following letter (the punctuation is unaltered):

  Dear Sir,

  We thank you for your letter, Pills herewith. You will make better
  progress if you do not touch any intoxicants drink Soda and Lime
  Juice or a little Claret instead; at home plenty of Barley Water, if
  can help you in any way, please write to us, and we will do our best
  for you in the way of advice. With our best wishes for a speedy cure.
  Yours truly.

The following is an extract from a pamphlet enclosed in the package:

  If you suffer from pains in the back and Lumbago, take the Red Cross
  Pills; thousands have been cured by their use.

  If you suffer from Gravel, the Kidneys, and Inflamation of the
  Bladder, take Red Cross Pills; thousands have been cured by their use.

  If you suffer from old standing ailments which are the curse of
  manhood, and which bring premature decay of Nervous and Physical
  Strength, such as Strictures, Spermatorrhoe, Nocturnal Emissions,
  Prostate Affections, etc., etc., take the Red Cross Pills; thousands
  have been cured by their use.

  If you suffer from what is generally known to be red sand deposit in
  the urine, or urine unclear and cloudy, take the Red Cross Pills;
  thousands are relieved every day by their use for the same complaints.

  If you suffer from want of energy caused by old standing ailments and
  impurity of the Blood, take the Red Cross Pills: thousands have been
  cured by their use.

  If you suffer from Gonorrhœa, Gleet, or discharges of any
  description, accidental, recent, or chronic cases, arising from any
  causes, take the Red Cross Pills; thousands have been cured by their
  use.

  The Red Cross Pills are warranted to be purely vegetable and not to
  contain a particle of mercury.

Directions are given in which the dose varies from two pills twice a
day to three pills three times a day. The pills were sugar-coated,
and coloured pink externally. After removal of the coating they had
an average weight of 2.6 grains. Analysis showed the presence of a
resin (24.3 per cent.) which appeared to be copaiba resin, a much
smaller quantity of oil of copaiba, magnesia (about 8 per cent.),
with liquorice and starch; no other active ingredients were found.
The principal constituent thus appears to be copaiba, from which most
of the oil has been removed to facilitate its preparation as a pill,
the remainder being apparently of the nature of excipient. Such pills
sugar-coated, can be obtained wholesale at less than 1s. per gross.


THE HOME DOCTOR BACKACHE AND KIDNEY PILLS.

These pills belong to a series called “The Home Doctor Remedies,”
supplied by a limited company in London, which advertises largely a
“treatment for rupture.” In a previous report (_Secret Remedies_, pp.
158-160) is published the result of analysis of their “Developing
Lymphol,” supplied as part of the treatment; the connection of this
side of the business with “The Home Doctor Remedies” is thus described
in a pamphlet sent to a person who had previously purchased an
appliance for rupture:

  In successfully treating rupture it is necessary to take into
  consideration the other physical disabilities of the patient as well
  as devoting attention to the rupture, and as there are some diseases
  which directly, and others indirectly, affect the cure of rupture, we
  have found it necessary to give special attention to those which are
  most likely to delay a cure.

  We are not general Patent Medicine dealers, but we are Specialists in
  the Treatment and Cure of Rupture, and it is to the fact that we give
  the closest attention to all the various conditions connected with
  each individual case that we have been able to attain such remarkable
  success in curing rupture. Whenever we find any complication that
  has any tendency to delay the cure, we endeavour to overcome this
  complication, so that the cure of the rupture may proceed without
  interruption. To that end we have gradually evolved a series of
  medicines for these complications, accepting none that had not been
  thoroughly tested and recommended by the best authorities, or that
  could in any way be harmful to the patient. The ingredients of each
  of our formulas are practically all vegetable products, and the
  formulas themselves are recommended and used by medical men of high
  standing.

  We, ourselves, can strongly recommend these remedies, and patients
  can use them with confidence, knowing that in them they have the very
  best that actual experience can produce.

  We supply these remedies at Prices which cannot be equalled where
  results are considered.

There are six other “Home Doctor Remedies” besides the Backache and
Kidney Pills. The latter are thus referred to:

  Our remedy for backache cannot be surpassed. In nearly every other
  remedy used it is necessary to gradually increase the size of the
  dose, as well as the frequency of it. With our remedy the same dose
  is taken at all times and will give exactly the same results. It
  is absolutely harmless and will at once relieve all disagreeable
  symptoms, and induce the kidneys to perform their proper functions.

The price is 1s. 9d. per bottle, post paid; a bottle was found to
contain fifty-three pills, ovoid in shape, and coated with gelatine
coloured black. After removal of the coating the pills had an average
weight of 3.3 grains. Analysis showed the presence of potassium
nitrate, powdered capsicum, a very little oil of juniper, with soap,
sugar, magnesia, starch, and gum. There was no evidence that the
extractive present came from anything besides the capsicum, but a small
quantity of some other extract possessing no distinctive characters
might have been present. The quantities of the different ingredients
were determined as nearly as possible, and the formula was found to be,
approximately:

  Oil of juniper      3 per cent.
  Potassium nitrate  26    „
  Magnesia            8    „
  Powdered capsicum  20    „
  Sugar              17    „
  Soap                1    „
  Starch, gum, moisture, etc., to 100.

Estimated cost of ingredients for fifty-three pills about ¹⁄₂d.


DR. KILMER’S SWAMP-ROOT.

This preparation is stated to be prepared only by a firm giving a
London address; the package, however, bears the words, “made in U.S.A.”
The price of the small-size bottle is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., and this was found to
contain just over 3 fluid ounces.

An advertisement in an English periodical is headed:

  Are your kidneys weak? Thousands of Men and Women have Kidney Trouble
  and Never Suspect It.

And other statements which follow include:

  Most people do not realise the alarming increase and remarkable
  prevalence of kidney disease. While kidney disorders are the most
  common diseases that prevail, they are almost the last recognised by
  patients and physicians, _who content themselves with doctoring the
  effects_, while the _original disease_ undermines the system.... In
  taking Swamp-Root, you afford natural help to Nature, for it is the
  most perfect healer and gentle aid to the kidneys that has ever been
  discovered.

On the front page of a pamphlet enclosed in the package appears the
following:

How To Find Out.

  Fill a bottle or common glass with urine and let it stand twenty-four
  hours; a sediment or settling indicates an unhealthy condition of the
  kidneys. When urine stains linen it is evidence of kidney trouble.
  Too frequent desire to urinate, scanty supply, pain or dull ache in
  the back, is also convincing proof that the kidneys or bladder are
  out of order.

What To Do.

  There is comfort in the knowledge so often expressed, that Dr.
  Kilmer’s Swamp-Root, the great kidney, liver, and bladder remedy,
  fulfils every wish in quickly relieving pain in the back, kidneys,
  liver, bladder, and every part of the urinary passage.

And on the package it is stated that:

  This great specific cures Acute and Chronic Diseases of the Kidneys,
  Liver, Bladder, or Urinary Organs, Kidney Complaint, and all Uric
  Acid Troubles. Cures Bright’s Disease. Dissolves, expels Gravel,
  Stone in Bladder. It heals and cures Irritation, Inflammation,
  Ulceration, or Catarrh of Bladder, Blood or Mucus in Urine, Retention
  of Urine, Pain in Urinating, Frequent Calls, Highly Coloured Urine,
  Brick Dust in Urine, Stoppage of Urine, Thick, Sluggish, Scanty
  Urine. Builds up a run down Constitution, and is the _Best Remedy_
  and most reliable for Liver Complaint, Torpid Liver and Biliousness,
  Expels Gall Stones, Diabetes, Dropsy. It cures Enlargement of
  Prostate Gland, Seminal Weakness, Spermatorrhœa, Impotence,
  Generative Debility, and General Languor. Drives Malarial Poison
  out of system. Gravel. It removes the causes producing Nervousness,
  Sleeplessness, Headache, Neuralgia, Slime Fever, Inward Heat and
  Thirst, and cures when all other remedies have failed. It purifies
  the blood!

  The contents of this bottle is a PURE MEDICINE, and contains _more
  effectual doses_, and each dose contains MORE MEDICINE than any other
  remedy at the same price.

  Contains the active medicinal properties of Swamp Roots, Field Herbs,
  Sea Weeds, Native Balms and Balsams, possessing the rarest Electric
  and Therapeutic properties in a very concentrated form.

The directions on the label are:

  May Take one, two, or three teaspoonfuls before or after meals, and
  at bedtime. Children less according to age. May commence with small
  doses and increase to full dose or more, as the case would seem to
  require.

The liquid was brown in colour and turbid, giving a small deposit on
standing. Analysis showed that 100 parts by measure contained 48.9
parts by weight of solid matter, of which 46.5 parts consisted of
sugars; 10.5 per cent. of alcohol (by measure) was present, with a
trace of oil of wintergreen. The mineral constituents only amounted
to 0.05 per cent., and consisted of the elements usually found in
vegetable drugs; no alkaloid was present. The extractive was bitter,
and contained emodin, agreeing in these respects with extract of
cascara sagrada. A liquid containing 2 parts of extract of cascara
sagrada and 0.5 parts of oil of wintergreen in 100 parts by measure,
together with sugar and alcohol in the proportions found in the
original, agreed well with it in regard to degree of bitterness and
the strength of the wintergreen flavour; but small quantities of
extractives of “swamp roots, field herbs, sea weeds,” etc., if present,
could not have been detected in presence of so large a proportion of
sugar and the bitter substance. Definite active constituents could, of
course, have been found. The sediment of the original mixture, when
examined with the microscope, showed traces of vegetable tissue in
considerable variety.


KAROX COMPOUND.

This is supplied by the Karox Manufacturing Company from an address in
the north of England, in bottles containing one fluid ounce, price 1s.
1¹⁄₂d.

The method of advertising chiefly employed in this case is the
insertion in newspapers of small paragraphs having the appearance
of news paragraphs, and so worded as to appear to be disinterested
information supplied by the paper to its readers. The following is an
example of such a paragraph:

  We have recently published a prescription for the relief and cure
  of Kidney and Liver Diseases, Rheumatism, etc. We regret to learn
  from some of our readers that in some cases the prescription has not
  been accurately dispensed, one of the ingredients being apparently
  substituted by other cheaper drugs for the sake of extra profit. As
  it is essential that the prescription should be dispensed accurately
  if the remedy is to be beneficial, we desire to warn the readers of
  this paper against such substitution, and would advise them to have
  the prescription dispensed only by chemists of well-known standing,
  or purchase the ingredients separately and mix them at home by
  shaking well in a bottle. The correct prescription is Tincture of
  Buchu, 1 oz.; Karox Compound, 1 oz.; Syrup of Lemons, 2 oz. Dose: One
  teaspoonful in a wineglass of water three times daily after meals,
  and at bedtime.

On the wrapper of the package “Karox Compound” is described as:

  A Natural Remedy invaluable for promoting the regular action of the
  Liver, Kidneys, Bowels, and Kindred Organs, purifying the blood and
  building up the whole body.

  Karox Compound is not a cure-all.

  A large proportion of disease is the direct result of Sluggishness
  of the Liver and Kidneys, and by gently stimulating these important
  organs it cures Biliousness, Headaches, Constipation, Indigestion,
  Jaundice, Offensive Breath, Skin Eruptions, Pains in the Back, Female
  Ailments, etc.

The contents of several bottles of this preparation were examined, and
were found to differ very considerably in composition. The ingredients
found were magnesium sulphate, potassium citrate, alcohol, spirit
of nitrous ether, sugars, vegetable extractive, and faint traces of
alkaloid and formaldehyde. The magnesium sulphate varied from 1.45 to
6.87 parts per 100 parts by measure, and the potassium citrate from
4.76 to 6.55; the sugars were about 8 per cent., and the alcohol in
one specimen was found to be 6 per cent. by volume. The liquid smelt
strongly of spirit of nitrous ether and gave qualitative evidence of
the presence of nitrite, but the amount was not sufficient to give any
nitric oxide when tested in a nitrometer. The vegetable extractive was
between 1 and 2 per cent., but showed no characters indicative of its
source. There was a trace of sediment in the liquid, and microscopical
examination of this showed the presence of yeast or yeast-like cells
and the minute plants known as desmids.




CHAPTER VII.

OBESITY CURES, AND A “FLESH PRODUCER.”


  A good many nostrums advertised for the treatment of obesity were
  dealt with in the previous volume of this book, and some of those
  described which were formerly advertised extensively are now but
  little in evidence, if, indeed, they have not disappeared altogether;
  how far this may be due to the exposure which was there made, we
  are unable to say. But others have appeared on the market, and the
  extent to which such preparations are advertised suggests either
  that obesity is on the increase, or that people are becoming more
  conscious of its disadvantages and, therefore, more ready to lay
  out money on medicines promising to restore them to normal weight.
  Somewhat curiously, while advertisements appeared numerous and
  lengthy advertisements of an article intended to cure the opposite
  condition, that of excessive leanness. In the present chapter we give
  an account of some nostrums for obesity not previously dealt with,
  and also of the “flesh producer” just referred to.

  It was shown by the analyses published in the former volume that
  extract of bladderwrack was the basis of several of the medicines
  described, and the same substance appears in nearly all those now
  dealt with. Bladderwrack (_Fucus vesiculosus_) is a common seaweed
  found on and around our shores, and, in common with other seaweeds,
  it contains considerable quantities of the salts occurring in
  sea-water, including a small quantity of a compound of iodine;
  the extract was at one time credited with having some effect in
  reducing superfluous fat, but it does not appear to be used at all
  in legitimate medicine now, and there is no official process for
  preparing it. Since it contains no definite active constituent and
  is likely to be very variable in composition, it is not possible to
  determine exactly the amount that is present in a mixture with other
  substances. Another drug which has been given for obesity is thyroid
  extract, or some other preparation of the thyroid gland; this appears
  to have been present in one or two of the articles examined, but
  there is the same difficulty in regard to determining the quantity
  of it present in a mixture, or even identifying it beyond the
  possibility of question, as that just referred to in connection with
  extract of bladderwrack.

  It is not only in the composition of their wares that the makers of
  these preparations show similarity of practice; even the devices
  used in advertising and selling them have a strong family likeness.
  The plan of giving away a free sample and accompanying it with
  statements as to the importance of following it up with a “full
  treatment” are characteristic of nearly all the advertisers dealt
  with. It is, moreover, quite in keeping with what we are accustomed
  to find that each should advance the claim that his own preparation,
  though found on examination to contain the same drug as those of
  his rivals, is totally different from all others, and that each
  should claim to be the discoverer of this wonderful substance. The
  absurdity of the claims becomes more striking when they are brought
  together. The first of the nostrums described is put forward with
  the assertions, “I know I have found a cure at last,” “My method is
  unlike any other.” The next maker says that his pills “in any case
  will do more to reduce corpulency than any other remedy extant,”
  and they “present a striking contrast to many so-called remedies so
  freely offered at extravagant prices to the public, some of which are
  useless and others dangerous.” A third calls his “the only safe and
  certain remedy,” “the most remarkable scientific discovery of the
  present age,” and guarantees to cure; and so on. Such vague titles
  as “specialist” and “certified chemist” are so used as to imply that
  they are qualifications; and the usual feature, exorbitant price--the
  mainspring of the whole business--is, of course, conspicuous, drugs
  costing a few pence being supplied for various sums up to £2 1s. 1d.
  One advertiser appears to have hit on a little novelty with the claim
  that “my remedy is a woman’s cure for women only. Nobody but a woman
  could have discovered it, and it is offered to women only,” while
  a certain amount of originality must be allowed to the statement,
  emanating from the same source, that, “what happens in these cases”
  (of heart failure) “is fatty penetration of the heart, which leads of
  syncope.”


A. GORDON WALLACE’S “TREATMENT.”

This is advertised by A. Gordon Wallace, London. It is priced at one
guinea for a month’s “treatment,” but as the first fortnight’s medicine
is supplied free, the actual amount to be paid for it is 10s. 6d. The
following extracts from advertisements will show the nature of the
claims advanced:--

ARE YOU TOO STOUT?

  Famous Obesity Specialist tells how everyone can lose Superfluous
  Flesh and Improve their General Health....

  If you are one of the thousands of much-enduring men and women who
  are unhealthily stout, or growing too stout, this article will bring
  new hope to you. If your appearance is marred by a double chin, or
  an ungainly bust, or a protruding abdomen, or any other disagreeable
  evidence of Obesity, here is an offer that will help you to remove
  the ugly defects in your physical appearance. If your health is
  threatened--as it must be--by superfluous flesh, which generally
  carries in its train gout, or rheumatism, or palpitation, or “fatty”
  heart, or some other serious ailment, read and profit by this advice
  from a famous Obesity Specialist....

  I do guarantee to reduce your weight safely and scientifically, and
  strictly according to well-defined and recognised physiological laws,
  if you will conscientiously follow out my directions while you are
  taking a course of my Treatment.

  Medical men, have, on their own admission, been so far baffled for A
  REAL AND EFFECTIVE CURE that will bring in its train no other injury
  to the patient’s system. I know I have found a cure at last. I know
  what it has done for thousands of others and I know it will do the
  same for you. All you need do is to write to me to-day, and you will
  receive my book, which will be of invaluable service to you, by
  return post, free of charge.... I will send securely and privately
  packed, to any reader who forwards me 3d. for postage, a full-size
  fortnight’s package of my remedy free of charge.... You will not have
  to wait for weeks, or even days, before deriving benefit. You will
  experience at once a wonderful feeling of lightness and brightness;
  you will be able to walk longer distances without being fagged; your
  heart will beat more regularly; and your breathing will be better.

The “fortnight’s package” was accompanied by a letter, of which the
following is a part:

  As a rule, One Month’s Treatment is sufficient, though, of course,
  I need scarcely say that in some cases the Treatment must extend to
  two or even three months, in order to secure complete and permanent
  results. My usual fee for an ordinary month’s course is One Guinea
  (credit, of course, being given for the cost of the free fortnight’s
  trial treatment enclosed), and on receipt therefore of P.O. for
  10s. 6d., together with the accompanying Consultation Form, fully
  filled up, I will at once formulate and send you the directions and
  various preparations suited to your requirements, thus enabling
  you to complete the full month’s course at half price without any
  interruption.

  The second fortnight’s treatment really begins the actual
  flesh-reducing portion of my system following upon the elimination of
  the impurities that are robbing you of your vital NERVE FORCE, and
  I would emphasise the importance of this continuity of treatment to
  ensure a satisfactory reduction of your superfluous flesh, and also
  generally improved health.

The “book” referred to was also sent; it is a small paper booklet of
about fifty pages, entitled “Obesity: Cause and Treatment. By A. Gordon
Wallace, Specialist.” This curious qualification is the only one that
is mentioned on the title page; but on page 33 the following appears
under the heading

  In Plain Language.

  It is apropos for me to here mention that I am a physician holding
  diplomas by examination, and I have made the cause and treatment of
  Obesity a special study. My methods of treatment are based on sound
  physiological grounds, and not merely tentative or empirical.

  This little treatise is not an essay such as I would deliver before
  a medical society, but is a talk to the laity, therefore I purposely
  avoid the use of technical language. I am to discuss the subject here
  in as simple a manner as I possibly can so that everything will be
  clearly understood.

  I am confident that this method of stating the facts will be
  appreciated.

On other pages it is stated that

  My method is unlike any other. I give my patients a true
  physiological treatment that restores lost Nerve-Force, and Nature
  does the rest.

  _My Treatment allows you to eat what you like and drink what you
  like._

The “fortnight’s package” contained 54 sugar-coated tablets. The
directions on the label were “Two Tablets to be taken three times daily
between food.” At this rate the “fortnight’s” supply would last nine
days.

After removal of the coating, the tablets had an average weight of
2.9 grains. Analysis showed them to consist of an extract and a
vegetable powder; the extract agreed in characters with extract of
bladderwrack (_Fucus vesiculosus_) which is the basis of a great
many of the nostrums for obesity; although this extract is not known
to contain any definite active principle which can be isolated and
identified, its mineral constituents differ so much from those of
most vegetable extracts that a careful examination of these, together
with the characters of the extract itself, enable it to be identified
with practical, though not absolute, certainty. The vegetable powder
was found by microscopic examination to consist of liquorice root,
together with a large proportion of the cells characteristic of
powdered nutshells, olive stones, etc.; the cheapest liquorice powders
in the market are largely adulterated with powdered nutshells and
olive-stones, and this fact may perhaps account for the presence of the
tissues in question. The quantity of extract in each tablet was about
2 grains. Similar tablets can be obtained wholesale at about 1s. a
thousand.

Some further information with regard to this “famous obesity
specialist” appears in Chapter XIX.


DR. VINCENT’S ANTI-STOUT PILLS.

These pills are supplied by Dr. Vincent’s Medicine Co., London, at 2s.,
4s. 6d., and 10s. per box. A 2s. box was found to contain 38 pills.

In an advertisement of these pills it is stated that

  One 2s. Box of Dr. Vincent’s Anti-Stout Pills has in hundreds of
  instances completely cured, and in any case will do more to reduce
  corpulency than any other remedy extant.

  Dr. Vincent’s Anti-Stout Pills are small, harmless, pleasant to take,
  and without change of diet will reduce superabundant flesh as much as
  10 lbs. in a week.

A printed circular and a circular letter were sent with the pills, and
the following are extracts from these:

  Dr. Vincent’s famous and most successful method for the elimination
  of superabundant flesh is now well known throughout the English
  speaking world.... Where a fair trial has been given it has never
  been known to fail.... The pills are purely vegetable, and present
  a striking contrast to many so-called remedies so freely offered
  at extravagant prices to the public, some of which are useless and
  others dangerous.

  Every case is amenable to my treatment if two simple rules are
  followed. First, the treatment must be carried on with regularity,
  and second, without interruption.... Naturally you want to complete
  your cure and I have a special offer to make you. The Ten Shilling
  Box of Dr. Vincent’s Treatment is usually sufficient for a complete
  and lasting cure, and so as to encourage you to continue the process
  of reducing your weight, I shall be pleased to send a Regulation Full
  Size 10s. box for a remittance of 8s. In other words, I allow you the
  2s. you have paid for the Trial box sent herewith off the price of
  the 10s. Treatment, if you apply within 21 days of the date of this
  letter.

(The letter, however, was undated.)

The directions on the box are: “Dose--Two Pills every night, also One
Pill every morning.”

The pills were coated with talc; after removal of the coating they had
an average weight of 2.6 grains. Nearly half the mass consisted of
“extract”--apparently a mixture, about 15 per cent. was resinous in
nature, and the remainder consisted chiefly of the tissues and cell
contents of powdered vegetable substances. The nature of these was
investigated with the aid of the microscope, and from the histological
characters of the powder, together with the results of tests applied to
the pill, evidence was obtained of the presence of

  Jalap
  Colocynth
  Cloves
  Aloes, or extract of aloes
  Extract of _Fucus vesiculosus_

The last named could not be identified as fully as in the preceding
case, owing to its being present in not very large proportion in
admixture with the other drugs named, but the evidence for its presence
appeared adequate.

It is not possible in such a mixture to give with any certain near
approximation the proportions in which the different ingredients were
present.


PHATOLENE TABLETS.

“Phatolene” Tablets are sold by the Phatolene Co., Limited, London, at
6d., 4s., and 10s. per box.

An advertisement of these tablets is in the following terms:

  Don’t be fat when Phatolene Tablets will cure you absolutely. The
  only safe and certain remedy. Registered by Government. Thousands
  of Testimonials. Phatolene Tablets are guaranteed to cure you of
  stoutness without starvation, aperients, or interference with your
  ordinary method of living. Phatolene Tablets are the most remarkable
  scientific discovery of the present age. Phatolene Tablets are an aid
  to health, make you look younger, and produce a charming figure. We
  are so confident that Phatolene Tablets will reduce your weight daily
  that we offer to send you a large trial box in return for a sixpenny
  postal order only.

The box which was sent bore no patent medicine stamps, and so
presumably “registered by Government” refers to the name being
registered as a trade-mark; it is clearly intended to suggest much more
than this. A letter sent with the “trial box” was headed:

  The Phatolene Co., Ltd.
  (Sole Agents for the Discoverer of the “Phatolene” Remedy),
  F. Lawrence, Manager and Certified Chemist.

It should be observed that “certified chemist” is not a legal
qualification, and may mean anything or nothing; it is not to be
confused with “registered chemist and druggist” or “pharmaceutical
chemist.” Some extracts from the letter are:

  As a chemist of over 20 years’ practice I have often been personally
  consulted by my clients of both sexes in regard to obesity and
  local over-fatness. But it is even more pleasure to me to come in
  touch with those who prefer to do so under the Government-guarded
  secret service of His Majesty’s Post Office.... As a matter of
  fact I have to charge more if people use up my time as well as
  their own in personal consultations. And there is no necessity for
  this time-wasting or money-wasting, as I know that my Phatolene
  discovery will succeed in your case as it has done in others.... My
  One Week’s Trial Supply is not sufficient, of course, to overcome a
  bodily condition that may have been developing for nearly a year. My
  Phatolene reduces all fat within the body at a steady and safe rate,
  and one, two, or three months’ supply is sufficient to restore all
  but the unusually fat to their proper size, weight, and appearance.

  What quantity may I send you? For your guidance I may point out that
  my experience enables me to inform you that you will require the
  following quantities according to these conditions.

  If you have been fat or growing fat less than one year, you will
  require one month’s supply for 4s., post free. If fat or growing fat
  one year, and not two years, you will require three months’ supply
  for 10s., post free.

From a second letter:

  To cure any ordinary case takes about 12 weeks, for if the reduction
  is forced in a more violent way the stoutness is sure to return and
  thus you gain only a temporary relief, and you should therefore
  take advantage of our 12 weeks’ treatment, which will cost you 10s.
  only....

  You are aware I have made a study of obesity, and you can naturally
  understand I am interested in your case and shall be only too pleased
  at all times to answer any questions on the subject, but please
  enclose stamped directed envelope.

In a leaflet enclosed with the package occurs the following impudent
attempt to make it appear that the nostrum has the support of medical
practitioners and of the BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL:

  The Treatment of obesity should not be quick, but slow. To attempt
  to reduce superfluous fat by violent or sudden means is dangerous,
  especially if the heart is at all weak, and this is why medical men
  invariably recommend Phatolene Tablets.... Doctors cannot dispute the
  fact that this preparation has for a long time had the reputation of
  reducing corpulence.

  _The Practitioner_ says: “Taken three times a day reduced the fat of
  a lad who had suddenly become corpulent.”

  _The British Medical Journal_: “Given to lessen fat with good
  results.”

  Again, the same Journal says: “Given with good results and does not
  produce dyspepsia or diarrhœa. A lady lost 20 lbs. in 9 weeks when
  taking this, and a gentleman 8 lbs. in 3 weeks without bad results.”

It is scarcely necessary to say that neither the nostrum in question
nor any other has ever been referred to in the BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
in the terms quoted.

The directions on the package are:

  Dose.--For the first week take one tablet three times a day, and
  afterwards increase the dose to three Tablets three times a day, one
  hour before meals. Can be swallowed whole or allowed to dissolve in
  the mouth.

The “tablets” were really ovoid pills, coated with talc and coloured
brown externally. The “6d. trial box” contained twenty-one. After
removal of the coating the pills had an average weight of 2.7 grains.
Analysis showed them to consist of an extract agreeing in all respects
with extract of bladderwrack (_Fucus vesiculosus_), together with about
10 per cent. of powdered liquorice root. No other ingredient was found.


KELLOGG’S SAFE FAT REDUCER.

Kellogg’s “Safe Fat Reducer” is an American preparation, supplied by F.
J. Kellogg, Michigan, U.S.A. It is also advertised in Great Britain,
and the following extracts are from an advertisement appearing here:

  4/- Box of my Safe Fat Reducer Free.

  I Want To Prove To You Before Your Own Eyes and At My Expense That I
  Can Reduce You to Normal Weight Safely, Without Starvation Diet or
  Tiresome Exercises.

  It Doesn’t Matter What You Have Tried, Send for This Free 4/- Box of
  my Safe Fat Reducer To-day.

  My treatment is prepared scientifically. It does not stop or hinder
  digestion; on the contrary, it promotes proper digestion and
  assimilation of food, which 99 fat people in a hundred haven’t got,
  and that’s why they are fat.

On applying for a sample, it was sent accompanied by a circular letter,
and this was followed by others at intervals. Some extracts from these
are here given:

  Of course, I do not promise that this 4s. treatment alone is going to
  cure you of all your fat, but I want to start you on the treatment
  without any expense to you so that during the next few days it will
  put your system in such a condition that the next treatment may
  produce results without any waste of time.

  You have a right to feel sure that Kellogg’s Safe Fat Reducer is
  safe. You can depend upon it that it is positively safe, and you need
  never fear that it will reduce you too much.

  Kellogg’s Safe Fat Reducer builds up the entire system from one
  of fatty weakness to muscular strength, and the results have been
  that it makes patients grow remarkably healthy as they continue the
  treatment.

  Excess fat, I found, is the result of mal-assimilation of food. My
  Kellogg Safe Fat Reducer stops this defect; it prevents the stomach
  from its unnatural tendency to produce fat; it makes the stomach
  “mill out” the food into muscle fibre, bone, nerve tissues, brain
  pigment, and rich blood instead of fat; it resolves the unnatural
  fat you have and expels it naturally and harmlessly through Nature’s
  channels.

  As a result there is no other treatment in the world like Kellogg’s
  Safe Fat Reducer. It does not interfere in the least with your
  business. You don’t have to diet yourself, but you can eat all you
  want. You don’t have to go through any tiresome exercise at all. All
  you have to do is to be faithful to the treatment, take it according
  to directions and go about your work as usual; then you should be
  happy in feeling that the reduction will be sure to come in a few
  days, that you will be healthier than ever before, and more muscular,
  energetic, and athletic. A loss of a pound a day is nothing unusual,
  and will by no means hurt you....

  Now that I have started you on the treatment, I want you to continue.
  I will send you a full treatment of my Kellogg’s Safe Fat Reducer
  for only £2 1s. 1d. There is positively no doubt of the result. And
  I know you will appreciate it when after a few days you will be able
  to note a distinct relief from the heavy burden you are now carrying,
  and the terrible dangers of apoplexy and paralysis which threaten all
  fat people are lifted from your mind for ever.

From the second letter:

  I make each case an individual case, thus I have to have the enclosed
  blank filled out, so that I may understand exactly the conditions,
  and thus employ the means that will most rapidly, and at the same
  time safely reduce your fat and make strong, healthy tissue and
  muscle....

  The price of the treatment is but £2 1s. 1d. Order it to-day, and be
  free from your heavy weight in a few weeks. Don’t stop to figure or
  argue with yourself. I hope to receive your order by return mail,
  but if you cannot order write me frankly what stands in your way of
  securing a reduction.

From the third:

  I really cannot understand why you do not order my wonderful
  treatment, and begin at once to reduce your fat that has so long been
  a bother and annoyance to you.... I have given much thought to your
  case [no case had been even mentioned in sending for the sample] and
  I feel sure if you still had any doubts of the splendid power of my
  remedy to reduce you of fatness, you would have written me fully at
  once. As I have not received any letter from you, I have concluded
  that you do not feel that you can afford to take the treatment at
  present. I believe so positively that I can reduce you, and I feel
  so sure that you would appreciate fully the splendid reduction I
  will give you, that I am going to make you a strictly confidential
  proposition, by which you can secure the treatment you so much
  desire, and at the same time do me some good.

  You certainly know a number of people in your vicinity who are
  annoyed by fat, and who would be glad to know of my treatment, so
  if you will send me £1 8d. and the names of six fat people I will
  send you a regular full month’s treatment. Remember I do not ask you
  to become my agent, and I shall not refer to you in any way when I
  write to your friends or acquaintances whose names you send me ... if
  you have not got the money by you, it seems to me that it would be
  no more than right to go to some dear friend and ask a favour for a
  short time. Surely no one could refuse you when it means your health
  and happiness.

The “trial box” sent contained 16 tablets and 6 “casca beans,”
recommended as an aperient; the latter were not examined. The
directions are “Eat one tablet before each meal and one at bed-time,
thoroughly masticating them before swallowing.” The tablets had an
average weight of 70 grains each; analysis showed them to contain
starch, dextrin, a sugar (glucose or maltose), protein, mineral
salts, vegetable tissue, and a small quantity of an organic compound
containing iodine. The proportions of the different constituents were
determined as far as practicable, and the figures obtained, together
with microscopical examination of the tissue, showed that the tablets
consisted principally of wheat flour from which much of the starch had
been removed, made into a coherent mass by means of malt extract or
glucose; traces of the germ or embryo of the wheat were found. All this
is, of course, a vehicle for the organic substance containing iodine;
both thyroid gland (or its extract) and extract of bladderwrack are
characterised by containing iodine in combination in small quantity,
and many tests were employed to ascertain which was present; no other
evidence of extract of bladderwrack was obtained, but there was a
good deal of evidence, not quite amounting to positive proof, of the
presence of a preparation of the thyroid gland. It is impossible to
state the quantity present in each tablet, and it would convey no real
information if it could be given, as preparations of thyroid may differ
so widely in their activity and no standardisation has as yet been
attempted.


“NORMAL” PILLS.

These are supplied by the Normal Powder Company, Beauty Specialists,
at 10s. 6d., a “trial box” being priced 6d. They are advertised in the
following terms:

  Too Stout!

  Simply follow our instructions and we will guarantee a perfect cure.
  Our treatment is in every way as scientific and complete as that for
  which a London Specialist charges £21.

  FREE OFFER!

  To prove the great value of our remedy we will send you a large trial
  box--14 days’ supply--Free on receipt of 6d. P.O. to cover cost of
  packing and postage, etc.

The 6d. box was accompanied by a “chart, to be carefully filled up,”
for particulars as to weight, measures, etc., and the following to be
signed by the purchaser:

  I duly received your “free” sample of the “Normal” Pills quite
  safely, and since using them I have lost ---- lbs. in weight. I quite
  understand that the cure cannot be completed without continuing
  the treatment for some time, and in conjunction with the London
  Specialist’s diet instructions, which I promise to faithfully follow
  out. Please send me per return, carriage paid, in plain wrapper, a
  large box of the Pills and the instructions which cost you £21. I
  enclose you cheque or P.O. for 10s. 6d. as requested.

The box, which bore no label, contained 83 pills, which were coated
with talc. After removal of the coating their average weight was
found to be 1.28 grains; analysis showed them to consist of a mixture
of extracts with vegetable powder. The powder consisted partly of
liquorice root, with a large proportion of the tissues characteristic
of ground nutshell, which, as mentioned above, is a regular adulterant
of the lowest grade of liquorice powder; the microscope also gave
indications of traces bladderwrack (_Fucus vesiculosus_), such as are
contained in extract of this substance. Various tests indicated that
the extracts present in the pill were those of cascara sagrada and
bladderwrack the proportions being approximately as follows:

  Extract of cascara sagrada        ¹⁄₄ grain
  Extract of _Fucus vesiculosus_    ¹⁄₂   „
  Powdered liquorice (adulterated)  ¹⁄₄   „
  Talc and moisture                 ¹⁄₄   „
  in one pill.


MRS. SEYMOUR’S TREATMENT.

This is supplied by Mrs. M. Seymour (London), at 15s.

An advertisement of this preparation is headed “A woman’s offer to
over-fat women”; some extracts from it are as follows:

  I invite other ladies to participate in a discovery which reduced me
  4 st. 8 lbs. and got rid of my ugly double chin.... My remedy is a
  woman’s cure for women only. Nobody but a woman could have discovered
  it, and it is offered to women only.... I am presenting 5,000 free
  boxes of my cure and copies of my book, _Obesity in Women_. I ask
  you to post the coupon below to me now and accept one of these free
  packages....

The passages which follow are from the “book” in question:

  Every one of the cures I have made is a proof of the all-important
  fact that obesity in women is a different ailment from corpulence in
  men. It has an absolutely different origin.... There is no case of
  obesity in which heart trouble has not been reckoned with.... It is
  heart failure that is responsible for 75 per cent. of cases which
  end fatally. What happens in these cases is fatty penetration of the
  heart, which leads of syncope....

  Obesity is always due to imperfect nutrition. The food which is
  eaten makes fat instead of healthy tissue, muscle, bone, and nerve.
  Up to a certain point the process of nutrition (whereby the food is
  transformed into the constituents which make up the various parts
  of the body) is practically the same in women as in men. Beyond
  that point it is obviously an entirely different process, for the
  generative organs then become involved.

  Now the all-important secret which governs the whole subject of
  obesity in women is this: Obesity is caused as the result of a
  species of mal-elimination in those stages of the nutritive processes
  wherein the organs peculiar to the sex are involved. In other words,
  the unhealthy, fat-forming process is set up because of the imperfect
  disposal of those nutrient elements with which the menstruous organs
  are concerned.

  You are certain to have noticed how any marked stage or change in the
  functions of the menses will influence fat formation. For instance,
  girls who from childhood are inclined to fatness invariably become of
  normal proportions on attaining puberty, while at least 70 per cent.
  of the cases of obesity in women occur at the menopause, between the
  ages of 40 and 50.

  Now there are changes connected with the organs under consideration
  which occur without any outward or visible signs--changes which
  induce obesity. These are changes which result in the fat-loading of
  the blood, and the depositing of fat in the different parts of the
  body as the blood circulates.... Please remember that I treat women
  only. I have no cure for corpulence in men.

The free sample which was sent with the book consisted of nine capsules
containing a dark extract of bitter taste. The quantity in the sample
was not sufficient for analysis. A “symptom form” was received with the
sample; on sending for a further supply, a letter was received asking
for certain particulars, and the symptom form was accordingly filled up
as follows (the words in italics are the answers given):

  Age.--_38._ Weight.--_13 st. 13._ Height.--_5 ft. 7¹⁄₂ in._
  Waist.--_33 in._ Bust.--_42 in._ Hips.--_50 in._

  How long have you been about this weight?--_Gradually increasing
  for a year or two._ What parts are fattest?--_Abdomen and bust._
  Constipated?--_No._ Have you backache or any kidney trouble?--_No._
  Palpitation?--_No._ If married, how long?--_14 years._ How many
  children?--_3._ Age of youngest?--_5._ Any sediment or peculiarity
  about the urine, etc.?--_No._ Had miscarriage?--_No._ What is your
  general health and condition now?--_Fair._

The medicine which was sent in reply was not capsules, but sugar-coated
tablets, 169 in number. Directions were given as follows:

  There are sufficient tablets for you to take four each day, one just
  before each meal. If you only take three meals--and I strongly advise
  you to--take two tablets before the heaviest meal.

  I want to impress upon you the great importance of keeping the bowels
  perfectly free all the time you are taking this treatment. For a day
  or two the treatment itself may keep the bowels open, but afterwards
  most ladies require an aperient. I have made many experiments, and I
  find there is only one way to keep the system clear without hindering
  the process of reduction. Pills, Epsom salts, cascara, etc., are
  quite useless. You must have genuine Vichy and Kissingen salines. You
  can get them in powder form of any good-class chemist, but they must
  be guaranteed full strength, be saccharine-sweetened, and contain no
  sugar.

  Take them, dissolved in water, half an hour before breakfast, as
  follows:--A Vichy powder the first morning, none the second morning;
  a Kissingen powder the third morning, none the fourth morning; a
  Vichy powder the fifth morning, and so on. If you prefer to purchase
  the powders from me I can supply you with sufficient to last the six
  weeks’ treatment for 3s. 6d., post free. I can guarantee these to be
  full strength, and exactly suited to the purpose.

  Get into the habit of breathing deeply. Take at least a hundred deep
  breaths in front of the open window every morning on rising. Breathe
  deeply whenever you think of it. It will soon become habitual. For
  exercise take a gentle walk every day.

  I have just one other suggestion to make in your case, and that is in
  regard to food. You will find on page 15 of my booklet particulars
  of the foods and beverages I avoided during the first month of my
  cure, and I strongly advise you to do as I did in this matter. I also
  advise you to eat only bread, cakes, etc., made from gluten flour;
  that is, flour from which the starch has been removed. Masticate your
  food thoroughly. Always stop eating just before you feel you have
  had enough, and wait until you have finished eating before you take
  anything to drink. Drink as much hot water as you can between meals.

The tablets were sugar-coated, and of a bluish colour externally. After
removal of the coating their average weight was found to be 4 grains.
Examination showed that they consisted, wholly or in part, of roughly
ground up sugar-coated tablets or pills, the coating of which was
coloured pink; since the coating of these had been ground in with the
tablets, it was not possible to separate it, and the mass accordingly
contained a good deal of sugar and starch; besides these, an extract
was found agreeing, as far as its characters could be ascertained, with
extract of bladderwrack; a trace of iodine in combination was present,
such as is found in preparations of bladderwrack and of thyroid gland;
also a very small quantity of boric acid, and a little vegetable
powder. Part of the last-named showed the characters of the débris of
a seaweed, though it could not be definitely identified with _Fucus
vesiculosus_; a further small portion, amounting to an extremely small
proportion of the whole, consisted of woody tissue which did not agree
in characters with any drug in common use. The boric acid points to
the probable presence of an animal gland or a preparation of such, and
some collateral evidence was obtained of the presence of thyroid in
small quantity, but definite proof of the latter is impossible in such
a mixture.


A “FLESH PRODUCER.”

SARGOL.

A preparation named Sargol has been very widely advertised of late for
the increase of flesh and development of the figure of persons who
are too thin; the advertisements often include pictures intended to
represent the results to be attained. One of these advertisements is
headed:

  We invite every thin man, woman, and child here. Every Person in the
  British Isles to Eat With Us at Our Expense.

Other extracts are:

  This is an invitation that no thin man or woman can afford to ignore.
  We’ll tell you why. We are going to give you a food that helps digest
  the other foods--a food that puts good solid flesh on people who are
  thin and underweight, no matter what the cause may be. A food that
  makes brain in five hours and blood in four--a food that puts the
  red corpuscles in the blood which every thin man or woman so sadly
  needs....

  Chew one up with every meal, and in five minutes after you take the
  first concentrated tablet of this precious food it will commence
  to unfold its virtues, and it will by actual demonstration often
  increase the weight at the rate of one pound a day.

Application to the Sargol Co. at the address given brought a small
package of the tablets, with a circular letter, which was followed at
intervals by others. We subjoin a few sentences from these lengthy
documents:

  Whether your lack of bodily weight comes to you by inheritance, by
  overwork, by indoor occupation, or no matter what you have done or
  how many ineffectual preparations you have tried, Sargol will be a
  revelation to you....

  Remember; until the discovery of Sargol, nothing has ever been known
  which could be depended upon to put 10, 15, and even 30 pounds of
  permanent, healthy tissue on a thin person’s body.

  As we receive so many letters from people who say they have been
  disappointed and deceived by so-called fatteners we think it is best
  to take you into our confidence and give you some of the inside facts
  relative to Sargol. By a recent discovery it is now possible to
  reproduce chemically a very important natural fatty substance which
  is found in the yolk of eggs, in the roe of fishes, in the blood,
  also in the brain and nerve tissue of human beings. This substance
  can now be obtained in a highly concentrated form in combination with
  other valuable vitalising and tissue building agents....

  Each dose of Sargol contains a generous amount of this newly
  discovered substance, the very element which thin folks lack. Each
  time you take a Sargol tablet you are introducing directly into your
  system in concentrated form the actual fat forming substance which
  you so sadly need, and yet this is but one of the component parts of
  Sargol. Five other strength giving, fat producing elements of known
  and acknowledged merit and great potency are carefully combined to
  form this peerless preparation.

A box of Sargol, price 4s. 6d., was found to contain 30 tablets; it is
strongly recommended that a six weeks’ supply, equal to six 4s. 6d.
boxes, should be obtained, the price of this being 21s. The directions
are:

  1. Take one tablet with each meal and one at bed-time. 2. Be
  reasonable as regards diet.

The tablets were sugar coated and coloured pink. After removal of the
coating they had an average weight of 5.3 grains. Analysis showed them
to contain lecithin, hypophosphites of calcium, sodium, and potassium,
zinc phosphide, sugar, albumen, and insoluble protein, with talc and
kaolin or similar mineral matter, evidently added as excipient. In the
course of the analysis it was necessary to obtain more than one supply
of the tablets, and the different specimens showed a large variation in
the proportions of some of the ingredients. The amounts actually found
were:

  Zinc phosphide                             0.7 per cent.
  Lecithin                                   1.9    „
  Calcium hypophosphite                     12.9    „
  Sodium and potassium hypophosphites        7.7    „
  Albumen (soluble)                          4.2    „
  Insoluble protein (? coagulated albumen)  10.8    „
  Sugar                                     18.0    „
  Talc, kaolin, moisture, etc.

Estimated cost of materials for thirty tablets, about 1¹⁄₄d.




CHAPTER VIII.

MEDICINES FOR ALCOHOLISM AND FOR THE TOBACCO HABIT.


  The “treatments” for the drink habit described in this chapter
  include some which have only recently been advertised in this
  country; two of them are of American origin. With these we include
  an account of a “cure” for the tobacco habit, supplied by the same
  limited company as one of the drink cures. It will be seen that
  with the three first described the claims advanced are a good deal
  alike, but the drugs used are almost entirely different. Each of
  the preparations is supplied in two forms, the one to be taken
  voluntarily by patients desirous of being cured, and the other to
  be administered without the patient’s knowledge; obviously, if a
  cure can be effected in the latter way, there can be less hesitation
  in ascribing the result to the drugs than when the patient has
  exercised his will in the same direction, and the preparation for
  secret administration was therefore selected for analysis in each
  case. The first of the articles examined was found to consist merely
  of powdered cinchona bark, diluted with milk-sugar and magnesium
  carbonate; of this it is asserted that “it does not contain any
  drugs, poison, or minerals of any description,” although cinchona is
  generally regarded as a drug and magnesia as a mineral; since the
  dose of cinchona which is given is only 6 grains a day, containing
  about ¹⁄₃ grain of alkaloids, it is scarcely to be expected that
  any great result will be obtained from the administration of this
  preparation. In the next article described, which appears to be of
  American origin, tartar emetic is the only active ingredient found
  in the powders and tablets. What is evidently aimed at is to produce
  nausea or vomiting, and to lead the patient to associate these
  symptoms with the consumption of alcoholic liquors. Much is said
  about the “treatment” being capable of curing any case in three days,
  and it purports to be made and sold by an individual who was cured
  by it in three days, after having been a heavy drinker for sixteen
  years. If the statements are carefully read, it does not appear to
  be definitely asserted that the “B treatment,” that is, the remedy
  which is administered secretly, will effect a cure in that time,
  although the impression might easily be received that three days
  will suffice, “between Friday night and Monday night, or any other
  72 hours,” whether the patient is treated with or without his own
  knowledge and co-operation; but when the money has been paid and the
  medicine is sent, the purchaser is urged to have patience and not to
  be discouraged if months should be necessary for the accomplishment
  of a cure. In the advertisements, letters and circulars, the first
  person singular is largely used, and they are ostensibly issued by
  the individual by whose name the preparation is called, and who is
  said to have been cured by it; but it appears that the vendor is
  really a limited company, which deals also in a large number of other
  nostrums having nothing to do with alcoholism, such as “anti-deafness
  tablets,” “asthma tablets,” “rheumatism remedy,” etc. The third
  article reported on is made in America, but it is advertised in this
  country. In this case strychnine in small doses and caffeine are
  the principal medicaments, tartar emetic being also employed, in
  the hope, no doubt, of causing a feeling of nausea to be associated
  with alcoholic drink. The lowest price charged for any of the three
  preparations is a sovereign, while each of the other two is priced at
  two guineas; in every case the prime cost of the ingredients is shown
  to be so small as to be practically negligible.

