ES

SECRET
WHAT THEY COST

B&ftXf!

ON

At^^

W^AT THEY COMTAiH.

ANAv>Y91

MADS

POft

THE

IRIUBH iECieAl ASSSSIATiON.

SECRET SEMEDIE8-8EG0^D %l?m.

|8?jT!SH

LONDON:
MIDSCAL AOOIATSON

429 tiTRAND W.C.

1012.

COPYRIOHT.

MORE:

SECRET REMEDIES.
WHAT THEY COST & WHAT THEY CONTAIN

BASED ON ANALYSES MADE FOE THE

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

SECRET EEME DIES SECOND SERIES.

London

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,

429, Strand, W.C.

1912.

COPYRIGHT.

/3

KA

TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page
Rheumatism, Gout and Neuralgia ...
II. Preparations for Eczema and other Sliin Affections
III.
Nerve Tonics and " Elixirs of Life "

Chapter I. Kemedies

for

IV.

Medicines for

v.

,,

Coughs, Consumption, Catarrh

etc.

Indigestion, Constipation, etc.

VI. Kidney Medicines

VII. Obesity Cures, and

71

...

87

102
a " Flesh Producer "

112

X.

Medicines for Epilepsy

...

The
XIII. Medicines for Amenorrhoea,
XII.

152

" Tremol Treatment " for

"

of

Bad Legs

Specific

184

etc.

Medicine "

210

Preparations for the Hair

Some Miscellaneous Medicines

XVII.Unqualified

222
...

XIX. The

" Expert " behind the Proprietary Medicine

XX. Some
...

Echoes

of

Volume

231
241

Practice through the Post

The Advertising of Proprietary Medicines

XVIII.

Index

178

Remedies " An Absolute System

XV.
XVI.

167

Crimson Cross Remedies "

XIV. Wallace's

128
147

IX. Soothing Syrups for Infants

XI.The

^4

...

Medicines for Alcoholism and for the Tobacco Habit

VIII.

30

252
...

256
259

1
...

265

PREFACE.
The

under the

What
of

by the British Medical Association

" Secret Remedies: What they Cost and

publication
title

they Contain

some

most

of the

the results of a series of analyses

advertised of the many proprietary

"of

perhaps
medicines put forward for the cure of disease, has
done more than anything else to open the eyes of the public,
regard
the authorities, and the Legislature to the true facts in
such articles and of the enormous traf&c
At the time of the publication of
that goes on in them.
a
this second volume, a public inquiry into the matter by
to the nature of

Parliamentary Committee has just been opened, with a view

to deciding on what alterations of the law are necessary or
The present state of the law in regard to the
desirable.
matter, and of
for

its

administration, undoubtedly leave

much amendment.

in this department

is

But the

surest

enemy

of

room

quackery

increased publicity in regard to the

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
facts,

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.

present existing

is

so vast that

The number
it is

of

those

at

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.

VI

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 minoritythe 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.,

many

cases one and the

same

and in

article is asserted -to be

a cure
every disease to which the human body is
liable.
As a rule, the more extravagant the claims made,
the
for almost

more

surely does the composition of the article,

as revealed by
analysis, show it to be of little or no value,
if

not even harm-

the diseases named.

ful, for

Between these extremes, of

medicinemore 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
the modest proprietary

all

The medicines

gradations.

described in this book have not

been chosen as inclining more in one direction than

the
but include the various grades.
stated the reader will be able to draw his

other,

it

From the facts

own conclusions;

has not been necessary, as a rule, to express opinions

on

the articles described, a juxtaposition of the claims

the facts shown by analysis being sufficient.