  The fourth of the medicines described was not purchased for analysis,
  but formed part of what was supplied to a patient who ultimately
  decided not to take it; it appears that it constituted the second
  part of the course, and we did not receive any of the medicines
  forming the first part. In this case a very small quantity of a
  neutral bitter substance was found, the amount of which did not
  suffice for its full identification, but which resembled picrotoxin;
  the principal other substance present was a tincture of nux vomica.

  The medicines for the cure of tobacco habit are apparently only
  intended to play a subsidiary part; the directions as to the way in
  which they are to be taken and for the frequent practice of breathing
  exercises, bathing, the use of an enema, etc., are evidently intended
  to keep the patient’s mind constantly turned to the breaking off of
  the habit; some of the medicines, containing asafetida and methylene
  blue, appear to be given for the sake of their subjective effect,
  while the others consist principally of bitter tonics and laxatives.
  In this case, as in the others, the price charged is such that the
  prime cost of the ingredients forms only an insignificant fraction of
  it.


THE TEMPERANCIA ASSOCIATION TREATMENT.

The medicines sold under this name are supplied from an address in
London; the price charged for a supply (price stated as two guineas)
was 21s., for which sixty capsules were sent.

Some extracts from an advertisement of this “treatment” are as follows:

  The “Temperancia” Assn. organised in 1895 by Dr. Alexr. G. Edison,
  M.D., L.F.P.S., etc., and the Revd. Henry Martin Janeway, D.D., B.A.,
  L.H.D., are accepting Free and paying patients for the Treatment of
  Alcoholism (Drunkenness in any form).

  With the methods adopted by this Association all desire for alcoholic
  stimulants is permanently destroyed, a distaste for alcohol created,
  and the nervous and diseased system restored to a healthy and
  natural condition at your own home, hotel, or while at work, without
  publicity or inconvenience.

  The treatment can be taken either voluntarily, or those who, through
  “the grasp of drink,” fail to realise their peril, and will not
  listen to reason, can be cured SECRETLY, against their own free
  will, and without their co-operation, by any member of the family,
  with the special course prepared for this purpose. Either course is
  perfectly harmless, adapted for both sexes, of any age, even of the
  most delicate health, and is endorsed by the Medical profession, the
  Press, the Clergy, and thousands of cured patients.

Application to the address given brought a booklet on the “treatment,”
various leaflets, and a list of questions to be answered. The following
extracts are from the booklet:

  The treatment is prepared in Two distinct forms, viz.:--

    LIQUID   {To be used in all cases when a patient treats himself
             {voluntarily, with his own free will
                    and
    CAPSULES {To be used in all cases where a patient is to be treated
             {secretly without his knowledge.

  The treatment in CAPSULE form is absolutely tasteless and odourless,
  and is placed in coffee, tea, soup, or any other convenient food....
  To do good by stealth is enjoined upon us by the teachings of the
  highest authorities, and is in strict accordance with the highest
  morality.

  It does not matter whether a patient is treated secretly or
  voluntarily, the results are the same. Almost from the very first
  day of its use the appetite improves, he eats and sleeps better, he
  becomes less restless than usual, his eyes become bright, his hands
  steady, the brain clear, and the spirit buoyant....

  The “Temperancia” Treatment, both the Liquid or Capsule, can be given
  with utmost _safety_. As already explained, it does _not_ contain any
  drugs, poison, or minerals of any description, but it is entirely of
  a vegetable preparation. An overdose is perfectly harmless; it will
  not injure a man, woman, or child even of the most delicate health....

  Both our Liquid and Capsule treatment are prepared in courses. Each
  course of the Liquid treatment contains Two (2) full-sized bottles,
  and each course of the Capsules Two (2) full-sized packages. The cost
  per course, either the Liquid or Capsules, is Two Guineas (£2/2/0),
  or Two courses, if ordered at one time, Three Pounds Ten Shillings
  (£3/10/0).

  It is impossible to estimate the time required to effect a permanent
  cure in any individual case ... the “Temperancia” Treatment often
  effects a complete cure in but a few days.

After the lapse of an interval, in which no order was sent, a circular
letter was received, from which the following extracts are quoted:

  We are indeed surprised not having received from you an order for
  the treatment prepared by this Association.... There is only one
  conclusion we can arrive at, namely, that financial circumstances
  make the cost of a treatment prohibitive to you. Should this be the
  case we would like to say, that this Association being at all times
  willing to extend a helping hand to everybody, is prepared to treat
  your patient for a fee of only 21s. per course.

One guinea was then sent for a supply of capsules, together with
answers to the list of questions. These questions were as follows, the
answer given being here printed in italics:

  Name or initials of patient.

  Age? _34._

  Sex. _M._

  Married? _Yes._

  How long? _7 years._

  Any children? _2._

  Height? _5ft. 11._

  Weight? _12 stone._

  Complexion? _Fair._

  Occupation? _Clerk._

  Works hard? _Yes._

  Is the patient to be treated secretly or voluntarily? _Secretly._

  How long since he commenced drinking? _Four years._

  Nature of liquor used? _Whisky; and other spirits._

  Quantity per day, or as near as possible? _Varies from 2 glasses to a
  bottle or more._

  Does he drink during the night? _No._

  Before breakfast? _Sometimes._

  Does he ever become drunk? _Yes._

  Does he drink daily or periodically? _Daily; but to excess only
  periodically._

  If periodically, how often? and how long does each bout last?
  _Sometimes every week, sometimes once in several weeks. One or two
  days._

  When did he have his last bout? _A week ago._

  What mental effect does he suffer with from drink? _Excitement;
  sometimes delusions._

  How is his appetite, sleep, and digestion, both when drunk or sober?
  _Good when sober; not bad when drinking._

  Is he nervous, irritable, or phlegmatic? _Rather irritable._

  Is he getting thinner or stouter? _Not changing._

  Constipated? _No._

  Does he ever complain of heart trouble? _No._

  Any disease he was or is suffering with? _No._

  If so, what was the doctor’s advice?

  Taking any medicine at present, and for what purpose? _No._

  Any of the parents or grandparents addicted to drink? (state which,
  and if not alive, give cause of death) _No._

  Did the patient ever have delirium tremens? How often, and when? _Two
  or three times last year._

  Does he use Tobacco (state what form, quantity, and if he inhales)?
  _Pipe and cigars; about 3 oz. and 6 or 8 cigars a week. Does not
  inhale._

  Does he use any Narcotic Drugs (state which, quantity per day, and
  how long used)? _No._

  Has he ever been treated for the liquor habit (state when, what
  treatment, if voluntarily, how long treated, cost of same and
  results)? _No._

  P.S.--Write fully on the other side any additional information
  regarding the patient’s past and present condition that the physician
  should know of.

Two boxes of capsules were received, each containing thirty, with
no labels. A written letter was received separately, in which the
following directions were given:--

  For the first two days take three capsules daily, four the third day,
  five the fourth, and then six every day until the course is finished.

(The sixty would thus last eleven days, and leave three capsules over.)

  The way to take them is in either hot tea, coffee, or soup. Empty the
  contents into the cup, not put the whole capsule, and thoroughly stir
  until dissolved. Eat plain, wholesome food, good fruit, and keep the
  bowels well open.

  The best time for taking the powders is on rising in the morning,
  mid-day, and before retiring at night. Should you find it difficult
  to give the six daily, two may be taken at one time, but not more, as
  they might taste, and they must be well stirred and dissolved.

(They were previously described as “absolutely tasteless.”)

The contents of the capsules consisted of a light brown powder, the
average amount in one being 8 grains. Determination of the weight of
the contents of several capsules singly, taken without selection,
showed them to vary from 5 grains to 9.4 grains. Analysis showed the
powder to consist of powdered cinchona, sugar of milk, and magnesium
carbonate. The amount of cinchona was ascertained by weighing the
fibre after removing other ingredients with solvents and comparing it
with the fibre left by powdered cinchona when similarly treated; and
also independently by determining the amount of alkaloid present. Both
results showed the cinchona to form about 13 per cent. of the powder;
milk-sugar was found to amount to 55 per cent., and the magnesium
carbonate to about 32 per cent. Each capsule would thus contain about 1
grain of cinchona. The estimated cost of the powders for sixty capsules
is 1d.


EDWARD J. WOODS TREATMENT.

The medicines sold under this name are supplied by Edward J. Woods,
Ltd. The price charged is 2 guineas, for which 60 powders and 68
tablets were sent.

Advertisements are usually accompanied with a picture of a man’s head,
purporting to represent the advertiser. The following extracts from
such an advertisement show their general tenor:

    I was a Heavy Drinker.
    Consumed quart of whisky every 24 hours.
    Cured in 3 days.

  If you know anyone who drinks alcohol in any form, regularly or
  periodically, let me send my Free Book, “Confessions of an Alcohol
  Slave.”

  I drank beer at first, then gradually developed into a drinker of
  strong liquors. When drinking heavily I did not hesitate to pawn my
  coat or break a public-house window to get spirits. For long periods
  I drank over a quart of whisky, rum or gin daily. And some mixed
  drinks and beer additionally!...

  For 16 years I kept it up, and I was regarded as a hopeless case.
  Various “cures” did me no good. But now I have a joyful message for
  drinkers and MOTHERS, WIVES, SISTERS.

  While drifting from bad to worse, as all slaves of King Alcohol do, I
  unexpectedly found a true cure. It was (and is) genuine. It saved my
  life. My health was quickly restored, I became and am a respectable
  man, enjoying every benefit of freedom from the accursed alcohol. I
  speedily and naturally lost all desire for drink. I took less and
  less. I began to prefer tea, coffee, and other non-alcoholic liquids;
  the craving for liquor ceased, I could sleep perfectly, my stomach
  became well, and I recovered from other ailments which I now know
  were due to my indulgence in strong drink.

    WONDERFUL.

  My cure took 3 days; if I had relied upon will power or faith I
  should still be a drunkard, because an alcohol slave has no will
  power while drinking. I rejoiced so greatly at having found a true
  cure that I decided to devote my life to removing the curse from
  others. My success has been marvellous....

  What I promise is absolutely guaranteed. My remedy is for either
  steady or periodical drinkers. Think of it, a complete and permanent
  home cure between Friday night and Monday night--or any other 72
  hours!

  Men, or Women, Any Age, Quickly Cured....

On application to the address given, the “Confession” referred to
above and various other papers were sent. From these it appears that
the “Treatment” is of American origin, and the business seems to have
attained considerable dimensions in America before being established
in England. Two sets of remedies are supplied--“the A Set of Remedies,
to be given with the knowledge and consent of the person,” and “the B
Set, for conquering his drink habit secretly, so that he will gradually
form a disgust for alcoholic drinks of all kinds and will never know
what saved him unless you chose to tell him.” One of the papers was an
“Information Form No. A 4,” which was as follows--the answers given to
the various questions are printed in italics:

  Sex? _M._

  Age? _34_ years.

  Married? _Yes._

  Approximate weight? _12_ stone      lbs.

  Height about? _5_ ft. _11_ in.

  Steady drinker, or does he (or she) drink in a bout (spree) after
  keeping sober for some time? _Steady drinker in slight excess; bout
  occasionally._

  What kind of alcoholic drink mostly taken? _Whiskey and other
  spirits._

  About how much every 24 hours? _Varies from 2 or 3 glasses to 2
  bottles._

  Has person ever had delusions? _Yes._

  Fits? _No._

  Delirium tremens? _3 times._

  Insanity? _No._

  Apoplexy? _No._

  Will remedies be given with or without person’s knowledge? _Without._

  Do bowels move freely, or are they constipated? _Alright._

  About how many years has person been accustomed to use of alcoholic
  drinks? _All his life; only to excess about 4 years._

  Does person sleep soundly through the night? _Usually._

  Does person need to drink alcohol during the night? _Not as a rule._

  Is person drinking at present? _Yes._

  What is occupation (or nature of same) and how much outdoor exercise
  is usually taken? _Clerk. Does fair amount of walking and little
  cycling._

  Does person prefer to drink with company, or quietly, alone? _Both._

  Are any medicines or drugs being taken for any purpose? _No._

  Here please give further details of case.

The preparations sent (B set) consisted of 60 powders and 68 tablets.
They were accompanied by a circular letter, in which the following
directions were given:

  The chief rule is that you are to give three No. 777 Powders and
  three No. 1010 Tablets every day, if you can, and that these are to
  be given at different times, not all together. If you miss doses, you
  are not to make them up.

  If the dose should seem to be too strong, it can be reduced by giving
  a half or quarter Powder or Tablet. But do not increase the doses
  until you have sent me the report, which should come at the end of
  your having given 42 each of the Powders and Tablets, i.e., about two
  weeks. If it takes a longer period to give these, then your report
  can be delayed accordingly.

  Be cheerful and optimistic. Maintain your perseverance and kindly
  temper. Watch and wait! Success may come slowly, but it will come
  surely.

This is somewhat different from “a complete and permanent home cure
between Friday night and Monday night, or any other 72 hours”! An
extract from a pamphlet of general directions sent with the medicines
is:

  Even if six months are required to accomplish the desired purpose,
  it is a highly satisfactory reward for the expense, time, and effort
  used.

  I beg of you, therefore, to treat this matter with calmness. Do not
  write me that you are utterly disappointed, that you feel as if
  nothing can ever do any good, and other similar remarks, but keep
  perseveringly on.

From another leaflet it appears that Edward J. Woods, Ltd., does
business in other articles as well. A list is given of twenty-six
medicines supplied by the company, which includes such varied ones as:

  No. 444.--Blood Purifier, Liver Regulator, and Stomach Improver.

  No. 555.--Aphrodisiac tablets.

  No. 1111.--Tablets for the kidneys.

  No. 1616.--Rheumatism, gout, lumbago, neuralgia, and sciatica remedy.

  No. 2020.--Tablets to prevent incontinence of urine.

  No. 2222.--Anti-deafness tablets.

  No. 4444.--Asthma tablets.

  No. 5555.--Preparation for darkening grey or white hair to natural
  black or dark brown.

  No. 1212.--Special method for reduction of superfluous fat.

  No. 3333.--Anti-nicotine Tablets.

  No. 1515.--Female Remedy.

  No. 44.--Flesh Developing Cream.

The powders had an average weight of 9.9 grains, single ones varying
from 7.2 to 11.9 grains. Analysis showed them to contain:

  Tartar emetic   3.6 per cent.
  Sugar of milk  96.4    „

No trace of any other substance was found. A powder of average weight
would thus contain 0.35 grain of tartar emetic.

The tablets had an average weight of 1.6 grains. Analysis showed them
to contain

  Tartar emetic  13.2 per cent.
  Boric acid     10.7    „
  Sugar of milk  76.1    „

No trace of any other substance was found. One tablet would thus
contain 0.2 grain of tartar emetic, and the daily dose of three powders
and three tablets would contain 1.65 grains.

The estimated cost of materials for 60 powders and 68 tablets is about
1d.


ALCOLA.

Alcola is supplied by “Physicians Co-operative Association,” Chicago,
and the price charged for it is £1.

The method of advertising which appears to be adopted in this case
is for a Mrs. Anderson, of New York, to advertise offering to send,
without charge, information about a medicine which cured her husband of
the drink habit. On writing to the address given, a lithographed letter
was received purporting to be from Mrs. Anderson; its nature is shown
by the following extracts:

    My dear friend

  I have just read your letter asking me how I cured my husband of
  drinking, and I will answer it at once as I am sure that you are
  anxious to drive drunkenness from your home just as soon as you
  possibly can.

  Mr. Anderson was a hard drinker for over 20 years and the disease
  had got such a firm hold that it was impossible for him to shake it
  off and it continued to grow worse and worse with no sign of ever
  stopping.

  Just about this time I received a letter from a lady telling me
  about a remedy called Alcola which she said had never been known to
  fail and she urged me to send for it at once as she knew it would
  certainly cure.

  I had already tried about every remedy that I had seen advertised for
  the cure of drunkenness but none of them did any good whatever and
  I was tired of spending my money for nothing but you know a person
  especially a woman will do anything to save her family and home and
  I made up my mind to make one more effort to cure Mr. Anderson if it
  was possible so I managed after some trouble to get the money and
  took her advice and sent for it and gave it as directed and in a
  very short time he lost all the terrible craving for liquor that he
  had had for so long. His health improved in every way too. This was
  about eight years ago and he has never drank since.... The Physicians
  Co-operative Association ... are the only ones who prepare and sell
  Alcola and I will write them to-day and ask them to send you full
  information....

A little later a long circular letter was received from the “Physicians
Co-operative Association,” together with a booklet in which it was
stated that:

  Alcola is the very best treatment for drunkenness that you can
  possibly obtain....

  It cures all stages of the disease, from the beginner to the one
  who has drank for years, and is thought beyond hope. It makes no
  difference whether the disease was inherited or acquired, nor what
  kind of liquor the patient uses. Alcola is absolutely harmless....
  Alcola does not contain even a trace of opium, morphine, cocaine,
  chloral, cannabis indica, or any other dangerous narcotic or
  habit-producing drug....

  Alcola is prepared either to be taken with the patient’s knowledge or
  to be given secretly. When you send your order state which treatment
  you wish.

A short list of questions, as follows, was also sent; the answers given
are printed in italics:

  Information Regarding Patient.

  Age. _34._

  Occupation. _Clerk._

  How long has patient drank? _Five years._

  Does he keep liquor in the house? _Yes._

  Has he any chronic disease that you know of? _No._

  How is his general health? _Fair otherwise._

  Will the treatment be given secretly? _Yes._

  Are you yourself to give treatment to the patient? _Yes._

  What relation is patient to you? _None; we live together._

  IMPORTANT.

  Will tablet be given twice a day or three times? _Twice._

  Will you begin treatment at once? _Yes._

The medicines sent consisted of three boxes of tablets, labelled
respectively No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3. They were accompanied by a long
printed paper of directions, a long circular letter, a “Report Blank,”
and other papers giving particulars of “our Co-operative Plan,” by
which the purchaser obtains a commission on sales to others resulting
from his introduction of “Alcola.” The chief parts of the directions
are:

  Tablets Nos. 1 and 2 are to be given as follows: One tablet three
  times a day at meal time. Give alternately, that is, tablet of No. 1
  at one meal, No. 2 at the next meal, No. 1 the next, No. 2 the next,
  and so on.

  They can be given in almost any liquid except water, but strong tea,
  coffee, highly seasoned soups, etc., are preferred.... Tablet No. 3.
  This tablet is to be used only when the patient has been drinking to
  a noticeable degree, or if the patient is a moderate daily drinker,
  give every third day. This tablet should be given as soon after the
  patient has been drinking as is possible, that is, if the patient
  comes home under the influence of Drink give No. 3 at once, if you
  can. If patient does not drink, do not use No. 3.

  After you have been using the treatment three weeks fill out the
  enclosed report blank carefully and fully, and send it to us. This is
  a most important point, for in this way we can judge how your patient
  is getting along, and if necessary can give you further advice that
  we are sure will be of great assistance and value to you.

  It is absolutely impossible for any physician to tell the length of
  time or the amount of medicine it will require to cure any particular
  case....

  The length of time it requires to effect a cure depends entirely upon
  the patient’s susceptibility to the action of the medicine....

  ... we even find cases where but little improvement is noticed with
  the use of the first package ... when these cases are found it will
  be necessary to continue the use of Alcola longer than the average
  amount of time in order to effect a complete cure.

_No. 1 Tablets._--The box contained 62 tablets of a pale yellow colour;
the average weight of one was 5.7 grains. Analysis showed the presence
of--

  Strychnine      0.12 per cent.
  Caffeine        4.72    „
  Sugar of milk  86.9     „
  Talc            4.1     „
  With starch, a little gum or dextrin, and a trace of colouring matter.

Each tablet would thus contain 0.007 grain of strychnine and 0.26 grain
of caffeine.

_No. 2 Tablets._--The box contained 63 tablets of a light chocolate
colour; the average weight of one was 5.7 grains. Analysis showed the
presence of--

  Strychnine      approximately  0.2 per cent.
  Boric acid                     4.4 „
  Sugar of milk                 82.8 „
  Talc                           3.0 „
  With starch and colouring matter.

A trace of vegetable débris was present, perhaps from a small quantity
of some vegetable extract showing no distinctive characters. The
colouring matter was basic in nature and could not be separated from
the strychnine; hence the figure for the latter is approximate only.

Each tablet would thus contain about 0.011 grain of strychnine.

_No. 3 Tablets._--The box contained 29 tablets, which were greyish with
a pink tinge; the average weight of one was 2.9 grains. Analysis showed
the presence of--

  Tartar emetic     16.7 per cent.
  Calcium sulphate  61.4 per cent.
  Talc               3.1    „
  With starch and colouring matter.

A trace of a pungent substance was present resembling the pungent
principle of pepper, and a trace of vegetable débris, which may
have been from a small quantity of a vegetable extract showing no
distinctive characters.

Each tablet would thus contain 0.48 grain of tartar emetic. The
estimated cost of the ingredients for all the tablets in the three
boxes is about 1³⁄₄d.


THE “NORMYL” CURE FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTIONS.

The specimen of this medicine described in the following paragraph was
sent for examination by the medical adviser of a patient who did not
continue the “cure.” It appears from the printed matter on the package
that the full course consists of twenty-four days’ medicine, supplied
in twenty-four bottles; the package sent by our correspondent was
marked “second treatment”; it had contained twelve bottles, but one
had been removed before it reached us, and the eleven sent were marked
respectively “14th day,” “15th day,” etc., to “24th day.” Each bottle
had the cork and neck covered with tinfoil, over which was the label
indicating the day on which the contents were to be taken, showing that
they had not been opened or tampered with. On the outside of the box
was a proprietary medicine stamp for 3s., this being the duty payable
on proprietary medicines of selling price of 20s. to 30s. (exclusive of
stamp); an article bearing a 3s. stamp is usually sold at 33s.

Each bottle contained about 150 minims of a light reddish-brown liquid.
The directions for use are:

  Secure from your chemist what is known as a flat eight ounce bottle
  for pocket use and a dose glass. Mix the contents of vial marked
  “1st day” in eight ounces of water and take half-an-ounce (one
  tablespoonful) of the mixture every hour while awake. When any of the
  mixture remains from the previous day, throw it away, as it loses its
  virtue after 24 hours. Mix a fresh bottle every day. Keep the bowels
  regular, and in case of constipation take some gentle aperient as
  often as may be necessary, and use no intoxicating liquor. Eat of any
  food you like.

It is further stated that:

  As this preparation contains a small medicinal dose of Nux Vomica, it
  must, in order to comply with the Pharmacy Act, be labelled poison,
  but its composition remains unaltered.

And:

  N.B.--Although a cure will apparently be effected in a few days, it
  is absolutely necessary in order to ensure a Permanent Cure that a
  full course of 24 days’ medicine (24 bottles) shall be taken without
  a break, so that the alcoholic or drug poison may be thoroughly
  eliminated from the system and thus prevent a return of the crave.

Qualitative examination of the contents of some of the bottles did not
indicate any differences of composition, and as the quantity in one
bottle was far too small for quantitative analysis, the contents of
several were mixed for analysis. The mixed liquid was found to contain:

  Alcohol                             75.5  per cent. by volume
  Alkaloid                            0.09 per cent. (weight in volume)
  A soft resin                        1.5     „         „        „
  A non-alkaloidal bitter principle  A fair trace
  Ash                                 0.1  per cent. (weight in volume)
  Extractive, including colouring
  matter                              2.3     „         „        „

The alkaloid consisted principally of strychnine, with a little
brucine; the amount present corresponds to about 25 per cent. (by
volume) of tincture of nux vomica, or 38 minims in one bottle (one
day’s medicine). The resin did not agree in character with jalap or
scammony resin, and the quantity available was too small for its
identification. The non-alkaloidal bitter principle was extracted from
acid solution by chloroform, like the principles of several common
bitter drugs. It agreed in its behaviour to various colour tests with
picrotoxin, and a small quantity of the latter was accordingly prepared
in an impure state from a tincture of _Cocculus indicus_, for special
comparison with it; they agreed very closely, though not perfectly,
in their behaviour with various tests--perfect agreement between
necessarily impure substances was not to be expected--and there appears
a high probability that the substance extracted from the “Normyl”
medicine was picrotoxin, though it was impossible to prove its identity
conclusively with the minute quantity available. The ash, extractive,
and colouring matter did not give any evidence as to the drug from
which they were derived; there was an aromatic flavour in the mixture
resembling that of orange.


WOODS’ CURE FOR TOBACCO HABIT.

This series of tablets and pills is supplied by E. J. Woods, Limited,
the company whose “cure” for alcoholism is described above. Recently
advertisements have been appearing in newspapers and magazines over the
name of E. J. Woods (the “Ltd.” does not appear) offering a three-day
cure for tobacco habit. One of these is worded thus:

  TOBACCO HABIT

  Conquered in 3 Days.

  I offer a genuine guaranteed Remedy for tobacco or snuff habit, in 72
  hours. It is mild, pleasant, strengthening, overcomes that peculiar
  nervousness and craving for cigarettes, cigars, pipe, chewing
  tobacco, or snuff; they are poisonous and seriously injurious to
  health, causing such disorders as nervous dyspepsia, sleeplessness,
  gas, belching, gnawing, or other uncomfortable sensation in stomach;
  constipation, headache, weak eyes, loss of vigour, red spots on
  skin, throat irritation, asthma, bronchitis, heart failure, lung
  trouble, catarrh, melancholy, neurasthenia, impotency, loss of
  memory and will-power, impure (poisoned) blood, rheumatism, lumbago,
  sciatica, neuritis, heartburn, torpid liver, loss of appetite, bad
  teeth, foul breath, enervation, lassitude, lack of ambition, falling
  out of hair, baldness, and many other disorders. It is unsafe and
  torturing to attempt to cure yourself of tobacco or snuff habit by
  merely stopping--don’t do it. The gentle, safe, agreeable way is
  to eliminate the nicotine poison from the system, strengthen the
  weakened irritated membranes and nerves, and genuinely overcome the
  craving. You can give up Tobacco and enjoy yourself a thousand times
  better, while feeling always in robust health. My Free book tells all
  about the wonderful 3 days’ method. Inexpensive, reliable.

The “Free book” is entitled “How to Speedily and Perfectly Conquer
the Tobacco Smoking and Chewing Habits, also the Snuff Habit”; it is
a pamphlet of thirteen pages, chiefly devoted to describing the awful
effects of the use of tobacco, and evidently intended to impress the
reader and enlist his terrors to aid the “cure.”

A few extracts will suffice as samples:

  Nicotine is one of the most intense of all poisons, approaching in
  its strength the highly powerful prussic acid.

  The other important element is an oil called _nicotianin_; probably
  this is Shakespeare’s “juice of the cursed henbane,” mentioned in
  “Hamlet.” This is also an intense poison....

  There are several kinds of cigarettes that are prepared with opium,
  cannabis indica (hasheesh), or cocaine. Thus, another very insidious
  and killing poison is taken into the system.

  The muscles as well as the nerves become poisoned by nicotine.

  The effect of tobacco upon the nerves and muscles of the eyes is a
  reason why oculists and opticians flourish.

  Tobacco causes enfeebling of the mind and too often it leads to
  insanity. ... tobacco is a frequent cause of heart failure and
  premature death.

  I have been told by medical men that there is a belief, becoming
  better founded from year to year, that tobacco is a cause of
  appendicitis.

  Falling of the hair, followed by baldness, also the turning of dark
  hair to grey shade, is due very often to the poisoning of the blood
  nerves by nicotine.

  The nicotine must be removed from the blood, muscles, nerves,
  membranes and all other parts of your body. Do not waste time in
  trying to accomplish this by the power of the will. No doubt you can
  make a gallant fight, but the poison will remain and will continue to
  do its mischief, like the uric acid of the rheumatic.

  Thus far, over two hundred cases of leprosy in the United States have
  been traced to cigarette smoking.

A paragraph headed “A Deadly Weed” gives a list of rather more than a
hundred disorders of various kinds, with the statement that “no tobacco
user can escape one or more of the harmful consequences mentioned
in the list.” They are of very miscellaneous nature, “anxiety” and
“softening of the brain” standing together, and “cowardice” coming
between “amaurosis” and “apoplexy.”

There are two forms of the treatment, at the same price:

  The cost of the Woods C Treatment is one guinea. The result is
  absolutely guaranteed. All craving for tobacco in any form should
  be completely eradicated and in most cases this result will be
  accomplished in only seventy-two hours.

  My C Treatment (regularly) for the Tobacco Habit is to be taken by
  the person who desires to be cured. Obviously, he knows that he is
  taking it.

  I am asked sometimes if I can provide a Treatment which can be given
  without the tobacco user’s knowledge. Yes, I can. This is my C Secret
  Treatment. It can be given secretly in any kind of food or drink.
  It is tasteless. The person finds that he is losing his desire for
  tobacco and soon abandons its use altogether. The price of this C
  Secret Treatment is one guinea, the same as the regular C Treatment.

The “treatment” obtained was the “regular,” to be taken knowingly by
a person desiring to be cured. It was accompanied by a letter, in
which it was stated that “the preparations are very potential,” and a
postscript runs thus:

  I would appreciate a testimonial from you, to add to the great
  collection that I am compiling. I hope you will see your way clear to
  send this.

The materials sent consisted of seven different kinds of tablets and
one lot of pills; these bore various numbers as follows:

  No. 301:  7 small pink-coated tablets.
  No. 302: 64 small brown tablets, not coated.
  No. 303: 15 small pink-coated pills.
  No. 304:  6 chocolate-coated tablets.
  No. 305:  4 small grey tablets, not coated.
  No. 306: 10 grey tablets, not coated.
  No. 307:  2 small black-coated tablets.
  No. 308: 17 chocolate-coated tablets.

Since in every case one is directed to be taken for a dose, the total
includes 125 doses for the 72 hours requisite for the cure; the
elaborate 3-day time table sent, however, only provides for one to
be taken at every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and one on awaking in
the morning and one at bedtime, and “if awake in the night or early
morning, a No. 302 tablet may be taken each two hours. To induce
sleep, if necessary, take one No. 304, followed by another in half an
hour”; so that if five are taken during the night, just seventy-two
doses are directed. For the first twenty-four hours the order of
taking, beginning at 7 p.m., is 301, 302, 303, 302, 303, then the
night interval, 303, 308, 301, 302, 303, 302, 305, 302, 306, 302, 301,
302, 305, and is different for the second and again for the third
twenty-four hours.

  Every dose is to be followed by a medium size glass of hot or cold
  water (to be sipped), Vichy or soda with milk, or buttermilk.
  Take Nos. 303, 304, 306, 307, and 308 whole. Chew No. 301 before
  swallowing. Dissolve Nos. 302 and 305 in a small glass of water.

Nos. 302, 303, 306, and 308, of which the supply was the largest, were
analysed as fully as possible; for the others, the small quantity
available did not permit of much more than a qualitative analysis. The
results obtained were as follows:

No. 301 (to be chewed before swallowing).--The average weight of one
tablet after removal of the coating was 1.28 grains; the principal
ingredient was phenol-phthalein, and a resin which appeared to be
podophyllin; no other active substance was found.

According to the directions, three of these are to be taken in the
first twenty-four hours, two in the second, and four in the third: this
makes a total of nine, but only seven were sent.

No. 302 (to be dissolved in water before taking).--The average weight
of one tablet was 1.28 grains. Analysis showed the presence of sugar
of milk 63 per cent., a brown dye, and a very bitter non-alkaloidal
extract resembling extract of quassia, which it probably was. No other
substance was found except a little talc; it was not possible to
determine the amount of the bitter extract or of the dye.

According to the directions, seven are taken during the daytime in the
first twenty-four hours, seven in the second, and four in the third,
and three during each night if awake. There is, therefore, a large
surplus of these in the supply sent.

No. 303 (pills).--The average weight of one pill after removal of
the coating was 0.9 grain. Analysis showed the principal constituent
to be aloin, with a small proportion of strychnine. According to the
directions, four of these are to be taken in the first twenty-four
hours, three in the second, and one in the third.

No. 304 (to be swallowed whole).--The average weight of one after
removal of the coating was 4.4 grains. Analysis showed the principal
constituent to be asafœtida; in addition, a minute trace of an
alkaloidal substance, which was far too small in amount to be examined,
but which was not strychnine, was present, and no other medicinal
substance was found.

These are the tablets to be taken during the night, if necessary, to
induce sleep:--

No. 305 (to be dissolved in water before taking).--The average weight
of one was 2.5 grains. Analysis showed that the principal ingredient
was reduced iron, with a trace of a bitter alkaloid which appeared to
be strychnine. The greater part of the tablet being insoluble in water,
the direction to “dissolve” it before taking cannot well be carried out.

According to the directions, two of these are to be taken in the first
twenty-four hours and one each in the second and third.

No. 306 (to be swallowed whole).--The average weight of one was 3.7
grains; analysis showed the presence of ferrous carbonate, potassium
sulphate, strychnine, and brucine, with dextrin, glucose, and starch;
it was thus a form of Blaud’s pill with extract of nux vomica. The
alkaloids amounted to 0.16 per cent., representing about 2 per cent. of
extract of nux vomica, or about ¹⁄₁₃ grain in one tablet; the iron was
9.7 per cent., representing 20 per cent. of ferrous carbonate, or about
³⁄₄ grain in one tablet.

According to the directions, one of these is to be taken in the first
twenty-four hours, four in the second, and five in the third.

No. 307 (to be swallowed whole).--One tablet weighed 2 grains,
including the thin coating. Analysis showed the principal constituent
to be a blue dye which agreed in its general characters with methylene
blue. The only other substance found was a little starch.

According to the directions, one of these is to be taken about the
middle of the period of seventy-two hours and the other just before its
close.

No. 308 (to be swallowed whole).--The average weight of one, after
removal of the coating, was 3.7 grains. Analysis showed the tablets to
contain chalk 36 per cent., charcoal 20 per cent., sugar 26 per cent.,
and a trace of methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen); the only other
constituents found were small quantities of gum and talc, used, no
doubt, as excipients.

According to the directions, one of these is to be taken in the first
twenty-four hours, none in the second, and three in the third.

It appears very evident that suggestion is intended to play a
considerable part in the treatment. The booklet is written in such a
way as to strike an impressionable reader with a strong conviction of
the terrible results to be expected if the tobacco habit is continued,
and the emphatic guaranteeing of a cure in a very short time would, no
doubt, assist the patient’s determination to give it up. The medicines
having to be taken every hour, sometimes chewed, sometimes swallowed
whole, and sometimes dissolved, would ensure the mind being kept well
occupied with the cure; and the full directions include the use of an
enema daily, dieting, breathing exercises, bathing, etc. The medicines
themselves appear to be of three classes--aperients, tonics, and those
intended to produce a subjective effect, like asafœtida and methylene
blue, the colouring effect of which on the urine might perhaps lead the
patient to ask an explanation or to guess for himself that the colour
“shows the nicotine being driven out of the system.”

A further set of remedies, the “E set,” price £2 2s., is recommended to
be taken immediately after the C set, and is “intended to assist the
natural recuperative powers so that the full benefit of having taken
the other treatments shall be more speedily manifested.”

As the small amount of material available prevented the analysis of
some of the products being made quantitatively, it is not possible to
estimate exactly the cost price of the ingredients, but it is evident
that a few pence would fully cover it.

Although three of the different kinds of products contained strychnine,
none of the packages bore any intimation of the fact, or the word
“Poison.”




CHAPTER IX.

SOOTHING SYRUPS FOR INFANTS.


  In the previous volume the results of the analysis of various
  “soothing powders” for infants were given. “Soothing syrups” also
  are very largely used, and are probably usually purchased as “syrup
  of aniseed,” etc., or sometimes compounded in accordance with some
  domestic recipe. There are, however, a certain number of proprietary
  preparations of this class which have a large sale, and in this
  chapter we give the results of the analysis of some of the chief of
  these. The principal constituent of three out of the four is shown to
  be anethol or carvone, added in the form of one or more of the oils
  of anise, dill, and caraway. Two of the three syrups are alkaline,
  sodium bicarbonate being used in one case, and a mixture of potassium
  bicarbonate and magnesium carbonate in the other. The third contains
  potassium bromide. The other syrup examined is directed to be rubbed
  on the gums, after which it is of course swallowed gradually by the
  child; this is a preparation of hydrochloric acid, common salt,
  saffron, and honey. Perhaps the most noteworthy point in connection
  with these preparations is that one of them, claiming to have had
  a large sale for sixty years, is not now of the same composition
  as formerly. At one time this preparation contained morphine, as
  was proved in courts of law on several occasions when proceedings
  under the Pharmacy Acts were taken against unqualified persons for
  selling it, and in fact the presence of morphine was admitted by a
  statement on the package. Now, however, as our analysis shows, it
  contains no morphine, but potassium bromide. Which of these two is
  the more unsuitable for giving to infants of a few weeks old is,
  for the moment, not the question; the alteration of the composition
  of a medicine which continues to be sold under the old name and
  with statements as to its having been made for sixty years, shows
  how utterly the public is at the mercy of the proprietors of such
  preparations, who are at liberty to omit or add ingredients, or to
  alter the composition as they please.


MRS. WINSLOW’S SOOTHING SYRUP.

This much-advertised preparation is supplied by a firm having addresses
in New York and London, at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per bottle, containing 1¹⁄₂ fluid
ounces.

In a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that:

  Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup, for children teething, greatly
  facilitates the process of teething, by softening the gums, reducing
  all inflammation--will allay ALL PAIN and spasmodic action, and is
  SURE TO REGULATE THE BOWELS. Depend upon it, mothers, it will give
  rest to yourselves, and RELIEF AND HEALTH TO YOUR INFANTS.

  We have put up and sold this article for over sixty years, and _can
  say in confidence and truth_, of it, what we have never been able
  to say of any other medicine--NEVER HAS IT FAILED, IN A SINGLE
  INSTANCE, TO EFFECT A CURE, when timely used. Never did we know an
  instance of dissatisfaction by anyone who used it. On the contrary,
  all are delighted with its operations, and speak in terms of highest
  commendation of its magical effects and medical virtues....

  This valuable preparation is the prescription of one of the MOST
  EXPERIENCED AND SKILFUL NURSES in America, and has been used with
  _never failing success_ in THOUSANDS OF CASES.

The following statement appears on the label:

  This Preparation contains no Poisonous Ingredient and may be used
  with Perfect Safety.

A few years ago, however, the package used to bear a statement that
“this preparation contains, among other valuable ingredients, a small
amount of morphine,” and the presence of morphine to the extent
of about 0.08 grain per bottle was proved in court in cases where
unqualified persons were prosecuted for selling the syrup. The labels
now in use do not contain any such statement, and the analysis shows
that morphine is not now present. But the extracts quoted above, as to
the article having been sold for sixty years, and to the prescription
of a nurse, are such as would lead any one to suppose that its
composition is now what it has always been.

The directions on the label are:

  For a child under one month old, 6 to 10 drops; three months old,
  half a teaspoonful; six months old and upwards, a teaspoonful three
  or four times a day. For Dysentery, repeat the above dose every two
  hours, until the character of the discharges is changed for the
  better.

The syrup was of a straw colour, and flavoured with aniseed. Analysis
showed it to contain, in 100 parts by measure:

  Potassium bromide              2.0 parts
  Alcohol                        4.3 parts by measure
  Essential oil (anise), about   0.1 part
  Sugar                         56.5 parts

Emodin was present in small quantity. This substance may be derived
from several drugs--for example, senna, rhubarb, cascara sagrada, etc.
The evidence which was obtainable pointed to senna as the drug from
which it was derived in the present case. A syrup containing 1.2 per
cent. (by measure) of the syrup of senna of the _British Pharmacopœia_
was of the same depth of colour and showed about the same proportion of
emodin, and agreed in other respects also. No alkaloid was present. The
essential oil may have contained a little oil of dill or caraway, the
quantity being far too small to be separated. There was some evidence
of about 2 per cent. of glycerine, but in presence of so much sugar
this could not be positively proved.


WOODWARD’S GRIPE WATER.

This preparation is supplied by a limited company in Nottingham, at 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. per bottle, containing 5 fluid ounces. It is thus described on
the label:

  Woodward’s Celebrated Gripe Water, or Infant’s Preservative, without
  Laudanum, for all disorders of children, viz.: Convulsions, Gripes,
  Acidity, Flatulency, Whooping-Cough, and the distressing complaints
  incidental to Infants at the period of Cutting their Teeth, allaying
  the pain, giving instant relief, and rendering this crisis perfectly
  mild and free from danger.

The directions are:

  For an infant, half a teaspoonful; two months old, one or two
  teaspoonfuls. The dose may be gradually increased.

Analysis showed it to contain, in 100 parts by measure:

  Sodium bicarbonate         1.08 part
  Essential oil       about  0.03   „
  Alcohol                    3.8  parts by measure
  Sugar                     20.5  parts

No alkaloid was present. The essential oil appeared to be chiefly oil
of caraway, with a little oil of dill, and possibly also of anise.


ATKINSON AND BARKER’S ROYAL INFANTS’ PRESERVATIVE.

This mixture is supplied by a Manchester firm, at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per
bottle, containing 1¹⁄₂ fluid ounces.

In a circular wrapped round the bottle, this medicine

  Is recommended to all Parents, Nurses, and others, who are entrusted
  with the management of Children, as a Medicine of real and approved
  efficacy, in preventing and removing those disorders to which
  Children in their early infancy are most liable, principally
  proceeding from a redundancy of acidity in the first passages, as
  Wind, the Watery and Dry Gripes, Convulsions, the Frog, etc., to
  which so many children fall victims, but which may in general be
  prevented by the use of this Medicine. It is also happily calculated
  for allaying those excruciating pains which Children suffer in
  Cutting their Teeth, and will, by being judiciously used, render this
  operation of nature perfectly mild and free from danger. It is also
  equally efficacious in many other disorders to which Children are
  liable, as the Rickets, Whooping Cough, Measles, etc....

The directions as to dose are:

  Children up to a month          5 to 10 drops in warm water
      „     1 to 3 months        10 to 20   „
      „     3 to 6 months        20 to 30   „
      „     6 to 12 months       60 drops, or small teaspoonful
      „    12 months to 3 years 100   „    or moderate-sized teaspoonful

Analysis showed it to contain, in 100 parts by measure:

  Potassium bicarbonate        1.75 parts
  Magnesium carbonate          5.45   „
  Essential oil          about 0.06   „
  Alcohol                      7.0  parts by measure
  Sugar                        9.9    „
  Colouring matter             trace.

No alkaloid was present. The essential oil appeared to contain oils of
caraway, dill, anise, and almond. The colouring matter did not appear
to be of vegetable origin, but showed a yellow colour in alkaline and a
pinkish in acid solution, thus agreeing with certain coal-tar dyes.


MRS. JOHNSON’S AMERICAN SOOTHING SYRUP.

This syrup is now supplied by a limited company of dealers in
proprietary medicines in London; according to statements in a circular
accompanying the bottle, it was formerly made by a Mrs. Jane Johnson. A
1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle contained about 70 minims.

It is stated in the circular that:

  This remedy has given relief to thousands of children when suffering
  from the pains of teething. As soon as the Syrup is rubbed on the
  gums the child will recover, being as innocent as efficacious, and
  so pleasant that no child will refuse to let its gums be rubbed with
  it. When infants are at the age of four months, though there is no
  appearance of teeth, one bottle of the Syrup should be rubbed on the
  gums to open the pores. Parents should never be without the Syrup
  in the nursery where there are young children; for if a child wakes
  in the night with pain in the gums, the Syrup immediately gives
  ease, by opening the pores and healing the gums, thereby preventing
  Convulsions, Fevers, etc.

The directions on the label are:

  Rub the gums with the Syrup two or three times daily for several
  minutes.

The syrup was of a deep reddish-yellow colour, and had a strong flavour
of saffron. Analysis showed it to contain in 100 parts by measure:

  Sodium chloride                          5.66 parts.
  Hydrochloric acid (_B.P._)               2.33 parts by measure.
  Reducing sugars, calculated as glucose  66.6    „
  Extractive, colouring, etc.       about  5.0    „

A little alcohol was present, but the amount was not determined.
The reducing sugars appeared to be present in the form of honey,
representing about 85 parts of this; the extractive was partly derived
from saffron, and would include the non-saccharine constituents of the
honey.




CHAPTER X.

MEDICINES FOR EPILEPSY.


  The present chapter gives the results of analyses of three
  much-advertised medicines for the cure of epilepsy, which show
  the principal ingredient in all of them, as in five out of the
  six dealt with in the previous volume, to be bromide. It is not
  uncommon to find that nostrums for any complaint having well-marked
  symptoms, such as epilepsy, contain the drugs most commonly used
  by the medical profession in treating it; but this does not at all
  deter the proprietors from making scornful references to the usual
  medical treatment, and intimating that their own preparation owes
  its marvellous virtues to some new or different substance. In the
  present instances the usual claims are made of the cure of “frightful
  cases of long standing, which had been pronounced hopeless by
  eminent physicians and hospitals, and after everything which had
  been tried had utterly failed,” and so forth, but analysis does not
  show the presence of anything but drugs in everyday use; two of the
  preparations examined consisting of ammonium bromide and potassium
  iodide, and the third of these substances and potassium bromide,
  with, in all three, colouring and flavouring agents. The first
  two bear on the label the words, “Guaranteed free from Bromide of
  Potassium and Poison,” and a great deal is made, in the pamphlets in
  which they are recommended, of the absence of this salt, without,
  of course, any hint that the very similar ammonium bromide is
  substituted for it. In one of these pamphlets it is stated that “any
  person who knows anything about epilepsy and fits knows something of
  the harm done in many cases by Bromide of Potassium. Almost every
  patient I have had during a long and extensive practice has taken
  this drug (and in some cases it has been taken for many years), so
  that I find it necessary to eliminate the ill effects of Bromide
  of Potassium from the system.” In the case of the third, which is
  shown to contain 15.6 grains of potassium bromide and 4.2 grains of
  ammonium bromide in each fluid drachm, perhaps even more effrontery
  is shown in the statement, “the treatment of Epilepsy and Fits is
  carried on under some difficulty, as nearly all the great Physicians
  prescribe the same remedy--Bromide--Bromide--nothing much except
  Bromide, and so the unhappy sufferer consults many doctors without
  being cured.” The similarity in composition of the first two of these
  preparations is not reflected in the prices, 4s. 6d. being charged
  in the first case for an 8 oz. bottle (without a “patent medicine”
  stamp) and 2s. 9d. in the second for the same sized bottle, stamped;
  even at the lower price, as the figures show, the rate of profit is
  very generous, and, as the article is sold direct to the consumer
  through the post, there are no intermediate charges to be deducted
  from what the maker actually receives, except the cost of postage.
  These two medicines show not only a great similarity of composition,
  but the pamphlet issued to puff the one of them would seem to have
  been adapted or paraphrased from that issued in support of the other.
  A similarity among some of the published “testimonials” is striking,
  and shows to what great length the arm of coincidence may grow when
  circumstances are favourable.


J. GILBERT DALE’S TREATMENT, “IMPERATINE.”

This preparation is supplied by J. Gilbert Dale from an address in
London. The price was formerly 4s. 6d. per bottle, but it appears,
as shown below, that the method of charging for the medicine by the
bottle has been abandoned in favour of charging a monthly fee for the
“treatment,” supplying the medicine “free.” Apparently the principal
difference is that in this way a higher price is obtained.

This preparation is one of those that are not supplied through
retailers, but direct from the proprietor through the post. The first
three communications received in the case here dealt with are dated
1908, and, like so many of such “letters,” are circulars in imitation
of typewriting, with the name and address, the date, and “Dear Sir or
Madam” typed in. In the first letter it is stated that:

  My remedy contains no Bromide of Potassium, and no Poison, and is
  perfectly safe for both delicate adults and young children.

  It has cured completely and permanently, frightful cases of long
  standing, which had been pronounced hopeless by eminent physicians
  and hospitals, and after everything which had been tried had utterly
  failed.

And in the third that:

  If it is simply a case of mony (_sic_) which deters you, I am
  prepared to send you the remedy at the following reduced price,

  TWO 4s. 6d. BOTTLES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE.

  This will give you a month in which to demonstrate the merits of the
  cure. Of course it must be understood that the subsequent supplies
  must be paid for at the ordinary price....

  I will keep this offer open for one week from this date. Since you
  first wrote me I have received several striking testimonials from
  people who applied to me at the same time as yourself, and who
  commenced to take my remedy at once.

This last paragraph, in a circular, points to the remarkable
coincidence that whenever an inquiry about the medicine is not followed
up by purchase, several other people apply at the same time, commence
to take the remedy at once, and send striking testimonials within a few
weeks. An alternative explanation, of course, is that the statement is
simply not true.

The notepaper used for these communications was headed “Specialist in
Epilepsy and Nervous Diseases. Dale’s Remedy for Epilepsy. Trade-mark
‘Imperatine’ (Reg.),” and also bore the words, “Advice by Post Free.
Personal consultations by appointment, One Guinea; including one
month’s treatment Free.”

Various pamphlets were sent at one time or another. In one of these,
entitled “_Epilepsy and its Cure_. A few facts. J. Gilbert Dale,
Specialist in Epilepsy and Fits,” it is stated:

  I have no degree, having never sat for any medical examination.
  My name does not, therefore, appear on the Medical Register, and
  I cannot legally call myself a Doctor; but my long and varied
  experience of this dread disease qualifies me to treat Epilepsy and
  nervous diseases, of which I have made a special study.... I always
  advise my patients to send for their family doctor when they are
  suffering from any other ailments than those I treat.... During the
  nine or ten years that I have been treating cases in all parts of the
  United Kingdom and abroad, I have had to deal with every form of this
  terrible disease. There is no form of the complaint which I have not
  had the opportunity of studying very closely, and my experience of
  these cases (particulars of which have been supplied to me in detail)
  has been most valuable, and gives me qualifications for treating
  Epilepsy that I could not have obtained in any other way.

The method appears to be: Do not sit for a medical examination
(requiring long and expensive training), but set up as a Specialist
in Something and advertise. You will then get cases from all parts of
the country, and particulars will be supplied. From the experience
obtained in treating them you will become qualified to treat others. It
certainly seems simple.

Another of the pamphlets was entitled _Epilepsy and its Treatment_. The
similarity between this and the pamphlet sent out by another firm and
referred to below is remarkably close, as a few extracts will show:

  Of the very many diseases which afflict humanity, few, if any, are
  more dreadful than Epilepsy, or Falling Fits. This disease has
  existed for centuries, for we read in St. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter
  17 (revised version), verse 15, “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he
  is epileptic, and suffereth grievously: for oft times he falleth
  into the fire, and oft times into the water.” Also in St. Matthew’s
  Gospel, chapter 4, verse 24, we read, “And they brought unto Him all
  that were sick, holden with divers diseases and torments, possessed
  with devils, and epileptic, and palsied, and He healed them.”

  Epilepsy has claimed for its subjects persons of the highest rank, as
  well as of the lowest. Some of the greatest of the earth have been
  afflicted by it. Cæsar, Henry IV. of England, Napoleon, Peter the
  Great, Mohammed, Byron, Sheridan, the great Duke of Wellington, and
  others whose names are written on the pages of the world’s history,
  are said to have been afflicted by this terrible disease....

  I honestly believe it to be the finest treatment in the world for
  epilepsy. It is not a Cure-all. It cures epilepsy and some kindred
  diseases, but this is all I claim for it....

  “Imperatine” is a Nerve Food. It is as much a food and as necessary
  to epileptics as ordinary food. Some medicines ARE foods, and are
  found in the foods we eat.... As we do not get these nerve foods in
  correct proportions in the food we eat, they have to be supplied in
  the form of medicine....

Other medicines recommended in this pamphlet are “Dale’s Imperatone
Pills” and “Dale’s Powerones.”

A considerable interval elapsed between the receipt of these pamphlets,
etc., and the next step. When finally an order for a bottle of
“Imperatine” was sent, together with 4s. 6d., a letter was received in
reply, signed “W. Bunn, Secretary,” stating that:

  We do not, however, charge for medicine, but Mr. Gilbert Dale charges
  a fee for treating the case, as each case is treated individually,
  and medicine is prescribed separately for each patient.

  We shall be glad if you will fill in and return the enclosed form and
  your case will then be carefully gone into, and a fee for treatment
  will be quoted.

In reply to this a leaf was sent from one of the pamphlets quoting
“Imperatine” at 4s. 6d. per bottle, three bottles 13s., etc., with a
letter pointing out the inconsistency, and demanding a bottle of the
medicine or the return of the money. The following was then received:

    Dear Sir,

  Mr. Gilbert Dale has requested me to acknowledge receipt of your
  letter. As you can easily understand, epilepsy is a disease that is
  best treated by specially varied medicines for each case, therefore
  it has been found desirable, rather than to sell the bottle for each
  person, to take each case under the Treatment at so much per month,
  all medicines being supplied free. This is done so that the medicines
  may be prepared at our own laboratory, and patients may not be
  tempted to make the medicine last a longer period.

  Under the circumstances if you would send the enclosed form filled
  in so that the medicine may be prepared we are willing to send a
  special bottle at the 4s. 6d. I should strongly advise you to take
  the Treatment at say 10s. 6d. for a month, this would include all
  medicines required for Epilepsy.

    Yours faithfully,
    W. BUNN, Secretary.

According to an earlier letter, quoted above, two 4s. 6d. bottles
would last a month, therefore a monthly fee of 10s. 6d. represents
an increased charge. But the use of the expression, “say 10s. 6d.,”
and the general tone of the letter seem to suggest that if it had not
been for the dispute referred to a higher fee might have been charged.
Another reason for the fiction that all medicine is supplied free may
be a desire to avoid paying stamp duty, which would amount to 6d. on
each bottle.

The “consultation form” was then filled up and sent; the questions
asked, with the replies given (in italics), were as follows:

  CONSULTATION FORM.

  The information supplied on this form will be treated as of a
  _strictly private_ character. It is generally better for a relative
  or friend of the sufferer to fill up this form.

    _Date_ ...................................

    _Name of patient (in full)_ ........................................

    _Address (in full)_ ................................................

  1 Age?--_28._

  2 Married or single?--_Single._

  3 Occupation?--_Clerk._

  4 Pale, ruddy, blotchy or sallow complexion?--_Pale._

  5 Thin or stout?--_Medium._

  6 Weak or strong?--_Fairly strong._

  7 Height?--_5 ft. 8._

  8 Weight?--_10 st. 7._

  9 Is patient of weak intellect?--_No._

  10 How long suffered with fits?--_Occasionally for about 12 years:
  fits have only been frequent for a year._

  11 Do you know the cause? If so, what was it?--_No._

  12 How often do attacks occur?--_From once a week to once in 4 or 5
  weeks._

  13 During night or day?--_Usually evening._

  14 Do the fits generally occur at a certain time? If so, about what
  hour usually?--_Usually between 6 and 8 in the evening._

  15 How long unconscious in attacks?--_3 to 5 minutes._

  16 Is there any warning? If so, what?--_None, except often a severe
  headache._

  17 Do the bowels act regularly without opening medicine?--_Yes._

  18 Is appetite normal?--_Yes._

  19 Is digestion good?--_Yes._

  20 Does the patient pass a normal quantity of urine?--_Yes._

  21 Is it natural in colour and free from sediment?--_Yes._

  22 Is monthly health normal (females)?

  23 Does the patient sleep well?--_Fairly._

  24 Is the patient languid during daytime?--_No._

  25 Is the patient nervous? If so, in what way?--_Not generally, but
  rather apprehensive in regard to attacks._

  26 Has the patient any other disease?--_No._

  27 Does the patient suffer pain at times? If so, when and in what
  part?--_No._

  28 Is the patient usually despondent or of a cheerful
  disposition?--_Fairly cheerful._

  29 Does the patient worry?--_Not particularly._

  30 Has the patient had any other serious illness? If so, give
  particulars.--_No._

  31 Does the patient take intoxicants? If so, to what extent? _One
  glass of beer with mid-day meal._

  32 Does the patient smoke? If so, how much per week?--_Yes, about
  1¹⁄₂ oz._

  33 Give date of last attack?--_April 26th._

  34 What doctors and remedies have been tried, and for how
  long?--_None._

  35 What results from them? Please answer fully.

  Give any further particulars which you think necessary. If you have
  a recent photograph, please send it. I will return it with the
  medicine. If you have not a photograph, it does not matter. Answer
  these questions as well as you can, and describe as far as possible
  the character of the patient’s fits, according to the statements of
  those who witnessed the attacks. It will help me if you will also
  say what is the patient’s mode of life; such as, what time meals are
  taken, and what they consist of; what time the patient goes to bed,
  and the time of getting up; and so forth:

  _Rises 7.30. Breakfast, bacon or eggs, or fish, etc., bread and
  butter, tea. 1.0: Dinner, meat, vegetables, cheese, ¹⁄₂ pint beer.
  6.30: Plain tea. 9.30 to 10.30: Bread and cheese and (in winter only)
  cocoa. Bed about 11 to 12._

The medicine was then received, with a little book of “_General
instructions to patients, and diet tables_,” and two copies of “_Report
of Progress Form_,” with a request that one of these should be filled
up and sent in after 12 days. The directions on the label were:

  Two small teaspoonfuls (exactly two drachms) to a wineglassful of
  cold water on rising each morning and on retiring each evening.

The bottle contained eight fluid ounces. Analysis showed the presence
of ammonium bromide, potassium iodide, a little sugar and alcohol, and
a small quantity of iron. After determining the amounts of the various
ingredients, about 1 per cent. of matter was unaccounted for; the
liquid was of a very dark brown colour, and no active ingredient was
found possessing such colour; the appearance was best matched by means
of burnt sugar, and this would account for the additional solid matter,
but it is not possible to say positively that some “extractive” other
than caramel was not present, and a minute trace of basic substance,
possibly alkaloidal, was found. The alcohol may have been due to some
tincture having been added, or it may have been employed to dissolve
a little oil of sassafras, the mixture having a sassafras-like aroma.
Sulphate was present, and the iron may have been added as ferrous
sulphate, but there was no direct evidence as to the form in which it
was used. The formula arrived at was:

                                                      In one dose
                                                      (2 drachms)
  Potassium iodide              1·55 parts             1·7 grains
  Ammonium bromide             15·78   „              17·4 grains
  Iron, calculated as ferrous
  sulphate                      1·0  part              1·1 grain
  Alcohol                       4·15 parts by measure  5  minims
  Sugars                        6    parts
  Burnt sugar
  Oil of sassafras             trace
  Water to                    100    parts by measure

The estimated cost of the ingredients for eight fluid ounces of this
mixture is 4d.


FITZKURE.

“Fitzkure” is supplied by “The London Medicine Co.”; the price of a
bottle containing eight fluid ounces was 2s. 9d.

An undated circular sent out by this firm commences:

  Believing you to be specially interested in the treatment and cure
  of Epilepsy, Fits, etc., we have taken the liberty of sending you
  particulars of “Fitzkure,” which cures Fits, Falling Sickness,
  Hysteria, and kindred Nervous Diseases. May we request that you give
  the enclosed booklet your careful consideration.

The reason for supposing the recipient of this circular to be specially
interested in the treatment of epilepsy is not at first apparent; but
the fact that the London Medicine Co.’s booklet and the composition of
their medicine are so similar to those of J. Gilbert Dale, described
above, and that this circular was sent to a person who had previously
written to Mr. Dale for particulars of his “Imperatine,” suggest that
the one business may be the offspring (legitimate or otherwise) of
the other. There is also a curious resemblance between some of the
“testimonials” published; for example, in one of Dale’s pamphlets there
is one marked “Mrs. W.,” from which the following are extracts:

  I am now in perfect health, and am only too pleased to speak for
  “Imperatine.”... When I went to sleep I never expected to wake again.
  But the _fits stopped with the first dose_ of your medicine, and I
  was soon able to get up, and am now able to go anywhere by myself
  with comfort.... Three weeks before I commenced your medicine, when
  I took to my bed, I was in fits day and night, first screaming, and
  then laughing, and got so strange that my friends dared not leave me
  a minute.

And the London Medicine Co.’s circular gives one marked “Mrs. F. W.,”
from which the following are extracts:

  I am in perfect health, thanks to your wonderful cure.... When I went
  to sleep I never expected to wake again.... I can go anywhere now
  with comfort. About 3 weeks before I started with Fitzkure I had to
  take to my bed, and was in fits day and night, first screaming and
  then laughing, and I got so strange that my friends dared not leave
  me a minute. The last I had was on the Friday morning that I got your
  medicine. I took a dose straight away, and it seems too wonderful to
  be true that I have not had one fit since.

Thus there are two women, both having surnames beginning with W., one
taking “Imperatine” and the other “Fitzkure,” both taking to bed “in
fits day and night, first screaming and then laughing,” both taking the
respective medicines just three weeks after taking to bed, both cured
by the first dose, and both using the same phrases in writing about
it. Is it merely an extraordinary coincidence? or is one woman writing
a testimonial about the same case, with a few verbal alterations, on
behalf of two different medicines? or has the one advertiser “lifted”
the testimonial from the other, altering the name of the medicine? or,
finally, is the whole thing a fabrication and imposture?

The similarity in the pamphlets, already alluded to, will be seen on
comparing the following extracts from _Epilepsy and its Cure_ (The
London Medicine Co.) with those given above from Dale’s pamphlet:

  Epilepsy is generally acknowledged to be one of the most dreadful
  diseases which humanity suffers from. For centuries it has existed,
  and has baffled the skill of the greatest physicians. The medical
  profession are scarcely any nearer being able to cure it than in
  the time of our Lord, when, as we read in the Gospel of S. Matthew,
  _Chap. IV. verse 24_ (_revised version_), they brought unto Jesus all
  that were sick, holden with divers diseases and torments, possessed
  with devils, and epileptic and palsied, and He healed them. No
  race is free from this appalling disease, and it is no respector
  of persons, for many of the great of the earth have suffered with
  fits among whom may be mentioned Cæsar, Napoleon, Peter the Great,
  Mohammed, Byron, Henry IV. of England, the great Duke of Wellington,
  all of whom, among others, are said to have been so afflicted....

  Fitzkure is not a Cure-all for every disease, but it does and will
  cure epilepsy, fits, falling sickness, if steadily persevered with
  from 18 months to 2 years.... It is not so much a medicine as a
  Nerve Food, and is as much a food and as necessary to epileptics as
  ordinary food. Some medicines _are_ foods and are found in the foods
  we eat ... when we do not get the medicines that we need from the
  foods we eat, these have to be supplied in the form of medicine....

  Fitzkure ... is guaranteed absolutely free from Bromide of Potassium
  and Poison.

There appears to be some humour in the next paragraph--

  The history of the remarkable way in which Fitzkure was invented and
  developed is indeed a romance which would take too long to describe
  in these pages. The inventor is not a Doctor.... Our experience in
  treating these cases has been most valuable, extending over many
  years.

Other medicines recommended are “Fitzkure Laxative Pills” and “Fitzkure
Tonic.”

No “Consultation Form” was sent to be filled up, but in the original
circular certain particulars are asked for:

  When sending for “Fitzkure” please say what the patient has been
  taking, and with what result.

  Be sure to give the full name and address, also state the age of the
  patient.

A 2s. 9d. bottle of the medicine was sent for, “for a young woman of
24 years.” It was sent with a circular of directions and diet table,
extracts from which are as follows:

  The dose which is two small teaspoonfuls or two drachms, must be ...
  taken in a wine glass of water on waking in the morning, and retiring
  at night. Persons over 65, and weak delicate persons will need to
  take a smaller dose, from one to one-and-a-half teaspoonfuls for some
  weeks till quite used to the medicine. There is a wide difference in
  the susceptibility of patients to medicines, the ordinary dose being
  too small for some patients, and too large for others. If therefore
  the above dose makes you feel poorly or giddy, you must reduce it
  till these symptoms have passed away. But, on the other hand, if you
  are feeling well in yourself, and the fits have not ceased, you must
  increase the dose....

Analysis showed the liquid to contain ammonium bromide, potassium
iodide, potassium citrate, a little alcohol and reducing sugar, and
a very small quantity of iron; it was flavoured with aniseed, and
coloured deep brown, approaching black. The colour appeared to be given
by burnt sugar, as in the previous case. The various ingredients were
determined quantitatively, and the formula indicated is:

                                                        In one dose
                                                        (2 drachms).
  Potassium iodide              1.11 parts              1.22 grains
  Ammonium bromide             26.63   „               29.3    „
  Potassium citrate             1.0  part               1.1    „
  Iron, calculated as ferrous
  sulphate                      0.5   „                 0.55 grain
  Alcohol                       1.7  parts by measure   2    minims
  Oil of aniseed               trace
  Burnt sugar
  Water to                    100    parts by measure

The estimated cost of the ingredients for eight fluid ounces is 4¹⁄₂d.


DR. NIBLETT’S VITAL RENEWER.

This is supplied by C. P. Niblett, London; a bottle, price 4s. 6d., was
found to contain four fluid ounces.

In a Press advertisement it is stated that

  Dr. Niblett’s Vital Renewer is the result of the most exhaustive
  research by a London Physician, who for upwards of 35 years made
  epilepsy his especial study. _Confidence_ can be placed in this
  remedy, which for years has been used with the _greatest success_ in
  all parts of the world. The One Remedy that cures.

A pamphlet is also offered free, entitled _A Practical Treatise
on Epilepsy, its treatment and cure_, by S. B. Niblett, M.D.,
L.R.C.P.Edi.[1]

  [1] The name does not occur in the _Medical Register_ for 1912.

On the title page of the pamphlet, however, no “M.D.” appears, but it
is represented to be by “S. Berry Niblett, Licentiate Royal College of
Physicians, Ed., Licentiate Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, Glas.,
Licentiate Society of Apothecaries, Lond.” The “practical” nature of
the treatise is, to say the least, rather diluted by such paragraphs as:

  This disease is called by the German physicians, Fallsucht; by the
  French, l’Epilepsie; by the Italian professors, mal caduco, or
  falling sickness.

  Epilepsy was termed by the ancient Greeks “the sacred disease,” on
  account of the magnitude of the evil, or because persons labouring
  under it have been thought possessed by demons. It was said that
  Hercules was subject to it, therefore it was denominated the
  Herculean disease; but Galen says it was on account of its form or
  magnitude.

  The Romans termed this affection “morbus comitialis,” because it
  frequently occurred in crowded assemblies in which the passions of
  the people were often much excited, and it was customary to dissolve
  the comitia if during the sitting any person should be affected by it.

  Many sufferers from epilepsy are possessed of high intellectual
  power; the classical cases of Julius Cæsar, Mahomet, and the first
  Napoleon, each of whom suffered from the disease, may be cited as
  examples.... Epilepsy is a disease which specially attracted the
  attention of the ancient physicians; it was termed by the Greeks
  “the sacred disease.” Plato ascribes the use of the term “sacred” to
  the circumstances of the head or brain being the part of the body
  affected in epilepsy. Hippocrates pointed out,....

And so on. The section on “Treatment and Cure of Epilepsy” commences:

  Few higher duties can devolve on the medical man than to make
  obscure diseases his special study. It should always be the aim of
  the physician to cure the disease as rapidly and effectually as
  possible.... The general tendency of epilepsy, if left to Nature, is
  certainly to proceed from bad to worse.... Efficient treatment is the
  very foundation of our art, the alpha as well as the omega.

Suddenly we come to the “treatment”:

  My Vital Renewer is a real vital antidote, really stopping the
  development of the attacks and absolutely curing the disease....
  Under the use of my Vital Renewer the fits will immediately become
  less severe and less frequent.... Patients taking my Vital Renewer
  will receive explicit directions as to the nature of the food
  desirable to be taken at each meal.... I am prepared to prove, beyond
  all fear of contradiction, that my Vital Renewer has cured the most
  inveterate cases of epilepsy.... The success which has attended
  the administration of my Vital Renewer I believe to be due not
  only to the peculiar form in which it is prepared, but also to the
  unremitting care taken in the skilful manipulation which is required.

In a circular letter sent with the “_Practical Treatise_” it is stated
that:

  The treatment of Epilepsy or Fits is carried on under some
  difficulty, as nearly all the great Physicians prescribe the same
  remedy, Bromide--Bromide--nothing much except Bromide, and so the
  unhappy sufferer consults many doctors without being cured.

  After prolonged study and extensive experimental research, varying
  over a considerable number of years, Dr. S. Berry Niblett, of London,
  discovered a certain remedy for all forms of Epilepsy and Fits....
  This medicine is certainly the most valuable contribution that modern
  science has made to the treatment of Epilepsy.

The directions on the label are as follows:

  Shake the bottle previous to use.

  Adults: 1 teaspoonful in a wineglassful of water.

  Children: 6 to 10 years, 20 drops in 1¹⁄₂ teaspoonfuls of water.

  Children: 10 to 12 years, 30 drops in two teaspoonfuls of water.

  Children: 12 to 18 years, ¹⁄₂ teaspoonful in 3 teaspoonfuls of water.

  About the age of 18 the full dose should be taken.

  The medicine must be taken three times a day, two hours after meals
  until a period of six months has elapsed since the last fit has
  occurred. At the end of that time it may be taken twice a day only,
  at 11 in the morning and again at bedtime, for another six months.

  If no further attack occurs during that time the medicine may then be
  taken at bedtime only.

  N.B.--If the attacks occur at night, one dose of the medicine should
  be taken at bedtime and twice during the day.

Analysis showed the liquid to contain potassium iodide, potassium
bromide, ammonium bromide, a little alcohol, and a very little reducing
sugar. It contained sufficient traces of oil of aniseed and chloroform
to be recognizable by their odour, and was coloured a dark brown. After
the ingredients named had been determined quantitatively, 0.4 per cent.
remained to be accounted for by the colouring matter, which appeared
to be burnt sugar. A minute trace of a basic substance was present,
which might have been alkaloidal, but the quantity was negligible.
The alcohol may have been added as spirit of aniseed or spirit of
chloroform. The formula indicated by the results is:

                                   In one dose
                                   (1 drachm).
  Potassium iodide    3.75 parts   2.07 grains.
  Potassium bromide  30.88   „    15.6    „
  Ammonium bromide    7.66   „     4.2    „
  Chloroform         trace
  Oil of aniseed       „
  Alcohol             2.6 parts by measure.
  Burnt Sugar
  Water to          100   parts by measure.

Estimated cost of ingredients for four fluid ounces, 3d.


BROMOCARPINE.

A French preparation called Bromocarpine is said to be fairly
extensively used in some districts as a remedy for nervous disorders,
more especially epilepsy. A circular accompanying the preparation has
the title “The Treatment of Nervous Affections by Bromocarpine”; and
it is stated that “the attacks are diminished in number to the extent
of 80 per cent.,” and that a “complete disappearance is extremely
common. Petit Mal (vertigo) is abolished, and there is a very marked
improvement in the mental state during the intervals.” It is further
stated that “The nervous system can be quieted by the methodical use of
Bromocarpine, continued for many months if necessary. This preparation,
of which Pilocarpine is one of the principal factors, determines
copious diuresis, free perspiration, and an abundant secretion of
saliva. In this form the intensive bromide treatment is well borne.”

The bottle (price 6 francs) contained 16.7 fluid ounces. The liquid was
found to contain:

  Potassium bromide   8.9    per cent
  Alkaloid            0.0035    „
  Sugar              54.0       „
  Glycerine          10.0       „

It was orange-flavoured, and contained a little alcohol, in all
probability added in the form of tincture of orange; a trace of some
other colouring matter was also present.

The alkaloid agreed in some respects with pilocarpine, or the mixed
alkaloids of jaborandi; it did not give the characteristic colour-test
for pilocarpine, but this may have been due to some decomposition
during the treatment it had undergone, the separation of such a small
quantity of alkaloid from a large quantity of sugar and glycerine being
a rather troublesome operation.

If the alkaloid is calculated as pilocarpine, the quantity is
equivalent to 0.0049 per cent. of pilocarpine hydrobromide. On a small
label on the bottle the liquid is stated to contain 10 per cent. of
potassium bromide and 0.005 per cent. of pilocarpine “hydrodom,”
presumably a mistake for “hydrobrom.” In a circular wrapped round the
bottle it is stated that each teaspoonful contains nearly 10 grains
of potassium bromide, and a two-hundredth of a grain of pilocarpine;
comparing this with the formula on the label it appears that a
teaspoonful is reckoned as nearly 100 grains, and the same proportion
is given for pilocarpine in the one case and pilocarpine hydrobromide
in the other. Actually, 1 fluid drachm of the liquid is 76.9 grains.

Various other substances were tested for, but nothing was found besides
those mentioned above, and water.


A GERMAN NOSTRUM.

According to Dr. Zernik,

  _Roller’s powder for epilepsy_ is supposed to be a remedy for
  epilepsy, chorea, hysterical attacks, cramp of the stomach, and of
  the chest, etc., and is sold by the Dresden “Diakonissenanstalt” for
  M 3.40 the box. The package contains three 5-grams powders wrapped up
  in sealed paper capsules. The powder is black, and has the odour of
  a rancid animal oil. Analysis proved that it consisted of partially
  carbonized animal substance, which yielded 20 per cent. of brown
  substances soluble in ether. The preparation is said to be made by
  burning magpies shot on twelve nights following Christmas. This
  use of incompletely carbonized animal substance for epilepsy is an
  ancient superstition.




CHAPTER XI.

THE “TREMOL TREATMENT” FOR BAD LEGS.


  Under the general name of the “Tremol Treatment,” medicines for the
  cure of “bad legs” are supplied by the limited company trading as
  “The National College of Health, Limited, Eye, Ear, Throat, and Skin
  Institute, and Infirmary for Bad Legs” at an address in Manchester,
  and an account is here given of the analysis of some of these. We
  also give some account of the methods used to attract patients, and
  if any further proof were needed of the necessity for further legal
  control of medical companies, this alone should furnish everything
  that could be required. The institution has been in existence for
  several years, but has recently become very active, and claims to
  have treated some thousands of cases. The methods used to attract
  patients are open to serious criticism. It is stated that every
  patient is under the direct supervision of a “fully qualified medical
  man.” Several attempts have been made to find out the name and
  qualifications of any such medical man, but without success, and
  it is to be noted that he is called “fully qualified,” not “duly
  registered,” and at any rate no duly registered practitioner is
  known to have anything to do with the place. It would appear that
  comparatively few of the patients receive any personal examination,
  and that the great majority are never even seen by the “doctor” or by
  any of the staff, and anything approaching diagnosis is made simply
  from perusal of letters sent by patients. On turning up the _Truth_
  Cautionary List the following note is found:

  “National College of Health, Great Clowes Street, Higher Broughton,
  Manchester.--Proprietors of a cure for bad legs called ‘Tremol.’
  The first price for a course of treatment is two guineas, which is
  reduced to one guinea if the bait is not swallowed. Also endeavours
  to obtain advertisements on the payment-by-results system, offering
  5s. for every patient caught through an advertisement.”

  We may add that if a patient once applies for information he may
  expect to be dunned for months until he orders the remedies. This
  is well shown in letters sent to a person who, after receiving the
  budget of testimonials, had decided not to order the remedies. The
  following are typical extracts of the letters he received. “I am
  truly sorry and much disappointed that you have not yet participated
  in the benefits of the Tremol treatment. I am personally anxious
  that you should become a patient of mine, as I know positively that
  you would derive the greatest of benefits.... Is it scepticism? Is
  it doubt? Is it your financial position that stands in the way?
  Tell me plainly your reason for not ordering the treatment and let
  me help you as it is my earnest desire to do so. I am anxiously
  awaiting your reply.” This letter of entreaty seems to have had no
  result, and accordingly in a few weeks another was sent, saying: “I
  am specially interested in your case and having brought it to the
  notice of the Board of Directors I am instructed by them to make
  the following concession to you.” The concession was that the full
  two-guinea course of treatment would be sent for 31s. 6d. on the
  condition that “when you are cured you will tell all your friends and
  neighbours that it was the Tremol treatment that cured you and that
  you do not divulge that the Board has made this concession.” One of
  the letters contains the words, “I am personally anxious that you
  should become a patient of mine,” and it might naturally be inferred
  that the signature was that of the “fully qualified medical man,”
  but we cannot trace the name in the _Medical Register_ as that of a
  person residing in or near Manchester. A further letter, imploring
  the recipient “as a friend” to continue the treatment, is printed in
  Chapter XVII.

  Not long ago the periodical _John Bull_ sent to the institute a
  special investigator, who came away perfectly satisfied “that the
  Tremol treatment is an honest one and ably applied,” and that “it
  distinctly merits the praise of _John Bull_.” The investigation
  seems to have consisted in “roaming over the whole of the carefully
  kept records of the thousands of cases treated” and apparently
  accepting everything that was told--not a very scientific method
  of investigating a treatment on which the health of thousands of
  patients may depend. The investigator was told, among other things,
  that the treatment is applied to five classes of diseases of the
  leg--(1) ulcers of every description; (2) eczema and skin diseases;
  (3) varicose veins; (4) tuberculous disease (diseased bone); and
  (5) swollen and painful legs (phlebitis, etc.); and we are told
  that “the treatment is able to cure all the diseases included in
  the classes (1) and (2); but of the classes (3), (4), (5), those
  only are selected which the medical history and circumstances of the
  particular case convince the doctor are at least curable.” Speaking
  of the remedies used, _John Bull_ says they are secret, but “the
  composition was freely disclosed to us ... and the ingredients
  are not of a harmful nature; indeed, some of the most valuable
  and beneficial drugs known to the medical faculty are included in
  them, but this particular combination has never before been used in
  medicine, and some of them are quite new.” One would like to know
  which of the ingredients revealed by analysis _John Bull_ considers
  quite new; it cannot be the chloride of calcium or the chloride of
  iron, or the infusion of rhubarb, or the prepared chalk, or the zinc
  oxide, or the lead carbonate--perhaps it is the peppermint water.
  As far as our analysis reveals, the combination is a heterogeneous
  mixture of anything that might possibly be of use, regardless of
  chemical combinations that may result, and we fail to detect any
  trace of any new drug. We have only found the very commonest drugs
  in ordinary use. There can be little doubt that in the interests
  of the public health it is necessary that there should be a full
  investigation of the National College of Health and Hospital for Bad
  Legs. If there is a registered medical man connected with the place,
  he is certainly acting in a way that makes him liable to be arraigned
  before the General Medical Council; and, if there is no registered
  practitioner, then the use of the term “fully qualified medical man”
  is most misleading to the public.

An attempt to purchase the remedies through one of the usual channels
for proprietary medicines only elicited an intimation that they
were not sold in that way, but were supplied in accordance with
particulars to be furnished of the case for which they were intended.
An application to “The National College of Health” brought a “Diagnosis
Form” to be filled up, with a letter stating that the fee for the
full course of Tremol treatment is £2 2s. A publication was also
sent, entitled _Good News about Bad Legs; or “Cures by the Cured,”_
consisting of twelve pages of the size of an ordinary newspaper page,
containing portraits of patients and letters, etc., about cases, as
well as much printed matter about Tremol treatment and “Views of the
National College of Health, Limited.” Attached to the front page of
this was a conspicuous separate slip, worded thus:

  Important. The Board of Directors wish it to be distinctly understood
  that every Patient who undergoes the Tremol Treatment is under the
  direct supervision of a fully qualified Medical Man.

A few extracts from this publication will serve to indicate the methods
of the National College of Health, Limited. The opening paragraphs have
a curiously familiar ring, and might be paraphrased from the pamphlets
of almost any quack-medicine maker; they are as follows:

  For centuries Bad Legs have ranked with Cancer and Consumption as one
  of the diseases over which the power of man could not prevail. For
  generations thousands of sufferers have lived lives of misery, become
  thoroughly worn out, and have gone down to their graves before their
  time through sheer exhaustion: all human skill being powerless to
  save. Their resources exhausted, ignorant of any agent in Medicine or
  Nature competent to cure, it came to pass that the Medical Faculty
  were reduced to the expedient of ordering sufferers long periods of
  rest in bed. This in itself was a confession of failure and of no
  avail.

  It has been computed that Bad Legs have caused more misery and
  suffering than all the wars ever undertaken by the world’s rulers.
  And why? War is but an incident in a nation’s history, but the evil
  of Bad Legs is ever present, ever constant, ever taking its toll of
  suffering humanity. In the face of all this, Medical Science fell
  back, helpless, baffled, and beaten.

  At last, after years of scientific research, after thousands
  of painstaking experiments, the Tremol Method of Treatment was
  discovered, and the cure of Bad Legs, once for all, established and
  placed on a sure and scientific basis.

  What modern Astronomy is to the old discredited Astrology, what
  Scientific Chemistry is to the Alchemy of olden times, even that and
  more is Tremol System of Treatment to all other so called treatments
  for Bad Legs. Other treatments are empirical, this Treatment is
  scientific; other treatments end in failure, this System cures
  to stay cured. Once again has Mother Nature yielded to patient
  scientific investigation one of her greatest secrets, the secret of
  how, by means of the Tremol System, to cure Bad Legs with certainty,
  with rapidity, scientifically, and with no possibility of failure.

Other extracts are:

  Universally accepted as the one and only cure for Bad Legs, the
  Tremol System stands to-day before the world unchallenged and
  unrivalled. Men of science accept it. Medical men recommend it. The
  thinking public endorse it, and the thousands of happy men and women
  cured by it hail it with a delight words fail to express....

  As sure as day follows night, so certain is it that this new and
  great discovery will cure every case of Bad Leg to which it is
  applied.

  Remember, in all our cases, this System of Treatment has had to begin
  where others have left off. Sufferers who apply to us for relief
  and cure are only those whom doctors have finished with, or on whom
  ointments have proved useless, lotions abortive, pills impotent, and
  blood mixtures futile.

These last two extracts scarcely seem to be in harmony with the
announcement which is made rather conspicuously: “Incurable cases not
accepted.” On the back page appears in large letters:

  There is no Guess-work. No Pain. No Experimenting. No Lying Up. No
  Operation. No Relapse. NO FAILURE. No matter how Difficult the Case
  may be. No matter what form it may have Assumed. No matter how many
  Doctors, Specialists, or Hospitals may have failed to help you. The
  Tremol Treatment, the New Therapeutic Discovery for Bad Legs, IS
  CERTAIN TO CURE YOU, AND MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE. No claim or statement is
  made that is not borne out by Facts and Living Witnesses.

A document was sent with the medicines, marked “Legal Guarantee to
Cure.” It is worded as follows:

  We, the National College of Health, Limited, hereby Agree and
  Undertake to refund on demand to you the whole of the money paid by
  you to us for our Treatment, if we fail to cure you after we have
  applied the Tremol Treatment for a reasonable length of time. This
  Guarantee is subject to the Conditions set forth on the back hereof.

Then follows a facsimile of the signature of the Governing Director; it
is not decipherable with certainty, but might be “E. F. Guest.”

The conditions set forth--in quite small type--on the back are as
follows:

  The Tremol Treatment is only devised to cure bad legs--but if a case
  is accepted by us for personal treatment, then unless otherwise
  agreed at the time, this guarantee holds good. To ensure the
  bona-fides of the patient it is necessary that within seven days of
  starting the Treatment you give notice in writing to us that you
  accept the offer contained in this guarantee, and in this respect
  time shall be of the essence of the contract. This guarantee only
  applies where the Treatment is personally applied by us. It will
  be readily understood that we cannot guarantee cures when we have
  no guarantee that our Treatment is properly applied. We must be
  the judges of what is a reasonable time. We give no warranties.
  Warranties may mean anything or nothing. We simply return the money
  paid to us while we are personally treating you as aforesaid, and
  this is the limit of our liability. Any dispute between you and us
  as to any claim under or upon this agreement or as to any question
  arising hereunder shall be determined by arbitration in accordance
  with the Arbitration Act, 1889.

Since this “Legal Guarantee to Cure” is sent with the medicines, the
person receiving it would naturally suppose that it would apply to
his case; and it is only on careful examination that it is discovered
that (1) it only applies to cases where the treatment is “personally
applied” by the company, and therefore not to a case where the medicine
is sent out; (2) even in “personally” treated cases, it does not
apply unless the patient gives notice in writing within seven days of
_beginning_ the treatment that he intends to insist on it; and (3)
since the company is the sole judge of what is a “reasonable time”
within which the cure is to be obtained they can insist on continuing
the treatment (as long as the patient will pay for it) in any case
in which a claim is made. Not even the most ignorant person could
regard such a “guarantee” as of the slightest value if he understood
the conditions. It would appear that it is not the “bona fides of the
_patient_” that needs to be ensured.

The “Diagnosis Form” sent was as follows; the words in italics are the
particulars of an imaginary case that were supplied:

  1. Date.

  2. Christian name.

  3. Surname.

  4. Male or Female. _F._

  5. Married or Single. _Widow._

  6. Full Address.

  * 7. What is your age? 53.

  8. What is your weight? _About 12 stone._

  9. What is your Occupation? _Housekeeper._

  * 10. Is it your right leg, your left leg, or both your legs that are
  affected? _Right._

  11. How long has your Leg troubled you? _About a year._

  12. Does your Leg pain you? _Yes._

  13. Does the pain of your Leg keep you awake at night, or in any
  way interfere with your comfort. If so, fully explain in what way.
  (Describe the pain.) _There is a constant acute pain from the open
  wounds, and a great deal of itching as well; the irritation, in
  addition to the pain, often causes sleeplessness._

  * 14. Is the portion of your Leg affected Itchy or Scaly? _Very
  itchy._

  15. Have you consulted any person? If so, who, how many, and what did
  each tell you and what did they advise? _No._

  16. Have you attended any hospital? If so, state which. _No._

  17. Have you ever received an injury to your leg? _It was broken 20
  years ago._

  18. Is the pain worse when standing up or lying down? _Pain worse
  when standing; itching worse when lying._

  19. How did you first hear of the Tremol Treatment? _Thro’ an
  acquaintance in Yorkshire._

  20. Name the various remedies you have tried, and the methods you
  have adopted to effect a cure and the effect each has had upon
  your leg? _At first cold water bandaging; recently zinc ointment.
  Practically no effect._

  * 21. Are there any ulcers, wounds, or holes in your Right Leg, or is
  it a red, itchy or scaly patch only? _Three open wounds and a big,
  red itching patch._

  * 22. Are there any ulcers, wounds, or holes in your left leg, or is
  it a red itchy, or scaly patch only? _No._

    #Don’t fail to reply to this.#

  * 23. If there are ulcers, wounds, or holes, state how many, and the
  position and size of each, cut out on pieces of paper and send to
  us the sizes of the wounds or ulcers on each leg (N.B.--Be careful
  to distinguish the size of the wound or ulcer from the size of the
  surrounding redness or inflammation.) _The three open wounds are
  each about ³⁄₄ inch across; they are about 2¹⁄₂ inches apart in an
  irregular triangle; they are in a red itching patch about 4 inches
  across, on the outer side of the leg, about half-way down._

  24. Is there now, or has there ever been proud flesh in the wound?
  _No._

  * 25. Are your bowels habitually costive or free? _Free._

  26. Have you ever suffered from a white leg? _No._

  27. Did your Leg first begin to trouble you through a hurt, after
  confinement, or how? _It came on gradually without apparent cause, at
  first as a small itching red spot._

  28. Has your Doctor advised Rest? _Have not had a doctor._

  29. Have you rested, if so, has it done you any good? _Have rested a
  good deal, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference._

  30. Have you spent much idle time trying to obtain a cure? _No._

  31. Has your leg ever been healed, if so, was it with Skin or with
  Scab? _Not since the wounds became raw._

  * 32. At what portion of the leg is the breaking out? _On the outer
  side, about half-way down._

  33. Have you been growing worse lately? _Yes._

  * 34. Is there much inflammation or fiery redness round the wound?
  _Yes._

  35. Have you Varicose Veins? If so, state extent, of how long
  standing, and what caused them. _No._

  * 36. Please to give the names and addresses of any persons in your
  district or elsewhere, whom you may know to be suffering from Bad
  Leg. This information will be treated as strictly confidential and
  exclusively private.

  Remarks.--Write on a separate piece of paper any facts relating to
  your case or conditions that have not been indicated by the above
  questions. Describe your case fully in your own words and all you
  have suffered and gone through; in short, give us a general history
  of your case.

This was sent with two guineas to “The National College of Health,
Ltd.” The medicines sent in return consisted of a bottle of “Tremol
Blood Mixture,” a bottle of “Tremol Lotion,” a box of “Tremol
Ointment,” and a box of “Ointment No. 2,” with two bandages. Two
typed sheets of directions accompanied these, headed “Instructions
for applying No. 14 course of Tremol Treatment.” Each of the four
preparations is priced separately at 11s., by post 11s. 4d.


TREMOL BLOOD MIXTURE.

The bottle contained 8 fl. oz. It bore a printed label, and there was
nothing on the label to suggest that it was in any way modified for the
particular case for which it was intended. The directions on the label
were the same as those given in the paragraph on the typed sheet, which
was as follows:

  HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEDICINE.--It is absolutely necessary for you to
  take this Blood Mixture prescribed specially for your case, all the
  time your leg is being dressed with the other preparations. To obtain
  permanent results it is imperative to continue taking this medicine
  for your blood, for some time after your leg is well.

  Directions.--Take one drachm (one small teaspoonful) morning and
  evening after your meals, in a wineglassful of water sweetened to
  taste with one or two lumps of sugar. We strongly advise you to use
  a Medicine measure instead of an ordinary teaspoon, so that the dose
  will accurately measure one drachm.

Analysis showed the mixture to contain calcium chloride, ferric
chloride, small quantities of free hydrochloric acid and alcohol,
peppermint water, and a preparation of a vegetable drug; the latter had
a slight flavour of rhubarb, but showed no definite active principle
and no characters by which it could be positively identified. The
proportions of the definite ingredients were determined, and found to
be as given in the following formula. A mixture prepared according to
this formula agreed very well in regard to the vegetable drug, and
perfectly in other respects.

  Calcium chloride                        224 grains
  Solution of ferric chloride             300 minims
  Dilute hydrochloric acid                200   „
  Concentrated infusion of rhubarb (¹⁄₇)  100   „
  Peppermint water                          2 fl. oz.
  Water                                 to  8    „
  A deposit slowly falls, from which the clear liquid is decanted.

Estimated cost of the ingredients, 1¹⁄₄d.


TREMOL LOTION.

The bottle contained 8¹⁄₄ fl. oz.; it bore a printed label, and there
was nothing on the label to suggest that it was in any way modified for
the particular case for which it was intended. The directions on the
typed sheet were the same as those on the label, as follows:

  Dilute the Lotion with an equal quantity of water. Cut out a piece
  of Lint slightly larger than your Ulcer, so that the Lint will cover
  the surface of the Ulcer as completely as half-a-crown covers a
  shilling. After a thorough cleansing (see directions for so doing)
  well soak the Lint in the dilute Lotion for two or three minutes, and
  then apply to the Ulcer. You are not to apply the Lint containing the
  Lotion too wet, that is dripping, neither are you to squeeze it out
  too dry, just thoroughly moistened and on the wet side.

Analysis showed the liquid to consist of solution of chlorinated soda
containing 2.9 per cent. of available chlorine (which is slightly above
the minimum strength of the official solution) with the traces of
impurities usually found in it.

Estimated cost of the liquid, 2d.


TREMOL OINTMENT.

This was in a wooden box containing 14¹⁄₂ oz.; it bore a typewritten
label: “The Tremol Ointment. To be used as directed.”

The directions on the typed sheet were as follows:

  HOW YOU ARE TO APPLY TREMOL OINTMENT. Cut out a piece of soft lint
  slightly larger in circumference (about ¹⁄₄ in. larger all round)
  than the Lint on which the Tremol Lotion is applied. Spread the
  Ointment thickly on the plain surface, then place it on top of the
  Lint on which No. 2 Ointment is spread, but over the Ulcer, and
  therefore covering the Lint which is soaked in the Lotion. You will
  therefore have over the Ulcer three layers of Lint. FIRST, two layers
  of Lint containing Lotion. SECOND, the layer of Lint on which the
  Ointment No. 2 is spread, and covering the red and inflamed part.
  THIRD, the layer of Lint on which Tremol Ointment is spread and
  covering the portion where the Ulcer is situated. Therefore over
  the red inflamed part there is one layer only, that on which No. 2
  Ointment is spread, but over the Ulcer there are three. When you are
  dressing your leg do not remove Ointment No. 2 that adheres to the
  skin. Apply fresh dressing on the top of the adherent ointment.