The
the
is

analyses

greatest

open
its

(and

very

cases),

it

described

the

to

alter

care

here

published

during the

maker

composition
great
is,

of

of

alterations

may have

last

been

few years.

time

have been

possible

altered

made with

been

proprietary

any

at

course,

have

that

Since

medicine

without

proved

some

since

made and

the

it

to

warning
in
of

some
those

analyses

were made, though there is no reason to suppose that such

has been the case. It is desirable to repeat here the caution

was expressed in the first volume most of the active

substances employed in medicine can be detected with
that

VII

certainty, even in

sufficiently pains-

complex mixtures, by

taking work on the part of the analyst

but this

is

not the

some organic drugs, usually

case with preparations of

of

vegetable origin, that have never been fully investigated,

and especially with mixtures of the extracts of several
vegetaible drugs

approximate

such

in

results,

defined characters

and

may

of a secret medicine

is

can

analysis

cases

give

no

well-

having

constituents

Since the maker

escape detection.
in

only

no wise limited

to the

may

copoeia or to drugs in ordinary use, but

Pharma-

employ, for

example, a mixture of extracts of a dozen plants, none of

which possesses any medicinal virtue or

drug,

it is

no matter fo^ surprise

if all

is

recognised as a

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

characters by

means

of

possess

which they can be

well-defined

identified, it will

be seen that the limitations of the powers of analysis here

referred to are of comparatively little importance in regard

exposing the essential nature of a given medicine, or

substance put forward as such.
to

The

figures given in this

'

book as the

ingredients " of the various articles

'

estimated cost of

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

for bottles, boxes, packages, etc.

analysis

are

not

sufficiently

Where

definite

for

sold, or

the results of

the

cost of
ingredients to be estimated with reasonable fairness,
the
figure is omitted.

Dr. F. Zemik, of Berlin, has continued the

publication
in the
Deutsche Medicinische Wochenschrift of
the
results

of

his

analyses

Germany, and some

of

various

nostrums sold
of his results are here included.

in

MORE
SECRET REMEDIES.
WHAT THEY COST AND WHAT THEY
CHAPTEE

CONTAIN.

I.

EEMEDIES 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

The medicaments employed

feet.

the most part consist of articles in

much, but for

common use. The adveralso vary

tisements are in several respects instructive

there

is

for

example,

undoubtedly a prejudice among the more ignorant

section of the public in favour of drugs

and

less civilised

coming from other

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

the heart of Nature in an endeavour to

secret of

an ideal liniment.

'

went back to
wrest from it the
'

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

Himalayan Mountains." In their varied forms of

appeals to " Nature " some of the advertisers do not hesi-

in the

tate to ascribe high intelligence to the medicines or to parts

of the body other than the brain.

Thus one

states

thnt
A

"

No

one can reasonably deny an instinctive knowledge and

power exerted

a physical

which

principle

may

purity
'

'

selects

and

stomach by a conscious

in the

and which in

rejects,

be ranked as a nerve of sense "

Immediately the liniment has been applied

its

message

of discovery

dom, the hidden

subtle extract

fire

another that

it

sets out

and healing, travelling with

ning rapidity to the seat of the trouble "

his preparation "

natural

its

upon
light-

yet another calls

from the vegetable king-

or life of plants

and flowers, the

Quint-

'

essence of Life.'

Among

these articles, as in most other groups of nostrums,

the claims

made by

rival proprietors are

those dealt wdth in this chapter

" Greatest and latest discovery
there

is

known

nothing

with it"; "the only

the

include
in

in medicine

efficient

mutually exclusive
following

medicine

which

will

compare

remedy ever discovered

for

" the finest cure for these complaints,"

these disorders "
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

Most

all

be true.

seem unable

advertisers of proprietary medicines

to

resist

dragging in references to the medical profession into

their

advertisements.

which

done

this is

There are two principal ways

the one

is to

in

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

highly endorsed by the leading medical profesincludes
'

'

'

sion

'

and

'
'

physicians are already using them in their

regular practice, and

exemplified by

'
'

certain medical

by tongue and pen

Fire

is

poisonous

recommending them"; the

men

have done their best

to persuade the public that

....

latter is

Those who

Box's Golden

raise the cry of

poison

'

are wholesale traffickers in the

stock-in-trade

poor victims

same it

is

their

poisons bring grist to their mills, while the

who swallow them

It

perish by thousands."

hardly necessary to remark that statements of the former

kind are as a rule just as baseless as those of the latter.
is

One preparation

described

below

Bengue's

Balsam

" secret remedy," since

cannot be properly described as a
the principal constituents are mentioned on the label;
seeing, however, that

way

as others,

it is

it is

useful to include

HOFFMAN'S

DR.

advertised in
it

somewhat the same

here.

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 Eheumatic 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 ConContain
sulting Chemists, and general public in all parts of the world.
absolutely no injurious
Relief

is

There

is

drugs, poison, or any kind of

Narcotic

based on scientific principles.

felt after the First Dose.
nothing known in medicine which will compare with

manufacture

Its

is

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

They
that are well suited for the purposes for which they are designed.
are valuable powders for rheumatism, gout, and kindred complaints. These
powders are free from narcotics, poisons, or undes'irable constituents, but
are powerful uric acid solvents.
and effective medicines.

I consider

them

to

be perfectly safe,

reliable,

This recommendation, or testimonial, bears the name of an

individual who has made himself conspicuous by giving such

under the guise of analyses ; hie 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.,"
pufEs

A 2

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 Governmente.
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 Is. l|d. and 2s. 9d. A
Is. l^d. box was found to contain
12 powders. The directions
are

Take one powder every three or four hours

wash it down with a draught of water.

place on the tongue, and

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.

H4

Phenacetin
Caffeine

13

Sugar
Moisture

20.1
0.8

Acetyl-salicylic acid

is

P.P. Codex, acetosalic

Xaxa,
is

also

known by

the shortened

name

of the

and by the trade names Aspirin,

The estimated cost of the materials for 12 powders

etc.

acid,

Id.

EADE'S
These

ment

pills

it is

GOUT AND RHEUMATIC

are supplied by a firm in London.

PILLS.
In an advertise-

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

from experience,

recommended

to the afiElicted, with confidence arising

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 effecta of Eade's Gout and Eheumatic Pills in curing

these distressingly painful diseases have secured to them a celebrity unThey not only give
equalled by any medicine of past or present times.
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 weelifi, and sometimes months.

These Pills have repeatedly succeeded after all the usual internal and
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.
external

Til pills are supplied in bottles at Is.

l|d. and 2s. 9d.

a
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 nigbt and morning."
Is.

l^d.

bottle

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
oolchicum 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 wonld be proper to the amount of corm
present, and this fact and the presence of an extract pointed
to extract of oolchicum being present as Avell 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 teste with a mass of

known

wae found to be approximately

composition.

Barbadoee aloes
Extract of oolchicum
Powdered oolchicum corm

10 per cent.
ig
35
27
in

Treacle

Gum

The formula

as follows

and dextrin

E^^timated cost of materials for 18

pills,

fd.

for 60 pills, 2^d.

URICURA DROPS AND LINIMENT.

These preparations, also known ae Hammond'e 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

half a fluid ounce,

package

of the

is Is.

and

l|d.

N.B.

On

the

former appears

N.B. In conjunction with the drops

Uricura Liniment.

And

bottle of the drops contained

of the liniment 4 fluid ounces.

it is

strongly

recommended

to use

on the package of the liniment:

It

Sciatica,

strongly

is

recommended that

for

Rheumatism, Lumbago, and

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 RheumaLumbago and Neuralgia When All other Remedies

tism, Gout, Sciatica,

fail.

These invaluable preparations have permanently cured many bad cases

They give immediate relief,
from One to Twenty Years' 'Standing.
and effect a Cure quickly if Regularly and Persistently used as
of

directed.