Analysis showed the ointment to contain:

  Prepared chalk  70.3 parts.
  Soft paraffin   29.0   „
  Yellowish-brown colouring matter traces.

The colouring matter appeared to be one of the coal-tar dyes, but was
not present in sufficient quantity for exact identification; the chalk
contained the small quantities of impurities usually occurring in it.
No other ingredient was found.

Estimated cost of the ingredients, 2¹⁄₂d.


OINTMENT NO. 2.

This was in a wooden box containing 10¹⁄₂ oz.; it bore a typewritten
label, “Ointment No. 2. To be used as directed.” The directions on the
typed sheet were as follows:

  HOW YOU ARE TO APPLY OINTMENT NO. 2.--Cut out a piece of Lint large
  enough to cover the red and inflamed portion of your leg. On this
  spread pretty thickly the special Ointment labelled No. 2, and apply
  it; at the same time covering the Lint which is soaked in the Lotion.

Analysis showed the ointment to contain zinc oxide, a lead compound
which appeared to be the carbonate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate,
water, lard, and a pink colouring matter which was evidently a
coal-tar dye. No other substance was found. The quantities of the
different ingredients were determined, and the results agreed with the
following formula:

  Zinc oxide        19.8 parts.
  Lead carbonate     3.5   „
  Sodium benzoate    0.3   „
  Sodium acetate     0.7   „
  Water              9.6   „
  Colouring matter  traces.
  Lard          to 100   parts.

Estimated cost of the ingredients, 7d.




CHAPTER XII.

THE “CRIMSON CROSS REMEDIES.”


  The series of preparations dealt with in this chapter afford a good
  example of the way in which secret remedies, even when composed of
  simple and harmless drugs, may be a source of serious danger through
  the exaggerated claims made for them. The emphatic assurances of
  curative power given in most cases may easily lead people, even
  when not unusually credulous, to take the medicine in question and
  trust to it for a cure, and therefore omit to obtain proper advice
  until the disease from which they are suffering may have reached an
  advanced stage. In the present case, however, the danger is not only
  to the person employing the nostrums, but to others as well; for the
  claims advanced are not merely that the articles offered will cure a
  number of very serious diseases, but also that in small-pox, scarlet
  fever, measles, etc., they _render the patient non-infectious_,
  and anyone trusting to this preposterous assertion might therefore
  easily become an active agent in spreading infectious disease. Heart
  disease, cancer, typhoid, pneumonia, diphtheria, and consumption are
  among the other trifles for which the “Crimson Cross Remedies” are
  recommended. It is hardly necessary to add that ludicrous ignorance
  is shown in the assertions made; the ointment, which is one of the
  principal articles of the series, is stated to have been introduced
  fifty years ago for diseased bones, joints, and abscesses, but “it
  now includes ‘Infectious’ as well as most other diseases. There is
  no foothold for microbes where the ointment is applied”--presumably
  the feet of the microbes are not adapted to the greasy surface which
  it presents. In typhoid, “if the head is not well soaked with the
  ointment, an abscess is liable to form on the brain”! Analysis showed
  the principal ingredient of this marvellous salve to be about 1 per
  cent. of copper oleate, while the “special ointment” to be used
  for cancers, chronic stiff joints, sprains, heart disease, etc.,
  contained between 4 and 5 per cent. of the same substance, with a
  trace of acetic acid. It appears from the statements made that the
  individual whose name is attached to these preparations has also been
  in the habit of visiting patients in their own homes.

An advertisement in the _Vaccination Inquirer_, headed “A simple
solution of the vaccination question,” states that:

  The Crimson Cross Remedies for fevers, measles, small-pox, influenza,
  pneumonia, pleurisy, etc., render the patient non-infectious.

The extracts which follow are from circulars sent out with the remedies.

  The first of the Crimson Cross Remedies used with unprecedented
  success was our No. 1 Ointment. This was introduced fifty years ago
  for Diseased Bones, Joints, and Abscesses. It cures without cutting,
  scraping, bed, or splints. It has saved hundreds from being hopeless
  cripples, and thousands of lives and limbs.

  As time went on this valuable remedy was found to be a POWERFUL
  GERM KILLER, so that its usefulness as a household remedy has been
  considerably extended, and it now includes “Infectious” as well as
  most other diseases. There is no foothold for microbes where the
  Ointment is applied.

  One of its best works is the

  CURE OF CONSUMPTION.

  This much dreaded “White Scourge” can be cured in its incipient or
  first stage, and even when the mischief is deeper rooted it always
  gives relief.

  It has been stated that Small-Pox is now extinct in England, but of
  course may be imported at any time. However that may be, there need
  be no fear of it if Crimson Cross Remedies are applied.

  The Remedies (No. 1 Ointment and Fever Powder) are equally
  efficacious for Scarlet Fever, which is easily cured in from one to
  three days, if applied as soon as the patient sickens. If peeling has
  commenced before the Remedies are applied, it takes a fortnight to
  complete the cure, but there is no fear of infection.

  Typhoid or Enteric Fever treated by the Crimson Cross Remedies in the
  first stage is easily cured in a few days....

  Internal Diseases of Women can be cured without Operation or
  Examination by our SPECIAL TREATMENT. Full particulars on application.

In a “Brief Treatise on Diagnosis and Treatment” directions are given
for the employment of these remedies in a variety of illnesses. The
chief feature is a liberal application of the ointment, accompanied by
internal administration of one or more of the other preparations. The
following quotations will serve as examples:

  COLDS. On the first appearance of a cold, rub the forehead, chest,
  and back with Crimson Cross No. 1 Ointment contained in the Fever,
  etc., packet; take the medicine made from the Powder according to
  directions.

  FOR PNEUMONIA, CONGESTION, AND PLEURISY.--Poultice the chest, sides,
  and back every two hours with hot linseed meal. Spread warm No. 1
  Ointment on the face of the poultice until the acute symptoms are
  gone, then rub the chest, sides, and round the shoulders with the
  Ointment once or twice a day until quite well. Take the medicine made
  from the Fever Powder according to directions.

  TYPHOID OR ENTERIC FEVER.... Acute Bright’s disease of the kidneys
  and inflammation of the lungs frequently accompany or follow typhoid;
  for the former give CRIMSON CROSS KIDNEY CURE, and poultice the lower
  part of the back with hot linseed meal and Ointment; for the latter
  see directions given. If the head is not well soaked with Ointment,
  an abscess is liable to form on the brain. THE FEVER MIXTURE and
  KIDNEY CURE may both be taken alternately three times a day, if
  necessary; let two hours elapse between each dose.

  DIPHTHERIA. Spread No. 1 Ointment on hot linseed poultices, apply one
  every hour. As Diphtheria patients are liable to unexpected syncope,
  it is advisable to have a doctor.

From the following paragraph in one of the circulars, it would appear
that “Captain Feilden” does not confine his activities to the _selling_
of these preparations:

  Please note--All communications should be addressed

    Crimson Cross Dispensary.
    --------, --------.

  Stamped envelope enclosed for reply.

  Although we do not now treat cases personally at the Dispensary, we
  continue to give advice “Free” by letter. Full particulars of the
  case should be given, and, where possible, Captain Feilden will call
  and see patients in their own homes.

A list is given of ten preparations, varying in price from 7¹⁄₂d.
to 2s. 9d. The following were obtained for examination: Fever and
Influenza Powder, No. 1 Ointment, Special Ointment, and Kidney Cure.

The first two of these were supplied together for 1s. 3d., post free.


CRIMSON CROSS FEVER AND INFLUENZA POWDER.

This consisted of about 100 grains of a purplish-coloured powder, and
was contained in a “chip” ointment box. The directions on the label
were:

  Add to one pint of cold water, and take--Adults, one tablespoonful
  three times a day. Children, one to two teaspoonfuls, according to
  age.

The powder contained 99.4 per cent. of ammonium chloride, and nothing
else was found except the colouring matter, which agreed with the
reactions given by tincture of cochineal.

Estimated cost, about ¹⁄₈d.


CRIMSON CROSS NO. 1 OINTMENT (CAPTAIN FEILDEN’S).

This was also in a “chip” box, and the quantity was about 2¹⁄₄ oz.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Copper oleate               1.1 per cent.
  Anhydrous sodium sulphate   0.4    „
  Beeswax                     6.5    „
  Resin (colophony)          29.6    „
  Linseed oil                62.4    „

The sodium sulphate may be due to the copper oleate having been made by
double decomposition of copper sulphate and soap, without washing away
the sodium sulphate formed, although the amount of the latter found is
more than the equivalent of the copper.

Estimated cost of ingredients, ⁴⁄₅d.


CRIMSON CROSS SPECIAL OINTMENT.

The price of a jar, containing about 3¹⁄₂ oz., was 2s. 9d. A special
circular is devoted to this preparation, and the statements made
include the following:

  This Ointment is prepared from a Special Formula for the Treatment of
  unbroken substances such as Cancers, Tumours, Bunyons, or Enlarged
  Toe Joints, Chronic Stiff Joints, Sprains, Heart Disease, etc.

  By the blessing of God it has been successful in the treatment of
  many such cases, and it is hoped that many more may benefit....

  An irritable rash may appear, and this is a good sign, though some
  patients give up using the Ointment because of this irritation. This
  should not be done--the irritation will die away, though the rash may
  remain. To relieve the irritation discontinue the Special Ointment
  for a day or two--bathe with warm water, and apply a little Olive
  Oil....

  CANCERS AND TUMOURS.--Steam the affected part once a day, gently rub
  a little Special Ointment in, night and morning. Spread Ointment on
  clean linen, and wear as a plaister during the night and day. If the
  appetite is not good, take Crimson Cross Liver Mixture, and Crimson
  Cross Kidney Cure occasionally, to keep the Kidneys in good order....

  HEART DISEASE.--Rub the Ointment gently in across the stomach, round
  the Heart and Shoulder Blades, night and morning. Great care should
  be taken to keep the Stomach and Kidneys in good order, and to be
  on the safe side in this matter, we advise all those suffering from
  Heart troubles to occasionally take a bottle or two of Crimson Cross
  Liver Mixture, alternately with Crimson Cross Kidney Cure.

Analysis showed this to contain:

  Copper oleate                                4.6 per cent.
  Anhydrous sodium sulphate                    1.3    „
  Acetic acid (glacial strength)               0.8    „
  Beeswax                                      3.5    „
  Resin (colophony)                           46.8    „
  Oily base, chiefly or entirely linseed oil  43.0    „

Estimated cost of ingredients 1¹⁄₂d.


CRIMSON CROSS KIDNEY CURE.

The price of a bottle, containing 6¹⁄₂ fluid ounces, was 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.

It is stated on the package that:

  This Mixture contains powerful Medicinal Properties for the cure of
  Kidney, Bladder, Gravel, and all Urinary Disorders, Dropsy, etc.

  Dose. Adults.--One tablespoonful every four hours.

  Children.--One teaspoonful to one dessertspoonful, according to age,
  every four hours.

It is thus described in an accompanying circular:

  This is a remedy really worthy of the name. It is natural in its
  composition, it is natural in its action, it does not coerce nature
  as in the case of poisonous drugs and drastic metallic medicines. It
  assists and stimulates the recuperative energies of nature in the
  system, thus enabling her to throw off the effects of this insidious
  and alarming disease. Every reader of these lines who is troubled
  with backache, nervousness, dimness of sight, lassitude, or any
  symptoms of Kidney trouble, should immediately take this remedy, and
  obtain that relief and cure which seems possible by no other known
  means at the present time....

  The Crimson Cross Kidney Cure may be confidently taken by young and
  old alike, in full assurance that whatever the trouble, a course
  of the Crimson Cross Kidney Cure will gently but surely remedy the
  mischief, and coax the organs back to a natural and healthy action.

  NOTE:--Whilst taking the Crimson Cross Kidney Cure it will greatly
  facilitate the cure if the lower part of the back and bowels are
  gently rubbed with Crimson Cross No. 1 Ointment once a day. The
  Ointment should be well rubbed in for about five minutes, then wipe
  down with an old rough dry towel, to prevent the linen from getting
  greasy.

Analysis showed that this fluid contained glycerine about 5 per cent.,
alcohol 4 per cent. by volume, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen)
about 0.05 per cent., and a small proportion of vegetable extractive
giving a slight colour to the liquid, but having no characteristic
taste or any property by which it could be identified; no alkaloid
or other active principle was present, and the ash (0.25 per cent.)
contained only the constituents usually found in any vegetable extract.




CHAPTER XIII.

MEDICINES FOR AMENORRHŒA, ETC.


  One of the largest classes of proprietary nostrums, and one in which
  most of the evils connected with secret medicines may be seen at
  their worst, is that consisting of so-called “female medicines.”
  The reasons for the abundance of proprietary articles of this kind
  are not far to seek. In the first place, the gross profit of the
  trade is very large; as our analyses show, the prime cost of all
  these medicines is very low, and the selling price of many of them
  is very high. In the second place, the expenses are low; while
  many other nostrums require large and expensive advertisements in
  the newspapers, and on hoardings, etc., these are almost without
  exception given small advertisements, often of only a few lines,
  with perhaps some one word, such as “Ladies,” in large type to catch
  the eye. A third attractive feature is that, as a rule, the business
  is done directly with the consumer through the post, and there are,
  therefore, no intermediate profits to be deducted; payment is made
  in advance, and only the postage has to be reckoned off the full
  retail price. Fourthly, purchasers are in the nature of the case
  often persons more than usually susceptible to the plausible promises
  of cure that are sent out; failure to effect what is promised, far
  from causing the purchaser to stop wasting her money on the nostrum,
  is turned to account by offering a “specially strong” variety at a
  higher price, and behind this is usually a third, or “extra special”
  at a still higher price, and sometimes even a fourth. Finally, in
  a very large number of cases, the sale of a nostrum of this class
  provides an opening for a steady business in other articles of a kind
  usually bought more or less surreptitiously, and which bear a very
  high rate of profit.

  So much for the gain to the vendor. The harm to the purchaser is
  similarly of a manifold nature. Perhaps the least important is that
  the price charged is in very many cases quite exorbitant, pills
  or mixtures, etc., sold at from ten shillings to a guinea costing
  only a few pence or less. Much more serious is the fact that the
  purchaser is induced to take medicines of little value, if any,
  for a functional derangement which it is always dangerous to treat
  too lightly. It cannot be too widely known that cessation of the
  normal period may be a sign of phthisis or other serious illness,
  and good medical advice ought to be obtained. Further, a large
  number of these nostrums are the subject of more or less thinly
  veiled recommendations that they should be used for cutting short an
  unwelcome pregnancy, and although some of them would be but little
  likely to be efficacious for this purpose, some contain irritants
  which are highly dangerous. When cessation of the menses is due to
  pregnancy, there is no drug or medicine known which will re-establish
  them and stop the pregnancy without putting the woman’s life in grave
  danger.

  It would be tedious to give detailed extracts from the advertisements
  of all the articles here described, as is done in other chapters.
  A few of them are the products of old-established businesses, and
  are sold through retailers like other proprietary medicines; these
  are, as a rule, the ones for which the least extravagant claims are
  made, and they appear almost respectable by comparison with some of
  the others. In the majority of cases, however, a usual plan is to
  advertise a “certain cure” at a low price, sometimes 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., or
  to offer a “free sample” on application. When the low-priced article
  or the free sample is sent for, the applicant is informed of a
  “special” kind which is strongly recommended, and the price of which
  is higher; and this, as already noted, usually leads on to another at
  a still higher price.

  Since pills, such as many of these “remedies” consist of, can be
  bought wholesale at very low rates, the capital outlay which is
  necessary for engaging in this kind of business is extremely small.
  An address is necessary to conduct operations from, but it does
  not matter if it is that of a garret in a slum--practically none
  of the purchasers will be any wiser. There is nothing whatever to
  prevent any ignorant person possessed of a few pounds from buying
  from a firm of pill-makers at a few pence per gross “female pills”
  in bulk, or ready boxed, with coatings of three different colours
  to represent “ordinary,” “strong,” and “extra strong,” putting
  small advertisements in a few weekly or other newspapers, and after
  laying out some small further sum on printed copies of fabricated
  testimonials and circular letters, “signed” by Nurse So-and-So, at
  once establishing a trade, the profits of which are many hundreds
  per cent. There is good reason to believe that some of the articles
  referred to below are the output of just such businesses.

  It will suffice to give a few extracts from some advertisements.

Adeline Dumas’s pills are thus advertised:

  “To Married Ladies.

  Try the French Remedy.

  Not a Dangerous Drug, but a wonderful Secret Invention.

  Never Fails. Particulars Free to all Applicants.

  Address,

  M.D., ----, ----, London, N.E.”

“M.D.” may, of course, stand for Madame Dumas, but it can hardly be
doubted that it is intended to suggest that the “secret invention” is
supplied by a Doctor of Medicine.

In a circular referring to the pills and giving testimonials, etc.,
they are described as follows:

  “Dumas’ Paris Pills.

  The Combination Remedy (Protected).

  WHAT IS MEANT BY A COMBINATION REMEDY?

  Dumas’s Combination Remedy, The Paris Pill (Pilule de Paris) is
  in reality a carefully selected combination of the most powerful
  drugs known to Medical and Botanical Sciences, whereby a maximum
  certainty of producing the desired effect is absolutely assured,
  the explanation of this remarkable result being as follows: If any
  specific drug contained in the Paris Pill be not actively suitable
  for a particular female organization, there are other active
  ingredients present, which, from their varied and searching nature,
  are in every way calculated to at once grapple with and overcome the
  most obstinate case. In the face, therefore, of such a remedy as here
  described, it can be well understood that there need be no fear of a
  failure of effect.

  Dumas’s Paris Pills, secret, and powerful ingredients (protected
  by Government stamp) act with instant certainty, in all cases of
  Irregularities and Suppression of the Menses, incidental to females.”

The clause “protected by Government stamp” is to be noted: the
Government stamp is merely a means of collecting the tax on proprietary
nostrums, and has not the slightest reference to the real value of
their contents. The reference to it here is obviously intended to
suggest some sort of official guarantee of value.

“Nurse Powell’s Remedies” illustrate the ascending scale of charges.
They are thus advertised:

  FREE OFFER TO LADIES.

  Our recent offer of a Free Sample of Nurse Powell’s Popular Pellets
  met with such striking success that we have decided to repeat the
  offer. Ladies should write for free box, enclosing stamp for postage.
  Delay is dangerous; write at once and obtain relief.--Nurse F. Powell
  Remedy Co., ----, ----, London.

An application for a free box as advertised brought a small box
containing three white-coated pills, together with a letter, from which
the following extracts are taken:

  Owing to their proved superiority they have now come to be looked
  upon as THE LEADING WOMAN’S MEDICINE--a proof of which is that in
  thousands of homes to-day a box is _always_ to be found, ready for
  any emergency which may arise. They are composed of ingredients
  which are PERFECTLY HARMLESS, and will not injure the most delicate
  constitution, nor disturb one’s usual occupations, yet they FULLY
  CARRY OUT ALL that is claimed for them. We shall be glad if you
  will try this sample at once, and let us know the result. In many
  cases this small quantity has brought about relief and health. We
  would ask you NOT TO EXPECT TOO MUCH from it, however, but to obtain
  more and take them regularly EACH DAY until you obtain a beneficial
  result. They have cured thousands of suffering women who have been
  on the verge of despair, and we are confident that if you will only
  persevere with them, and give them a thorough trial, THEY WILL
  RELIEVE YOU.

The pills were stated to be 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box, and this amount
was sent with a request for a box. This brought a box containing
twenty-four white-coated pills, bearing on the label the words “Nurse
Powell’s Popular Pellets cure Anæmia, Debility, Constipation, Headache,
and all Female Ailments”; the words “Poplets, Registered,” were printed
across the label in red ink. A circular was enclosed on which it was
stated--

  It should be particularly noted that the pellets are prepared
  in Two Forms to meet the requirements of the case. The Ordinary
  Pellets (Price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d.) are prepared as a remedy for
  Nervousness, Headache, Constipation, Anæmia, Debility, Sleeplessness,
  Hysteria, Lack of Energy, Wind, Biliousness, Indigestion, Sick
  Headache, and a general run-down state of the system, and Menstrual
  Troubles of a slight nature. The Special Pellets (Price 4s. 6d.
  per box) are expressly compounded for use in all Severe Menstrual
  Troubles, and should be ordered for Suppression of the Menses,
  Irregular and Painful Menstruation, Painful Urination, Change of
  Life, Dragging or Bearing Down Pains, Leucorrhœa (whites), Excessive
  Flow of the Menses, and all kindred ailments.

A box of the “special pellets” was therefore obtained: these were
compressed tablets with a bright purple coating, and were labelled
“Nurse Powell’s Popular Pellets for all Female Ailments (Special),” and
also bore the words “Poplets, Registered,” in red ink across the label.

Another circular was now enclosed, from which the following extracts
are taken:

    Special notice!

  There are many cases of female irregularities which require special
  treatment, and which cannot be met by the remedies which cure more
  ordinary ailments. This fact is well known to the Physician who has
  made a special study of the female system, and has his own special
  prescriptions which he applies to the various stages of the ailments
  as occasion demands.

  Whilst it is quite true that Nurse Powell’s Popular Pellets cure
  all but the more obstinate cases, we find it occasionally necessary
  that a stronger treatment is required. For this purpose, we supply
  two preparations prepared from the prescriptions of a celebrated
  physician, and which he relied upon to cure where every other means
  had been unavailing.

  These remedies are prepared in the form of a pill and a mixture,
  either of which will be found effective, but in order to obtain the
  very best results, by far the best method is to take the pills and
  mixture in alternate doses.

  These exceedingly valuable preparations we recommend with the utmost
  confidence. They are prepared by fully qualified chemists from the
  purest ingredients obtainable, and most beneficial results are
  obtained after a few doses.

  The price of these remedies is necessarily higher than the ordinary
  preparations, but compared with the results the cost is small.

    Prices

    Corrective Pills, 11s. per box;
    Corrective Mixture, 13s. per bot.;
    or the two preparations, 21s.

Supplies of both these were obtained.

In a little book sent with the earlier supply, entitled _Woman’s Home
Doctor_, appears the following:

  ADVICE TO SUFFERERS FREE.

  Many women are in doubt as to the nature of their ailment and the
  best means to obtain a cure. To all such, we offer our EXPERIENCED
  ADVICE FREE if full particulars are given to us in a letter. If Nurse
  Powell’s Popular Pellets will be of no use in your particular case
  you will be at once told so. Address all letters asking for advice to
  the Manageress, and mark them “Private” in the top left-hand corner.
  They will then receive immediate attention and will be treated in the
  strictest confidence.

In sending for each of these preparations nothing was said with regard
to the case for which they were supposed to be intended, but after a
short interval a typed letter was received, from which the following
extracts are taken:

  Dear Madam,--In reply to your communication of a few days ago,
  we looked carefully into your case, and advised you to persevere
  with our remedy. It seemed to us that your ailment was similar in
  almost all respects to many other cases which we have had, and in
  practically ALL OF THESE the treatment we advise has been taken with
  ENTIRE SUCCESS, as the grateful letters we have received plainly
  show.... With all good wishes, and again assuring you of our sympathy
  and aid, we remain, dear Madam, yours faithfully, The Nurse Powell
  Remedy Co.

Another advertiser is very frank on the subject of quacks:

  “IRRISTUM” _never fails, that is the marvel of it_. On “Irristum” is
  stamped the seal of unequivocal success. To it women may turn with
  the _brightest confidence and hope_, assured of health and happiness,
  instead of that wretched depression of animal spirits, and possibly
  _life-long misery_, which accrue from a blind confidence in the
  _nostrums of unscrupulous quacks_....

  Nothing conceivable can be worse or more contemptible than for
  confiding and suffering women to be the dupes of plausible and
  unscrupulous adventurers. Not merely is it the pocket, but the
  paramount question of life-long health which may be imperilled;
  and here it is that the _never-failing efficacy, the privacy,
  the simplicity, and the rapidity of action characteristic of the
  “Irristum” medicine, come as a challenge to the world in this most
  important branch of the healing art_....

It is modestly added that:

  We do not profess to work wonderful miracles; we only state, with
  _absolute confidence_, that if _you_, who read this, feel the need
  of such a preparation, you will never do better than send to us _at
  once_. It would of course be untrue to say a second bottle is _never_
  required. It sometimes happens that a lady has to send for another
  supply, but in 19 cases out of 20 the _whole_ of the second one is
  not required....

  “IRRISTUM” _is unquestionably one of the most priceless blessings of
  the nineteenth century_....

In the case of a medicine which is advertised as “A Woman’s Cure for
Women’s Ills,” an account is given of the evolution of the remedy, in
the course of which it is stated that:

  It is seldom necessary for a woman, if she know where best she may
  look for help from a sister woman, to consult medical men in these
  troubles.... One woman, Mrs. Lydia E. Pinkham, was often called to
  help her neighbours and friends who suffered from the diseases and
  ailments of women....

  So, after a time, she learned to select the most potent roots and
  herbs, and to steep and compound from them a simple medicine, but one
  which almost always relieved and cured even when physicians failed....

It is rather surprising therefore to read that

  in those rare cases involving some knotty point which she could not
  answer as she wished, she consulted a good physician and kept notes
  of what he said.

Surely if this lady could relieve and cure when physicians failed, the
consultation should have been the other way round!

Sometimes a French or American origin is claimed, with a suggestion
that the preparation is therefore better, as in the following:

  “To Ladies.

  Do you want a guaranteed remedy for all irregularities?

  Do you want something far superior to steel and pennyroyal, bitter
  apple and all English preparations?

  If you do, send for Nurse Grey’s Renowned American Compound Tablets.
  A truly wonderful discovery, affording surprising results even in the
  most obstinate cases.

  Prices 1s. 3d. and 2s. 9d. (treble quantity) in plain wrapper.”

It is thus clearly conveyed that the marvellous superiority to all
English preparations is in the tablets; but in reality they are made
to open the way for a more expensive preparation not mentioned in the
advertisement. The tablets were sent with a circular letter, from which
the following are extracts:

  The tablets are certain to do good, and they frequently afford
  complete relief, though this supply may be insufficient to test their
  real worth....

  Mixtures are MUCH more effective than pills, because they commence
  to act upon the system IMMEDIATELY, whereas pills have to dissolve
  before any benefit can be obtained. The Tablets, therefore, cannot
  ALWAYS be supposed to accomplish what a 4s. 9d. bottle of medicine
  will, and who would regret so small an outlay, which may be the means
  of saving pounds.... You are anxious for a certain cure, and this is
  JUST the medicine you require. It has cured thousands and will cure
  you. There are only the two prices, namely, 4s. 9d., and Special
  Compound 10s., post free, securely packed from observation.

The way in which “guarantees” are given and then ignored is shown by
“Nurse Mann’s Remedy,” advertised thus:

  Free to Ladies.

  A Sample of the Most Reliable Remedy ever discovered for
  irregularities and suppressions can be had, post free. Thousands
  of letters of thanks testifying to their speedy efficacy after all
  other things have been tried in vain. Each purchaser sends back
  testimonials, as they afford relief in every instance. Or write for
  our Extra Special Treatment at 4s. 6d., which we guarantee to cure
  every case from any cause whatever (genuine). Guaranteed effective in
  a few hours. Impossible to fail. Delay is dangerous. Send at once.

Apparently this emphatic “guarantee” was intended to be forgotten as
soon as a first transaction had occurred, since, on sending for a 4s.
6d. box of “Extra Special,” a box of pills was sent accompanied by a
hectographed letter as follows:

    Dear Madam,

  If the pills should not prove strong enough to correct the
  irregularity I should strongly advise you to send at once for my
  special No. 3 treatment at 21s., which takes effect in a few hours
  and saves all further worry and expense.

  It is perfectly harmless.

    Yours faithfully,
    NURSE MANN.

With regard to the analyses which follow, it is to be noted that many
of these preparations are pills, which always contain some excipient,
or binding material, and this is often of the nature of a vegetable
extract or a mixture of sugar, gum, etc., such as cannot be resolved
exactly into its constituents when dealing with only small quantities.
Others, again, are mixtures containing decoction of aloes with other
vegetable drugs; many also contain quite small quantities of volatile
oils, usually oil of pennyroyal, but sometimes with other oils also
present. In all such cases it is only possible to give an approximate
formula; in many cases some other constituent besides those named
may be present in small quantity, but if this is so, in any case
it is practically certain that such unnamed constituents are of an
ill-defined and usually inert character, since definite _active_
substances can almost always be detected.


DUMAS’S PARIS PILLS.

These are sold at 4s. 6d. per box.

The box contained forty-six pills; these were coated with French
chalk, and after removal of the coating had an average weight of 2.9
grains. Examination showed the presence of sulphate of iron, aloes,
canella, liquorice, jalap, ginger, wheat-flour, and a trace of oil of
pennyroyal. Estimation of the amounts of these ingredients indicated
the following formula:

  Dried sulphate of iron  38 grains
  Powdered canella        22   „
  Powdered liquorice      22   „
  Powdered jalap          12   „
  Powdered ginger          6   „
  Barbadoes aloes         46   „
  Flour                   12   „
  Oil of pennyroyal        2 minims
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of ingredients for forty-six pills, ¹⁄₅d.


NURSE POWELL’S POPULAR PELLETS (SPECIAL).

These are sold at 4s. 6d. per box, containing forty-five tablets. The
tablets were coated with sugar, dyed externally to a bright purple;
the average weight after removing the coating was 2.8 grains. Analysis
showed the presence of sulphate of iron, aloes, canella, ginger, oil
of pennyroyal, with starch and kaolin. Estimation of the various
ingredients indicated the following formula:

  Dried sulphate of iron  40 grains
  Socotrine aloes         67   „
  Powdered canella        56   „
  Powdered ginger          8   „
  Oil of pennyroyal       12 minims
  Maize starch            16 grains
  Kaolin                  50   „
  Excipient
  In 100 tablets.

Estimated cost of ingredients for forty-five tablets, ¹⁄₂d.


NURSE POWELL’S CORRECTIVE PILLS.

These are sold at 11s. per box, containing forty-two pills.

The pills were greyish-black, and proved to be coated with French chalk
and graphite; after removal of the coating the average weight was 4.6
grains. Analysis showed the presence of sulphate of iron, aloes, oil of
pennyroyal, jalap, starch, and powdered liquorice; another vegetable
substance was present, which agreed in its histological characters with
powdered olive stones, a material largely employed in adulterating
the cheaper grades of powdered liquorice. Estimation of the various
ingredients indicated the following formula:

  Dried sulphate of iron            100 grains
  Socotrine aloes                   140   „
  Powdered jalap                     14   „
  Powdered liquorice (adulterated)   80   „
  Oil of pennyroyal                  10 minims
  Starch                             10 grains
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of ingredients for forty-two pills, ¹⁄₃d.


NURSE POWELL’S CORRECTIVE MIXTURE.

The price of this is 13s. per bottle, containing eight fluid ounces.

Examination of the liquid showed it to be of the nature of compound
decoction of aloes, without saffron, with a trace of chloroform; it
was, however, much darker than the official decoction of corresponding
strength; no additional drug, however, could be detected, and by adding
burnt sugar to the decoction made without saffron a very similar liquid
was obtained. Only 4.7 per cent. (by volume) of alcohol was present,
instead of the 18 per cent. of the official decoction.

Estimated cost of ingredients of eight fluid ounces, 3d.


IRRISTUM.

The “extra strong” preparation was obtained for analysis. The 10s.
bottle of medicine contained six and three-quarters ounces.

Analysis showed it to be an acid syrup of phosphate of iron with
quinine; it also contained 5 per cent. by volume of alcohol, which may
have been added in the form of a colouring tincture; the colouring
matter appeared to be cudbear. Determination of the quantities of the
various ingredients gave the following formula:

  Quinine sulphate          9    grains
  Ferrous phosphate        10        „
  Dilute phosphoric acid    6    fl. drachms
  Sugar                     3    oz.
  Rectified spirit        220    minims.
  Cudbear
  Water to                  6.75 fl. oz.

Estimated cost of ingredients, 2d.


MRS. LYDIA E. PINKHAM’S VEGETABLE COMPOUND.

The price of this is 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. per bottle; the package is
marked, “Made in U.S.A.” A bottle was found to contain nearly seven
fluid ounces.

Analysis showed it to contain 19.3 per cent. by volume of alcohol, and
only 0.6 per cent of solid substances; the ash was 0.06 per cent.,
and consisted of the constituents usual in vegetable preparations;
traces of tannin and ammonia were present, and a small quantity of a
reducing sugar; no alkaloid was present, and no evidence was obtained
of any active principle except a trace of a bitter substance soluble in
ether; the remainder (0.3 or 0.4 per cent.) was vegetable extractive,
possessing no distinctive characters.


NURSE GREY’S AMERICAN COMPOUND TABLETS.

These “tablets,” or more properly ovoid pills, are supplied at 1s. 3d.
and 2s. 9d. per box. A 1s. 3d. box contained twenty-six ovoid pills.

The pills were thinly coated with gelatine coloured black, and had an
average weight of 2.5 grains. Analysis showed the principal constituent
to be ferrous carbonate, of which they contained 20 per cent. (like
the official form of Blaud pill); talc was present to the extent of 19
per cent., with glucose and starch; all the constituents besides the
carbonate of iron appeared to be of the nature of excipient, and no
other medicinal substance could be detected.

The wholesale price of 5-grain Blaud pills coated is about 3d. per
gross.


NURSE MANN’S REMEDY.

The price of this is 4s. 6d. per box for the “Extra Special”; this
contained 48 pills.

The pills were coated with talc; after removal of the coating they
had an average weight of 3.2 grains. Analysis showed them to contain
sulphate of iron, Barbadoes aloes, soap, powdered ginger, cardamom,
and cinnamon. The amount of iron in this case corresponded to 88 per
cent. of the official aloes and iron pill; there was some ground
for suspecting traces of oil of rue and apiol, but without positive
evidence of either.


TOWLE’S PENNYROYAL AND STEEL PILLS.

The price of these is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box, and upwards; a 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box
was found to contain 26 pills.

The pills were coated with French chalk and sugar; after removal of
the coating the average weight was slightly over 2 grains. Enough
oil of pennyroyal was present to give a not very marked odour of the
drug, and estimation of the quantity showed about 0.02 grain in each
pill; iron sulphate was present, in amount corresponding to 6.7 per
cent. of the official exsiccated salt. About 43 per cent. of the pill
consisted of powdered capsicum, and no other active ingredient was
found, the remainder being excipient and moisture. The formula is thus,
approximately:

  Dried sulphate of iron  14 grains
  Powdered capsicum       86   „
  Oil of pennyroyal        3 minims
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of the drugs, for twenty-six pills, ¹⁄₈d.


DR. JOHN HOOPER’S FEMALE PILLS.

These pills are stated to be prepared under letters patent granted to
Dr. John Hooper in 1743.

Examination of the letters patent granted in 1743 showed that a patent
for pills was taken out in that year by a Dr. John Hooper; in those
days, however, so-called “specifications” appear to have been accepted
which specified practically nothing, and no hint is given as to the
composition of the pills, except that they are composed of “the best
purging stomatick and antihysterical ingredients.” The results of
examination of the pills showed them to have an average weight of 1.2
grains, and to contain sulphate of iron (equivalent to 8.4 per cent.
of the exsiccated salt), aloes, powdered senna, jalap, and canella
bark, with a trace of oil of pennyroyal. A similar pill is given by the
following formula:

  Dried sulphate of iron  10 grains
  Powdered senna          48   „
  Powdered canella        27   „
  Powdered jalap          17   „
  Aloes                   13   „
  Oil of pennyroyal        2 drops
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of the drugs, for forty-one pills, ¹⁄₅d.


KEARSLEY’S ORIGINAL WIDOW WELCH’S FEMALE PILLS.

The price of these is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box containing twenty pills.

The pills had an average weight of 3.8 grains, and were found to
contain sulphate of iron (equal to 29 per cent. of the exsiccated
salt), sulphur (2.7 per cent.), with powdered liquorice, powdered
turmeric, maize starch, and excipient. The vegetable powders were
estimated to be present in the amounts given in the following formula:

  Dried sulphate of iron  120 grains
  Precipitated sulphur     12   „
  Powdered liquorice       65   „
  Powdered turmeric        34   „
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of drugs, for twenty pills, ¹⁄₂₀d.


DR. DAVIS’S FAMOUS FEMALE PILLS.

The price of these pills is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box, containing twenty-three.

The pills were found to be coated with French chalk; after removal
of the coating the average weight was 2.7 grains. Examination showed
the presence of sulphate of iron (equal to 16 per cent. of exsiccated
salt), powdered savin (about 57 per cent.), and a bitter substance; it
was not possible to determine whether a bitter extract, such as extract
of gentian, had been used as excipient, or whether a small quantity
of extract of colocynth was contained in the pill. If the latter, the
formula is approximately

  Dried sulphate of iron   46  grains
  Powdered savin          154    „
  Extract of colocynth      3    „
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of drugs, in twenty-three pills, ¹⁄₆d.


DR. DAVIS’S FAMOUS FEMALE MIXTURE.

The price of this is 2s. 9d. per bottle, containing two fluid ounces.

The principal ingredient found was oil of pennyroyal, of which about
0.8 per cent. was present, with 9 per cent. of alcohol (by volume),
and about 4 per cent. of glycerine. The mixture also contained 0.8 per
cent. of undissolved substance; this contained a trace of magnesia
(no doubt employed in mixing in the oil of pennyroyal); the insoluble
and dissolved substances gave evidence of the presence of extract of
gossypium, but as this contains no definite active principle, and
there is no standard method for preparing it, the quantity could not
be determined. The whole of the drug extractive present did not appear
to be derived from gossypium, but the other ingredient could not be
identified with any ordinary drug, after comparison with a considerable
number. A trace of some alkaloidal substance (under 0.01 per cent.) was
also present.


JEFFERSON DODD’S CORRECTIVE.

This mixture is sold at 2s. 9d. per bottle, containing 4 fluid ounces.

Analysis showed the presence of the constituents of decoction of
aloes, except saffron, together with a small quantity of chloroform;
the alcohol, however, only amounted to 5.3 per cent. (by volume). A
“concentrated decoction of aloes, without saffron,” is largely sold as
a cheaper substitute for the official preparation; the latter, however,
whether with or without the saffron, cannot properly be prepared of the
concentration commonly employed (1 = 4) on account of the amount of
tincture of cardamoms, and the alcohol is therefore diminished in the
concentrated preparation, and may consequently vary in the preparations
of different makers. The following formula:

  Concentrated decoction of aloes without saffron (1 to 3), 1 part
  Chloroform water, 2 parts
  Water to 8 parts (all by measure),

gave a mixture agreeing in all respects, except the amount of alcohol
present, with the one under examination.

Estimated cost of ingredients of 4 ounces, ⁹⁄₁₀d.


JEFFERSON DODD’S FEMALE PILLS.

The price of these pills is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box, containing thirty-six.

The pills were found to be coated with French chalk, and after removal
of the coating had an average weight of 3.4 grains. Analysis showed
sulphate of iron to be present (equal to 8.9 per cent. of exsiccated
salt), with aloes and powdered liquorice, the remainder being excipient
and moisture. The following formula gave a similar pill:--

  Dried sulphate of iron   34 grains
  Powdered liquorice       72   „
  Barbadoes aloes         142   „
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of drugs for thirty-six pills, ¹⁄₆d.


MARTIN’S APIOL AND STEEL PILLS.

These are sold at 4s. 6d. per bottle, containing forty-nine pills.

The pills were coated with French chalk, coloured pink with eosin;
after removal of the coating the average weight was 3.8 grains. Iron
was found to be present in the metallic state to the extent of 2 per
cent.; powdered cinnamon, powdered cardamom, and aloes were also found,
and about 3 per cent. of apiol; estimation of the amounts of the drugs
and comparison with pill-masses prepared for the purpose indicated the
following formula:

  Reduced iron        10 grains
  Barbadoes aloes    150   „
  Apiol               12   „
  Powdered cinnamon   75   „
  Powdered cardamom   55   „
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of ingredients, for forty-nine pills, ³⁄₄d.


FOURNIER’S HYGENIQUE MIXTURE FOR FEMALES (EXTRA STRONG).

The price of this is 11s. 0d. per bottle holding twenty fluid ounces.

Examination showed the mixture to consist of compound decoction of
aloes, with the addition of a very small quantity of iron; the amount
of the latter corresponded to 0.45 per cent. of the crystalline
ferrous sulphate, or two grains in a dose. A further difference
between this mixture and the official decoction of aloes was that this
only contained 3.9 per cent. of alcohol, against 18 per cent. in the
preparation of the _British Pharmacopœia_.

Estimated cost of ingredients for twenty fluid ounces, 1s. 1d.


MONAID TABLETS.

The price of these is 2s. 9d. per box containing fifty-nine tablets.

The tablets are described as “chocolate coated”; in reality they were
coated with sugar coloured to a chocolate-brown with iron oxide. After
removal of the coating, the average weight of one was 2.2 grains. They
contained neither iron, aloes, pennyroyal, or any powdered vegetable
drug, and no alkaloid. Oleo-resin of capsicum was present to a rather
considerable extent, and almost the whole of the remaining material
of the tablets consisted of a substance agreeing in all respects
with caulophyllin; the two were compared by various tests, but as
there are no definite reactions for caulophyllin, and it possesses
no characteristic smell, taste, etc., it cannot be quite positively
asserted that this was the substance present. Enough oil of caraway
was present to give a slight odour, and small quantities of flour and
kaolin; there was some indication of another substance, but nothing
further could be identified.


SANOL CONES.

Two varieties of these were examined, viz.:

SANOL CONES (ORDINARY). Price 4s. 6d. per box, containing sixteen
cones. These “cones” were small suppositories rounded at one end and
tapering towards the other; they were of an average weight of 13.2
grains. They contained sulphate of iron corresponding to 1.5 per cent.
of the exsiccated salt, quinine corresponding to 6.6 per cent. of
the ordinary sulphate, and about 2 per cent. of a vegetable powder,
which proved to be gentian root; the remainder consisted of oil of
theobroma. The formula is thus:--

  Dried sulphate of iron     22 grains
  Sulphate of quinine        87   „
  Powdered gentian           26   „
  Oil of theobroma        1,200   „
  In 100 cones.

Estimated cost of ingredients of sixteen cones, under 1¹⁄₂d.

SANOL CONES (SPECIAL). Price 11s. per box, containing thirty-six cones.
These were similar in size and shape to the preceding, but differed
in being of a green colour. Analysis showed the presence of quinine
sulphate, 5.5 per cent., and powdered gentian about 4 per cent.; the
base was oil of theobroma. No other medicament could be detected; the
green colouring matter was small in quantity and dissolved in fat,
a similar product being obtained by colouring oil of theobroma with
commercial chlorophyll. The formula is thus:

  Sulphate of quinine                 72 grains
  Powdered gentian                    52   „
  Oil of theobroma (tinted green)  1,200   „
  In 100 cones.

Estimated cost of ingredients in thirty-six cones, 3d.


I.R.S. COMPOUND GOLDEN TABLETS.

The price of these is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box, containing twenty-four.

The “tablets” were ovoid pills coated with French chalk, “gilded” on
the surface; the “gilding” showed the composition of so-called gold
paint, containing copper but no gold. After removal of the coating
the average weight of the pills was 2 grains; analysis showed them to
contain sulphate of iron equivalent to 48 per cent. of the exsiccated
salt, and sodium carbonate, producing ferrous carbonate on addition
of water; the other ingredients were starch, gum, and moisture. The
amounts of ferrous sulphate and sodium carbonate were not properly
adjusted for converting the whole of the former to ferrous carbonate,
but the composition was variable. One specimen showed 48 per cent. of
dried ferrous sulphate, one-fourth of which was converted to ferrous
carbonate on treatment with water; another gave only 37 per cent. of
dried ferrous sulphate, two fifths of which formed ferrous carbonate.
The formula is thus approximately:

  Dried sulphate of iron  86 grains
  Dried sodium carbonate  25 grains
  Excipient
  In 100 pills.

Estimated cost of ingredients of twenty-four pills, ¹⁄₁₅d.


MRS. SHAFFER-BENNYON’S REMEDY.

This is supplied at 4s. 8d. per box, containing fourteen suppositories
for rectal use.

On the wrapper of the box it was stated that:

  These cones are composed of Theobroma, Cerum, Fer Lac. Sol. Quinæ,
  Sulph, Ol, Rutae, Crab, Etc.

  (the stops being as here given).

The fourteen suppositories had an average weight of 14.2 grains each.
Analysis showed them to contain

  Quinine sulphate  5.1  per cent.
  Boric acid        4.9     „
  Oil of theobroma  2.75 fl. oz.

They had a slight green tint, and a faint odour which may have
been due to a trace of oil of rue. No iron was present (Fer Lac.
being presumably some form of iron), and no “crab” was found. Each
suppository thus contains quinine sulphate 0.73 grain, boric acid 0.70
grain. The estimated cost of the materials for fourteen suppositories
is 1d.


MRS. STAFFORD-BROOKES’ PELLOIDS.

These are supplied at 4s. 6d. per box, containing sixteen pessaries.

The resemblances between this preparation and the former one are far
too numerous to be accidental. The name of the proprietor, the nature
of the claims made, the wording of the advertisements, the general
appearance of the package supplied, and the style and wording of all
the circulars, are very similar in the two cases. The chief difference
is that the cones are placed in the rectum in the one case and in the
vagina in the other, but it can make no practical difference where the
ones about to be described are placed.

On the package appears the statement:

  These Pelloids are Guaranteed Harmless, and contain Sulph. Quinae.,
  Ol. Theobroma, Rad. Anchusae, Myrrh, A. Bor, etc., etc.

The “Pelloids” consisted of suppositories, or pessaries, of an average
weight of 14.2 grains, coloured pink with a preparation of alkanet
(Rad. Anchusae); analysis showed them to contain 2.3 per cent. of
boric acid, with oil of theobroma, and a minute trace of quinine, not
sufficient to give the slightest perceptible bitter taste; no myrrh or
any other ingredient could be detected.

Each “Pelloid” thus contains: Boric acid, 0.37 grain.

The estimated cost of the materials for the sixteen pessaries is 1d.


NURSE HAMMOND’S IMPROVED REMEDIES.

These are supplied in three forms, known as “Treatment No. 1,” price
5s. 6d.; “Treatment No. 2,” price 10s. 6d.; and “Treatment No. 3,”
price 21s.

“Treatment No. 2” was selected; this consisted of an 8-oz. bottle of
liquid, 16 tablets, and 16 pills.

_The Mixture._--The bottle contained 8 fluid ozs. Analysis showed the
liquid to contain 2.8 per cent. by volume of alcohol, between 2 and
3 per cent. of glycerine, and a very little extractive; the latter
possessed no characters by which it could be identified, but its vinous
smell and taste, slight acidity, and alkaline ash, and the presence
of a reducing sugar in moderate amount, all suggested the presence
of a small quantity of wine. No active principle of any sort could
be detected beyond a minute trace of an alkaloid, and there was no
evidence of any other medicinal substance.

_The Pills._--Sixteen pills were sent. They were coated with talc,
and after removal of the coating had an average weight of 2.9 grains.
Analysis showed the principal ingredient to be ferrous carbonate,
which formed 17 per cent. of the pill; other ingredients were soap (1
per cent.), powdered liquorice root, wheat starch, sodium sulphate
(formed in the production of the ferrous carbonate), and excipients.
No alkaloid or other active principle was found. The pills were thus a
form of Blaud’s pill, somewhat weaker than the official iron pill.

_The Tablets._--Sixteen tablets were sent. They were coated with a
mixture of talc, carbonate of magnesia, sugar and starch, and coloured
pink externally. After removal of the coating they had an average
weight of 4.1 grains. Analysis showed the presence of aloin, powdered
tansy herb, powdered liquorice in considerable quantity, and talc. No
alkaloid was present, and no other constituent was detected.


GAUTIEUR’S FEMALE PILLS.

The price of these is 7¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 3d. per box; a 7¹⁄₂d. box
contained twelve pills.

The pills were ovoid in shape, coated with talc coloured pink; after
removal of the coating they had an average weight of 3.8 grains.
Analysis showed the presence of a very small quantity of an aromatic
essential oil, which appeared to consist of oils of pennyroyal and rue,
and possibly tansy; the quantity was far too small for its components
to be separated and identified positively. A small quantity of apiol
appeared to be present, but this substance possesses no characters by
which it can be positively identified in such a mixture; the principal
constituents were exsiccated sulphate of iron--forming 10 per cent. of
the pill--and soap--present to the extent of 11 per cent., and probably
added to assist in incorporating the apiol and essential oils; powdered
liquorice was present to the extent of about 30 per cent., and a little
powdered ginger; traces of other vegetable tissue were to be seen, but
in such small quantity that it was probably only accidental; a bitter
substance was present in small quantity, which was apparently (but not
quite certainly) Socotrine aloes.


DR. PATTERSON’S FEMALE PILLS.

These are supplied in boxes at 2s. 9d.; “special extra strong,” 4s. 6d.
A 2s. 9d. box contained twenty-seven pills.

The pills were coated with talc, and coloured pink. After removal of
the coating, they had an average weight of 3.2 grains. Analysis showed
them to contain sulphate of iron, Barbadoes aloes, soap, powdered
ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. All these ingredients except the
soap occur in the official aloes and iron pill; the amount of iron
found corresponded to about 70 per cent. of the latter mass in the
pills under examination. A slight aroma other than that from the
constituents named may have been due to a trace of oil of rue, and a
small quantity of apiol may have been present, but no positive evidence
of its presence was obtained.


HORTON’S BENEDICT PILLS.

The price of these is 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. per box. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box
contained forty-nine pills.

The pills had an average weight of 4 grains; analysis showed them
to contain sulphate of iron, Socotrine aloes, powdered ginger in
considerable quantity, and a small amount of another vegetable powder
which appeared to be gentian. The amount of iron corresponded to 10 per
cent. of the exsiccated sulphate.


BLANCHARD’S APIOL AND STEEL PILLS.

Blanchard’s Pills are supplied at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. per box, containing
twenty-four.

The pills were coated with talc, and after removal of the coating
had an average weight of 1.9 grains. Analysis showed the presence of
sulphate of iron, soap, Barbadoes aloes, powdered ginger, cardamom, and
cinnamon; evidence was also obtained of the presence of a little apiol,
but the characters of this substance are not sufficiently well defined
for the amount to be determined quantitatively. The soap was 3 per
cent. of the pill, and was no doubt added to assist in incorporating
the apiol; the other ingredients represent the official aloes and iron
pill, present to the extent of about 80 per cent.


NURSE LILLY’S FEMALE PILLS.

These pills are supplied at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. per box; a 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. box contained thirty-three pills.

The pills were coated with talc, and after removal of the coating
had an average weight of 1.9 grains. Analysis showed the presence of
sulphate of iron (12 per cent. of the exsiccated salt), Socotrine
aloes, cinchonine sulphate (3.3 per cent.), powdered capsicum (about 30
per cent.), and a little powdered ginger and oil of pennyroyal; a small
quantity of a powdered beetle was also present, probably due to the
capsicum having been beetle-infested (so-called “worm-eaten”).


BLAK THYROL FEMALE PILLS.

These pills are supplied at the following prices: No. 2, 2s. 6d.; No.
3x (strong), 3s. 6d.; No. 4 (extra), 5s.; No. 5x (special), 7s. 6d. per
box. The variety analysed was No. 3x, a 3s. 6d. box of which contained
48 pills.

The pills are advertised in the following terms:

  Blak Thyrol is a moon plant originally discovered in South Virginia,
  and its compound was found to have the most specific control over
  all the Blood Vessels of the body. By building up the system to
  its utmost capacity, it cannot fail to remove all obstructions and
  irregularities, which chiefly lie between the Fallopian Tubes, Broad
  Ligaments, and the Overies (_sic_)--these organs always needing
  assistance and are entirely under the influence of the moon. Blak
  Thyrol being a moon plant, is in complete sympathy with all the
  affected organs, and puts them in an excellent condition to do their
  work, provided they are taken exactly as directed. Send for a box at
  once; time is precious.

The pills were coated with talc, coloured black. After removal of
the coating they had an average weight of 5.1 grains. They contained
sufficient oil of pennyroyal to give them a fairly strong odour of the
drug. Analysis showed them to contain reduced iron, arsenic in small
quantity, a trace of alkaloid, powdered ginger, a little powdered
liquorice, and another vegetable powder. The reduced iron amounted to
14 per cent. of the pill, or 0.7 grain in each; the arsenic, calculated
as arsenious acid, was 0.06 per cent., or about ¹⁄₃₀₀ grain in each;
this proportion of arsenic might be present as an impurity in a bad
sample of reduced iron. The trace of alkaloid which was present was
neither strychnine nor a solanaceous alkaloid, showing the absence of
extracts of nux vomica, belladonna, and henbane, and it was probably
derived from the unnamed vegetable powder. The microscopical characters
of the latter did not agree with those of any drug usually employed
as an emmenagogue or a purgative, and after careful comparisons it
could not be identified; presumably it is the “moon plant originally
discovered in South Virginia.” No aloes, soap, or powdered colocynth
was present. The extractive and resinous matter present possessed no
distinctive characters, and probably represented only the constituents
of the powdered drugs dissolved by the solvents employed in the
analysis, together with the excipient used for making up the pill.


A MEDICINE FOR ENSURING EASY CONFINEMENTS.

The remaining nostrum here described is for a different purpose from
the preceding, as the extracts from advertisements given below show.


MATROZONE.

This is a preparation supplied by a firm in a northern seaport at 5s.
6d. per package containing two bottles marked A and B, each holding one
fluid ounce.

The purpose for which it is intended is indicated by the statement on
the first page of the booklet which is sent with it:--

  Matrozone Promotes Natural, Rapid, and Easy Confinement. Ensures
  Healthy, Beautiful, and Bright Children

The booklet proceeds to give an account of the origin of the medicine.
In a copy of the pamphlet sent out in 1908 it is stated that:--

  This treatment is the result of the patient investigation of a
  Minister of Religion.... When a young man pursuing his studies with
  a view to qualifying for the Medical Profession he was profoundly
  impressed by the death of a young wife, closely associated with his
  family, in her first confinement.

  Realising vividly both the pain and peril involved in child-bearing
  he turned to see if any possible help could be given to the mother by
  appropriate drugs--if her system could be gently and scientifically
  prepared for the great strain to be brought upon it. While turning
  from the medical profession to enter the Christian Ministry, he did
  not for a moment relinquish his scientific and medical studies, or
  abandon his quest.

  Through one pastorate extending over thirty-three years, he kept his
  purpose in view.

But in a copy of the booklet sent out in 1911 the statement appears
thus--

  Matrozone (pronounced “Maytrozone”) is the result of the prolonged
  and patient investigation of a Scientist. When a young man, pursuing
  his studies with a view to qualifying for the Medical Profession,
  he was profoundly impressed by the death of a young wife, closely
  associated with his family, in her first confinement, etc.

And the references to his “turning from the medical profession,” and
to the pastorate of thirty-three years are omitted. In the following
extracts there is no difference of importance between the two
pamphlets:--

  Drug after drug was examined, studied, and carefully experimented
  with, until several gave proof, when accurately and proportionately
  combined, of their power to render incalculable help in every case
  experimented upon.

  His first impulse was to make widely public the result of his
  observations and experiments, but riper consideration showed him that
  this was quite impracticable. Such a publicity could not possibly be
  obtained. The great majority of the people would certainly never hear
  of it.

  Then the preparations were most delicate. They had to be made not
  only with skill, but with extreme conscientiousness, and they had
  to be administered in a carefully ascertained order. Only trained
  pharmacists could prepare them, and without oversight or check, they
  might be prepared carelessly, and so rendered abortive....

  The first great function of “Matrozone” in its two forms is to
  facilitate parturition; or, in other words, to ensure natural,
  speedy, and easy childbirth.... In all the cases in which it has
  already been tried, and of which notes have been carefully kept, it
  has proved itself of inestimable service. In many cases the child
  has been healthily born Before the Doctor Has Arrived, the mother
  has made a quick and spontaneous recovery, and the babe has proved
  sound, bright, and thriving.... It powerfully but naturally regulates
  the health of the mother during the later months of gestation. It
  corrects the tendency to hysteria, and to hysteric headaches. It has
  a specific and remarkable power to obviate false presentations.... A
  second great function of “Matrozone” is to induce vigour, buoyancy,
  physical beauty, and intellectual brightness in the child. This is
  one of its most remarkable and beneficent achievements....

  Length of Treatment.

  To obtain its best effects in the hour of labour it should be used
  daily for at least a month before the accouchement is expected.
  It would be much safer, however, to commence its use six weeks
  before, especially where difficulties are anticipated, and in first
  confinements.

  Dose.

  “Matrozone” may be better described as an elegant and scientific
  treatment than as a single preparation. Its ingredients are so
  subtle, and have such a distinct and delicate action, that it is
  prepared in two forms--A and B. Ten drops of the preparation A should
  be taken in a little tepid water every morning, half an hour before
  breakfast, and ten drops of the preparation B should be taken in a
  little tepid water every evening half-an-hour before food.

Analysis of the liquid in the bottle marked A showed it to contain 68.9
per cent. (by volume) of alcohol, and water. The total solid matter
was too small in amount to be weighed (unless by working on a large
amount of the liquid), and might easily be accounted for by tap water
having been used to dilute the alcohol. No trace of alkaloid was shown
by the most delicate test. The residue showed a minute trace of organic
matter, but it was, of course, impossible to say whether this was due
to an infinitesimal quantity of some plant extract, etc., or to dust
and other chance contamination of the liquid.

The liquid in the bottle marked B contained only 60.3 per cent. by
volume of alcohol, but in other respects resembled that in the other
bottle.

The cost of the alcohol in the two bottles together would be about
3¹⁄₂d.


A GERMAN NOSTRUM.

Dr Zernik states that:--

  _Dr. med. R. Kleinertz’s Quidestin_ is advertised in a most catchy
  manner. The advertisement includes the following passages: “What is
  it? It is a comfort to those about to become mothers.” The directions
  for use are as follows: A tablespoonful of the extract is to be
  placed in a thick walled small cup or other similar vessel, and this
  is placed in a pail. The fluid is then lighted, and the patient is
  to allow the fumes to play around her abdomen and legs, until they
  are thoroughly warmed. This is to be repeated twice a day for the
  last six weeks of pregnancy. The composition is given as blackthorn,
  camomile, eucalyptus, hoarhound, shepherd’s pouch, and cheese rennet
  extracted in alcohol. The analysis showed that quidestin is a weak
  extract of various indifferent vegetables, including eucalyptus and
  camomile in 90 per cent. spirit. Apart from the impossibility of the
  fumes being of therapeutic value, Zernik points out the highness of
  the price, 5s. per litre bottle, sufficient for three weeks.




CHAPTER XIV.

WALLACE’S SPECIFIC REMEDIES--“AN ABSOLUTE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE.”


  A study of the advertising matter, pamphlets, “treatises,” etc.,
  published by the makers of proprietary medicines, even if not
  supplemented by analytical investigation of the medicines themselves,
  might well induce the belief that human gullibility is unlimited. So
  many of such publications reveal at once to an intelligent reader
  the ignorance, and often also the knavishness, of the persons making
  the statements contained in them that it seems almost incredible
  that moderately educated people can be duped by them; but it seems
  quite clear that they are so duped. Probably most people, by a few
  judicious inquiries among their friends, will come across cases of
  individuals of fair education and acumen in other matters accepting
  unquestioningly quite absurd statements widely advertised about
  some nostrum, or the diseases which it is asserted to cure. The
  particulars given in this chapter of a set of so-called “specifics
  for the eradication of all organic and functional diseases incidental
  to the present generation during infant and adult life” well
  illustrate the power of nonsense to get itself believed and accepted.
  These medicines appear to be put forward by two persons of the
  name of Wallace, one of whom professes to be their “discoverer,”
  and the discoverer of the “Origin and Unity of Disease in Man and
  Animals.” Such statements as that the white corpuscles of the
  blood are yeast cells, and that phlegm consists simply of masses
  of them, or that acetic acid is an absolute poison, surely cannot
  impress many readers with respect for the knowledge of the author;
  while the grouping together as diseases for which one and the
  same preparation--an aconite tincture containing no alkaloid--is
  an “absolute specific,” of dropsy, insanity, consumption, mumps,
  vermin under the skin, pleurisy, and many others, shows a degree of
  ignorance that a cheap-jack pill-vendor in a country market-place
  might hesitate to display. The results of analysis complete the
  exposure of the worthlessness of the statements made; thus, it is
  professed that all alkaloidal substances are absent from all the
  preparations, but three out of the six tested were found to contain
  one or more of the alkaloids caffeine, hydrastine, and berberine,
  while one of those not examined is stated by the “discoverer”
  himself to be tincture of hydrastis, which, of course, contains the
  two alkaloids last named. Another of the preparations, which is a
  tincture of the same drug, is put forward as an “absolute specific”
  for cancer of all kinds, for syphilis, and all venereal diseases, and
  a host of other disorders. Two others were found to be tinctures of
  coffee, one was a tincture of nutmegs, and another showed no active
  constituent of any character by which it could be recognized as a
  medicinal substance. Possibly if these facts come to the knowledge of
  some of the adherents of this “absolute system of medicine” they may
  be more inclined to give it the slightly altered name of “an absolute
  system of quackery.”

The modest claim advanced for “Wallace’s Twelve Specific Remedies,”
which form the subject of the present chapter, is that:

  These Specifics are for the Eradication of all Organic and Functional
  Diseases incidental to the present generation during infant and adult
  life,

and the prescribing of the “specifics” is regarded as a complete system
of medicine. These preparations are supplied from the offices of _The
Herald of Health_, London; their authors appear to be Mr. Joseph
Wallace and Mrs. C. Leigh Hunt Wallace. The medicines are supplied
at the uniform price of 2s. 9d. per bottle, containing one fluid
ounce, but it appears that the proprietors do not confine themselves
to merely selling these preparations. In a list of “Terms for Medical
and Hygienic Consultation with Mrs. C. Leigh Hunt Wallace (The Wallace
Specifics only prescribed)” fees are named ranging from half a guinea
as “reduced terms for domestic, railway, and other servants,” to two
guineas for ordinary “consultation by appointment”; and from the same
list it appears that Mr. Wallace’s terms are three guineas for a
consultation and five guineas for “visits to patients’ own residences,
within three miles of Russell Square.” It is not necessary to express
any opinion as to whether the “system” is one of deliberate and
conscious fraud and imposture, or whether the persons concerned are
protected by the completeness of their ignorance from full realisation
of the true nature of their practices. The extracts given below from
their publications are sufficient evidence of that ignorance.

The principal account of the “system” is given in a book of about 170
pages, entitled “_Physianthropy, or, The Home Cure and Eradication of
Disease_. By Joseph Wallace (Lex et Lux) and C. Leigh Hunt Wallace,”
which is sold at 6d. and 1s. The date of the eighth edition of this,
now being sold, appears to be 1901 or 1902; this is supplemented by a
pamphlet dealing only with the specifics, dated 1906, and described as

  SECOND EDITION. By which “Physianthropy” may be corrected and revised
  up-to-date.

The book is divided into several parts, all characterised by a display
of great ignorance and great assurance; the part with which we are now
concerned is entitled,

  AN ABSOLUTE SCIENCE OF MEDICINE, IN OPPOSITION TO STATE-PROTECTED
  EXPERIMENTAL QUACKERY,

its claim to being “absolute” apparently depending on its being
unrelated to facts, at least in any such way as the sort of science
which is stigmatised as “experimental.” In the introduction to this
part an account is given of how Mrs. Wallace first became acquainted
with these remedies from their “discoverer,” Mr. Wallace; but it is not
stated whether he discovered them in a dream, or in some other manner
equally free from the charge of being experimental. But we are told that

  This invaluable system he has only divulged to clergymen and doctors,
  who each gladly paid him a hundred guineas, and bound themselves,
  legally, not to reveal the names or the method of preparation of his
  medicines, till after he had published his complete medical work,
  which would give to the world the free and full benefits of his
  discoveries.

Certain possible criticism is thus dealt with in advance:--

  It is evident that those who say this book is written for the
  purpose of advertising the sale of _quack_ medicines utter a false
  and slanderous assertion upon one whose desires and works are ever
  devoted to the best interests of humanity.

The “Specifics” are thus referred to collectively:

  The Medicines, here introduced to the public for home use and private
  purchase for the first time, consist of

  Twelve Absolute Specifics.

  _They are scientifically curative of the various diseases and
  conditions of the body, which are here carefully enumerated, as
  indicating their requirement._

  _At present these Medicines are merely distinguished by numbers, as
  “No. I.,” “No. II.,” “No. III.,” etc._

  _It must be explained that they are prepared in an alcohol denuded
  of fusel oil, and are treble the concentration of those of a
  similar kind prepared by the usual homœopathic or allopathic mode,
  but, as explained elsewhere, the whole of what may be called the
  accumulative, alkaloidal, or poisonous principles of the plants have
  been removed, and thus their curative powers, when combined with a
  truly curative regimen, are enhanced in a marvellous degree._

  _Although it may be considered almost hopeless to expect any of these
  Specifics to be improved upon, or superseded, yet should others be
  subsequently discovered which are more prompt in palliative action
  under any conditions, non-cumulative in the human system, and
  permanently curative, they will be described in a future edition of
  this work._

A footnote states that this was written in 1883; since only twelve
specifics are still described, it appears that the faint hope suggested
of anything else being discovered worthy to rank with them has not been
fulfilled in the twenty-nine years that have since elapsed, in spite
of the many advances and new discoveries in that time in mere ordinary
“experimental” medicine; but progress is, of course, incompatible with
“an absolute system” of anything.

No. I.--This is stated to be made from _Aconitum napellus_, but to be
non-poisonous. It is stated in the preface that:

  This was the subject, in 1891, of a prosecution, as Mr. Wallace
  desired to send it out without the label “POISON” being put upon the
  bottle containing it. But it is, _technically_, a poison, because
  it is prepared from the poisonous plant _Aconitum napellus_. Mr.
  Wallace has taken a patent out for his method of producing from
  it a non-poisonous tincture.... When the law was made that all
  preparations of that plant were to be labelled “Poison,” it was not
  contemplated that a non-poisonous preparation could be made. The law
  is behind the times, and needs repealing.

In regard to its mode of action, we are informed that:

  The chief action of “No. I.” is over the whole circulatory and
  nervous systems, controlling them when diseased, in a most marvellous
  manner, without causing any unnatural suppression of the vitality. It
  has a wonderful power of paralysing the white, or yeast corpuscles
  in the blood, and thus staying their power of reproduction, or
  growth, and multiplication; reducing the fermentative abnormal heat
  of the blood in a corresponding degree, thus relieving congested
  and inflammatory states, and so causing the skin pores to become
  more elastic, open, and free, as the capillaries get rid of their
  congestive blockings. The mucous membranes are also enabled to allow
  free exit to the phlegm, or yeasty excretions from the blood, which
  the microscope reveals to be one mass of white corpuscles. It is by
  virtue of this wonderful power of clearing out this effete matter
  that the normal circulation becomes rapidly established, and the
  yeasty impurities of the blood, or death force, which was locked up
  in the brain, or upper parts of the body, has to descend _outwards_,
  and _downwards_ (according to Nature’s law of cure), thus cooling the
  head, and, by balancing the circulation, warming the feet at the same
  time. “No. I.” also possesses the curative property of encouraging
  and assisting Nature in her expulsion of iron and other mineral
  drugs, hence its wonderful control over neuralgia and lung bleedings,
  which are drug (_iron_) created diseases, or conditions. Thus it
  is that all abnormal hæmorrhages, and discharges are specially
  benefited by it, diseased matter rapidly expelled, and healthy
  fluids conserved, while the healthy normal action of the organism is
  restored in the least possible time.

A pretty specimen of “absolute” nonsense!

The names of diseases for which this “non-poisonous tincture” of
aconite is to be taken, and the list of their symptoms, occupy several
pages. A few specimens will show the catholic nature of this “specific”:

  Dropsy. Insanity. Tubercular diseases. Consumption. Bronchitis.
  Asthma. Heart, stomach, and liver diseases. Inflammatory and
  painful diseases of the spleen, pancreas, womb, kidneys, bladder,
  and bowels. Mumps. Abscesses. Scrofula.... Hydrocephalus....
  Measles.... Small-pox. Fevers of all kinds.... Organic debility.
  Angina pectoris.... Diphtheria.... Whooping cough.... Bleeding of the
  nose, eyes, or ears.... Polypus of the nose, etc.... Vermin under
  the skin.... Poisoning by bad or putrid fish.... Erysipelas....
  Boils.... Piles. Hysteria. Tooth, jaw, and face-ache. Sciatica.
  Neuralgia. Lumbago.... Pleurisy.... Epilepsy.... Painful, prolonged,
  and difficult parturition.... Difficult, deficient, painful, or
  suppressed menstruation.... Leucorrhoea.... Squinting. Sunstroke....
  Sore throat. Cold in the head.... Bright’s disease. Diabetes....
  Cataract. Amaurosis. Short-sightedness.

Can anything be left for the other eleven specifics to do?

With regard to the non-poisonous nature of this tincture, it is
explained that:

  The plant from which “No. I.” is made is a poisonous one; but this
  tincture is not prepared from, and does not contain, that portion
  of the plant known to be poisonous and consequently cumulative in
  the human organism. The alkaloid of the plant has to be almost,
  if not wholly, eliminated by the peculiar mode of preparation and
  preservation in a non-poisonous alcohol, which has been previously
  deprived of its fusel oil and other poisonous properties. So much
  so is this the case, that this preparation of “No. I.” has been
  taken by mistake by several patients with delicate organisms, and
  by people who mistook it for brandy, _in quantities_ equal to _two
  large wineglassfuls or more at one time_, without the least permanent
  injurious after-effects, beyond being very much frightened by the
  peculiar electrical effects produced on the nervous system.

“Two large wineglassfuls” would be from 4 oz. to 10 oz. or more,
according to the meaning of “large.” The draught would therefore
cost from 11s. to 27s. or so, enough to make the patients “very much
frightened.”

The dose for adults is stated to be “20 drops to 40 drops, according to
temperament.”

It is somewhat surprising, in view of its non-poisonous nature, to read
that the antidote to overdoses of “No. I.” for adults is “No. III.”
in 30-drop doses. It is added that “the poisonous aconite sold at the
chemist’s needs port wine as an antidote.”

It did not appear to be worth while to analyse every one of the twelve
“specifics,” and “No. I.” was not examined.

No. II.--The action of this is described as follows:

  The great power of “No. II.” consists in antidoting, or neutralizing,
  the virulence of the corrosive action of the matter of bad,
  offensive, painful, burning or eating ulcers, whereby all pain
  is allayed and completely averted, when it can be applied as
  directed. Coming directly in contact with the excreted and excreting
  yeast corpuscles, it at once so neutralizes their ammoniacal and
  putrefactive surroundings, however degraded their source, that nature
  can immediately set up, and keep healthy, granulations of the part,
  until all offending matter which nature has to expel by that outlet,
  has oozed out, or been discharged, and thus if “No. II.” is taken
  at the beginning, it is able to avert skin scars where they would
  unavoidably be produced without it. Hence it is specially curative
  for all broken, open, raw, or ulcerated surfaces, either internally
  or externally.

  It has another wonderful power, as an extension of the above, in
  rooting out hereditary and acquired diseases from inoculation, and
  subsequent allopathic or other unscientific treatment. It will
  root out these old diseases, and mineral drugs, even when lodged
  in the bones, throwing to the surface the rotten bone with other
  offending matter; thus enabling nature to recuperate, and restore
  the lost parts. With seemingly latent, or internal abnormal growths,
  or growing ulcers, such as cancer and ovarian dropsy, when taken
  internally, “No. II.” not only stops their slow growth, but, by
  neutralizing the virulence of the corrosive or putrefactive ichor
  excreted from the degraded yeast or other germs in the affected
  parts, enables nature to disperse gradually and surely, as a foreign
  but inoffensive substance, the effete matter without injury to the
  vitality, and with but comparatively little general disturbance.

  In burns, scalds, and corrosions from cauteries, and corrosive
  minerals, and mineral acids, externally applied, it is all powerful
  in allaying the pain, preventing suppuration, and healing the part.

The list of diseases “_for which it is the absolute specific for all or
some of their phases_” includes such trifles as:

  Syphilis, and every form of venereal disease. Cancer in every form,
  whether situated in the stomach, womb, bowels, kidneys, liver,
  lungs, breast, brain, throat, tongue, mouth, nose, or any other part
  of the body. Ovarian dropsy. Whitlow. Fistula.... Diphtheria....
  Itching, soreness, or eruption of the reproductive organs, from
  whatever cause in male or female.... Deafness, with suppuration of
  the ears.... Necrosis, or rotting of bones. Hernia.... Varicose
  veins. Aneurisms.... Confluent small-pox. Itch. Psoriasis. Eczema....
  Tendency to miscarriage.... Diabetes.... Cystitis and Bright’s
  diseases in syphilitized persons. Effects of poisoning by corrosive
  minerals and mineral acids.

Under “administration” it is stated that:

  This specific can be taken in almost any quantity, without organic
  or functional disturbance being created, but when large doses are
  persisted in for a considerable length of time, its power and
  purpose, as already described, become _too_ evident, by the general
  disturbance created in the digestive organs, owing to the _extra_
  wave of pent-up latent matter being poured into the stomach, through
  the uprooting power of the medicine, creating for the time acidity,
  heartburn, and other fermentations in the stomach and bowels, but
  which symptoms cease if the medicine is discontinued or lessened in
  quantity for a few days.

The adult dose is given as “from _seven_ to _ten_ drops three times
daily”; it is also to be used externally as a lotion--“_twenty
drops_ to one half-pint of water (preferably hot),” and a medicated
oil--“_twenty_ to _fifty_ drops of the tincture to each fluid ounce of
pure Lucca oil.”

The statement already quoted, that “the whole of what may be called
the accumulative, alkaloidal, or poisonous principles of the plants
have been removed,” applies to this as to the others. Nevertheless,
analysis of “No. II.” showed the presence of the alkaloids berberine
and hydrastine, the proportions being

  Berberine    0.05 per cent.
  Hydrastine   0.11    „
  Alcohol     32.3  per cent. by volume
  Extractive   2.7     „
  Ash          0.3     „

The ash showed the usual composition of the ash of vegetable extracts.
The extractive agreed in its properties with the extractive of tincture
of hydrastis (which also contains hydrastine and berberine); this,
however, is usually made of about twice or four times (_U.S.P._) the
strength of “No. II” in regard to hydrastine. Careful search gave no
indication of any other ingredient.

Tincture of hydrastis, _B.P._, is not standardised, but an average
sample with an equal quantity of water would contain about the
same proportions of hydrastine and alcohol as the liquid under
consideration. This gives about 2¹⁄₂d. as the cost of the contents of a
2s. 9d. bottle.

No. III.--It would scarcely be of interest to quote what is said about
each of the “specifics” as freely as in the preceding cases, and a
few extracts will serve. No. III is introduced with much verbosity,
in which “the yeast animalculae, or white corpuscles,” again figure;
alcohol is referred to as “this singular product ... (which no chemist
that we are aware of has been able to _absolutely_ analyse)”; a
“Wallace improved distilling apparatus” is referred to, which separates
alcohol and oenanthic ether from

  their poisonous associates, acetic acid and fusel oil, which from
  their being absolutely poisonous, less volatile, and therefore
  cumulative, as this apparatus demonstrates, they form the chief
  factor in producing those evils commonly attributed to alcohol alone.

The diseases for which No. III is to be taken include

  Seasickness, biliousness, and bilious vomiting, morning vomiting of
  drunkards, morning sickness during pregnancy, asthmatic breathing
  from alcoholic indulgence.... Fatty degeneration of the heart. Acne.
  Diabetes. Diarrhoea.... Megrim. Short-sightedness.... Dipsomania....
  Delirium tremens.... Poisoning by deleterious chemical products and
  herbs.

Among the symptoms “_which indicate the requirement of_ No. III.” are:

  Excessive selfishness.... Kleptomania. Excessive meanness.... Intense
  pain, as if a nail were driven into the brain.... Parched tongue....
  Weak action of heart.... Rumbling in stomach and bowels, with
  sickening pain....

The dose for adults is stated to be _ten_ drops three times daily
in chronic cases, and in acute cases every five or ten minutes till
all painful or acute symptoms are dispelled; but in the more recent
pamphlet the dose is stated to be twenty drops in both kinds of cases.

Analysis showed it to contain

  Caffeine                  0.25 per cent.
  Cane sugar                1.7     „
  Glucose or invert sugar   0.6     „
  Ash                       0.52    „
  Alcohol                  47.25 per cent. by volume
  Extractive                3.12    „

The ash had the composition common to the ash of plant extracts; the
extractive showed the peculiar character of the extractive of coffee.
Unroasted coffee contains cane sugar, which is mostly changed to invert
sugar and caramel in roasted coffee; both contain caffeine. Tinctures
of raw and roasted coffee were prepared, and it was found that a
mixture of the two agreed almost perfectly with “No. III.” in its
characters and behaviour to tests; a tincture of a pale-roasted coffee
would have the same composition as the mixture of tinctures of raw and
roasted, and it is probable that that is what was actually employed.
The proportion of caffeine indicates about 1 part of coffee to produce
5 parts of the tincture. The cost of the contents of a 2s. 9d. bottle
would be about 1¹⁄₂d.

No. IV is stated to be a specific for warts, to be applied by touching
the parts affected several times daily. Very little is said about it,
and it was not analysed.

No. V and No. VI are stated to be worm specifics, No. V being for
small threadworms and long round worms, and No. VI for tapeworms. No.
V alone was examined. The dose is stated to be seven to ten drops in a
wineglass of water three times daily. Analysis showed it to contain:

  Alcohol          30.5 per cent. by volume
  Ash               0.2    „
  Reducing sugars   2.9    „
  Extractive        1.7    „

The tincture was slightly acid. No active principle of any sort
could be detected, and the extractive and ash showed no distinctive
characters by which the plant from which they are derived could be
identified. The liquid was compared with tinctures of drugs that are or
have been used for worms, but with only negative results.

No. VII.--It is stated in the book that:

  “No. VII.” is the Specific for gout (_and is a tincture of Nux
  Moschata [Nutmegs], prepared according to a special formula and from
  specially selected fruits_).

In the more recent pamphlet no information is given as to what it is
prepared from. The dose is given as twenty to thirty drops in water,
three times daily.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Alcohol             51.05 per cent. by volume
  Ash                  0.22    „
  Reducing sugar       1.0     „
  Fat and extractive   2.1     „

A tincture of nutmeg was prepared (not, however, “according to a
special formula”) and compared with it, and the two were found to agree
in all respects. No indication was obtained of any other ingredient;
the proportion of nutmegs appeared to be about 1 part to make 5 parts
of the tincture.

The cost of the contents of a 2s. 9d. bottle would be about 2d.

No. VIII is for whooping-cough; but little is said about it in the
book, and it was not examined.

No. IX is described as:

  The specific for mechanical hæmorrhages (_and is aloes, prepared
  according to a special formula_).

It was not analysed.

No. X is described as the specific for bruises, to which is added in
the book (“_and is ‘Wallace’s Formula’ of Arnica Montana_”), but in the
later pamphlet nothing is said about the drug from which it is made. It
is stated that

  it does not produce the slightest erysipelatous swelling or other
  irritation of the skin, which is so frequently experienced with
  the ordinary homœopathic mother tincture of _arnica_. For this
  reason the curative action or healing power can be pushed to such a
  demonstration as to surpass ordinary credibility.

The “diseases, symptoms, conditions, and mechanical injuries for which
‘No. X.’ is the specific remedy” include

  bruises, strains, sprains, shocks (electric or otherwise).... Effects
  of tight-lacing.... Corns resulting from mechanical pressure. Painful
  effects of straining with constipated movements of the bowels....
  Effects of violent fits; of miscarriages,

etc.

The dose for adults in chronic cases is _seven_ to _ten_ drops three
times daily in a wineglass of water, and in acute cases the same every
three hours. It is also to be applied externally.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Alcohol          26.6  per cent. by volume
  Ash               0.38    „
  Reducing sugars   0.55    „
  Extractive        1.27    „

It did not possess the characteristic odour of arnica, but had a vinous
odour resembling that of sherry; in other respects it agreed with a
weak tincture of arnica in characters and behaviour to tests. The
official tincture of arnica contains nearly three times as much alcohol
as this; the cost of a weak tincture, which would be scarcely affected
by adding enough sherry to give the vinous odour, would be about 1¹⁄₂d.
for the quantity in a 2s. 9d. bottle.

No. XI. is described as the specific for cholera, and a long extract
is given in the book from “a Pamphlet, entitled ‘Cholera, its Cause
and Cure,’ by Joseph Wallace.” In this it is stated that the specific
remedy is “_Coffœa Cruda_, or Tincture of Raw Mocha Coffee,” the adult
dose being _three_ to _ten_ drops in a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful
of water every five minutes, prolonging the intervals gradually as
amelioration sets in.

It is stated that:

  In the early stages of Cholera, when purging, or purging and vomiting
  has commenced for a short time, three or four doses at five-minute
  intervals I have always found sufficient to restore the bowels and
  stomach to as perfectly natural a state as if there had not been the
  slightest derangement. Such cases with me have never exceeded twenty
  minutes....

  If the patient has been allowed to pass into the state of collapse,
  and when every energy of the body and mind has been prostrated, the
  same course of treatment will produce a like result, but I would
  advise the dose of _ten_ drops to be repeated every five minutes till
  amelioration takes place, _three_ to _five_ drops after. I would add
  hot applications to extremities and sides, hand-rubbing as before,
  and in addition, where practicable, _prolonged breathing through a
  handkerchief over the region of the heart_; this last will restore
  the vital spark when apparently fled.

The formula is given as follows:

  Steep one pound weight (avoirdupois) of well-dried and pulverised
  raw MOCHA coffee in three and one-third pints (imperial measure) of
  strong alcohol for two weeks. Shake it well occasionally: filter
  through blotting paper, and it is ready for use.

Analysis of “No. XI.” showed it to contain:

  Caffeine                      0.1  per cent.
  Sugars (chiefly cane sugar)   0.7     „
  Ash                           0.26    „
  Alcohol                      51.05 per cent. by volume
  Extractive                    2.1     „

The tincture was darker in colour than a tincture of raw coffee, and
appeared rather to be made like “No. III.,” from pale roasted coffee,
the proportion of the latter in this case being only about one part
for twelve parts of tincture. No indication was obtained of any other
ingredient. The cost would be about 1¹⁄₂d. for the quantity in a 2s.
9d. bottle.

No. XII. is described as the specific for ringworm, for which it is
to be taken internally, in the dose (for adults) of twenty drops in a
little water every eight hours, and also applied externally, though
nothing is said about external application in the book, where the dose
is said to be one to three minims in a little water every three to
eight hours. This “specific” is stated in the book to be a tincture of
Hydrastis Canadensis; it was not analysed.




CHAPTER XV.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE HAIR.


  The number of proprietary preparations for the hair which are
  advertised widely is very considerable. They include preparations
  for increasing the growth of the hair or curing baldness, and
  preparations for altering the colouring of the hair. The line of
  division, however, is not a sharp one; of the articles sold for
  altering the colour of the hair some are plainly called dyes, but
  others are stated to restore the colour of hair that is turning grey
  without dyeing it, and for some of these it is also claimed that they
  increase the growth of the hair. It is, therefore, more convenient to
  arrange hair preparations in three groups--namely, hair growers, hair
  “restorers,” and hair dyes. In this chapter the results obtained by
  analysing a small number of preparations selected from each of these
  groups are given, together with some extracts from the statements
  made in regard to them by the proprietors, either on the labels or in
  circulars, letters, or newspaper advertisements.


A.--HAIR GROWERS.


TATCHO.

(THE “GEORGE R. SIMS” HAIR RESTORER.)

It appears from the label that there are three varieties of this
much-advertised preparation, known as “Tatcho” oily, “Tatcho” non-oily,
and “Tatcho” (concentrated). The non-oily, described as “A brilliant
spirituous tonic, free from all grease,” was taken for analysis. A
bottle of this, containing 5¹⁄₄ fluid ounces, was priced 2s. 9d. It is
thus described:

  The certain, trusty, genuine, right, honest Hair-Grower. There is no
  other.

  Without “Tatcho” loss of hair is inevitable, but Mr. Geo. R. Sims has
  altered all that.

  If your hair has become scanty or grey, get “Tatcho” to-day. It will
  bring back the hair of your youth, make a new being of you, and give
  you a new grip upon life.

The label and wrapper bear the following:

    Certificate.

  I guarantee that this Preparation is made according to the Formulæ
  recommended by me.

    Geo. R. Sims.

The directions are:

  Sprinkle a few drops on the head each morning, and brush the hair
  thoroughly after application.

Analysis showed the composition to be:

  Borax                                            2.7   parts
  Glycerine                                        2.5     „
  Quinine                                          0.006 part
  Formaldehyde solution (40 per cent.)             0.38  part
  Colouring matter (brownish-yellow), and perfume  traces
  Alcohol                                2.4 parts by measure
  Water, sufficient to produce 100 parts by measure.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 5¹⁄₄ fluid ounces is ¹⁄₂d.


EDWARDS’ HARLENE.

Some of the most conspicuous and recent advertisements of this have
been largely devoted to a method of treating the hair called “Harlene
Hair-drill.” The preparation is supplied by a firm in London.

The package contained a booklet on “Harlene Hair Drill,” from which the
following extracts are taken:

  Among all the scores of preparations for the Hair which are offered
  to the public (and it may be taken for granted that the proprietors
  of “Harlene” have analysed them all very carefully) many prove to
  be so wide of the mark as to be actually injurious in a very high
  degree, while a few may do no particular harm, but certainly no
  good; for, as we have said, Nature’s requirements must be met in the
  precise measure--neither in a greater nor a less....

  “Harlene” alone answers all requirements; it has the property of
  penetrating direct to the roots of the hair, stimulating them to
  renewed vigour, cleansing the cells which line the way; and, above
  all, it conveys to the hair-bulbs the peculiar food which they
  require--the only food Nature has ordained can act as nourishment
  for them, the food they otherwise obtain from the blood. No other
  preparation contains this ingredient, and therefore no other
  preparation can be successful....

  The proprietors of “Harlene” recognising that users of their specific
  have an undoubted right to look to them for the best information
  obtainable on this subject have, over a considerable period,
  conducted experiments to test thoroughly every method of “drill” not
  requiring the use of instruments.

Elaborate details follow of the method of carrying out the “drill,” of
which a sample may suffice:

  The manner in which a cat moves among shrubbery is a good
  illustration as to the way the fingers should be moved through the
  hair; the manner in which a cat kneads its bed before laying on
  it, placing its paws on the material on which it will sleep, and
  pressing it down in a kneading manner until suitable, the paws never
  being lifted and brought down, but only relaxed before the pressure
  is applied, is exactly how this movement in the “drill” should be
  carried out.

Analysis showed the liquid to contain:

  Borax                                                        0.5  part
  Additional alkali, equivalent to anhydrous sodium carbonate  0.04  „
  Solution of ammonia (10 per cent.)                           0.12  „
  Glycerine                                                    0.4   „
  Brown colouring matter and perfume                           traces
  Alcohol                                           5.7 parts by measure
  Water, sufficient to produce 100 parts by measure.

  The small quantity of alkali, in excess of what was present as borax,
  may have been in combination with the colouring matter.

The estimated cost of ingredients for 6 fluid ounces is 1d.


KOKO.

This preparation is sold by a limited company in London. A 4s. 6d.
bottle contained 12¹⁄₄ fluid ounces.

The following extracts are from a circular accompanying the bottle:

  Eradicates Scurf. Promotes Growth. Prevents Hair Falling. Contains
  No Dye. Will positively Stop Hair from Falling Out, and prevent it
  turning Prematurely Grey. Will certainly Increase the Growth of
  the Hair, and if consistently used will make it Bright, Soft, and
  Wavy.... The strong assertions of interested sellers of preparations
  cannot be relied on, and testimonials, as a rule, cannot be safely
  taken as genuine unless the position of the writer places him or
  her above suspicion. We often think that the public must be sick of
  seeing the eternal “This is the best” attached to every conceivable
  article which is offered for sale; and for this reason we usually
  refrain from saying much about Koko, leaving it to our illustrious
  patrons to speak of its good qualities.

The directions for use are:

  The best plan is to apply Koko freely, and brush the scalp until a
  warm glow is produced. This treatment should be practised once or
  twice a day, or at intervals of a few days, according to the state of
  the scalp.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Borax                                 1.4 parts.
  Glycerine                             1.7   „
  Formaldehyde solution (40 per cent.)  0.1 part.
  Perfume                               a trace.
  Alcohol                               3 parts by measure.
  Water, sufficient to produce 100 parts by measure.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 12¹⁄₄ fluid ounces is 1d.


B.--HAIR RESTORERS.


LOCKYER’S SULPHUR HAIR RESTORER.

This article is supplied by a limited company in London, who also sell
other proprietary articles. The price of a bottle containing 12 fluid
ounces is 1s. 6d. It is described as:

  The Best. The Safest. The Cheapest.

  Restores the colour to Grey Hair. Instantly stops the Hair from
  fading. Occasionally used, Greyness is impossible. If the Hair is
  actually Grey the Sulphur Restorer in six or seven days effects a
  great alteration. By a gradual action, scarcely perceptible even to
  watchful observers, several darker shades will be attained. In a
  period of three weeks a complete change occurs, and a colour exactly
  resembling that lost will became manifest.

  Where the Sulphur Restorer is applied scurf cannot exist, and a sense
  of cleanliness, coolness, etc., prevails.

Directions:

  Well shake the bottle, and immediately apply the Restorer to the
  roots of the hair. A very small sponge is convenient for this
  purpose. At first it should be used daily, but when the required
  shade is obtained, two or three times a week will suffice.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Precipitated sulphur  1.3 parts
  Lead acetate          1.6   „
  Lead sulphate         0.4   „
  Glycerine             9.6   „
  Rose water sufficient to produce 100 parts by measure.

  The lead sulphate was probably due to some reaction having occurred
  between the lead acetate and sulphur, with oxidation; assuming this
  to be so, the amount of lead acetate originally present would be 2.1
  parts.

The estimated cost of ingredients for 12 fluid ounces is 2d.


MEXICAN HAIR RENEWER.

A bottle of this preparation, which is sold by another limited company,
contained 7³⁄₄ fluid ounces; the price was 3s. 6d.

It is described as:

  For restoring grey hair to its original colour without dyeing it.

  For renewing or causing hair to grow on bald spots.

  For preventing dandriff and the hair from falling out.

  For making the hair soft, glossy, pliant, and luxuriant.

  Daily application of this preparation for a week or two will
  surely restore Faded, Grey, or White Hair to its natural colour
  and richness. If properly applied, it never fails; but it should
  be well shaken before using. It is not a dye, nor does it contain
  any colouring matter or offensive substance whatever. Hence it does
  not soil the hands, the scalp, or even white linen, but produces
  the colour within the substance of the hair. In many cases it has
  been successful in causing new hair to grow on bald spots, and it
  can be confidently recommended in all cases, unless the hair-glands
  are decayed; for if the glands are decayed and gone, no stimulant
  can restore them; but if, as is often the case, the glands are only
  torpid, “The Mexican Hair Renewer” will renew their vitality, and a
  new growth of hair will follow.

Directions for use:

  First.--Turn the bottle cork downwards and shake it thoroughly.
  Turn a little into a saucer, apply it briskly to the bald spots,
  and thoroughly wet all the grey hair every morning for a few weeks,
  and, unless the hair glands are decayed, new hair will grow, and the
  grey hair turn to its original colour, then an occasional use is
  sufficient.

Analysis showed it to contain:

  Precipitated sulphur   1.4 parts
  Lead acetate           0.13  „
  Glycerine             19.0   „
  Rose water sufficient to produce 100 parts by measure.

  A second bottle, however, contained 0.97 part of lead acetate in 100
  parts by measure, or about eight times as much as the first bottle.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 7³⁄₄ fluid ounces is 2d.


VILIXIR.

A preparation called “Vilixir” is sold by a limited company whose
address is given as a “Hydro” in Kent. A 12s. 6d. bottle contained 5¹⁄₂
fluid ounces. This preparation has been largely advertised of late, the
advertisement in some cases taking the form of a half-page display in a
newspaper so worded as to convey the impression that it was published
as news. The following extracts are from such an advertisement:

  Great interest has been aroused by the recent announcement in this
  paper of a unique and useful discovery made at the ... Hydro, near
  London, of a method of actually restoring the natural colour to
  faded, grey, or white hair.