Cheet, Sore Throat, and SwoUen Glands, nothing

''n the
Liniment
can be used.
the
than
better
Athletes and others will find the Liniment a most efficacious remedy for
It has been used with remarkSprains, Bruises, Stiffness and Cramp.
Players.
Football
leading
results
by
able

For Colds

Uricura Drops.

The

directions

are:

Increase two drops

Four Drope on sugar, night and morning.
j)ose.
each day up to 10, and then reduce two drops each day.

Analysis showed the liquid

to

contain

oil

of

turpentine,

amber; no other ingredient could be

terebene, and oil
The proportions of the constituents were ascertained
detected.
and checked by
as nearly as possible by analytical methods
approximate
formula
The
{^-af^^ifiBon with made-up mixtures.
dLvrived at was
of

per cent.

Terebene

47.5

Oil of turpentine

47.5

Oil of

amber

Estimated cost of ingredients of half a

fluid ounce,

M.

Uricura Liniment.

To

The

directions are:

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

consisted of a partly separated emulsion, -whicli

ammonia,
was found to contain oil of turpentine, acetic acid,
and water ; a
alcohol, egg-substance (as emulsifying agent),

The liniment

but this did

trace (under 0.01 per cent.) of alkaloid was found,
and
not possess any properties by which it could be identified,
acetic
The
may have consisted of bases derived from the egg.

and ammonia of course combine, but the former was in

of the
excess and the liniment moderately acid, about one-fourth
acid

The quantities of the

acid being in the free state.
only
different ingredients were determined (the egg-substance
approximately) and the formula arrived at was as follows:
acetic

42 parts (by measure)

10

Oil of turpentine
Acetic acid [B.P.)

Strong solution of ammonia

Alcohol
Egg-substance
Alkaloid (?)
Water, to

In estimating

the

cost

of

2.3

9.0

,,

2.0

,,

0.01

100

ingredients,

the

alkaloid

is

the alcohol present were added in the form of

ounces
rectified spirit, the cost of the ingredients for 4 fluid
"
non -mineralised
would be about Ud. but if, as is more likely,
different
odour
and other
the
used,
methylated spirit" were
characters would be covered by the other ingredients, and the
neglected;

if

cost

would be about fd.

CHAMELEON

OIL.

company giving an address in

"
The Only Perfect Liniment,"
London. It is advertised as
intended to be taken internally
that
it
is
show
but the directions
Besides being recommended for
as well as applied externally.
described
as " The Best Veterinary
is
it
patients,
human
This

is

Medicine
It

is

made by

a limited

Known."

stated on the package that:

Chameleon 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.

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

translated,

Roman

Scholar coined the word " Liniment "

which,
means "to anoint/' he had in mind the germ
idea

literally

of

what

a perfect liniment should be.

In his day the physician anointed his
patient with a healmg 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 the 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 painkillmg " 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
healmg 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

herbs used by native tribes, because being
a ration^
person he believed, like the late Rev. Charles Spurgeon,
that there was
a deal to he 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.

many

properties of

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 C-.<imeIecn Oil
Liniment mav be summed up in a few wordsit releases
those healing
powers which nature itself has set in the haman body in
order 'o orerrome
the constant wastage and ravages of disease.

The general
Shake the

directions are:

bottle thoroughly until the contents

become cream coloMeJ

3
of the Oil) until
the Oil gently into the affected part (use plenty
begins ; then
sweating
and
any
more
take
to
refuse
skin
the pores of the
material, and fix with
porous
other
or
flannel,
wool,
of
layer
cover with a
with hot water and
a bandage. For Steongeb Effect, wash affected part

Rub

wash first
apply on as above after drying. For Very Powerful Effect,
with
bandage
and
drying,
with very hot water, apply Oil as above after
Keep
it.
of
solution
or
Oil
the
flannel or absorbent cotton wool soaked in
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 complainte.

The following will serve as a sample
:

For Coughs and Colds.