  So much curiosity has been aroused, indeed, that the authorities
  have been compelled to publish in pamphlet form the full particulars
  of this discovery (a copy of this interesting publication may be
  obtained on application to the person and address given later in this
  second review of the discovery and its possibilities of usefulness to
  the Public)....

  No actual colouring agent is employed in the new dye-less and
  stainless method. Instead, the hair’s sleeping pigmentary process is
  reawakened....

  The new way of making people’s hair show true colours is, happily, an
  inexpensive one.

The following extracts are from letters received from the Vilixir
Company, after application for the pamphlet mentioned above:

  The “Vilixir” Treatment differs from all other ways and means of
  colouring the hair. It does not put on an artificial colour--it will
  bring out the natural colour of your hair....

  At this Hydro we have assistants who have become expert in the
  obtaining of the best possible results from the Treatment, and if you
  would like to have us do all that is necessary for you, I shall be
  happy to quote you terms to include a short stay at this Hydro....
  It is not necessary to the success of the Treatment, however, that
  you carry it out at this address. I can send the “Vilixir” and full
  directions to enable you to restore the natural colour of your hair
  in the privacy of your own home.

  ... the “Vilixir” Treatment is absolutely non-injurious either to the
  skin or to the hair; its action is wholly beneficial in every way. It
  promotes growth on the bald patches (unless the roots are absolutely
  perished); it thickens and lengthens the growth over the whole of the
  head; it stops falling out, and, most important of all, its effects
  are comparatively permanent.

The directions on the label are:

  Shake the bottle and apply the liquid night and morning to the scalp
  with a small brush, rubbing in for two or three minutes, and finally
  brush the hair for a few seconds with the brush moistened with
  “Vilixir.”

The bottle of liquid that was sent in return for 12s. 6d. was
accompanied by about ¹⁄₄ ounce of shampoo powder, for shampooing the
head before the first use of “Vilixir.” This powder was found to
consist of

  Borax                                4.6 per cent.
  Powdered soap                       24.4    „
  Partly exsiccated sodium carbonate  71.0    „

Analysis showed the liquid to contain:

  Precipitated Sulphur  3.2 parts.
  Lead acetate          1.8   „
  Glycerine             5.7   „
  Rose water, sufficient to produce 100 parts by measure.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 5¹⁄₂ fluid ounces of the
liquid and ¹⁄₄ ounce of the powder is 1d.


C.--HAIR DYES.


W. SEEGER’S HAIR DYE.

This preparation bears a copy of signature “W. Seeger,” and the words
“made in Germany” on the package, but no address.

A bottle, price 2s., contained 1¹⁄₃ fluid ounces.

Directions for use:

  Before applying Seeger’s, wash the hair in lukewarm water in which
  you have melted a piece of ordinary household soda of the size of
  a walnut to each quart of water you use. Then, when the hair is
  perfectly dry, pour a little of the dye into a clean saucer, dip
  the teeth of a perfectly clean fine tooth comb into the dye in the
  saucer, and pass the comb several times through the hair where it is
  required to be dyed. Now allow the dye to dry on the hair. While the
  hair is drying, comb it now and then, so that the dye, which does not
  become visible for some hours, may come in contact with the air and
  an equal shade be obtained. The day following, the dye which has not
  dried in can be washed out with clean water without soda.

The dye is prepared in three shades, for blonde, brown, and black; the
“brown” was taken for examination.

Analysis showed it to contain, in 100 parts by measure:

  Pyrogallic acid                      3.8  parts.
  Cupric chloride (anhydrous)          1.8    „
  Hydrochloric acid (_B.P._ strength)  0.75 part
  Sulphuric acid                       0.07  „

The liquid was much darker than a solution freshly prepared according
to this formula; but the dyeing effect of the two was practically
identical, and the difference in appearance appeared to be due to
decomposition of a part of the pyrogallic acid having taken place in
the original.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 1¹⁄₃ fluid ounces is ¹⁄₂d.


SHADEINE.

This preparation, sold from an address in London, was in a bottle which
contained 3¹⁄₂ fluid ounces, and was priced 3s. 6d.

It is thus described:

  Shadeine is a new and important chemical discovery which regenerates
  and develops the original colour of grey and faded hair, at the same
  time tinting it a perfectly natural colour.... It contains neither
  lead, silver, mercury, sulphur, nor any objectionable stain.

Directions for use:

  Wash the hair, if in the least greasy, with soda and warm water. When
  dry, pour a little Shadeine into a saucer, and with a small brush
  apply evenly over the parts to be coloured, then allow it to dry. A
  small quantity only should be used at a time, and the colour allowed
  to develop during the day. As soon as the shade is satisfactory, wash
  or brush off superfluous stain.

This preparation is made in seven colours. The one that was taken for
examination was labelled “Brown.”

Analysis showed it to contain in 100 parts by measure:

  Pyrogallic acid                      2.1 parts.
  Cupric chloride (anhydrous)          1.3   „
  Hydrochloric acid (_B.P._ strength)  0.3 part.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 3¹⁄₂ fluid ounces is ³⁄₄d.


JUVENIA.

The hair dye called “Juvenia” is made in Paris, and supplied by a
firm having addresses in London and Birmingham. A package, price 4s.,
contained two bottles, Nos. 1 and 2, each containing about 2¹⁄₃ fluid
ounces; the liquids to be mixed at the time of using.

It is thus described:

  This marvellous dye is guaranteed not to contain mercurial salts, it
  is altogether of a vegetable nature and harmless.

  “Juvenia” instantly restores white hair and grey beard to their
  original colour, from auburn to the most jet black tints.

  We specially recommend persons who wish to dye their hair or beard to
  follow our advice word for word.

  It is well known that subjects suffering from arthritis, herpes, or
  eczema ought to abstain from eating sea-fish, shell-fish, sorrel,
  strawberries, etc., under penalty of provoking eruptions or eczema
  spots. Accordingly, generally speaking, such persons ought to
  entirely give up the use of all instantaneous dye, and make use of
  nothing else than our progressive regenerators alone, the use of
  which we advise for them, in preference to any other.

  If, in spite of our advice, those persons subject to the
  above-mentioned affections persist in dyeing their hair, they ought
  at any rate to consult their doctor.

  It is necessary, in fact, to have oneself thoroughly examined as far
  as the scalp is concerned before the application of a dye, and this
  recommendation may especially be given to ladies. At times they may
  prick themselves with their combs, their hat or hair-pins, the result
  being small sores which ought not to be irritated or skinned. The
  scalp ought to be absolutely intact, and if need be, one must wait
  till all flaying is well healed.

Analysis showed the “liquid No. 1” to be a solution of hydrogen
peroxide containing 2 per cent. of real peroxide, or two-thirds the
strength of the ordinary “10 volume” solution. Liquid No. 2, or
“Juvenia” itself, was found to contain:

  Paraphenylene-diamine  0.9 per cent.
  Solution of ammonia    0.6    „
  with a trace of fixed alkali, probably dissolved out of the glass of
  the bottle.

A solution prepared in accordance with this formula gave an exactly
similar result in dyeing hair. The estimated cost of the ingredients
for the contents of the two bottles is 1¹⁄₂d.

The danger of using paraphenylene-diamine as a hair-dye has often been
pointed out, and is well known. When used in this way symptoms of
poisoning are sometimes quickly produced, but in other cases they do
not occur until after it has been used for weeks or even months. In
addition to urticaria and eczema produced locally, general symptoms of
poisoning may result, and in some cases deaths have occurred from this
cause.




CHAPTER XVI.

SOME MISCELLANEOUS MEDICINES.


TWO PREPARATIONS FOR SEA-SICKNESS.

  Many proprietary and other medicines for sea-sickness have been put
  forward from time to time, both as preventives and cures, but usually
  without attaining to any very wide adoption. The first of the two
  preparations here described has been very widely advertised in the
  last few years; the second one, which is shown by analysis to be very
  similar in composition, appears to be of Canadian origin.


ZOTOS.

This is supplied by Zotos, Limited, London; the price is 2s. 9d. per
box containing twelve capsules.

It is described on the outside of the package as “the infallible remedy
against sea sickness”; on the inner package it is stated that

  Zotos is an infallible remedy against sea sickness, train sickness,
  etc.

  Zotos not only prevents sickness but stimulates the appetite.

  Zotos contains no injurious drug and produces no bad after-effects.

A circular contained in the package gives a so-called “analytical
report” on the preparation, in which it is stated that the capsules are
“free from any noxious ingredient,” and that the contents “consist of
compounds of high therapeutic activity.”

Somewhat lengthy directions are given, the principal part being as
follows:

  The capsules to be swallowed whole and to be taken before, not after,
  a meal.

  Take a capsule half an hour before the steamer sails, another just
  as the steamer leaves, and a third (though this is rarely required)
  half an hour later. Afterwards, if any uneasiness be caused by the
  movement of the vessel, capsules may be taken from time to time up to
  6 per day. If travelling by night, take a capsule on going to bed and
  another half an hour before getting up.

The capsules were found to contain a pink powder, the average weight
of the contents of one being 6.3 grains. Analysis showed the powder
to consist of a mixture of sugar of milk and chlorbutol, with traces
of colouring and flavouring matters. Chlorbutol, or trichlor-tertiary
butyl alcohol, is better known under the trade name, Chloretone. It is
described in the _British Pharmaceutical Codex_ as “a local anæsthetic,
analgesic, and antiseptic.” “Its anæsthetic properties are specially
exerted upon the stomach, small repeated doses being used to allay
post-operative vomiting and sea sickness.”

The proportions of the ingredients were found to be:

  Chlorbutol  76.9 per cent.
  Lactose     23.0    „

No other substance was found, except the traces of colouring and
flavouring matters already mentioned.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for twelve capsules is 5d.


MOTHERSILL’S SEASICK REMEDY.

This preparation is supplied by a limited company giving addresses in
London and Montreal. The package bears the words “Made in Canada.”

It is stated on the label that it--

  Stops and Prevents any case of Seasickness, Trainsickness, and all
  nausea caused by motion, climbing, etc. Guaranteed not to contain
  cocaine, opium, morphine, or chloral. It does not affect the heart or
  liver, or cause unpleasant symptoms.

A 2s. 3d. package contained six capsules, three containing pink powder
and three brown. The dose is given as one of each kind, taken together,
so that the package contained three doses.

The average weight of the contents of the three capsules was 11¹⁄₄
grains. Analysis showed the powders to have the following composition:

_Pink Powder._

  Sugar of milk     33.3 per cent.
  Caffeine           8.2    „
  Stearic acid      18.0    „
  Chlorbutol        40.1    „
  Colouring matter  a trace.

_Brown Powder._

  Powdered cinnamon  29.4 per cent.
  Caffeine            8.4    „
  Stearic acid       17.4    „
  Chlorbutol         44.5    „

The stearic acid is probably added as a lubricant, to facilitate the
filling of the powder into the capsules, although the amount is large
for the purpose.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for the six capsules is 2¹⁄₂d.


A CURE-ALL.--KORPUSDOON.

In addition to the many proprietary medicines which are widely
and generally advertised, a very large number are advertised only
or principally in some particular locality, and such preparations
sometimes attain a very considerable local sale. The claims made for
these medicines do not show any more modest pretensions than those more
widely advertised, while the ignorance of the makers is sometimes even
more evident.

A medicine of this class, made in a Lancashire town, is called
“Korpusdoon.” It is stated on the label to be “Prepared only by Mrs.
Ann Briggs, Health Specialist (for the Korpusdoon Medicine and Health
Food Co.).” The price is 2s. 3d. per bottle, and the bottle bought for
examination contained 25¹⁄₂ fl. oz. The dose is given as, for an adult
one teacupful every other morning; for children, half dose every other
morning.

The nature of the claims made for it is shown by the following
extracts, the first of which is from a newspaper advertisement, and the
second from the label on the bottle:

  Why suffer from Influenza when Korpusdoon puts a check on all
  poisonous acid from which all diseases originate, and cleanses from
  the system all bad germs.

  The Virtues of this Famous Medicine “Korpusdoon.”

  It kills and clears away from the Stomach and Nasal Passages all
  the accumulation of poisonous acids--which, after 20 years of
  keen and careful observation, I find to be the cause of all the
  ailments the body is liable to, such as Catarrh of the Stomach,
  Nasal Catarrh, Fermentation of the Stomach, Influenza, Hay Fever,
  Eczema, Gall Stones, Gout, Goitre, Rheumatism, Lumbago, Neuralgia,
  Appendicitis, Consumption, Irregularities of the Heart, Loss of
  Memory and Nerve trouble, Paralysis, Bright’s Disease, Whooping
  Cough, Measles, Scarlet Fever, Typhoid, Diphtheria, and Small-pox. A
  sure preventative of Tumour and Cancer.

  It is a great beautifier of the Skin and Hair.

In the newspaper advertisement the maker’s name and address are
followed by the words “At Home Mondays and Saturdays,” which is
presumably an intimation that she can be consulted professionally at
those times.

Analysis showed the mixture to contain magnesium sulphate and an
extract of liquorice, flavoured with aniseed and sassafras, and further
sweetened with a little chloroform. Careful search did not afford any
indication of any other constituent. The colour was much darker than
the colour which results if the ordinary liquid extract of liquorice is
employed, and the latter contains alcohol, which was absent from the
mixture; but it was found that by taking ordinary “stick liquorice,”
and boiling it with the Epsom salts, a dark liquor was obtained
agreeing closely with the original. Possibly the flavour of aniseed
and sassafras is got by boiling these drugs with the Epsom salts and
liquorice, but a mixture in which they were added respectively as the
water and the essential oil was practically indistinguishable from
“Korpusdoon.” The quantities of the different ingredients found were as
follows:

  Magnesium sulphate                             624 grains.
  Extract of liquorice (from “stick liquorice”)  550   „
  Chloroform (= chloroform water 4 fl. oz.)        5 minims.
  Oil of sassafras                                 3   „
  Aniseed water                                    5 fl. oz.
  Water                                       to  25   „

Estimated cost of ingredients, 2¹⁄₄d.


A RADIUM SALVE.

Long advertisements have appeared recently in the daily papers of a
radium salve stated to have been discovered by Dr. S. Saubermann,
who gives an address in Berlin. The salve is sold in this country by
a company which describes itself as “manufacturing chemists to the
medical profession.” We are told in a pamphlet issued by this company
that Dr. Saubermann’s formula has been embodied and improved upon in
the radium salve they sell. It is stated further that the salve is
impregnated with the “radium salt in the proportion of 1 in 500,000,”
a quantity which “must not be exceeded, as otherwise the absorption by
the skin and the well-known action of the strong and penetrating rays
will do more harm than good.” It is described as a remedy for lupus,
cancer, and all diseases of the skin, with a bountiful “etc.”

The company also sells various other preparations: A medical soap, a
blood purifier, and an elixir of life. A certificate purporting to
have been given by Dr. Saubermann in December, 1907, states that the
ore which the company has acquired was “uranium refuse concentrated
from the mines at Joachimsthal.” In the advertisement a list is given
of “leading scientists on radium,” but the advertisers do not go so
far as to say that any of them have anything to do with the radium
salve. There is also a quotation from _The British Medical Journal_,
which we need hardly say had no reference whatever to the salve or its
manufacturers.

The salve is “sold at 2s. 9d., 5s., 10s., 20s., and 30s., according
to radioactivity.” Mr. Frederick Soddy, M.A., Lecturer on Physical
Chemistry and Radioactivity in the University of Glasgow, has been good
enough to examine the salve for us, and the following is his report:--

“I received the two pots of radium salve you sent me, and have
examined the radioactivity of the stronger preparation--namely, that
marked ‘Strong, 5s.’ The alpha radioactivity of the preparation is
just detectable, and is about one-hundredth part of that of uranium.
The beta radiation is too feeble to be detected by a sensitive
electroscope. For comparison I might mention that the residues from the
uranium ore of Joachimsthal, which forms the initial raw material from
which radium is extracted, have an alpha radioactivity about four times
that of uranium.”


A RINGWORM CURE.--“DETHBLO.”

“Dethblo,” or Wilson’s Patent Ringworm Cure, is supplied by an
individual in a small town in the home counties, a 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. package
contained a bottle holding rather less than 2 fluid drachms of the
preparation, and a brush for applying it.

It is advertised in the following terms:--

  THIS PREPARATION has been used by the Proprietor for many years in
  the treatment of Hundreds of Cases, and has never once failed to
  Cure....

  An improvement is visible after one application. Two or three
  dressings in any but exceptionally severe cases are sufficient to
  effect a Cure.

  No necessity for Cutting the Hair or Shaving the Head.

  It Cures when all other remedies have been tried and failed.
  Obstinate cases, after eighteen months of other treatment, have
  yielded to a few applications of “Dethblo.”

  It is Harmless to Hair or Scalp of even the youngest children;
  infants in arms have been successfully treated on many occasions.

The directions on the label are:--

  Apply with brush enclosed, well penetrating the infected parts with
  “DETHBLO.” Treatment should be given every other day, for a few
  days, and the infected part should not be washed until satisfactory
  improvement is noticed.

Analysis showed the liquid to contain ferrous sulphate and acetic acid;
a trace of coloured organic matter was also present, such as would be
due to a small portion of the acetic acid having been added in the
form of vinegar, and the odour of the liquid resembled that of vinegar
rather than that of acetic acid only. The quantities found were, in 100
parts by measure:--

  Ferrous sulphate                     33.7 parts
  Acetic acid (calculated as glacial)  11.9   „   by measure

Careful search did not reveal the presence of any other ingredient.

Estimated cost of ingredients of 2 fluid drachms, ¹⁄₅₀d.


MISCELLANEOUS GERMAN NOSTRUMS.

Reports published by Dr. F. Zernik on various proprietary medicines
sold in Germany include the following:--

  _Sprengel’s herbal juice_, is a preparation which Bernhard Sprengel
  of Hanover claims to be harmless, and as it consists of blood
  purifying herbs and roots, and not a secret remedy, he recommends it
  for all sorts of diseases, especially for diphtheria, trichinosis,
  whooping-cough, etc. The bottle (which costs M.1.25, about 1s. 3d.)
  contains about 30 c.cm. of a turbid brown fluid of acid reaction.
  It contains powdered jalap bulbs, suspended in a watery extract of
  frangula (or some similar drug), to which alcohol and liquorice
  have been added. Its jalap content renders the free sale of this
  preparation unlawful in Germany.

  _Dealin Powder_, a Berlin preparation, is described as an antiseptic
  medicament for wounds containing “a highly active oxygen combined
  with a dry fatty substance.” On examination no dry fatty substance
  was found, and the “highly active oxygen” was represented by sodium
  perborate. The chief constituents of this preparation were: 20 parts
  of sodium perborate, 10 parts of boric acid, 10 parts of zinc oxide,
  and 60 parts of a mixture of talc with traces of starch and magnesium
  carbonate.

  _Hochfelder Pitch Plaster_ is advertised by the manufacturers as a
  porous plaster prepared with gum elastic, and as the best external
  medicament for the treatment of painful affections which follow
  cold, blows, over-exertion or other disturbances of the nervous or
  muscular activity. The examination showed that the preparation did
  not contain any pitch at all, and that its composition was similar to
  that of “_Collemplastrum capsicum_,” a plaster, which according to
  an Imperial Order dated November 22nd, 1901, must not be offered for
  sale in drug shops. As pitch plaster is not included in this Order,
  the manufacturers considered that they would be safe in applying this
  description to the plaster.

  _Franz Lammersdorf’s universal chilblain cream_, a Hanover
  preparation, to be applied thinly on the chilblain and covered with
  wool and a bandage, and renewed every twenty-four hours, was found to
  consist of about 25 grams of extract of malt. Dr. Zernik points out
  that this is a curiously original medicament for chilblains.

  _Jehnol_ is advertised as differing from all other preparations in
  its power of allaying all forms of toothache, including the most
  severe. It is a fluid, and three or four drops are to be applied on
  a piece of cotton-wool to the cavity of the tooth. A small bottle
  containing about 3 c.cm. of an alcoholic solution of oil of cloves
  and other ethereal oils, and possibly also cajeput and camphor, and
  coloured green with chlorophyll, costs 30 pfennigs, that is, about
  3³⁄₄d.

  _Epocol_ is advertised by a Vienna firm, as a “new, absolutely
  non-poisonous cresote preparation, possessing extraordinary
  disinfecting properties.” The dose mentioned is from 1 to 10 grams a
  day, according to the age of the patient. No details are given with
  regard to the composition of the preparation, and Zernik concludes
  from the results of his analysis that this “new” preparation is
  a mixture of 45 per cent. sodium benzoate, 30 per cent. ammonium
  sulpho-guaiacolate, and 25 per cent. potassium sulpho-guaiacolate.
  The ammonium salt of sulpho-guaiacolic acid is not used in medicine,
  the potassium salt is used under the name of _thiocol_, while the
  calcium salt and the sodium salt are also used. The action of the
  sulpho-guaiacolates is sufficiently well known, and the claim of
  novelty cannot, therefore, be sustained. Zernik does not consider the
  preparation worth further criticism.

  _Bauch’s Busennährcreme_ (bosom nutrient cream) is sold at 4s. 6d.
  for two boxes, which are said to be necessary for the production of
  full breasts. The actual value of the boxes and their contents is
  between 4d. and 5d., the cream consisting of mineral fat perfumed
  with oil of rose. The Karlsruhe authority has issued a warning on the
  ground that the substance cannot possibly produce the effect claimed
  in view of its composition.

  _Ninetta_ is a similar preparation. It is described as an Oriental
  strengthening and nutrient powder. It consists of a powdered
  leguminous flour with sugar and lecithin.

  _Büsteria_ (made by D. F. Steiner, of Berlin) is another “Oriental
  strength-giving powder,” which is sold at an absurdly high price. The
  Berlin police have issued a public warning against it. It consists of
  bean and pea flour.

  _Oxygar_ is supposed to be a vegetable preparation saturated with
  hydrogen peroxide. The vegetable substance is agar-agar. It is
  supposed to contain about 10 per cent. H₂O₂, but the manufacturers
  call attention to the fact that the preparation loses in strength
  after a time. Frerichs found that fresh oxygar contained hydrogen
  peroxide varying in amount from 0.6 to 14.4 per cent., that the
  amount decreased within a short time, and after a few weeks even
  sank to _nil_. In cold water all the hydrogen peroxide was liberated
  within a few minutes. It thus appears very doubtful whether the
  peroxide would not be liberated in the stomach, in spite of the fact
  that the manufacturers claim as an advantage of the preparation that
  the H₂O₂ is not liberated until the intestine is reached, and then
  only slowly.

  _Spiritol_ is supposed to be an ideal substitute for spirit and to
  have nearly all the physical qualities of spirit, to be free from
  acid and alkali, to be miscible in all proportions with water or
  spirit, and to volatilize without residue. It is introduced for the
  preparation of cosmetic and pharmaceutic preparations, etc. The
  analysis revealed that it consisted chiefly of methyl alcohol, which
  was not even pure.

  _Verophen mouth water_ is advertised as a protective against all
  infectious diseases. It consists of a 0.2 per cent. solution of
  chinosol in water. A bottle containing 100 c.cm. of the fluid costs
  1s. 6d. “Verophen” for mouth washes is also sold at 1s. 6d., while
  Verophen for the telephone costs 3s.

  According to the law in Germany, chemical combinations of antipyrin
  may be sold to the public, but simple mixtures of antipyrin and other
  known substances may not be sold, save on a medical practitioner’s
  prescription. _Sulfopyrin_ is one of these mixtures which was offered
  for sale as a sulphanilate of antipyrin. Another is _Meligrin_,
  which is described as a condensation of dimethyloxychinicin and
  methylacetamide. These terms are technical but rarely used names for
  antipyrin and exalgin. The analysis revealed that the preparation
  was a mixture of 86 parts of the former and 14 parts of the latter.
  Exalgin has been practically withdrawn from the market in favour of
  the more active and better acetanilide.

  A chemist named Taubert produces a “pleasant tasting headache
  powder (ammon. spiric. puriss.),” which is supposed to act rapidly
  in migraine, influenza, neuralgia, rheumatism, colds, etc. It
  appears that ammonium salicylate has an obscure synonym, “ammonium
  spiricum.” Since the ammonium salt is scarcely ever used in medicine,
  the law does not mention it as well as the sodium salt among those
  medicaments which may not be sold without medical prescription. The
  chemist therefore sells it without fear. The weight of the single
  powders varied between 0.39 and 0.6 gram.

  In dealing with false description, Zernik mentions _Mergandol_,
  which is recommended by its producers as an antisyphilitic remedy
  for intramuscular injection and for external application. It is
  described as a solution of sodium mercury glycerate in glycerine;
  1 c.cm. of the solution is said to contain 0.0035 gram of mercury.
  Sodium glycerate is recognised as an unstable compound, but neither
  a mercury glycerate nor a sodium mercury glycerate is known. The
  analysis showed that mergandol is a mixture of perchloride of mercury
  and sodium chloride (0.5 of the former and 0.1 of the latter)
  dissolved in 100 parts of diluted glycerine. Each cubic centimetre
  would therefore contain 0.0044 gram of Hg. The bottle, containing
  50 c.cm., costs 2s. 2¹⁄₂d., which is at least twice as much as any
  chemist is allowed to charge for making up a similar prescription.

  _Eulatin_ is a white, almost odourless, mildly acid-tasting
  powder. It is supposed to be an amido-bromine-benzoate of
  dimethyl-phenyl-pyrazolon. Dr. Friedmann has described this
  preparation as a useful remedy for whooping-cough when given
  in doses of 0.1 to 0.5 gram every three or four hours.
  Dimethyl-phenyl-pyrazolon or antipyrin was found to be present, but
  the analysis failed to reveal a trace of amido-bromine benzoic acid,
  a compound which has definite chemical characteristics. The rest of
  the substance was found to consist of parabromine benzoic acid and
  orthoamido-benzoic acid; two parts of the former with antipyrin in
  molecular proportions were present to each one part of the latter,
  also with antipyrin in molecular proportions. The mixture thus
  differs very materially from the supposititious chemical compound
  described by the manufacturers. Dr. Zernik considers that Dr.
  Friedmann should have been more careful in expressing himself with
  regard to the composition. The value of antipyrin in pertussis is
  well recognised.

  Barkowski’s _Irrigal_ tablets are advertised as containing all the
  active components of wood vinegar in dry form, delicately perfumed
  and being easily soluble in water. One or two tablets are supposed
  to be dissolved in a glass or cup of hot water, and added to warm
  water in an irrigator. A glass containing 40 1-gram tablets costs 3s.
  The solid form of wood vinegar possesses an alkaline reaction! On
  analysis it was found to consist mainly of dehydrated sodium acetate
  with traces of tar and creosote. This is very different from wood
  vinegar, which contains tarry substances, free acetic acid, and some
  empyreumatic substances.

  _Vilja cream_ is now described correctly. Its constituents are
  diluted aqueous extracts of indifferent vegetable substances, wool
  fat, ceresin, and vaselin, and some ethereal oils, which smell like
  the oil of rosemary.

  _Automors_ is a widely advertised disinfectant, prepared by Heyl
  Brothers and Co., Charlottenburg. The advertisements claim that it
  is a new, strong, and harmless disinfectant, acting five times as
  strongly as carbolic acid. The analysis showed it to consist of about
  3 per cent. phenols and carbohydrates, about 16 per cent. phenol
  sulphate, with 15 per cent. of free sulphuric acid. It would appear
  that this is an old preparation under a new name; formerly it was
  known as sanatol. The free sulphuric acid content renders it not
  harmless but actually highly poisonous. Its disinfecting power is
  far weaker than that of carbolic acid, save in a very exceptional
  circumstance, while its claims to act against flies are also false.


JOHN P. HAIG’S “CURE” FOR GOITRE.

  Some information with regard to Haig’s goître cure is given in a
  paper by J. Kochs in the _Apotheker-Zeitung_, abstracted in the
  _Pharmaceutical Journal_ for April 14th, 1906, p. 447. According to
  this the “cure” comprises: Powders, consisting of sodium bicarbonate,
  coloured pale red; ointment, consisting of a sodium soap with yellow
  soft paraffin; pastilles, consisting of sodium bicarbonate, aloes,
  and a little oil of caraway; pastilles, consisting of extract of
  hydrastis.




CHAPTER XVII.

UNQUALIFIED PRACTICE THROUGH THE POST.


  It will have been observed that the various articles described in
  the preceding chapters and in the earlier volume show considerable
  variations in regard to the procedure by which they are placed in the
  hands of the public. They may be roughly divided into three classes;
  the first, and probably largest class, consists of those which are
  supplied to the public through the ordinary retail channels, such as
  chemists, stores, etc. The second class consists of similar articles,
  also sold under the proprietary medicine stamp, but supplied only, or
  chiefly, direct from the maker or proprietor to the consumer through
  the post, and not through retailers; in this case the proprietor
  reaps the full retail price, and having the names and addresses of
  consumers, is able to plant advertising matter or letters where they
  are most likely to take effect, and to apply later for “unsolicited”
  testimonials. In the third class also the medicine is supplied
  direct to the consumer, but before it is sent, a list of questions,
  or “symptom form,” is submitted for answers to the questions to be
  filled in by the patient, on the pretext that the medicines will
  be “modified” or “selected,” according to the nature of the case;
  here, again, the full retail price goes to the proprietor, and with
  the particulars supplied by the patient, future letters--urging
  continuance of the “treatment,” or the taking of some stronger or
  additional article--can be made more effective; no doubt, also, such
  particulars are of use in working up an account of the case which
  shall be of the nature of a testimonial, when the purchaser has been
  persuaded that he is cured, or has really been cured by or in spite
  of the medicine.

  In some advertisements the departure from the mere recommendation of
  a particular nostrum goes further, and the advertiser claims to be a
  “specialist” in some particular kind of disease, and to treat each
  case individually, according to the particulars furnished by post, or
  sometimes to treat any and every disease on the information supplied
  in the same way. The border line between these and the preceding
  class is very indistinct. In this chapter some further particulars
  are given of advertisers of these two classes.

  The nostrums already reported on have included one or more in which a
  “symptom form” has figured in each of the following groups: “female
  medicines,” medicines for obesity, sexual weakness, skin affections,
  “bad legs,” alcoholism, rheumatism, and deafness. In most cases
  the first supply of medicine was followed up by letters insisting
  on the great importance of taking it uninterruptedly, or asking
  for particulars of the results attained. In the case of medicines
  for amenorrhœa, in every instance the article first supplied was
  accompanied or followed by recommendations of a stronger one, said
  to be certain to succeed if the first failed, and, of course, sold
  at a higher price. In many cases where the original communication
  was not an order for medicine but merely an inquiry, the letter
  sent in reply was followed at intervals by a number of others,
  emphasising in a sensational manner the terrible seriousness of delay
  in obtaining the “cure,” and frequently offering the latter at a
  gradually diminishing price, as at a cheap-jack’s “Dutch auction.”
  This offer of reduced price is sometimes made conditionally on the
  purchaser supplying six names of other persons known by him to be
  suffering from the complaint in question; so that if the terms were
  accepted the vendor would be kept supplied with a list of names and
  addresses, ever increasing on the “snowball” principle, of persons
  likely to be susceptible to his letters. The letters sent usually
  appear on casual inspection to be type-written communications written
  to the individual, who is frequently addressed by name as “Dear Mr.
  (or Mrs.) ----,” or as “Dear Friend”; but closer examination has
  almost always shown that they are really circulars produced by one
  of the multiple copy processes with a typewriter, the individual’s
  name being inserted afterwards. These circulars usually contain
  expressions of strong or special interest in “your case,” even when
  no case has been mentioned and the “symptom form” has not been filled
  up. In fact, there is every reason to suppose, in regard to most
  nostrums sold in this way, that the composition of the medicine sent
  is in no way modified in consequence of the details supplied.

  Extracts from one or two typical letters may be given as examples.


THE NATIONAL COLLEGE OF HEALTH, LTD.

In Chapter XI. we gave some account of certain medicines supplied by
the “National College of Health, Ltd.” After an interval the person who
had ordered the medicines analysed received the following:--

    Dear Mrs ----,

  We are extremely sorry that you have not allowed us to see your case
  through to a successful termination. We are taking a special interest
  in your case, and as you have gone to some expense, and as we want
  to be of real help to you, it is a pity for you to throw away this
  opportunity of being permanently cured.

  Let us implore you as a friend not to neglect the advice we gave you
  in our last letter, for if you do we fear you will not get well,
  or if so will not remain permanently cured. If you neglect the
  simple precaution of purifying your blood and keeping it pure for a
  reasonable period, it will be your own fault if you do not get well
  and remain so, which is what we earnestly desire.

  To effect a permanent and lasting cure, it is absolutely necessary
  that you should take the Blood mixture for a reasonable period.
  Neglecting this is not fair either to yourself or to the Tremol
  Treatment, which has done so much good for those who carry it out
  conscientiously.

The date, name and address, and the words “Dear Mrs. ----” are seen on
careful examination to have been added with a typewriter to a circular
letter. From this it would appear that the number of those who purchase
the “Tremol Treatment” but do not feel sufficiently encouraged by the
results to “carry it out conscientiously” is large enough to make it
worth while to have a circular ready to send to them; also that it is
a routine matter to assure them that “we are taking a special interest
in your case.” It appears impossible to doubt that large numbers of
people are lured by such assurances into sending their money for such
“treatment.” But there are two considerations affecting this kind of
practice which are so obvious that it might have been supposed that
they would occur to anyone. The first is that the absentee prescriber
is an anonymous and unknown person--for example, the letter quoted
above is signed (with a stamp) “J. S. Chatterton, Doctor’s Secretary”;
the “doctor” does not appear. In other cases it is “our consulting
physician,” our “specialist,” or “our medical staff,” etc., never
anyone whose qualifications and experience can be ascertained. In
the second place, it can hardly be supposed that writing down a few
answers to questions can supply a prescriber with an adequate knowledge
of a given case such as can be obtained by personal consultation and
examination. The meagreness of the information which will satisfy these
anonymous prescribers is remarkable.


THE SUTTON MEDICAL COMPANY.

Another circular in imitation of typewriting which is before us, headed
“The Sutton Medical Co.,” looks like an attempt to imitate the Kidd
Company’s methods, though on a more restricted scale. It is dated from
Clerkenwell, London, and commences:

    Dear Friend,

  Do you or any of your friends stand in need of medical treatment? We
  make a speciality of kidney and bladder trouble and rheumatism, in
  fact all complaints arising from uric acid poisoning....

  To introduce these remedies we are going to give away 10,000 Proof
  Sample Treatments. They will be sent post-paid and absolutely free.
  You are one of the ten thousand selected to receive a Proof Sample
  Treatment, because we believe that if they cure you your influence
  in your neighbourhood will secure other patients.... We will also
  send you entirely free a copy of “Sutton’s Talk on the Kidneys.” ...
  Answer the questions on the printed form and post it to-day.

The printed form was filled up with the details of an imaginary case;
but whether, in the interval that had elapsed between receiving the
circular and sending for the medicine, the Sutton Medical Company had
concluded that they were mistaken in the belief that “your influence in
your neighbourhood will secure other patients,” or whether the giving
away “10,000 treatments” had caused them to collapse, or from some
other reason, no medicine or answer of any sort was received.


THE J. W. KIDD COMPANY.

One of the most extensive businesses of the kind we are considering
is that run by the J. W. Kidd Company, of Fort Wayne, U.S.A., some
particulars of which have previously been given (_Secret Remedies_,
Vol. I., p. 177). Although the letters are ostensibly signed “Dr.
James W. Kidd,” the remarks made above as to the real anonymity of the
prescriber apply no less, as the business is run by a company and, on
the evidence submitted, is far too large for any one individual to
attend to the cases. The letters contain the usual sort of references,
such as “With my staff of skilled specialists, I have successfully
treated more serious chronic cases than any other doctor.” This
company, although established in America, sedulously cultivates
business in this country. Besides newspaper advertising, it appears
to obtain the names and addresses of persons to whom it seems worth
while to write. It has been asserted, and so far as we know without
any contradiction, that in America, at least, there is a regular trade
in old letters, orders, etc., from purchasers of nostrums, and that
a firm desiring to push a preparation for any particular disease can
purchase from a broker thousands of letters from people who have bought
some other preparation for that ailment, in order to bombard them
with letters recommending the new nostrum. Perhaps that is how the
Kidd Company gets names and addresses; one of the letters sent by the
company states that “I have decided to favour you because I am informed
that you need expert medical attention, and because I believe you will
tell your friends about my successful treatment after I have cured
you.” Of course, modesty in advancing the company’s claims would be
absurd, as diffidence in disparaging legitimate practitioners would be
out of place. A single extract may serve as a specimen:

  My Treatment: Do not waste your time and money on worthless patent
  medicines, on incompetent doctors, or on One remedy--no one remedy
  can possibly cure all cases or all diseases. The free treatment I
  will send you will consist of as many kinds of medicine as I have
  found advisable in cases like yours--remedies pure, effective, and
  successful--the kind I have used in curing thousands of others.
  The fact that my patients receive treatments especially prepared
  to suit their individual cases is also largely responsible for my
  great success. Simply mail me the enclosed Symptom Blank soon, and
  with your free remedies I will send you one of my Books--not an
  advertising pamphlet, but a valuable medical book entitled “The Ills
  of Humanity.”

The “symptom blank” contains only a few questions, including, “If other
doctors have tried to cure you, what did they call your disease or
diseases?” and a general invitation to “write me freely, in your own
words, about your diseases, symptoms, or pains”; and the following aid
to diagnosis is added:

  I am specially successful with the following diseases--simply make a
  mark (X) side of any one of them you have:--

    Rheumatism
    Constipation
    Diarrhœa
    Indigestion
    Nervousness
    Torpid Liver
    Impure Blood
    Piles
    Dropsy
    Pimples
    Malaria
    Eczema
    Asthma
    Catarrh
    Lumbago
    Neuralgia
    Headache
    Dizziness
    Epilepsy
    Scrofula
    Prostatitis
    Lung Trouble
    Chronic Cough
    Heart Disease
    Female Trouble
    Kidney Trouble
    Bladder Trouble
    Partial Paralysis

The “diagnosis” and medicine sent in a given case are described in Vol.
I of _Secret Remedies_. In _Truth Cautionary List_, under “Kidd, ‘Dr.’
James William,” appears the following:

  Advertises profusely all over the world, offering to cure all
  diseases, and to send a sample of his treatment “free.” The remedies
  appear to be absolute humbug, and are supplied in quantities at
  extravagant prices, as much as £4 having been obtained from victims
  in some cases.

These exposures, however, have not yet sufficed to drive the company
out of the field, as shown by the recent receipt of its circulars.


AN “EYE AND EAR SPECIALIST.”

An advertisement which is to be found in very many newspapers is that
of “Mr. Thomas Ison, oculist and aurist, Ison’s Eye and Ear Dispensary,
Limited,” inviting consultations by post for all diseases of eye and
ear, which are stated to be cured without operation. From one of the
circulars sent it appears that the advertiser also attends at certain
times at given hotels in many of the northern towns, twenty of which
are named, to be consulted. An application for advice in a case of
failing sight brought a printed circular enclosing

  Printed form of questions to be answered appertaining to your case,
  which please fill up and return to me by early post, together with
  cheque or postal order for my fee, when suitable remedies will be at
  once forwarded to you with full directions for their use.

A written postscript stated:

  The charge is 10s. 6d. for special remedies and advice. My treatment
  is very successful and there is no pain and no inconvenience
  attending the use of the remedies.

The promise of no pain and no inconvenience, before any information has
been sent as to the nature of the trouble, seems to imply an intention
not to undertake any very serious treatment, whatever the case might
prove to be. The printed form was as follows, the answers that were
given being here printed in italics:--

    Established 1871.
    Ison’s
    Eye and Ear Dispensary, Limited,
    ----,
    Mr. Thomas Ison,
    Oculist and Aurist.
    A new method of treatment for the
    Rapid Cure of Diseases of the Eye and Ear
    without Operation.
    Attendance at Leeds every
    Tuesday and alternate Saturdays.
    Hours: 10 to 7
    Other days by appointment only.

  By this new system of treatment nine cases out of ten can be cured
  without a personal interview or the patient leaving home or business,
  thus saving time and expense. The postal arrangements are now such
  that persons may be treated in the most distant parts without delay.

  The special remedies applicable to each case are forwarded in a
  portable compass to any part of the world, with full directions.

  Each patient is requested to fill in, as correctly as possible,
  answers to the following questions, and return the same by post:--

  1. State name, age, and full postal address.-- ---- ----, _34_, ----
  ----.

  2. State profession, business, or occupation.--_Clerk._

  3. Is the constitution strong or weak?--_Strong._

  4. How is the general health? Are the functions of the body performed
  regularly? If not, state particulars.--_Good. Yes._

  5. State whether the right or left eye, or both, are
  affected.--_Right eye only._

  6. How long have the eyes or eye been affected?--_It has been
  steadily coming on for about 3 months._

  7. Do you feel any pain? If so, where? At the back of the eyes,
  across the forehead, in the temples, or over the eyebrows?--_Yes, at
  the back of the eye._

  8. Do the pains occur in the daytime, or in the night?--_All the
  time, but worse at night._

  9. Are the eyelids affected? If so, describe the symptoms.--_No._

  10. What part of the eye is affected? Is the white of the eye
  bloodshot wholly or in part, greyish, or of any other unnatural
  colour? Are there any spots on the eye, or discharge? If so,
  state particulars.--_The white of the eye is greyish. No spots or
  discharge._

  11. Is the iris (the coloured ring which surrounds the pupil of the
  eye), light or dark, or has its natural colour otherwise changed? If
  so, state particulars.--_Light naturally, unchanged._

  12. Has the pupil of either eye increased or diminished in size,
  and has it changed from its natural round form? If so, state
  particulars.--_No._

  13. Are you naturally near sighted or far sighted, or do you squint?
  Do you use spectacles? If so, state whether with flat glasses, and of
  what colour, and of what number, if you know.--_No._

  14. What treatment (if any) has been employed up to the present time,
  and with what result? State, as near as possible, what has been done
  or used. Send any prescription that may have been given or used; it
  will be returned.--_None._

  15. Is your mother or father subject to any affection of the
  eyes?--_No._

  Any other observations which may suggest themselves, please write on
  the other side.

  Note: It being our desire to bring each case to a successful issue
  as early as possible, it is highly important that we should have the
  co-operation of our patients in every particular, in order to assist
  us to this end.

This was sent with the 10s. 6d. required, and the package received in
return contained a 2-drachm bottle of “Drops” and a 1-ounce bottle of
“Lotion,” and a dropping-tube of the kind supplied wholesale at about
1s. 9d. per dozen, accompanied by a letter which stated:--

  I send herewith remedies to be used according to the printed
  instructions. Please persevere and you will do well. Write me a day
  or two before the remedies are finished, and I hope to have a good
  report.

A printed sheet of instructions for use was sent, giving directions
for “The Drops,” “The Lotion,” “The Embrocation” (for forehead and
temples), and “The Ointment” (for edges of eyelids). The two latter
were crossed out; the others were:--

  The Drops.--Two Drops to be dropped in the inner corner of the
  affected eye (the eye to be well open) by the aid of the Drop Tube
  two or three times a day.

  The Lotion.--Linen cloths wet with the Lotion to be applied to the
  Eyelids for a few minutes night and morning.

  Note.--Add the contents of the bottle to a bottle containing a
  half-pint of cold water before use.

Analysis showed the drops to consist of:--

  Boric acid  2¹⁄₂ grains
  Glycerine   2      „
  Water, to   2   fluid drachms

The lotion was found to consist of the Liquor Hamamelidis of the
_British Pharmacopœia_. In both cases careful search was made for
small quantities of other substances, but nothing else was found. The
cost of both together would be about one penny; the bottles, dropper,
and postage would amount to a few pence more. It is not necessary to
comment on the value of such “treatment”; it is sufficient to contrast
it with such statements from the circulars sent as:--

  Many hopeless cases, given up by the medical profession as incurable,
  have been brought under his special treatment, and, to the surprise
  of their friends, they have recovered their sense of hearing or
  seeing after having been deaf or blind for many years.... This is
  not accomplished by means of painful operations, poisonous drugs, or
  compounds, but by means of a special treatment he has introduced,
  as the result of thirty years’ practice and the experience of his
  fore-elders.


A “HERBAL SPECIALIST.”

An advertisement which may be met with in many papers is that of a Mr.
J. George, medical herbalist, usually beginning with a reference to
“Lost strength restored,” offering a free book which should be read
by all men suffering from loss of nerve power, etc., and concluding:
“No Drugs or Minerals used. Nature’s Remedies only. 30 years’ success.
The Treatment that Cures.” Application to the address given brought a
circular resembling a typewritten letter with the name and date typed
in, a “consultation form,” and two pamphlets. These were both entitled
_The Treatment that Cures Lost Health and Strength_, one being marked
“18th edition” and the other “26th edition.” Both contain a number of
testimonials, and the one marked “18th edition” contains several dated
1911, including one of March 2nd, 1911. As the pamphlets were obtained
in April, 1911, the interval between the 18th and 26th editions would
appear to have been a short one, but it seems to have sufficed for a
marvellous extension of the powers of the Herbal Remedy. In the “18th
edition” the following appears:

  Special Notice.

  In asking you to read carefully the following testimonials (which are
  taken from some hundreds that I have received during the last five
  years) I am convinced that no greater proof can be produced of the
  Wonder-working qualities of the Herbal Remedy in all cases of Lost
  Manhood and Vitality, Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhœa, Premature
  Decay, all disorders of the Nervous System, Urinary Organs, etc.,
  etc. It is an undeniable fact that the Herbal Remedy has given health
  and strength to large numbers of men and women who have become old
  and debilitated long before their time. If space would permit, I
  could print such statements from men that have suffered (but whom I
  have cured), that would convince the greatest doubter. Therefore, I
  ask you to read these testimonials which are from living persons,
  daily in communication with me, and think, if you are a sufferer from
  any of the symptoms mentioned give the Herbal Remedy a trial, and
  avail yourself of a Safe, Sure, and Speedy Cure.

In the “26th edition” appears a similar paragraph, but the list of
disorders following the words “in all cases of” has been changed to

  Asthma, Bronchitis, or any Chest or Lung Disease, Indigestion, Loss
  of Appetite, Liver Trouble, Kidney or Water Complaint, Backache,
  Weakness, Lassitude, Piles, Costiveness, Impurities of the Blood,
  Eruptions, Blotches or Itching of the Skin, Anæmia, Dyspepsia, Female
  Irregularities, or any complaint incidental to the Human System.

It then continues: “It is an undeniable,” etc., as above.

In the “18th edition” it is stated that:

  In placing your case under the treatment of Mr. J. George, the Herbal
  Expert, you are placing yourself into the care of a Practitioner that
  has had upwards of 40 years’ experience in diseases of the urinary
  and generative organs.

In the 26th, however, we read that

  In placing your case under the treatment of Mr. J. George, the Herbal
  Expert, you are placing yourself into the care of a Practitioner that
  has had upwards of 40 years’ experience in all diseases and ailments
  incidental to the human system.

As the advertisement referred to above, which appeared this year,
speaks of “30 years’ success,” it would appear that the first ten out
of the forty years were given to failure. But a further inconsistency
is supplied by the letter, in which it is said that

  The Remedy is one that I have used with the greatest success during
  the past 20 years, previous to which it was used by a near relative
  (a well-known Herbalist in the South of England with over 50 years’
  extensive practice).

The price of the Herbal Remedy is, one month’s treatment, 8s. 6d.; two
months’, 15s. 6d.; three months’, 21s.

The “consultation form” was filled up with particulars of an imaginary
case, and sent with 8s. 6d. A box of 29 powders was received in return;
these had an average weight of 57 grains, but single powders varied
from 47 to 69 grains. The material had a bitter taste; it contained
about 25 per cent. of maize flour, and the remainder consisted of
vegetable tissue which appeared to be derived from a bark, but did
not agree in characters with any drug in ordinary use. It showed no
alkaloidal or other principles by which it could be identified, and no
other substance was found to be present.




CHAPTER XVIII.

THE ADVERTISING OF PROPRIETARY MEDICINES.


  The methods of advertising adopted by the proprietors of secret
  medicines are many and various. Some employ big posters on hoardings,
  others--an increasing number--have fringed the chief railway lines of
  the country with great boards bearing the names of their nostrums;
  almost all agree in making large use of newspapers, magazines, and
  other periodicals, and of copious distribution, through various
  agencies, of circulars and pamphlets. It is impossible to read any of
  the popular newspapers or magazines without seeing that the extent
  of such advertising is very great. As a particular example, there
  lies before us a letter recently sent to retailers by the makers of
  certain proprietary medicines, in which it is stated that

  We have already largely increased our advertising, and over 800
  newspapers and magazines, embracing the whole of Great Britain, are
  regularly carrying very effective advts.

  Ten million leaflets have been ordered to be insetted in all the
  principal periodicals and magazines during the next three months.

  Booklets will be distributed from house to house throughout the
  Country during the whole summer.

  In the case of another nostrum, a single article, which was before
  the courts a few years ago, it was proved in evidence that in five
  years 83 million pamphlets had been issued, and that, in the words of
  the judge, “they had flooded the English-speaking world with their
  advertisements.”

  While the undifferentiated “man (and woman) in the street” represents
  the millions of potential customers to whom the nostrum maker wishes
  to appeal, both the number and nature of the advertisements of
  proprietary medicines in any given periodical do not by any means
  depend only on its circulation, and the operation of certain general
  rules may easily be traced. There is an obvious relation between
  the intelligence and education of the readers on the one hand, and
  the extent to which they can be appealed to by such advertisements
  as we are considering on the other, these varying in inverse ratio.
  A striking illustration of this may be seen by comparing the
  established reviews and the monthly magazines, or the _Times_ and
  some of the halfpenny dailies. A reference to the current issues of
  the _Fortnightly Review_, the _Quarterly Review_, and _Blackwood’s
  Magazine_ shows one advertisement of a proprietary medicine in each
  of the first two, and none in the last; while a single one of the
  illustrated magazines--the _Strand Magazine_--provides twenty-six,
  and a Christmas number of the same contained sixty-three. Similarly,
  on an arbitrarily chosen day, the _Times_ contained one such
  advertisement occupying one column, while the _Daily News_ contained
  eight occupying four columns, the _Daily Mail_ four occupying three
  columns, the _Daily Express_ eleven occupying three and a-quarter
  columns, the _Evening News_ four occupying two-thirds of a column,
  and the _Star_ five occupying two columns. A close connection may
  easily be traced, also, between the number of advertisements of
  patent medicines and the character of the other advertisements, the
  fact that a large amount of credulity on the part of the readers
  can be counted on being as evident from the one as the other. For
  example, advertisements of clairvoyants, palmists, “astrologers”
  who offer to foretell a person’s future from the date and hour of
  his birth, preparations for removing superfluous hair, preventing
  blushing, or developing the bust are frequent in those publications
  most favoured by the proprietary medicine maker.

  Some of the Sunday papers which have very large circulations show a
  very full share of advertisements of nostrums; an unselected copy
  of one of these which is before us contains no less than forty-one
  such advertisements, occupying nearly seven columns. Some of these
  papers have gained a good deal of notoriety for the large amount of
  space which they devote to reports of divorce suits and sensational
  crimes, and it is not surprising therefore to find the majority
  of proprietary nostrums advertised in them belonging to the most
  undesirable classes. For example, out of the forty-one just referred
  to, seventeen are of medicines for “female complaints,” five for
  “lost manhood,” and two for diseases of the urinary organs. Such
  advertisements are also abundant in the low-class “comics”; one of
  these taken at hazard contained eleven of female remedies, along with
  advertisements of “rubber preventives,” “chic female pictures,” and
  the like.

  “Religious” papers appear to be a fairly good hunting-ground for the
  advertisers of nostrums. In one of these--a weekly--we find eighteen
  advertisements of such preparations, along with “galvanic rings for
  rheumatism,” “1s. for £1,” “£2 weekly made by selling remnants,”
  “blushing cured,” “superfluous hair removed,” etc.; and on another
  page the announcement, “The prayers of the readers of this journal
  are requested for the blessing of God upon those who conduct it,
  and also upon the sermons and narratives which are printed in it.”
  The smaller provincial papers are in a good deal of favour for
  advertisements of secret medicines; as a rule a few local products of
  this kind are advertised as well as those of wider sale. A feature
  which is often to be noticed in such papers is that advertisements
  are accepted which from their headings and general appearance look
  like news paragraphs, and they are sometimes so worded that an
  ordinary reader might never suspect their real significance, and no
  warning “[Advt.]” or other indication appears at the end.

  The feelings of disgust and annoyance which are aroused when
  advertisements of this kind are met with in such abundance in
  newspapers are of very little importance in comparison with the far
  greater evil of the power over the press which thus passes into
  the hands of the owners of the various quack medicines. Certainly
  one of the most effective ways of preventing people being imposed
  on by such articles is to publish as widely as possible authentic
  information as to their composition and real value; but in this task
  little assistance is to be obtained from the lay press, on account
  of the large pecuniary interest which such advertisements give it in
  supporting the trade. The great concentration of the ownership of
  newspapers, magazines, etc., in the hands of a comparatively small
  number of companies, is not without influence in the matter; for a
  newspaper which does not obtain enough advertisements of medical
  nostrums to give it an interest in supporting them is effectually
  prevented from printing anything adverse to their interests if it
  is the property of a firm or company owning other papers which
  do receive such advertisements largely. The importance of this
  consideration can be at once seen in connexion with any proposals
  for legislation; if there should appear any likelihood of an Act of
  Parliament being passed which would interfere with the liberty to
  fleece the public by means of secret remedies, the proprietors of
  such things can practically order the greater part of the press of
  the country to misrepresent what is proposed, and in every way to
  stir up hostility to such a measure. This consideration should not
  be lost sight of in judging of the proceedings or the findings of
  the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry into the subject of “patent”
  medicines.




CHAPTER XIX.

THE “EXPERT” BEHIND THE PROPRIETARY MEDICINE.


  The reports which appear in the preceding pages and the first volume
  of this book, contrasting the composition of various proprietary
  medicines with the claims made for them, show that a favourite
  feature in the advertising of many of those of most recent origin is
  a pretence of personal attention to the details of each case by an
  expert. It is sometimes professed that this attention is given by a
  qualified medical practitioner, but whether alleged to be qualified
  or not, the “expert” is usually said to have made a life-long study
  of the particular complaint to be treated, and to know far more about
  it than any doctor practising his profession in the ordinary way. We
  have shown in many cases the hollowness of the pretence of personal
  attention to individual cases, and some of the evidence given at a
  recent inquest at the Hammersmith Coroner’s Court throws light on the
  kind of “expert” knowledge placed at the disposal of those deluded
  by such advertisements. The case was one in which the deceased had
  been taking the “Nelson Lloyd Obesity Cure,” the results of the
  analysis of which were published in _Secret Remedies_, Vol. I., p.
  100. As will be seen from the extracts from advertisements which are
  there given, the appeal to sufferers from obesity is in the form of
  a promise of personal treatment by “J. Nelson Lloyd,” who says, “I
  am myself a member of a family many of whom died prematurely after
  much mental and physical suffering, arising from corpulence”; and
  “not only do I offer every client the full benefit of practically a
  life study of the whole subject of corpulence, but that I _guarantee_
  to effect a cure of every case I take up.” The value of this
  “guarantee,” and the real facts as to the proprietor’s knowledge of
  the disease he guarantees to cure, are shown by his own evidence
  at the inquest referred to. The following is from a report of the
  proceedings in the _West London Observer_:--“Mr. Frank Derry, the
  proprietor of Nelson Lloyd’s Obesity Cure, recalled by the coroner,
  said his medical knowledge was confined to what he had learnt twenty
  years ago as secretary to a medical man. He had not been in the
  present business very long. The Coroner: Since the last hearing I
  have had the advantage of reading your book. Did you write it? It
  is signed ‘Nelson Lloyd.’--Witness: Of course, Nelson Lloyd is an
  imaginary person. The book was written for me. In your book you say,
  ‘While studying for my degree?’--That represents the man who wrote
  the prescription. He assisted in the business. But you are said to
  be Nelson Lloyd?--Yes, it is a joint effort. When was the book first
  published?--In the spring of last year. In the book you say, ‘After
  I had succeeded in curing myself I decided to take up the cure of
  obesity instead of that of medical practitioner’?--That represents
  the medical man who assisted me. Obesity, you say, should only be
  treated by a specialist?--Yes. You also say that you have made a
  life-study of it. Is that correct?--As for me, no, but as for the
  medical man, yes. Do you undertake the diagnosis of a case?--With the
  assistance of a medical man. John Holmes, of Herne Hill, said he was
  a qualified medical man in America, but not in this country. As an
  employee of Mr. Derry he went over the consultation forms and ordered
  the treatment.” The statement of the proprietor, who is responsible
  for the letters and pamphlets sent out concluding, “I am, yours
  truly, J. Nelson Lloyd” (the signature being a facsimile of writing),
  and for the personal form of the advertisements, that “_of course_,
  Nelson Lloyd is an imaginary person,” appears to show a correct
  appreciation of the degree of truthfulness usually pervading such a
  business.

  In connection with the above and with another nostrum for obesity--A.
  Gordon Wallace’s “Treatment”--dealt with in Chapter VII. of this
  volume, the following extract from “‘Truth’ Cautionary List for 1912”
  is of interest:--

  “Wallace, A. Gordon.--A mythical ‘specialist’ in fat-producing
  and fat-removing, originally the joint creation of a Mr. Alfred
  John Warner and a Dr. J. H. Hart. Warner was a medical student
  and chemist’s assistant, employed by Nelson Lloyd. Dr. Hart, who
  was struck off the register in 1898, was in the same employment.
  They produced Wallace as a fat-remover, and transferred him to the
  Rational Remedies Co., Limited. The company went into liquidation,
  and the ‘specialist’ passed into possession of the International
  Remedies Co., Limited, which also went into liquidation. Warner
  became bankrupt, and Gordon Wallace then became a fat-dispeller.”




CHAPTER XX.

SOME ECHOES OF VOLUME I.


  The first volume of this book, published in 1908, aroused a very
  large amount of public interest. Its reception by those primarily
  concerned was of varying character; two or three incidents in this
  connection appear worth recording here.


SEIGEL’S SYRUP AND “SECRET REMEDIES.”

We have received from a correspondent particulars of letters which have
passed between the proprietors of Seigel’s Syrup and himself. They
are characterised by a direct terseness on his side, and the opposite
qualities on the other, that make them somewhat entertaining reading.
The correspondence opens with a letter from the makers of this nostrum,
which is self-explanatory:

  Dear Sir,

  We received to-day by post a wrapper which had enclosed one of our
  Mother Seigel pamphlets addressed to you, and on which the sender
  had copied the stupid so-called analysis of our Syrup from the
  publication of the British Medical Association. You also copy the
  still more silly averment, “cost of 3 fluid ounces ¹⁄₃ of 1d.,” and
  your own comment on the whole is, “Nice profit at 2/6! What humbug”!!

  As you seem to be inclined to believe whatever you read, we desire
  to say: That the pretended analysis is positively absurd; That it
  does not remotely resemble the actual formula of our medicine,
  which really contains over a dozen vegetable or herbal extracts;
  That it costs much more than ¹⁄₃ of 1d. for 3 fluid ounces; That it
  is actually worth more than it sells for as an effective curative
  remedy; That it is not a “humbug”; That humbugs do not last forty
  years and still continue as business successes in all parts of the
  world as our preparation does.

  From your penmanship we think it not unlikely that you are a medical
  practitioner, in which event your animus becomes quite intelligible.
  If you are a layman, please consider fairly our assurance that the
  published analysis (?) is merely an effort of the “Doctors’ Trust,”
  or “Medical Practitioners’ Trade Union,” to injure successful rivals.
  Don’t let them humbug YOU!

It is of course quite possible that the preparation in question “really
contains over a dozen vegetable or herbal extracts,” even though the
statement follows the phrase “as you seem to be inclined to believe
whatever you read.” There is nothing in the report of the analysis,
as set forth in _Secret Remedies_, to the contrary; but in that case
the dozen extracts must have been present in too small quantity to be
recognizable by chemical or physical tests, which reveal most active
drugs even in traces. In the introduction to that volume it is pointed
out that vegetable extracts which contain no active principle cannot
always be recognized by analysis, and a similar caution is repeated
several times; but to any one acquainted with the nature of drugs
it is obvious that such limitation of the powers of analysis is of
little moment, since active drugs can almost always be recognized with
certainty.

The reply to the above letter was the remark that:

  The sole question is whether the public is more likely to be
  humbugged by the British Medical Association, which is certainly a
  responsible body of experts, or by the unknown vendors of a quack
  medicine;

And the writer adds:

  Most of these abominations hail from America. Did yours originate
  there?

The makers reply to this in a long letter containing various assertions
about their article in nine numbered paragraphs, although they commence
by saying:

  We have no desire to continue a correspondence which would probably
  not be accepted in a fair and reasonable spirit on your side.

And they omit to answer the one question that was asked as to the
country of origin of the syrup. In acknowledging this letter, the
recipient says:

  As regards your letter generally, if the British Medical Association
  have issued false statements damaging to you and to your concoction,
  your remedy is patent.

  If you, and all the other quack medicine dealers, specified in the
  184 pages of _Secret Remedies_, and in the pages of _Truth Cautionary
  List_, choose to “take it lying down,” the fair presumption is that
  the statements are true.

The makers do not appear to have found a further reply, and so the
correspondence closes.


THE VARIABLE COMPOSITION OF SECRET REMEDIES.

A correspondent of the _Pharmaceutical Journal_, in a letter in the
issue of January 8th, 1910, draws attention to the differences between
the formulae of certain proprietary medicines published in _Secret
Remedies_, Vol. I., as the results of analysis, and those printed on
the labels of the medicines when these are imported into France or
Italy. The first instance taken is “Dr. Williams’s Pink Pills”; the
formula for these given in _Secret Remedies_ is:

  Exsiccated sulphate of iron     0.75 grain
  Potassium carbonate, anhydrous  0.66   „
  Magnesia                        0.09   „
  Powdered liquorice              1.4  grains
  Sugar                           0.2  grain

  In one pill.

while according to the writer of the letter it is given on the label as:

  Pot. carb.             0.07
  Ferri sulph.           0.80
  Mangan. oxid. puriss.  0.02
  Nuraemin               0.05
  Sacchar                0.03
  Ext. gentian           0.025
  Aloes                  0.009

  [The quantities apparently do not indicate grains, but the fractional
  parts of the various ingredients in 1 part of the pill.]

The _Pharmaceutical Journal’s_ correspondent proceeds to assume,
without further evidence, that the formula published in _Secret
Remedies_ is wrong. A little familiarity with the composition of
proprietary remedies and the ways of their makers would, however, have
taught him that a particular composition in one country or at one time
gives not the slightest guarantee of the same composition at another
time or in another country. When the two formulae above are compared,
it is at once clear that no competent analyst could have obtained from
pills having the composition of the second formula results pointing
to the first. To begin with, the potassium carbonate of the second is
only a fraction of what was found by our analyst, who converted it into
sulphate in the usual way, after removal of all other ingredients, and
weighed the pure potassium sulphate; there is no loophole for error
here. Again, powdered liquorice was found to constitute nearly half
the pill, but none is shown in the other formula; it can hardly have
been omitted as being unimportant excipient, since it is thought worth
while to mention sugar present in only one-thirtieth of the quantity;
the fibre of liquorice makes it one of the easiest drugs to recognise
with certainty, and none of the ingredients mentioned in the other
formula contains any fibre or vegetable tissue at all. These two
instances suffice to show that the formulae refer to pills having very
different composition, and the other differences are equally incapable
of explanation in any other way. The comparison serves to emphasise
the obvious fact that the only formula that is of value for showing
what is being sold under a given name in a particular country is that
obtained by expert examination of the article purchased there in the
ordinary way. The second instance which is referred to in the letter in
question is that of Laville’s Antigout Remedies. In _Secret Remedies_,
Vol. I., the results of qualitative analyses of these by Dr. Zernik
are quoted, and the composition thus given is now shown to differ from
what is printed on the label. The statement in _Secret Remedies_ is
given on the authority of Dr. Zernik, and we are, of course, unable
to answer for his methods of work; but it appears almost certain that
remarks similar to the above would apply here also. Thus, Zernik found
the pilules to contain guaiacum resin, whereas this is not one of the
admitted constituents; it is well known that guaiacum resin can be
identified with much greater certainty than most resins, and it is
extremely unlikely that any mistake was made about it by so experienced
an analyst as Dr. Zernik. The correspondent of the _Pharmaceutical
Journal_ adds that “the natural conclusion is a strong doubt as to the
accuracy of the other formulae given in the book. Its pages form very
interesting reading, but with errors such as these, which could easily
have been avoided, the book hardly reflects credit on its authors or
any pharmacist who uses it as a book of reference.” If pharmacists are
as little able to criticise the claims of the makers of proprietary
articles as the writer of this letter appears to be, it is perhaps not
surprising that they are often willing to play the part they do in
distributing them. Fortunately, evidence is not lacking that many of
them regard the quack medicine evil in a very different manner, and
welcome such exposures as we have given of many of these preparations.
The facts adduced in the letter show very plainly how desirable it is
that in this country, as in France and Italy, the law should require
the composition of such medicines to be stated on the label. The
public could then judge to some extent whether they were receiving
fair value for money, and the proprietors could be brought to book if
analysis proved that they had departed from the declared formula.


THE VARIABLE DOSAGE OF SECRET REMEDIES.

Among the proprietary medicines the composition of which, as revealed
by analysis, has been published in the first volume are various
powders, cachets, pills, and tablets, and in these cases the individual
weights of different doses have usually been recorded; great variation
in the quantity to be taken in one dose has sometimes been shown. Thus
in the case of powders sold for the cure of drunkenness powders having
an average weight of 1¹⁄₂ grains varied individually from ¹⁄₃ grain to
3 grains, and in another inebriety “cure,” variations from 2.9 to 6
grains were found among ten powders of average weight 4.2 grains. It
would appear from such cases that the quantity put into each was merely
“a little,” and could not have been either weighed or measured. One of
these powders contained acetanilide and bromide, and such variations
might be far from negligible in their consequences. In the case of
headache powders, most of which consisted chiefly of acetanilide, some
of the variations were very serious, the heaviest and lightest powders
in a packet of ten differing in one preparation by as much as 6 grains;
the average weight of these was 10¹⁄₂ grains, and acetanilide formed 50
per cent. of the constituents. Some ingenuity is shown by one of the
makers of headache powders whose article was among those examined, in
an advertisement which has appeared rather prominently in some of the
pharmaceutical papers. In this advertisement attention is drawn to the
“fact” that our analyses showed smaller variations in the weights of
the powders in question than in any other; since, however, the lightest
and heaviest powders in a packet of ten of average weight 6 grains
differed by 0.7 grain (practically 12 per cent.) there seems to be no
very good grounds for this self-congratulation on accuracy. And the
“fact” itself belongs to the class described by Josh Billings as “facts
which are not so,” as in one of the powders analysed--the only other
one which consisted of acetanilide only--the extreme variation found
was only 0.2 grain; this appears to be referred to in the advertisement
as a variation of 2.0 grains. The advertisement states “it is not
possible in the ordinary course of dispensing business to weigh powders
more accurately than ‘Daisy’ powders are dispensed,” and, as to this, a
pharmaceutical correspondent remarks that the statement “is an insult
to the pharmacists to whom it is addressed. A dispenser who could not
weigh to within 0.7 grain would not remain long in any good pharmacy.”
It is not unimportant to recollect, moreover, that it was shown in
evidence at an inquest some years ago that extremely wide variations
existed in the weights of specimens taken from one and the same packet
of the very powders in question, and whatever greater accuracy may
exist in the weighing of these powders to-day would seem therefore only
to have been secured after attention had been drawn in this forcible
way to the dangerous manner in which variable quantities of acetanilide
were being distributed as doses.




INDEX

TO FIRST AND SECOND SERIES.


The contents of both Volumes I. and II. are here indexed together. The
Roman numerals denote the volume, and the figures denote the page.

  PAGE

  Absolute System of Medicine, An, ii. 210

  Absorbit Reducing Paste, i. 87

  Absorptive Pile Treatment, Van Vleck’s, i. 154

  Acetanilid (antifebrin), i. 2, 5, 6, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 58, 165;
  ii. 263, 264

  Acetic acid, i. 16, 78; ii. 7, 23, 182, 236

  Acetic ether, i. 16; ii. 86

  Acetosalic acid (_see_ Acetyl-salicylic acid).

  Acetyl-salicylic acid, i. 56, 59, 60, 64, 77, 81; ii. 4, 19

  Aconite, Tincture of, ii. 214

  _Aconitum napellus_, ii. 213

  Act, Stamp, i. 182

  Advertising of Proprietary Medicines, The, ii. 252

  Aethylenimin, ii. 28

  Agar-agar, ii. 238

  Albumen, ii. 65, 127

  Alcohol, i. 7, 8, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 26, 32, 44, 47, 52, 73, 74, 78,
  80, 86, 87, 92, 103, 111, 118, 121, 127, 135, 160, 167; ii. 7, 10, 11,
  23, 33, 46, 47, 63, 76, 80, 110, 111, 141, 149, 150, 159, 162, 164,
  183, 194, 197, 198, 200, 203, 208, 217, 218, 220, 223, 224, 225

  Alcoholism, Medicines for, i. 162; ii. 128
    Alcola, ii. 137
    Antidipso, i. 165
    Coza Powder, i. 162
    Dipsocure, i. 164
    Drug Cures, some other, i. 168
    Normyl Cure, ii. 140
    Teetolia Treatment, i. 166
    Temperancia Treatment, ii. 130
    Woods’ Treatment, ii. 133

  Alcola, ii. 137

  Allan’s Anti-fat, i. 92

  Allspice, Oil of, ii. 10, 12

  Almond, essential oil of, i. 35; ii. 151

  Almond, extract of, ii. 28

  Almond oil, i. 135, 138

  Aloes, i. 48, 49, 55, 104, 175, 176, 177, 180; ii. 5, 23, 95, 96, 97,
  98, 99, 100, 101, 117, 192, 195, 196, 199, 204, 205, 240

  Aloes and iron pill, ii. 195, 204, 205

  Aloes, decoction of, ii. 193, 198, 199

  Aloin, i. 69, 109, 110, 161; ii. 85, 96, 101, 144, 204

  Alum, i. 51, 120

  Aluminium oleate, i. 120

  Aluminium sulphate, i. 145

  Amber, oil of, ii. 6, 23

  Amenorrhœa, Medicines for, ii. 184
    Blak Thyrol Female Pills, ii. 206
    Blanchard’s Apiol and Steel Pills, ii. 205
    Davis’s Female Mixture, ii. 197
    Davis’s Female Pills, ii. 197
    Dodd’s Corrective, ii. 198
    Dodd’s Female Pills, ii. 198
    Dumas’s Paris Pills, ii. 186, 192
    Fournier’s Hygenique Mixture, ii. 199
    Gautieur’s Female Pills, ii. 204
    Grey’s (Nurse) Tablets, ii. 190, 195
    Hammond’s (Nurse) Remedies, ii. 203
    Hooper’s Female Pills, ii. 196
    Horton’s Benedict Pills, ii. 205
    Irristum, ii. 189, 194
    I.R.S. Tablets, ii. 201
    Jefferson Dodd’s Corrective, ii. 198
    Jefferson Dodd’s Female Pills, ii. 198
    Kearsley’s Welch’s Female Pills, ii. 196
    Lilly’s (Nurse) Female Pills, ii. 206
    Mann’s (Nurse) Remedy, ii. 191, 195
    Martin’s Apiol and Steel Pills, ii. 199
    Monaid Tablets, ii. 200
    Patterson’s Female Pills, ii. 204
    Pinkham’s (Mrs.) Vegetable Compound, ii. 190, 194
    Powell’s (Nurse) Corrective Pills, ii. 193
    Powell’s (Nurse) Mixture, ii. 193
    Powell’s (Nurse) Popular Pellets, ii. 192
    Powell’s (Nurse) Remedies, ii. 187
    Sanol Cones, ii. 200
    Shaffer-Bennyon’s (Mrs.) Remedy, ii. 202
    Stafford-Brookes’ (Mrs.) Pelloids, ii. 202
    Towle’s Pennyroyal and Steel Pills, ii. 195
    Welch’s (Widow) Female Pills, ii. 196

  American Soothing Syrup, Johnson’s, ii. 151

  Ammonia, ii. 7, 8, 25, 35, 63, 194, 224

  Ammoniacum, i. 18; ii. 106

  Ammoniated mercury, i. 113, 143, 144

  Ammonium bromide, i. 126, 128, 129; ii. 159, 162, 164

  Ammonium carbonate, i. 125

  Ammonium chloride, i. 19; ii. 181

  Ammonium citrate, i. 87

  Ammonium iodatum salicyl. solubl., ii. 28

  Ammonium iodide, ii. 28

  Ammonium salicylate, ii. 28, 238

  Ammonium spiric. puriss, ii. 238

  Ammonium sulpho-guaiacolate, ii. 237

  Animal extract, ii. 63, 65

  Aniseed, oil of, i. 12, 14; ii. 74, 105, 149, 150, 151, 162, 164

  Aniseed, powdered, i. 18

  Aniseed, Powell’s Balsam of, i. 14

  Aniseed water, ii. 234

  Annatto, ii. 25

  Antexema, i. 105

  Anthylla, i. 104

  Anti-cataract Mixture, Pomies’, i. 146

  Anti-catarrh, Birley’s, i. 7

  Anticelta Tablets, i. 163

  Anti-corpulent Preparation, Russell’s, i. 87

  Antidipso, i. 165

  Anti-epileptic Medicine, Taylor’s, i. 126

  Anti-épileptique (Uten), i. 129

  Anti-fat, Allan’s, i. 92

  Antifebrin (_see_ Acetanilid)

  Antigout soap, i. 64

  Antimony oxide, i. 132

  Antineurasthin, ii. 68

  Antipon, i. 86

  Antipyrin, ii. 238, 239

  Anti-rheumatic Pearls, Baring-Gould’s, i. 55

  Anti-stout Pills, Vincent’s, ii. 116

  Anturic Bath Salts, ii. 26

  Apiol, ii. 195, 199, 204, 205

  Apiol and Steel Pills, Blanchard’s, ii. 205

  Apiol and Steel Pills, Martin’s, ii. 199

  Appendix, i. 182

  _Arnica montana_, ii. 219

  Arnica, Tincture of, ii. 220

  Asafœtida, ii. 52, 145

  Aspirin (_see_ acetyl-salicylic acid).

  Assmann’s Whooping Cough Remedy, i. 19

  Atkinson and Barker’s Infants’ Preservative, ii. 150

  Atomising Fluid, Colman’s, ii. 84

  Atropine, i. 168

  Augenwol, i. 146

  Automors, ii. 239

  “Bacillentod” (Pohl’s Family Tea), i. 36

  Baldness, Medicines for (internal), i. 114
    Capsulated Hæmoglobin Ovals, i. 115
    Capsuloids, i. 114
    Hæmoglobin Capsules, i. 116

  Balm, Bowden’s Indian, ii. 23

  Balsam, Bengué’s, ii. 19

  Balsam of Peru, i. 27, 113, 115; ii. 25

  Balsam of tolu, ii. 9

  Balsamic Cough Mixture, Crosby’s, i. 15

  Balsamic Elixir, Congreve’s, i. 26

  Baring-Gould’s Anti-rheumatic Pearls, i. 55

  Barium Sulphate, i. 122

  Barkowski’s Irrigal Tablets, ii. 239

  Barley, ii. 23

  Bath Salts, ii. 25

  Bauch’s Busennährcreme, ii. 237

  Beans, Bile, i. 77; ii. 96

  Bearberry, i. 104

  Beecham’s Cough Pills, i. 18

  Beecham’s Pills, i. 175

  Beeswax, i. 58, 88, 120, 140, 143, 149, 151, 181; ii. 35, 181, 182

  Bell’s Fairy Cure, i. 39

  Benedict Pills, Horton’s, ii. 205

  Bengué’s Balsam, ii. 19

  Benzoate, Sodium, i. 180; ii. 177, 237

  Benzoin, compound tincture of, i. 15, 27

  Berberine, i. 80; ii. 217

  Berendorf’s Powder for Epilepsy, i. 129

  Betony, i. 63

  Bile Beans, i. 77; ii. 96

  Birch tar, oil of, ii. 43

  Birley’s Anti-catarrh, i. 7

  Bishop’s Gout Varalettes, i. 62

  _Blackwood’s Magazine_, ii. 253

  Bladderwrack, i. 83, 84, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 100, 102, 103, 104;
  ii. 112, 116, 117, 119, 121, 122, 123, 125

  Blair’s Gout and Rheumatic Pills, i. 50

  Blak Thyrol Female Pills, ii. 206

  Blanchard’s Apiol and Steel Pills, ii. 205

  Blaud’s Pills, ii. 145, 195, 203

  Blood Cure, Munyon’s, i. 44

  Blood Mixture, Clarke’s, i. 42

  Blood Pills, Harvey’s, i. 44

  Blood Pills, Hughes’s, i. 48

  Blood Purifiers, i. 42
    Clarke’s Blood Mixture, i. 42
    Harvey’s Pills, i. 44
    Hood’s Compound Extract of Sarsaparilla, i. 46
    Hughes’s Pills, i. 48
    Munyon’s Cure, i. 44
    Phelps Brown’s Purifie r, i. 46
    Stevens’s Consumption Cure, i. 31
    Townsend’s American Sarsaparilla, i. 43

  Blue dye, i. 118, 119; ii. 145

  Borax, i. 7, 129, 138; ii. 40, 85, 223, 224, 225

  Boric acid, i. 106, 109, 113; ii. 39, 40, 42, 125, 136, 139, 202,
  203, 237, 249

  Bostock’s Eye Ointment, i. 143

  Bowden’s Indian Balm, ii. 23

  Box’s Golden Fire, ii. 20

  Box’s Pills, ii. 20

  Brandy, ii. 28

  Brixa Tablets, i. 163

  Bromocarpine, ii. 164

  Brompton Consumption and Cough Specific, i. 27

  Brown’s Bronchial Troches, ii. 74

  Brown-Séquard, ii. 62, 63, 66

  Brown’s Vervain Restorative Assimilant, O. Phelps, i. 127

  Brucine, ii. 145

  Bryony, i. 63

  Buckthorn, i. 104

  Buer’s Mul’la, i. 149

  Buer’s Piles Cure, i. 149

  Burdock, i. 45

  Burgess’s Lion Ointment, i. 180

  Burgess’s Lion Pills, ii. 101

  Busennährcreme, Bauch’s, ii. 237

  Büsteria, ii. 238

  Cade, oil of, ii. 42, 43

  Cadum, ii. 41

  Caffeine, i. 38, 39; ii. 4, 139, 218, 221, 233

  Calcium carbonate, i. 6, 109; ii. 39, 145, 176

  Calcium chloride, ii. 175

  Calcium glycerophosphate, ii. 70

  Calcium hypophosphite, ii. 55, 58, 61, 127

  Calcium phosphate, i. 132

  Calcium sulphate, i. 28, 109; ii. 39, 41, 139

  Calomel, i. 113, 131, 132, 148, 151

  Camomile, i. 63; ii. 100

  Camphor, i. 2, 5, 65, 135, 173; ii. 11

  Camphor, oil of, ii. 10, 23, 25, 82

  Cancer Remedies, i. 117
    Cardigan Cancer Curers, i. 121
    Caustics and Cancer, i. 122
    Crimson Cross Special Ointment, ii. 181
    Wallace’s Specific No. II., ii. 215

  Canella, ii. 192, 193, 196

  Canexia preparations, i. 163

  Capsicum, i. 14, 35, 69, 156, 160, 176, 177; ii. 11, 19, 23, 76, 94,
  98, 100, 101, 108, 196, 200, 205

  Capsulated Hæmoglobin Ovals, i. 115

  Capsuloids, i. 114

  Caraway, oil of, ii. 149, 150, 151, 240

  Carbolic acid (_see_ Phenol)

  Cardamom, ii. 96, 195, 198, 199, 204, 205

  Cardigan Cancer Curers, i. 121

  Carmine, i. 88

  Carter’s Little Liver Pills, ii. 96

  Carvone, ii. 147

  Cascara sagrada, i. 2, 6, 55, 74, 104, 156, 161; ii. 28, 36, 94, 110,
  123, 149

  Cascarilla, i. 70

  Cassell’s Medicines, ii. 36

  Cassell’s Dusting Powder, ii. 39

  Cassell’s Blood Cleansing Tablets, ii. 39

  Cassell’s Ointment, ii. 40

  Cassia, oil of, i. 35; ii. 10, 76

  Catarrh Balm, Van Vleck’s, i. 3

  Catarrh Cures, i. 1; ii. 71
    Birley’s, i. 7
    Colman Method, ii. 83
    Hyomei, ii. 78
    Lane’s, i. 2
    Munyon’s, i. 6
    Rhycol Treatment, ii. 80
    Van Vleck’s, i. 3

  Caulophyllin, i. 80; ii. 200

  Caustics and cancer, i. 122

  C.B.Q. Tablets, Post’s, i. 61

  Celmo, ii. 17

  Celmo No. 2, ii. 94

  Century Thermal Bath Cabinet, i. 99

  Chalk, i. 6, 109; ii. 39, 145, 176

  Chameleon Oil, ii. 7

  Charcoal, i. 172; ii. 19, 145

  Chas. Forde’s Bile Beans, ii. 96

  Chijitse, i. 22, 32

  Children’s Cooling Powders, Fenning’s, i. 133

  Chinosol, ii. 238

  Chiretta, i. 168

  Chlorbutol, ii. 232, 233

  Chloretone, ii. 232

  Chlorinated soda, ii. 175

  Chlorine, ii. 175

  Chloroform, i. 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 74, 125; ii. 13, 47, 164, 194, 198,
  234

  Chloroform, Spirit of, i. 43; ii. 67

  Chlorophyll, i. 111, 112

  Cicfa, ii. 93

  Cimicifuga, i. 57

  Cinchona, i. 167; ii. 58, 61, 133

  Cinchonidine sulphate, i. 5

  Cinchonine sulphate, i. 2, 6; ii. 205

  Cinnamon, i. 164; ii. 195, 199, 204, 205, 233

  Cinnamon, decoction of, ii. 76

  Cinnamon, oil of, ii. 76, 98

  Citric acid, i. 64, 81, 84, 86, 87; ii. 28, 55

  Clarke’s Blood Mixture, i. 42

  Clifton’s Treatment for Deafness, i. 136

  Cloves, ii. 117
    Cloves, decoction of, ii. 76
    Cloves, oil of, ii. 65, 76, 237

  Cocaphos, ii. 49

  Cochineal, i. 27, 35, 86, 120; ii. 47, 181

  Cockle’s Pills, ii. 100

  Cocoa, i. 41

  Cocoa-butter (_see_ Theobroma, oil of)

  Cocoanut oil, ii. 25

  Cod-liver Oil, Pastor Felke’s Honey, i. 36

  Coffee, tincture of, ii. 218, 220, 221

  _Coffœa cruda_, ii. 220

  Colchicine, i. 61, 64

  Colchicum, i. 51, 63; ii. 5

  Cold Cures, i. 1
    Keene’s “One Night”, i. 5
    Mackenzie’s “One Day”, i. 4

  Coleman’s Nervlettes, i. 175

  Collemplastrum Capsicum, ii. 237

  Collie’s Ointment, i. 57

  Colman Method, ii. 83

  Colocynth, ii. 95, 100, 101, 117

  Colocynth, extract of, ii. 96, 197

  Colophony, ii. 181, 182

  Colza oil, i. 88, 135; ii. 25

  Confinements, Medicine for securing easy, ii. 207

  Congreve’s Balsamic Elixir, i. 26

  Constipation (_see_ Indigestion, Constipation, etc., Medicines for).

  Consultation Blanks (_see_ Symptom Forms).

  Consultation Forms (_see_ Symptom Forms).

  Consumption Cures, i. 20; ii. 71
    Bacillentod, i. 36
    Brompton specific, i. 27
    Congreve’s Balsamic Elixir, i. 26
    Felke’s Honey Cod-liver Oil, i. 36
    Kefyr Ferment, i. 24
    Körber’s, i. 36
    Lieber’s Tea, i. 36
    Liqufruta Medica, ii. 77
    Pohl’s Family Tea, i. 36
    Star Tonic, i. 23
    Stevens’s (Sacco, Lungsava), i. 21, 28
    Tuberculozyne, i. 21, 32
    Weidhaas Hygienic Institute, i. 23

  Cooling Powders for Infants, i. 130
    Fenning’s Children’s Powders, i. 133
    Pritchard’s Teething and Fever Powders, i. 132

  Copaiba, ii. 107

  Copper in Tuberculozyne, i. 35

  Copper oleate, i. 120; ii. 181, 182

  Corpulence (_see_ Obesity, Medicines for).

  Corpulin, i. 104

  Corrective, Jefferson Dodd’s, ii. 198

  Corrective Pills. Powell’s, ii. 193

  Cottonseed oil, ii. 12

  Cotton Wool, Völlner’s, ii. 28

  Cough Cure, Kilmer’s Indian, i. 15

  Cough Cure, Veno’s Lightning, i. 16

  Cough Drops, Lauser’s, i. 19

  Cough Drops, Reichel’s, i. 19

  Cough Lozenges, Keating’s, i. 17

  Cough, Medicines for, i. 9; ii. 71
    Assmann’s Whooping Cough Remedy, i. 19
    Beecham’s Cough Pills, i. 18
    Brown’s Bronchial Troches, ii. 74
    Crosby’s Balsamic Elixir, i. 15
    Fenning’s Lung Healers, ii. 72
    Glykaline, ii. 76
    Kay’s Linseed Compound, i. 12
    Keating’s Lozenges, i. 17
    Kilmer’s Indian Cure, i. 15
    Lauser’s Drops, i. 19
    Owbridge’s Lung Tonic, i. 13
    Peps, ii. 73
    Powell’s Balsam of Aniseed, i. 14
    Reichel’s Drops, i. 19
    Tussothym, i. 19
    Veno’s Lightning Cure, i. 16
    White’s Kompo, ii. 75

  Cough Medicines, Morphine in, i. 9, 13, 15, 18, 28

  Cough Medicines, Opium in, i. 10, 11, 28

  Cough Pills, Beecham’s, i. 18

  Cough Specific, Brompton, i. 27

  Coza Powder, i. 162

  Creosote, i. 113, 152; ii. 80

  Crimson Cross Remedies, ii. 178

  Crimson Cross Fever and Influenza Powder, ii. 181

  Crimson Cross No. 1 Ointment, ii. 181

  Crimson Cross Special Ointment, ii. 181

  Crimson Cross Kidney Cure, ii. 182

  Crompton’s Specific for Deafness, i. 135

  Crosby’s Balsamic Cough Elixir, i. 15

  Cubeb, ii. 75

  Cummin, i. 164

  Curative Syrup, Mother Seigel’s, i. 176

  Cure-alls, i. 170; ii. 233
    Beecham’s Pills, i. 175
    Korpusdoon, ii. 233
    Martin’s Miracletts, i. 163
    Nervlettes, i. 175
    Seigel’s Syrup, i. 176
    Therapion, i. 172
    Williams’s Pink Pills, i. 170, 174

  Curic Wafers, i. 38

  Cuticura remedies, i. 110

  Cystamin (_see_ Formamine).

  Cystogen (_see_ Formamine).

  _Daily Express, The_, ii. 253

  _Daily Mail, The_, ii. 253

  _Daily News, The_, ii. 253

  Daisy Powders, i. 38; ii. 264

  Dale’s Treatment for Epilepsy, ii. 153

  Dalloff’s Tea, i. 104

  Damaroids, ii. 50

  Damiana, extract of, i. 173; ii. 50, 51, 61

  Daturine, i. 168

  Davis’s Female Mixture, ii. 197

  Davis’s Female Pills, ii. 197

  D.D.D., ii. 32

  Deafness, Remedies for, i. 134
    Clifton’s Treatment, i. 136
    Crompton’s Specific, i. 135
    Dellar’s Essence, i. 135
    Nazaseptic, i. 139
    Ohraseptic, i. 139
    Ohrsorb Compound, i. 138

  Dealin Powder, ii. 237

  Dellar’s Essence for Deafness, i. 135

  De Roos’ Compound Renal Pills, ii. 105

  Dethblo, ii. 235

  Diabetes, Medicines for, i. 76
    A Lancashire nostrum, i. 80
    Dill’s Mixture, i. 76, 77, 79
    Pesqui’s Uranium Wine, i. 76, 77

  Diabetic Foods, i. 81

  Diabetic Mixture, Dill’s, i. 76, 77, 79

  Diaethylen-diamin, ii. 28

  Diagnosis Forms (_see_ Symptom Forms)

  Diastase, ii. 94, 95

  Dill, oil of, ii. 149, 150, 151

  Dill’s Diabetic Mixture, i. 76, 77, 79

  Dipsocure, i. 164

  Doan’s Kidney Pills, i. 69

  Doan’s Pile Ointment, i. 151

  Dodd’s Corrective, ii. 198

  Dodd’s Female Pills, ii. 198

  Dodd’s Kidney Pills, i. 69

  Drug Addictions, Normyl Cure for Alcohol and, ii. 140

  Drug Cures for Inebriety, i. 168

  Duboisine, i. 168

  Dumas’s Paris Pills, ii. 186, 192

  Duty on Secret Remedies, Stamp, i. 182

  Dyes, Hair, ii. 222, 228

  Dyxol, ii. 11

  Eade’s Gout and Rheumatic Pills, ii. 4

  Ear disease (_see_ Deafness, Remedies for).

  Eczema and other skin affections, Preparations for, i. 105; ii. 30
    Antexema, i. 105
    Cadum, ii. 41
    Cassell’s Medicines, ii. 36
    Cassell’s Dusting Powder, ii. 39
    Cassell’s Tablets, ii. 39
    Cassell’s Ointment, ii. 40
    Cuticura remedies, i. 110
    D.D.D, ii. 32
    Eczoline Treatment, ii. 35
    Ekzemin Cream, i. 113
    Homocea, ii. 34
    Juniper preparations, i. 113
    Paciderma preparations, i. 106
    Pheun Skin Paste, i. 113
    Poslam, ii. 42
    Rino Ointment, i. 113
    Sulpholine Lotion, ii. 40
    Zam-Buk, i. 110
    Zip Ointment, i. 112

  Eczoline Treatment, ii. 35

  Edwards’ Harlene, ii. 223

  Egg-substance, ii. 7, 69

  Ekzemin Cream, i. 113

  Electricum, i. 64

  Elixirs of Life (_see_ Nerve Tonics).

  Elm, slippery, ii. 39

  Eosin, i. 91

  Epilepsy, Medicines for, i. 124; ii. 152
    Antiépileptique (Uten), i. 129
    Berendorf’s Powder, i. 129
    Bromocarpine, ii. 164
    Dales’s Treatment, ii. 157
    Fitzkure, ii. 159
    Imperatine, ii. 153
    Lamma Powder, i. 129
    Niblett’s Vital Renewer, ii. 162
    Osborne’s Mixture, i. 126
    Ozerine, i. 125
    Phelps Brown’s Vervain Restorative Assimilant, i. 127
    Roller’s Powder, ii. 166
    Taylor’s Anti-epileptic Medicine, i. 126
    Trench’s Remedy, i. 127

  Epocol, ii. 237

  Essence for Deafness, Dellar’s, i. 135

  Eucalyptus gum, ii. 76

  Eucalyptus, oil of, i. 4, 112; ii. 23, 25, 35, 40, 80, 82

  Eulatin, ii. 239

  _Evening News, The_, ii. 253

  Exalgin, ii. 238

  “Expert” behind the Proprietary Medicine, The, ii. 256

  “Eye and Ear Specialist,” An, ii. 246

  Eye diseases, Medicines for, i. 142; ii. 246
    Augenwol, i. 146
    Bostock’s Ointment, i. 143
    Ison’s, ii. 246
    “New and Marvellous Remedy”, i. 144
    Okterin, i. 146
    Opthalmol, i. 146
    Pomies’ Anti-cataract Mixture, i. 146
    Singleton’s Ointment, i. 142
    Wisbech Remedy, i. 144

  Eye Ointment, Bostock’s, i. 143

  Eye Ointment, Singleton’s, i. 142

  Fairy Cure, Bell’s, i. 39

  Feilden, Captain, ii. 180

  Felke’s Honey Cod Liver Oil, Pastor, i. 36

  Fell Reducing Treatment, i. 97

  Female Mixtures and Pills (_see_ Amenorrhœa, Medicines for).