For Cold on the Chest.Rub

the throat,

with the Oil,

chest, and the back between the shoulder blades thoroughly
flannel
take 15 to
warm
and while the skin is still moist apply a fold of
For
bedtime.
at
gruel,
or
water,
sweetened
20 drops of the Oil in a little
parts
eight
with
Oil
part
of
the
one
Mix
Head.
in
the
Catarrh or Cold
of warm water, gargle the throat, inhale the fumes up the nostrils, and a
For Continued Colds. Rub the chest
applications will cure.
few
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.

examined contained 3 fluid ounces,

and a 2s. 9d. bottle 9| fluid ounces. The liquid in the two
it consisted of an oily and an
bottles differed in composition
Is.

l|d. bottle wliicli was

aqueous layer, these being in the ratio of

caso and

1 to 2 in the other.

page refer to the

The

mean composition

to 1.66 in the one

figures given

on the next

of the two.

of essential oils this was

the following were
and
submitted
Oils of turpentine, camphor, mustard, spearmint,
recognised
The aqueous layer conpimento, and cassia (or cinnamon).
tained 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
agroament in all characters was not arrived at, and it is not

The

oily layer consisted of a

to

fractional

mixture

distillation,

possible to speak positively as to the nature of the resins present.

By making a mistur

of balsam of tolu (4 parts) and storax

boiling
with
ammonia,
part),
and filtering from the undis(1
solved portion, a solution of ammonium reeinates was obtained

which agreed fairly well with that present

in the

chameleon

oj].

10

The amounts

of

all

the other constituents were determined

much

with ae

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

Essential

oil

Essential

oil

Essential

oil

of

spearmint
pimento

0.45
1.5

of cassia
of

camphor

15.0

Oil of turpentine
,

parts by measure

1.5

15.0

Alcohol (90 per cent.)

Strong solution of ammonia
Resins (as above)

7.3
8.0

Water, to

1.6

,,

100.0

'

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
pence
if rectified spirit were used, and about 2|d. if non-mineralised
methylated

spirit

were used.

LEVASCO.
The address given on the package of this article is merely
" Levasco Depot, 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
Two or three
no rubbing, it can be conveniently used at any time.
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

goes direct
to a soothing electric current, which diffuses a gentle warmth,
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

tions are followed and persevered with.

of suffering if the direc-

Levasco has a pleasant and invigorating odour, the relief is marvellous.

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

11

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

Gout cured

in a

Neuritis.Levasco rubbed upon the affected part gives immediate

will be gone, but
relief, and after three or four applications the pain
to use for a
continue
must
crre.
You
the
effect
to
using
cease
not
do
week or twotwo or three times daily, or when the pain is felt. This is
it is
a most difficult complaint to cure, and some great authorities say
regular
use
of
and
perseverance
incurable, but we have evidence where

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).

Is.

ounce.

IJd. bottle was found to liold rather less tlian 1 fluid

Analysis S'howed tlie presence of oleo-resin of capsicum,

of rosemary and lavender, campLior, alcohol, and what

appeared to be a trace of soap. Tlie quantities of tbe 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
oils

the original
Oleo-resin of ciipsicum

3 grains

Camphor

Oil of

lavender

Oil of

rosemary

,,

3 minims

Soap

,,

^ grain

Alcohol (90 per cent.) to

1 fluid

ounce

Estimated cost of ingredients, |d. if methylated spirit were

if made with rectified spirit.

used; about 2|d.

DYXOL.
supplied by a firm in a small town near
stated on the package that:

This preparation

London.

It

is

is

Dyxol cures Neuralgia, Toothaohe, Cold

Lumbago, Rheumatism, etc., etc.

in

the

Head,

Headache,

Stiff-neck,

Further particulars are given in a circular enclosed with the

from which the following extracts are taken

bottle,

This

is

a simple Preparation of great value for the removal of

all

kinds

12

of Pains.

parts of
Pain.

Most

caused by Congestion of the Blood in certain

Relieve this Congeetion and you drive away the

of these are

the body.

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
than one minute, the spot will temporarily redden through the flow
of 'blood to the suriaoe.
less

In another advertisement

tlie following statements occur:

Simply nib on or inhale Dyxol according to directions, and neuraJgia
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.

Is.

l|d.

bottle contained 2 fluid draclims.

The general

directions are

No rubbing is necessary. Apply one or two drops to

When using, fan away the vapour which arises. This

the part affected.

will prevent discomfort to the eyes. To produce a milder action a4d 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
paraflSn (heavy and light), and a fixed oil; the latter appeared
to be cottonseed oil, but the quantity was too small for positive

The results of quantitative analysis indicated

the following formula, and a mixture prepared in accordance
with it was practically indistinguishable from the original
identification.

Essential

oil of

mustard

Essential oil of nutmeg

Essential oil of pimento

Cottonseed oil
Liquid paraffin, yellow
Kerosene

Estimated cost of ingredients for ^

20 per cent, by volume.

20

,,

6
17

33
oz., 2d.

POND'S ARTHRITI'CUS.
This preparation
on the label that it

is

supplied by a firm in London.

It

is

stated

cures Gout, Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, Lumbago, Sciatica, and all

Affections. ... It
contains
no drugs, no
colchicum.
Arthriticue neutralises all Gouty and Rheumatic Acidity in the Stomach,

Rheumatic

Liver and Bowels removes the offending matter from the System, the
Blood ia 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.
;

13

the title:
pamplilet enclosed in the package bears
cure, and prevention.
Gout and Goutiness. Tlieir cause, treateat,

By

1857.

of

No

food or drink
gout; that
for
good
are

since

practice

enlightenment to be obtained from this treatise

be judged from the following extracts:

The degree

may

In

M.P.S., Sunigeon-ChiTopodist.

Pond,

P.

Geo.

is

gouty; yet, no alcoholic drink can be said to be

is,

anti-gout;

it

is

the quantity and quahty which

so.

physical
one can reasonably deny an instinctive knowledge and a
and
selects
which
principle
conscious
power exerted in the stomach hy a
of
nerve
a
as
ranked
be
may
purity
natural
rejects, and which in its

No

...

sense.

of
Air, again, is as necessary with every mouthful in the process
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, perhaps, the greatest cause of

Of
all
remedies
to strengthen the body, cold baths
disease. ...
supposed
in cold weather are the most dangerous.
Cold

is

death,

warmth

is life.

Several other preparations from the

mended
The price

same maker

are recom-

in the pamphlet.

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.

ordered to be taken night and morning for gravel and

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 f ollowing composition
It

is

affections of the

Lithium citrate
Potassium citrate

Sodium
Sodium

1.4 parts

In one dose,
approximately.
5.0 grains

0.9 part

3.0

citrate

0.2

0.7 grain

salicylate

1.5 parts

,,

5.3 grains

Potassium bromide
Potassium bicarbonate

1.6

,,

5.6

8.0

,,

28.0

Glycerine
Chloroform water, about

5.1

Water,

to

10
100

18.0

,,

,,

,,

by measure

14

On mixing a doee 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, 2M.

MAGIC FOOT DRAFTS.

This

is

the

name by which

of the feet for the cure of

plasters, to be applied to the soles

rheumatism, are supplied by the

Magic Foot Draft Company, London, the price being 46. 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 ttstimonials. 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 lis., 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 lis.
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

money to be sent. In the second it is stated

for

We

take a sincere interest in your case [no case had been even mentioned
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
in

return post.

15

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

spent some considerable time and

money

from you, for we have

in your case

frankly, because

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 stateWe guarantee to
ment on honour that you received no benefit.

we were

interested in

it.

cure you.

The

from
further printed sheets of these were
letters

quoted

freely

We

printed in large capitals "

to cure any case of rheumatism

IB

alleged

testimonials,

and

On one of these
also sent.
guarantee Magic Foot Drafts

'
!