  Fenning’s Children’s Cooling Powders, i. 133

  Fenning’s Lung Healers, ii. 72

  Fenugreek, i. 68

  Ferric chloride, i. 121; ii. 175

  Ferric oxide, i. 5, 40, 54, 172

  Ferric oxysulphate, ii. 49

  Ferrous carbonate, ii. 145, 195, 203

  Ferrous phosphate, ii. 61, 67, 194

  Ferrous sulphate, i. 174; ii. 36, 159, 162, 192, 193, 195, 196, 197,
  199, 200, 201, 202, 204, 205, 236

  Fever Powders, Pritchard’s Teething and, i. 132

  Figuroids, i. 94

  Fitch’s Kidney and Liver Cooler, i. 71

  Fits, Trench’s Remedy for Epilepsy and, i. 127

  Fitzkure, ii. 159

  Flesh producer, A, ii. 125

  Flour, ii. 23, 121, 192, 251

  Fluorescein, i. 70

  Forde’s Bile Beans, ii. 96

  Formaldehyde, i. 129; ii. 111, 223, 225

  Formamine, i. 85, 96

  _Fortnightly Review, The_, ii. 253

  Fournier’s Hygenique Mixture, ii. 199

  Frangula, ii. 28, 236

  _Fucus vesiculosus_ (_see_ Bladder-wrack).

  Galeopsidis, i. 36

  Gall stones, i. 79

  Galls, powdered, i. 156

  Gargle Tablets, Colman’s, ii. 84

  Gaultheria, oil of, i. 73, 180; ii. 20, 33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145, 183

  Gautieur’s Female Pills, ii. 204

  Gelsemium, i. 60

  Genoform Tablets, i. 60

  Gentian, i. 62, 63, 161, 173, 179; ii. 23, 58, 61, 95, 201, 205

  Gentian, infusion of, ii. 47

  George’s Herbal Remedy, ii. 251

  Germicides, i. 31

  Ginger, i. 49, 88, 89, 109, 110, 175, 180; ii. 95, 97, 98, 99, 192,
  193, 195, 204, 205, 206

  Gloria Tonic, i. 53

  Gloria Treatment for Rheumatism, i. 52

  Gluten Flour, i. 81, 82

  Glycerin, i. 17, 30, 32, 35, 73, 74, 78, 89, 90, 92, 93, 103, 113,
  120, 135, 138, 142, 143, 144, 146, 173; ii. 13, 33, 35, 41, 55, 65,
  67, 165, 183, 197, 203, 223, 224, 225, 226, 228, 249

  Glykaline, ii. 76

  Goitre, Haig’s Cure for, ii. 240

  Golden Fire, Box’s, ii. 20

  Gordon’s Vital Sexualine Restorative, ii. 54

  Gordon Wallace, ii. 258

  Gordon Wallace’s Treatment for Obesity, ii. 114

  Gossypium, extract of, ii. 198

  Gout, Rheumatism, and Neuralgia, Medicines for, i. 50; ii. 1
    Anturic Bath Salts, ii. 26
    Baring Gould’s Pearls, i. 55
    Bath Salts, ii. 25
    Bengué’s Balsam, ii. 19
    Bishop’s Varalettes, i. 62
    Blair’s Pills, i. 50
    Box’s Pills, ii. 20
    Box’s Golden Fire, ii. 20
    Bowden’s Indian Balm, ii. 23
    Celmo, ii. 17
    Chameleon Oil, ii. 7
    Collie’s Ointment, i. 57
    Dyxol, ii. 11
    Eade’s Pills, ii. 4
    Electricum, i. 64
    Genoform Tablets, i. 60
    Gloria Treatment, i. 52
    Gower’s Green Pills, i. 56
    Hamm’s Cure, i. 51
    Hoffmann’s Powders, ii. 3
    Laville’s Remedies, i. 64
    Lazarus Soap, i. 64
    Levasco, ii. 10
    Limosan, ii. 28
    Magic Foot Drafts, ii. 14
    Oquit, i. 59
    Orudon Essence, ii. 27
    Orudon Salt, ii. 28
    Ozonia, ii. 25
    Pistoia Powders, i. 62
    Pond’s Arthriticus, ii. 12
    Portland Powder, i. 62
    Post’s C.B.Q. Tablets, i. 61
    Rheumacid, i. 64
    Rheuma Tabakolin, i. 65
    Rheumsol Bath Salts, ii. 27
    Tissander’s Cure, ii. 29
    Uricedin, i. 64
    Uricura Drops, ii. 6
    Uricura Liniment, ii. 7
    Völlner’s Cotton Wool, ii. 28
    Weigand’s Spirit, i. 65
    Zox, i. 58

  Gout and Rheumatic Pills, Blair’s, i. 50

  Gout and Sciatica Cure, Hamm’s Rheumatic, i. 51

  Gout Powders, Pistoia, i. 62

  Gout Powders, Portland, i. 62

  Gout Varalettes, Bishop’s, i. 62

  Gower’s Green Pills, i. 56

  Graziana Reducing Treatment, i. 103

  Green Pills, Gower’s, i. 56

  Grey’s (Nurse) American Compound Tablets, ii. 190, 195

  _Grindelia robusta_, i. 17

  Gripe Water, Woodward’s, ii. 149

  Guaiacum, i. 44, 54, 62, 64

  Guarantee Bonds, i. 30

  Guarantee, i. 97, 99, 107, 155; ii. 172

  Guy’s Tonic, ii. 46

  Hæmoglobin, i. 114, 115, 116

  Hæmoglobin Capsules, i. 116

  Hæmoglobin Ovals, Capsulated, i. 115

  Hæmorrhoids (_see_ Piles, Medicines for).

  Haig’s Cure for Goitre, ii. 240

  Hair Dyes, ii. 222, 228

  Hair, Preparations for the, ii. 222
    Edwards’ Harlene, ii. 223
    Juvenia, ii. 229
    Koko, ii. 224
    Lockyer’s Sulphur Hair Restorer, ii. 225
    Mexican Hair Renewer, ii. 226
    Seeger’s Hair Dye, ii. 228
    Shadeine, ii. 229
    Tatcho, ii. 222
    Vilixir, ii. 227

  Hair Restorer, The Geo. R. Sims, ii. 222

  Hair Restorer, Lockyer’s, ii. 225

  Hair Renewer, Mexican, ii. 226

  Hamamelidis, Liquor, i. 150; ii. 249

  Hamamelin, i. 152

  Hamamelis, i. 148, 149, 152

  Hamm’s Rheumatic, Gout, and Sciatica Cure, i. 51

  Hammond’s (Nurse) Remedies, ii. 203

  Hammond’s Specifics, ii. 6, 7

  Hargreave’s Reducing Wafers, i. 91

  Harlene, Edwards’, ii. 223

  Harmless Headache Powders, Hoffman’s, i. 41

  Harvey’s Blood Pills, i. 44

  Headache, i. 37

  Headache Cure, Stearns’s, i. 39

  Headache Powders, i. 37
    Bell’s Fairy Cure, i. 39
    Curic Wafers, i. 38
    Daisy, i. 38
    “Good as Gold”, i. 41
    Hoffman’s Harmless, i. 41
    Kaputine, i. 40
    Retailers Supplying, i. 41
    Stearns’s Cure, i. 39

  Healine Treatment for Rupture, i. 160

  Hellebore, white, ii. 17

  Hemlock Pitch, i. 68

  Hemotora, i. 153

  Henbane, i. 69, 71

  Herbal Remedy, George’s, ii. 251

  Herbal Specialist, A, ii. 249

  Hexamethylene-tetramine (_see_ Formamine).

  Hochfelder Pitch Plaster, ii. 237

  Hoffman’s Harmless Headache Powders, i. 41

  Hoffmann’s Rheumatic Powders, ii. 3

  Holdroyd’s Gravel Pills, ii. 104

  Holloway’s Pills, ii. 96

  Homatropine, i. 168, 169

  “Home Doctor” Backache and Kidney Pills, ii. 107

  “Home Doctor” Remedies, ii. 103, 107

  Homocea, ii. 34

  Honey, ii. 151

  Hood’s Compound Extract of Sarsaparilla, i. 46

  Hood’s Vegetable Pills, ii. 101

  Hooper’s Female Pills, ii. 196

  Horton’s Benedict Pills, ii. 205

  Hughes’s Blood Pills, i. 48

  Hydrastine, i. 80; ii. 217

  Hydrastis, i. 77, 80; ii. 85, 240

  Hydrastis, tincture of, ii. 217, 221

  Hydrochloric acid, i. 121, 169, 176, 177; ii. 47, 151, 175, 228, 229

  Hydrogen peroxide, ii. 230, 238

  Hygenique Mixture, Fournier’s, ii. 199

  Hyomei, ii. 78

  Hyoscine, i. 168, 169

  Hyoscyamine, i. 168, 169

  Ichthyol, i. 140, 115

  Ills of Humanity, i. 177

  Imperatine, Dale’s, ii. 153

  Indian Balm, Bowden’s, ii. 23

  Indigestion, Constipation, etc., Medicines for, ii. 87
    Burgess’s Lion Pills, ii. 101
    Carter’s Little Liver Pills, ii. 96
    Celmo No. 2, ii. 94
    Cicfa, ii. 93
    Cockle’s Pills, ii. 100
    Forde’s Bile Beans, ii. 96
    Holloway’s Pills, ii. 97
    Hood’s Vegetable Pills, ii. 101
    Ker-Nak, ii. 99
    Mer-Syren, ii. 89
    Scott’s Pills, ii. 98
    Whelpton’s Purifying Pills, ii. 95
    Woodcock’s Wind Pills, ii. 95

  Inebriety (_see_ Alcoholism, Medicines for)

  Inebriety, Drug Cures for, i. 168

  Infants, Powders for, i. 130

  Infants’ Preservative, Atkinson and Barker’s, ii. 150

  Infants, Soothing Syrups for, ii. 147

  Information Forms (_see_ Symptom Forms)

  Inspirators, ii. 81

  Invigoroids, ii. 51

  Iodine, i. 84, 94, 102, 103, 126

  Iodine, tincture of, i. 126

  Ipecacuanha, i. 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 28; ii. 73, 101

  Iridin, i. 157

  Iron, i. 71, 87, 89, 121, 162

  Iron carbonate, ii. 145, 203

  Iron chloride, i. 121; ii. 175

  Iron glycerophosphate, ii. 67

  Iron hypophosphite, ii. 50, 51, 55

  Iron oxide, ii. 200

  Iron oxysulphate, ii. 49

  Iron phosphate, i. 89; ii. 61, 67, 194

  Iron, reduced, ii. 53, 145, 199, 206

  Iron, saccharated carbonate, i. 40; ii. 52

  Iron sulphate, i. 175; ii. 36, 159, 162, 192, 193, 195, 196, 197, 199,
  200, 201, 202, 204, 205, 236

  Irrigal Tablets, Barkowski’s, ii. 239

  Irristum, ii. 189, 194

  I.R.S. Compound Golden Tablets, ii. 201

  Ison’s Eye and Ear Dispensary, ii. 246

  Ison’s Preparations for the Eyes, ii. 248

  Jalap, i. 48, 49, 55, 57, 69, 70, 180; ii. 100, 101, 117, 192, 193,
  196, 236

  Jalap resin, ii. 85

  Jaundice, i. 72, 79

  Jefferson Dodd’s Corrective, ii. 198

  Jefferson Dodd’s Female Pills, ii. 198

  Jehnol, ii. 237

  _John Bull_ investigation, ii. 169

  Johnson’s (Mrs.) American Soothing Syrup, ii. 151

  Juniper, oil of, i. 68, 71; ii. 19, 108

  Juniper preparations, i. 113

  Juvenia Hair Dye, ii. 229

  J.Z. Obesity Tablets, i. 87

  Kaolin, i. 54, 109, 172

  Kaputine, i. 40

  Karox Compound, ii. 110

  Kay’s Linseed Compound, i. 12

  Kay’s Linum Catharticum Pills, i. 12

  Kearsley’s Welch’s Female Pills, ii. 198

  Keating’s Cough Lozenges, i. 17

  Keene’s “One Night” Cold Cure, i. 5

  Kefyr, i. 23

  Kellogg’s Safe Fat Reducer, ii. 119

  Ker-Nak, ii. 99

  Kerosene, ii. 12

  Kidd Co., The J. W., ii. 244

  Kidd’s Treatment, James W., i. 178

  Kidney medicines, i. 66; ii. 102
    De Roos’-Renal Pills, ii. 105
    Doan’s Pills, i. 67
    Dodd’s Pills, i. 69
    Fitch’s Kidney and Liver Cooler, i. 71
    Holdroyd’s Gravel Pills, ii. 104
    “Home Doctor” Pills, ii. 107
    Karox Compound, ii. 110
    Kilmer’s Swamp Root, ii. 108
    Munyon’s Cure, i. 75
    Red Cross Pills, ii. 106
    Var’s American Pills, i. 70
    Veno’s Seaweed Tonic, i. 74
    Warner’s Cure, i. 72

  Kilmer’s Indian Cough Cure, i. 15

  Kilmer’s Swamp Root, ii. 108

  Kino, i. 32

  Kleinertz’s Quidestin, ii. 209

  Koko, ii. 224

  Kompo, White’s, ii. 75

  Körber’s Cure for Consumption, i. 36

  Korpusdoon, ii. 233

  Krameria, i. 32; ii. 40

  Kupfinn, “Dr.”, i. 139

  Lamma Powder, i. 129

  Lammersdorf’s Chilblain Cream, ii. 237

  Lancashire nostrum, A, i. 80

  Lane’s Catarrh Cure, i. 2

  Lanoline, i. 149, 154; ii. 20, 25, 40, 43

  Lard, ii. 20, 25, 35, 177

  Lauser’s Cough Drops, i. 19

  Lavender, i. 104

  Lavender, oil of, ii. 11

  Laville’s Antigout remedies, i. 64

  Laxatol (_see_ Phenolphthalein)

  Laxen (_see_ Phenolphthalein)

  Laxoin (_see_ Phenolphthalein)

  Lazarus Gout and Rheumatic Soap, i. 64

  Lead, i. 122

  Lead acetate, i. 113, 127, 148, 152; ii. 226, 228

  Lead carbonate, ii. 177

  Lead oleate, i. 113, 119, 181

  Lead oxide, i. 143, 144

  Lead plaster, i. 181

  Lead sulphate, ii. 226

  Lead subacetate, i. 127

  Lecithin, ii. 69, 127, 238

  Lemon, i. 84

  Lemon grass, i. 113

  Lemon, oil of, i. 65; ii. 25, 35

  Leptandrin, i. 74

  Levasco, ii. 10

  Lieber’s Tea for Consumption, i. 36

  Lilly’s (Nurse) Female Pills, ii. 206

  Lime Juice, i. 77, 81

  Limosan, ii. 28

  Linseed Compound, Kay’s, i. 12

  Linseed oil, ii. 181, 182

  Lion Pills, Burgess’s, ii. 101

  Lion Ointment, Burgess’s, i. 180

  Liqufruta Medina, ii. 77

  Liquor ammonii anisat., ii. 86

  Liquorice, i. 11, 14, 18, 19, 45, 54, 55, 61, 69, 89, 91, 102, 103,
  133, 156, 173, 174, 175, 176; ii. 28, 97, 116, 119, 122, 192, 193,
  197, 199, 203, 204, 206

  Liquorice, extract of, ii. 74, 234

  Lithium carbonate, ii. 28

  Lithium citrate, i. 62; ii. 13, 28

  Liver Cooler, Fitch’s Kidney and, i. 71

  Lloyd, J. Nelson, ii. 256, 257, 258

  Lloyd Reducing Treatment, Nelson, i. 100

  Lobelia, ii. 23

  Lobelia, tincture of, ii. 86

  Lockyer’s Sulphur Hair Restorer, ii. 225

  London Medicine Co.’s Fitzkure, ii. 159

  Lotion, X.L. Reducing Pills and, i. 89

  Lungsava, i. 28

  Lung Tonic, Owbridge’s, i. 13

  Lycopodium, i. 71

  Lymphol, Rice’s, i. 158

  Mackenzie’s “One Day” Cold Cure, i. 4

  Magic Foot Drafts, ii. 14

  Magnesia, calcined, i. 150

  Magnesia citrate, ii. 28

  Magnesia glycerophosphate, ii. 67

  Magnesia silicate, ii. 19

  Magnesia sulphate, ii. 49, 111, 234

  Magnesium carbonate, ii. 133, 150

  Magpies, ii. 166

  Malachite green, i. 111

  Malt extract, ii. 19, 95, 121, 237

  Mandelyl-tropeine (_see_ Homatropine).

  Mann’s (Nurse) Remedy, ii. 191, 195

  Marigold, ii. 28

  Marmola, i. 85, 93

  Marshmallow, ii. 100

  Marston Treatment, ii. 55

  Martin’s Apiol and Steel Pills, ii. 199

  Martin’s Miracletts, i. 171

  Matrozone, ii. 207

  Medicine Stamp Act, i. 182

  Medi-cone Pile Treatment, Oxien, i. 151

  Meligrin, ii. 238

  Menthol, i. 156, 172; ii. 20

  Mercuric oxide, i. 143

  Mercury, ammoniated, i. 113, 143, 144

  Mercury perchloride, ii. 239

  Mergandol, ii. 239

  Mer-Syren, ii. 89

  Methyl alcohol, ii. 238

  Methyl orange, i. 86

  Methyl salicylate, i. 73, 180; ii. 20, 33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145, 183

  Methylene blue, ii. 145

  Metramine (_see_ Formamine).

  Mexican Hair Renewer, i. 226

  Milk, ii. 69

  Miracletts, Martin’s, i. 171

  Mixture for Epilepsy, Osborne’s, i. 126

  Monaid Tablets, ii. 200

  Morgan’s Radio Vimettes, ii. 52

  Morphine, i. 13, 15, 18; ii. 148

  Mother’s Advice, ii. 93

  Mother Seigel’s Curative Syrup, i. 176

  Mothersill’s Seasick Remedy, ii. 232

  Muco-Food Cones, Van Vleck’s, i. 148, 155

  Mul’la, Buer’s, i. 149

  Munyon’s Catarrh Cure, i. 6

  Munyon’s Catarrh Tablets, i. 6

  Munyon’s Blood Cure, i. 44

  Munyon’s Kidney Cure, i. 75

  Munyon’s Pile Ointment, i. 150

  Murray’s Combined Treatment, ii. 58

  Mustard, essential oil of, ii. 10, 12

  National College of Health, Limited, ii. 166, 243

  Nazaseptic, i. 139

  Nebular Tablets, Colman’s, ii. 84

  Nelson Lloyd, J., ii. 256, 257, 258

  Nelson Lloyd Reducing Treatment, i. 100

  Nerve Stimulators, i. 31

  Nerve Tonics and “Elixirs of Life”, ii. 44
    Antineurasthin, ii. 68
    Cocaphos, ii. 49
    Damaroids, ii. 50
    Gordon’s Vital Sexualine Restorative, ii. 54
    Guy’s Tonic, ii. 46
    Invigoroids, ii. 51
    Marston Treatment, ii. 55
    Morgan’s Radio-Vimettes, ii. 52
    Murray’s Combined Treatment, ii. 58
    Neurovril, ii. 63
    Osogen, ii. 66
    Phosferine, ii. 45
    Schäfert’s Nerve Salts, ii. 70
    Sequarine, ii. 62
    Vitæ Ore, ii. 48

  Nervlettes, Coleman’s, i. 175

  Nettle, i. 36

  Neuralgia (_see_ Gout, Rheumatism, and Neuralgia, Medicines for)

  Neurovril, ii. 63

  “New and Marvellous Remedy for the Eyes”, i. 144

  Niblett’s Vital Renewer, ii. 162

  Ninetta, ii. 238

  Nitrous Ether, Spirit of, ii. 111

  “No Cure No Pay”, i. 5, 29, 95

  “Normal” Pills for Obesity, ii. 122

  Normyl Treatment for Alcohol and Drug addictions, ii. 140

  Nostrum, A Lancashire, i. 80

  Nurse Grey’s American Compound Tablets, ii. 190, 195

  Nurse Hammond’s Remedies, ii. 203

  Nurse Lilly’s Female Pills, ii. 206

  Nurse Mann’s Remedy, ii. 191, 195

  Nurse Powell’s Corrective Pills, ii. 193

  Nurse Powell’s Mixture, ii. 193

  Nurse Powell’s Popular Pellets, ii. 192

  Nurse Powell’s Remedies, ii. 187

  Nutmeg, oil of, ii. 12

  Nutmeg, tincture of, ii. 219

  Nux Vomica, extract of, ii. 52, 145

  Nux Vomica, tincture of, ii. 141

  Obesity, Medicines for, i. 83; ii. 112
    Absorbit Paste, i. 87
    Allan’s Anti-Fat, i. 92
    Anticelta Tablets, i. 163
    Antipon, i. 86
    Corpulin, i. 104
    Dalloff’s Tea, i. 104
    Fell Treatment, i. 97
    Figuroids, i. 94
    Gordon Wallace’s Treatment, ii. 114
    Graziana Treatment, i. 103
    Hargreave’s Wafers, i. 91
    J. Z. Tablets, i. 87
    Kellogg’s Safe Fat Reducer, ii. 119
    Marmola, i. 85, 93
    Nelson Lloyd Treatment, i. 100
    “Normal” Pills, ii. 122
    Phatolene Tablets, ii. 117
    Russell’s Anti-Corpulent Preparation, i. 87
    Seymour’s (Mrs.) Treatment, ii. 123
    Trilene Tablets, i. 90
    Vincent’s Anti-Stout Pills, ii. 116
    X.L. Pills and Lotion, i. 89
    Zehrkur, i. 103
    Zobiede, i. 87

  Ohraseptic, i. 139

  Ohrsorb Compound, i. 138

  Oil of allspice, ii. 10, 12

  Oil of almond, i. 135, 138

  Oil of almond, essential, i. 35; ii. 151

  Oil of amber, ii. 6, 23

  Oil of anise, i. 12, 14; ii. 74, 105, 149, 150, 151, 162, 164

  Oil of birch tar, ii. 43

  Oil of cade, ii. 42, 43

  Oil of camphor, ii. 10, 23, 25, 82

  Oil of caraway, ii. 149, 150, 151, 240

  Oil of cassia, i. 35; ii. 10

  Oil of cinnamon, ii. 76, 98

  Oil of cloves, ii. 63, 76, 237

  Oil of cocoanut, ii. 25

  Oil of cottonseed, ii. 12

  Oil of dill, ii. 149, 150, 151

  Oil of eucalyptus, i. 4, 112; ii. 23, 25, 35, 40, 80, 82

  Oil of juniper, i. 68, 71; ii. 19, 108

  Oil of lavender, ii. 11

  Oil of lemon, i. 65; ii. 25, 35

  Oil of linseed, ii. 181, 182

  Oil of mustard, essential, ii. 10, 12

  Oil of nutmeg, ii. 12

  Oil, olive, ii. 40

  Oil of onion, ii. 78

  Oil of origanum, i. 160

  Oil of pennyroyal, ii. 192, 193, 196, 197, 204, 205, 206

  Oil of peppermint, i. 14, 36, 69, 71, 81, 94, 160; ii. 63, 74, 78, 96,
  98, 101

  Oil of pimento, ii. 10, 12

  Oil of pine, i. 4

  Oil, rape, i. 88, 135; ii. 25

  Oil of rosemary, ii. 11, 23

  Oil of rue, ii. 195, 204, 205

  Oil of sassafras, i. 44; ii. 159, 234

  Oil of spearmint, i. 160; ii. 10

  Oil of theobroma, i. 148, 152, 154, 156; ii. 58, 61, 201, 202, 203

  Oil of turpentine, i. 65, 113, 122, 136; ii. 7, 10

  Oil of wintergreen, i. 73, 180; ii. 20, 33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145, 183

  Ointment, Cassell’s, ii. 40

  Ointment, Collie’s, i. 57

  Ointment, Crimson Cross, ii. 181

  Ointment, Tremol, ii. 176

  Okterin, i. 146

  Oleic acid, i. 115, 161

  Oleo-resin of Capsicum, ii. 11, 19

  Opthalmol, i. 146

  Oquit, i. 59

  Opium, tincture of, ii. 6

  Orchitic fluid, ii. 62, 67

  Origanum, oil of, i. 160

  Orudon Essence, ii. 27

  Orudon Salt, ii. 28

  Osborne’s Mixture for Epilepsy, i. 126

  Osogen, ii. 66

  Owbridge’s Lung Tonic, i. 13

  Ox-bile, i. 88

  Oxien Pile Treatment, i. 151

  Ozerine, i. 125

  Oxygar, ii. 238

  Ozonia, ii. 25

  Pale People, Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for, i. 170, 174

  Paraffin, i. 4, 70, 100, 106, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 120, 140, 143,
  144, 146, 151, 152, 156; ii. 12, 40, 42, 43, 80, 176, 240

  Paraphenylene-diamine, ii. 230

  Paris Pills, Dumas’s, ii. 186, 192

  Patients’ names, obtaining, i. 25; ii. 245

  Patterson’s Female Pills, ii. 204

  Pellets, Powell’s Popular, ii. 192

  Pelloids, Mrs. Stafford-Brookes’, ii. 202

  Pennyroyal and Steel Pills, Towle’s, ii. 195

  Pennyroyal oil of, ii. 192, 193, 196, 197, 204, 205, 206

  Peppermint, ii. 28

  Peppermint, oil of, i. 14, 36, 69, 71, 81, 94, 160; ii. 63, 74, 78,
  96, 98, 101

  Peppermint water, i. 127; ii. 175

  Peps, ii. 73

  Pepsin, i. 76; ii. 94

  Peru, balsam of, ii. 25

  Pesqui’s Uranium Wine, i. 76, 77

  Petroleum jelly, i. 58, 156

  Phatolene Tablets, ii. 117

  Phelps Brown’s Blood Purifier, i. 46

  Phelps Brown’s Vervain Restorative Assimilant, i. 127

  Phenacetin, i. 38, 39; ii. 4

  Phenocoll, ii. 28

  Phenol, i. 1, 3, 4, 7, 120, 151; ii. 33, 239

  Phenol sulphate, i. 239

  Phenolphthalein, i. 77, 81, 85, 94, 96, 97; ii. 39, 144

  Pheun Skin Paste, i. 113

  Phosferine, ii. 45

  Phosphoric acid, i. 8; ii. 46, 47, 194

  Phosphorus, i. 176; ii. 56

  Phytolaccin, i. 54

  Picrotoxin, ii. 141

  Pile Ointment, Doan’s, i. 151

  Pile Ointment, Munyon’s, i. 150

  Piles, Medicines for, i. 147
    Buer’s Mul’la, i. 149
    Doan’s Ointment, i. 151
    Hemotora, i. 153
    Muco-food Cones, Van Vleck’s, i. 148
    Munyon’s Ointment, i. 150
    Oxien Medi-cone Treatment, i. 151
    Rollo’s Remedy, i. 153
    Van Vleck’s Absorptive Treatment, i. 154

  Pilocarpine, ii. 165

  Pimento, oil of, ii. 10, 12

  Pine balsams, ii. 73

  Pinkham’s (Mrs.) Vegetable Compound, ii. 190, 194

  Pink Pills, Williams’, i. 170, 174

  Piperazine, i. 62; ii. 28

  Pistoia Gout Powders, i. 62

  Pitch Plaster, Hochfelder, ii. 237

  Plasma, Van Vleck’s, i. 155

  Podophyllin, i. 69; ii. 85, 97, 144

  Pohl’s Family Tea, i. 36

  Pomies’ Anticataract Mixture, i. 146

  Pond’s Arthriticus, ii. 12

  Poplar tree leaf, ii. 28

  Popular Pellets, Powell’s, ii. 192

  Portland Gout Powder, i. 62

  Poslam, ii. 42

  Post’s C.B.Q. Tablets, i. 61

  Potassium bicarbonate, ii. 13, 150

  Potassium bitartrate, ii. 78

  Potassium bromide, i. 89, 90, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 165, 166; ii,
  149, 164, 165

  Potassium carbonate, i. 174, 175

  Potassium chlorate, i. 133

  Potassium chloride, i. 89, 90, 125

  Potassium citrate, ii. 13, 111, 162

  Potassium hypophosphite, ii. 55, 127

  Potassium iodate, ii. 86

  Potassium iodide, i. 43, 45, 47, 52, 54, 61, 89, 90, 92, 93, 111, 126,
  142, 146; ii. 39, 76, 159, 162, 164

  Potassium nitrate, i. 66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73; ii. 108

  Potassium phosphate, ii. 63

  Potassium sulphate, ii. 145

  Potassium sulpho-guaiacolate, ii. 237

  Potato Flour, ii. 92

  Powders, Headache, i. 37
    Daisy, i. 38
    “Good as Gold”, i. 41
    Hoffmann’s Harmless, i. 41

  Powders for Infants, Soothing, Teething, and Cooling, i. 130
    Fenning’s Children’s Cooling, i. 133
    Pritchard’s Teething and Fever, i. 132
    Stedman’s Teething, i. 130
    Steedman’s Soothing, i. 131

  Powell’s Balsam of Aniseed, i. 14

  Powell’s (Nurse) Corrective Pills, ii. 193

  Powell’s (Nurse) Mixture, ii. 193

  Powell’s (Nurse) Popular Pellets, ii. 192

  Powell’s (Nurse) Remedies, ii. 187

  Preservative, Atkinson and Barker’s Infants’, ii. 150

  Pritchard’s Teething and Fever Powders, i. 132

  Protein, ii. 69

  Purgen (_see_ Phenolphthalein)

  Pyrogallic acid, ii. 228, 229

  _Quarterly Review, The_, ii. 253

  Quassia, extract of, ii. 144

  Quidestin, Kleinertz, ii. 209

  Quinine, i. 2, 45, 61, 64, 167; ii. 67, 203, 223

  Quinine glycerophosphate, ii. 67

  Quinine phosphate, ii. 61

  Quinine sulphate, i. 176; ii. 46, 50, 51, 53, 55, 61, 194, 201, 202

  Quinine valerianate, i. 172

  Radio-vimettes, Morgan’s, ii. 52

  Radium Salve, A, ii. 234

  Rape oil, i. 88, 135; ii. 25

  Red Cross Pills, ii. 106

  Red Gum, ii. 76

  Reducing Paste, Absorbit, i. 87

  Reducing Pills and Lotion, X.L., i. 89

  Reducing Treatment, Fell, i. 97

  Reducing Treatment, Graziana, i. 103

  Reducing Treatment, Nelson Lloyd, i. 100

  Reducing Wafers, Hargreave’s, i. 91

  Reichel’s Cough Drops, i. 19

  Religious Papers, advertisements in, ii. 254

  Report Forms (_see_ Symptom Forms)

  Resin (colophony), i. 58, 112; ii. 181, 182

  Resin plaster, i. 119

  Retailers, Headache powders supplied by, i. 41

  _Rhamnus frangula_, ii. 28

  _Rhamnus purshianus_, ii. 28

  Rheuma Tabakolin, i. 65

  Rheumacid, i. 64

  Rheumatic, Gout, and Sciatica Cure, Hamm’s, i. 51

  Rheumatic and Gout Spirit, Weigand’s, i. 65

  Rheumatic Pills, Blair’s Gout and, i. 50

  Rheumatism (_see_ Gout, Rheumatism, and Neuralgia, Medicines for)

  Rheumatism, Gloria Treatment for, i. 52

  Rheumsol Bath Salts, ii. 27

  Rhizoma root, ii. 29

  Rhubarb, i. 45, 55, 74, 104, 111; ii. 99, 101, 105, 149

  Rhubarb, infusion of, ii. 175

  Rhycol, Antiseptic, ii. 82

  Rhycol Lubricant, ii. 82

  Rhycol Tampons, ii. 82

  Rhycol Treatment, ii. 80

  Rice’s Lymphol, i. 158

  Rice’s Treatment for Rupture, i. 158

  Ringworm Cure, Wilson’s, ii. 235

  Rino Ointment, i. 113

  Rock Rose, i. 46

  Roller’s Powder for epilepsy, ii. 166

  Rollo’s Remedy for Piles, i. 153

  Rosemary, oil of, ii. 11, 23

  Rose water, ii. 41, 226, 228

  Rue, oil of, ii. 195, 204, 205

  Rupture, Preparations for, i. 158
    Healine Treatment, i. 160
    Rice’s Treatment, i. 158

  Russell’s Anti-Corpulent Preparation, i. 87

  Saccharin, i. 11, 172

  Sacco, i. 28

  Saffron, ii. 151

  Salicylic acid, i. 92, 93, 113; ii. 33, 42, 43, 76

  Salicylic methylene-glycol ester, i. 61

  Salocoll, ii. 28

  Sal volatile, i. 43

  Sanol Cones, ii. 200

  Sargol, ii. 125

  Sarsaparilla, compound solution of, i. 44

  Sarsaparilla, Hood’s Extract of, i. 46

  Sarsaparilla, Townsend’s American, i. 43

  Sassafras, oil of, i. 44; ii. 159, 234

  Savin, ii. 197

  Scammony, i. 80, 180

  Schäfert’s Nerve Salts, ii. 70

  Sciatica Cure, Hamm’s Rheumatic, Gout, and, i. 51

  Scopolamine, i. 168

  Scott’s Pills, ii. 98

  Seasickness, Preparations for, ii. 231
    Mothersill’s Remedy, ii. 232
    Zotos, ii. 231

  Seaweed Tonic, Veno’s, i. 74

  Seeger’s Hair-Dye, ii. 228

  Seigel’s Curative Syrup, Mother, i. 176

  Seigel’s Syrup and _Secret Remedies_, ii. 259

  Self-examination Form (_see_ Symptom Form)

  Senna, i. 19, 74, 104; ii. 28, 149, 196

  Senna, syrup of, ii. 149

  Sequarine, ii. 62

  Seymour’s (Mrs.) Treatment for Obesity, ii. 123

  Shadeine, ii. 229

  Shaffer-Bennyon’s (Mrs.) Remedy, ii. 203

  Singleton’s Eye Ointment, i. 142

  Skin Diseases (_see_ Eczema and other skin affections, Preparations
  for)

  Skin Paste, Pheun, i. 113

  Slippery elm bark, ii. 39

  Soap, i. 57, 64, 65, 70, 113, 119, 135, 140, 175; ii. 11, 23, 97, 98,
  99, 100, 101, 105, 108, 195, 204, 205, 228, 240

  Soap, Antigout, i. 64

  Soap, Lazarus Gout and Rheumatic, i. 64

  Soda alum, i. 142, 145

  Soda, chlorinated, ii. 175

  Sodium acetate, ii. 177, 239

  Sodium benzoate, i. 180; ii. 177, 237

  Sodium bicarbonate, i. 7, 41, 62, 70, 80, 96, 97, 107, 164, 179; ii.
  85, 150, 240

  Sodium bromide, i. 129

  Sodium carbonate, ii. 26, 27, 105, 202, 228

  Sodium chloride, i. 1, 3, 7, 94, 96, 97, 146; ii. 23, 70, 85, 151, 239

  Sodium citrate, ii. 13, 28

  Sodium glycerophosphate, ii. 67, 70

  Sodium hypophosphite, ii. 55, 127

  Sodium perborate, ii. 237

  Sodium phosphate, i. 74; ii. 63

  Sodium salicylate, i. 52; ii. 13

  Sodium sulphate, i. 77, 81, 120, 145; ii. 28, 181, 182, 203

  Soothing, teething, and cooling powders for infants, i. 130
    Fenning’s Children’s Powders, i. 133
    Pritchard’s Powders, i. 132
    Stedman’s Powders, i. 130
    Steedman’s Powders, i. 131

  Soothing Syrups, ii. 147
    Atkinson and Barker’s Preservative, ii. 150
    Johnson’s (Mrs.) American, ii. 151
    Winslow’s, ii. 148
    Woodward’s Gripe Water, ii. 149

  Spearmint, oil of, i. 160; ii. 10

  Specific for Deafness, Crompton’s, i. 135

  Spiritol, ii. 238

  Sprengel’s herbal spice, ii. 236

  Stafford-Brookes’ (Mrs.) Pelloids, ii. 202

  Stamp Act, i. 182

  Stamp on secret remedies, i. 182

  _Star, The_, ii. 253

  Starch, ii. 36, 39, 43, 69, 92, 193

  Star Tonic, i. 23

  Stearns’s Headache Cure, i. 39

  Stedman’s Teething Powders, i. 130

  Steedman’s Soothing Powders, i. 131

  Stevens’s Consumption Cure, i. 21, 28

  Stillingia, i. 46

  Stockholm Tar, ii. 17

  Storax, i. 27, 115; ii. 9

  “Stramonine”, i. 168

  _Strand Magazine, The_, ii. 253

  Strychnine, ii. 61, 67, 139, 141, 144, 145

  Sulfopyrin, ii. 238

  Sulpholine Lotion, ii. 40

  Sulphur, i. 88, 109, 113, 140, 150; ii. 29, 35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 197,
  226, 228

  Sulphur Hair Restorer, Lockyer’s, ii. 225

  Sulphuric acid, i. 16; ii. 46, 238, 239

  Sutton Medical Co., ii. 244

  Symptom Forms, i. 101, 107, 138, 139, 167, 178; ii. 37, 57, 60, 84,
  124, 132, 135, 138, 157, 158, 173, 242, 247, 251

  Syrup, Seigel’s, i. 176

  Syrup, Simple, ii. 65

  Tabakolin, Rheuma, i. 65

  Tablenes, ii. 93

  Talc, i. 109; ii. 39

  Tallow, ii. 25

  Tannin, i. 27, 32, 73, 152, 153, 161; ii. 78, 194

  Tansy, ii. 204

  Tar, i. 119; ii. 17

  Taraxacum, i. 45, 66, 71, 73

  Tartar emetic, ii. 136, 139

  Tartaric acid, i. 8, 62, 78, 96, 97; ii. 13

  Tatcho, ii. 222

  Taylor’s Anti-Epileptic Medicine, i. 126

  Tea, Dalloff’s, i. 104

  Tea, Lieber’s, i. 36

  Tea, Pohl’s, i. 36

  Teething and Fever Powders, Pritchard’s, i. 132

  Teething Powders, Stedman’s, i. 130

  Teetolia Treatment, i. 166

  Temperancia Treatment, ii. 130

  Terebene, i. 118, 119; ii. 6, 25, 82

  Testimonials, ii. 15, 16, 159, 160

  Theobroma, oil of, i. 148, 152, 154, 156; ii. 58, 61, 201, 202, 203

  Theobromine sodio-salicylate, ii. 28

  Therapion, i. 172

  Thermal Bath Cabinet, “Century”, i. 99

  Thiocol, ii. 237

  Thyme, i. 19

  Thyroid, i. 84, 94, 102, 103; ii. 113, 121, 125

  _Times, The_, ii. 253

  Tissander’s Cure, ii. 29

  Tobacco Habit, Medicines for, ii. 128, 141

  Tolu, i. 13, 16, 18, 27; ii. 9

  Tonic, Gloria, i. 52

  Tonic, Owbridge’s Lung, i. 13

  Tonic, Star, i. 23

  Tonic, Veno’s Seaweed, i. 74

  Towle’s Pennyroyal and Steel Pills, ii. 195

  Townsend’s American Sarsaparilla, i. 43

  Tragacanth, i. 106

  Treatment Forms (_see_ Symptom Forms)

  Tremol Blood Mixture, ii. 174

  Tremol Lotion, ii. 175

  Tremol Ointment, ii. 176

  Tremol Treatment, ii. 167

  Trench’s Remedy for Epilepsy and Fits, i. 127

  Trilene Tablets, i. 90

  _Truth_ Cautionary List, i. 28; ii. 86, 167, 246, 258, 260

  Tuberculozyne, i. 21, 32

  Tumenol, i. 140

  Turmeric, i. 70; ii. 197

  Turpentine, oil of, i. 65, 113, 122, 136; ii. 6, 7

  Turpentine, Venice, ii. 17

  Tussothym, i. 19

  “Umckaloabo”, i. 22, 32

  Unqualified practice through the post, ii. 241

  Uranium nitrate, i. 76, 78, 79

  Uranium wine, Pesqui’s, i. 76, 77

  Urea, ii. 28

  Uricedin, i. 64

  Uricura Drops, ii. 6

  Uricura Liniment, ii. 7

  Urisol (_see_ Formamine).

  Urotropine (_see_ Formamine).

  Valerianates, i. 172

  Van Vleck’s Absorptive Pile Treatment, i. 154

  Van Vleck’s Catarrh Balm, i. 3

  Van Vleck’s Muco-food Cones, i. 148

  Van Vleck’s Pile Pills, i. 155

  Van Vleck’s Plasma, i. 155

  Var’s American Kidney Pills, i. 70

  Varalettes, Bishop’s, i. 62

  Variable composition of secret remedies, ii. 261

  Variable dosage of secret remedies, ii. 263

  Vegetable Compound, Mrs. Pinkham’s, ii. 190, 194

  Venice turpentine, ii. 17

  Veno’s Lightning Cough Cure, i. 16

  Veno’s Seaweed Tonic, i. 74

  _Veratrum album_, ii. 17

  _Verbena officinalis_, i. 124, 125, 127

  Verophen Mouth Water, ii. 238

  Vervain, i. 124, 125, 127

  Vervain Restorative Assimilant, O. Phelps Brown’s, i. 127

  Victoria Asthma Drops, ii. 86

  Vilixir, ii. 227

  Vilja Cream, ii. 239

  Vincent’s Anti-Stout Pills, ii. 116

  Vin Urané Pesqui, i. 76, 77

  Vitæ Ore, ii. 48

  Vital Renewer, Niblett’s, ii. 153

  Völlner’s Cotton Wool, ii. 28

  Wafers, Curic, i. 38

  Wafers, Hargreave’s Reducing, i. 91

  Wafers, Paciderma Blood, i. 109

  Wallace, A. Gordon, ii. 258

  Wallace’s Specifics, ii. 210

  Wallace’s Treatment for Obesity, ii. 114

  Warner’s Safe Cure, i. 72

  Weidhaas Hygienic Institute, i. 23

  Weigand’s Rheumatic and Gout Spirit, i. 65

  Welch’s (Widow) Female Pills, ii. 196

  Whelpton’s Purifying Pills, ii. 95

  White hellebore, ii. 17

  White precipitate, i. 113, 143, 144

  White’s Kompo, ii. 75

  Whooping Cough Remedy, Assmann’s, i. 19

  Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People, i. 170, 174

  Wind Pills, Woodcock’s, ii. 98

  Wine, Pesqui’s Uranium, i. 77

  Winslow’s (Mrs.) Soothing Syrup, ii. 148

  Wintergreen, oil of, i. 73, 180; ii. 20, 33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145, 183

  Wisbech Remedy for the Eyes i. 144

  Witch hazel (_see_ Hamamelis).

  Woodcock’s Wind Pills, ii. 98

  Wood tar, ii. 80

  Woods’ Treatment for Alcoholism, ii. 133

  Woods’ Treatment for Tobacco Habit, ii. 141

  Woodward’s Gripe Water, ii. 149

  Xaxa (_see_ Acetyl-salicylic acid)

  X.L. Reducing Pills and Lotion, i. 89

  Yolk of egg, ii. 69

  Yonkerman’s Tuberculozyne, i. 32

  Zam-buk, i. 111

  Zehrkur, i. 103

  Zinc, i. 156

  Zinc chloride, i. 122

  Zinc oxide, i. 109, 129, 148, 151; ii. 35, 41, 42, 43, 177, 237

  Zinc phosphide, ii. 52, 127

  Zinc sulphate, i. 120

  Zinc valerianate, i. 172

  Zip Ointment, i. 112

  Zobeide, i. 87

  Zotos, ii. 231

  Zox, i. 58


  _Volume I. or Volume II. of “Secret Remedies” can be obtained from
  The British Medical Association, 429, Strand, London, W.C., or from
  bookstalls and booksellers._




  Transcriber’s Notes


  Inconsistencies and errors (in spelling, capitalisation, hyphenation,
  formulae, lay-out, etc.), including those in proper and product
  names, have been retained, unless listed under Changes below.

  The first volume, which is regularly referred to in this volume and
  has its own index, is available as Project Gutenberg e-book 75168.

  Page 237, ...absolutely non-poisonous cresote preparation...:
  possibly intended to read ...absolutely non-poisonous creosote
  preparation....

  Index: the (spelling) differences between the main text and the index
  have not been corrected, except as mentioned under Changes below.
  Several items listed in the Index are not present in the text of
  Volume ii (and several items described in volume ii are not listed in
  the Index).


  Changes:

  Minor typographical and punctuation errors (except when deliberately
  included in direct quotes) have been corrected silently.

  Raised decimal points · have been changed to low decimal points .
  except in those tables where all decimal points are printed raised.
  In some tables and in the index, ditto marks have been replace with
  the dittoed text, and minor alignment irregularities have been
  standardised.

  Page 8: ...a rational person be believed,... changed to ...a rational
  person he believed,....

  Page 12: ...all kinns of Pains... changed to ...all kinds of Pains....

  Page 15: closing quote mark inserted after ...supple in my joints as
  a young man.

  Page 20: opening quote marks inserted before Quint-essence of Life!”

  Page 39: ...a faint anise-like odours;... changed to ...a faint
  anise-like odour;....

  Page 54: ...Nervous Exhaustion, Spermatorrhoea, Varicocele,...
  changed to ...Nervous Exhaustion, Spermatorrhœa, Varicocele,....

  Page 58, table: Powdered genetian changed to Powdered gentian.

  Page 67: Fe₃(PO₄)₂8H₂O changed to Fe₃(PO₄)₂,8H₂O (comma as elsewhere).

  Page 122: (Fucus vesiculosos), such as are contained... changed to
  (Fucus vesiculosus), such as are contained....

  Page 173, item 23: closing bracket inserted after ...the size of the
  surrounding redness or inflammation.

  Page 187: Closing quote mark inserted after ...Suppression of the
  Menses, incidental to females.

  Page 202: These cones are composed of Theobrama,... changed to These
  cones are composed of Theobroma,....

  Page 213: No. 1.--This is stated... changed to No. I.--This is
  stated....

  Page 216: Hermia.... Varicose veins.... changed to Hernia... Varicose
  veins....

  Page 217: closing quote mark inserted after ...indicate the
  requirement of No. III.

  Page 248, item 11: closing bracket inserted after ...which surrounds
  the pupil of the eye.

  Index: Methylene blue moved to appropriate place (p. 275), Rhytol
  changed to Rhycol (p. 279).

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78809 ***