Curious discrepancies are shown by some of the testimonials.

in the advertisement, referred to above, in which the
name " Foot Drafts " is carefully avoided, we read:

Thus

marvellous cure has been effected in the case of Mr. James Bodman,
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 dootors, but to no avail, and was sinking
fast when I tried your treatment.
I am glad to say that it has cured all
8,

my
am

sufferings, and I have had no aches or pains since.

I may add that I
72 years old, and feel as supple in my joints as a young man.

The following

is

printed on on of the

sheets

mentioned

above
8,

The Magic Foot Draft

The Mount, Frome,

Co.,

1st Feb.,

/09.

Shoe Lane, E.G.

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
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
rest in

getting better ; in fact, I felt I

to inquire after me.
She said

was

fast sinking, until a kind friend called

me walk about such

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
r 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
a-

pitiful sight,

it

grieved her to see

16

young man. I cannot estimate the value of your Magic

Foot Drafts ^
sufferers from Rheumatism.
I have highly recommended them to several
sufferers since

me how

my

cure.

I got so well.

It

scarcely ever go out without someone asking

makes me

feel almost Uke 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 ie 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
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."

friend

who caPed

to see

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

variants of

his

letter,

one of them obligingly omitting any

name and substituting your treat-

reference to Foot Drafts by

ment."
The same
is

differences are

a letter over the

name

to send three

'

'

shown in other

of J.

W.

letters; in

one place

Ludell, ascribing two cures to

Magic Foot Drafts, while

in the advertisement in which the

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
latter

name

is

thankful that I tried your Foot Drafts, for they are worth a
good many times th money that I paid." All this appears to

17

are ve^
writers of the testimonials
suggest either that the
tha
else
varying readings of them or
obffgTng in supplying
unless
them according to his fancy;
the advertiser alLrs
manufactured.
indeed, they are entirely

"Rheumatism

Its

entitled
booklet which is also sent,
plain and coloured pictures
various
Cause and Cure," contains
leg and
nerves, arteries, etc., of the
Tjrofessing to represent
"
supposed
"
are
Draft.
an account of how the

and gives

to act

the following extract will suffice

The rheumatic
becc^e

Ltic

sufferer

faces this situation

:-His

or her system has

tror less clogged with rheumatic P^--^^^^^^

This
may be.
or

acid

any other toxin, as the case

^^^^ma^^
may
poison

Certain agents-salicylic acid, for

bet?the driven out or drawn out.

but he syst^
the former result
exampl -w ll sometimes accomplish
In
f act, remed es
the rheumatism.
wiJThen contain a poison worse than
almost mrheumatism
against
wWch are strong enough to be effective
the name
as
Drafts
Foot
Magic
rufn the digeftive organs.
on the
,skm
tender
the
of
pores
Zliesf draws the poLns out through the
,siould be
pair
A
poison.
this
The Drafts absorb
of the feet."^
matter from
they become filled with the waste
as
days,
.ix
only
worn
if the case is a bad
Te body and need renewing in that length of time
regular practice,
Physicians are already using them in their
me.
and recommending them.
;

^alW

3om

spread on a sort of
measuring about 5 m. by
jaconet backing, of oblong shape and
about 3j in. by
the darker central portion measured
3i in.
grains of sticky
2A in" The margin was coated with about 10
chemical characters of
material, which had the physical and
" Venice turpentine " ; the darker portion, or the plaster iteeL,
be a mixture of
weighed about 80 grains, and was found to
white hellebore
Stockholm tar and the powdered rhizome of
album); determination of their proportions showed

The "drafts"

consisted of

plasters

;
'

(Veratrum
the formula to be, approximately

No

Powdered white hellebore

40 per cent.

Stockholm tar

^0

other ingredients could be detected.

Estimated cost

of ingredients for

one pair ^d.

CELMO.
London.
This preparation is supplied by the Celmo Company,
contained
bottle
2s.
9d.
which
a
of
It is in the form of tablets,
B

18

thirty-six

In a booklet contained in

are deecnbed as

' f^^V^^'"""'''
Gour Luml.'"
Gout,
Lumbago, Gouty
Dyspepsia,
Eczema, Suppressed Gout, etc.

Sciatica,

tlie

package the tablets

Rheumatism, Rheumatic
Eczema, Neuritis, 'jouiy
Gouty

Other extracts are

In order to effect a cure the first requisite
can only be accomplished by administering

^C^^'J

^""^

^^^'^

is to remove the cause.

This
a remedy which has the power
''''''' the normal alkalinity

of the blood so as to prevent fresh

depositions.
This remedy we present
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
dir^
and combmed action on the Kidneys,
Liver, Stomach, Bladder, Bowels

and Digestive Organs.

We

find,

...

in the large majority of

cases, from five to eight

bottles
must be taken with absolute r gSla
tT
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.
4s.

6d

size, sufficient.

The

tablets

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 4hich
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 over
come 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."

l9

The

directions are:

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

They had
5^ grains.
was
a slight smell of oil of juniper, but the amount present
as
a
far too small to be determined, and can only be described

The

tablets

had an average weight

of

Analysis showed the presence of

trace.

acid

acetyl-salicylic

maltose,

(commonly known as aspirin), powdered

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 comcharcoal,

monly added to tablets as a lubricant to facilitate their producThe alkaloid and extractive did not show
tion by a machine.
any characters by which they could be certainly identified
behaviour to various
any of the alkaloids in ordinary medicinal use.
alkaloid did not agree, in

The proportions

its

the

with

of the various constituents were determined

as accurately as practicable,

mula

testa,

and indicated the following

for-

Acetyl-salicylic acid

Powdered

charcoal, about

35.5 per cent.

8.0

Malt extract, dry

18.0

Magnesium

14.5

,,

2.8

,,

sUicate

Other mineral constituents

Water

12.3

Alkaloid
Extractive, about

0.5
8.0

Oleo-resin of capsicum
Oil of juniper

DR.
This preparation,

and London,

,,

differs

,,

trace.
,,

BENGUE'S BALSAM.
made by a firm giving addresses in Paris
from most of those dealt with here in the

important respect that the principal constituents are stated on

B 2

: ;

20

the label, and

It

is

therefor, not altogether a " secret remedy."

included in this series, since it is advertised to the public -it,

"A

it ie,

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
Bengue's Balsam has proved

to

Acute or Chronic Rheumatism

Gout;

Dr.
be the most effective scientific remedy.

"

Various

forms

Facial,

part and

Lumbar

Intercostal,

Ovarian, Sciatical

be

with

After two or three

applications

should

Saturnine Colics;
Nephritic Colics;

the

parts

with

cleansed

water so as to

affected

warm

facilitate the absorp-

Balsam when the next

dressing of the Balsam is applied.

tion of the

Peritonitis

Gastralgia
;

Zona.

"Balsam"

The

cover up carefully

cotton wool.

Locomotor Ataxy
Various forms of Hyperaesthesia

Torticollis

Spread the Balsam on the affected

Neuralgia,

of

is

supplied

in

collapsible

tubes;

2s.

package contained
oz.
On the label, following the
name, are the words "Menthol, MethylnSalicylate, Lanolin,"
and these three substances were found to be present. Analysis
showed the composition to be
Menthol
Methyl salicylate
Lanoline, anhydrous

fat,

18 percent.
20
,,
54

apparently lard

,,

Estimated cost of ingredients, l|d.

BOX'S

PILLS

AND GOLDEN

FIRE.

These preparations are supplied from an address in a southThe " Golden Fire " is more especially reco n-

coast town.

rheumatism, but it is stated that " in severe cas3s

of Rheumatism, etc.. Box's Pills should be taken in conjunction with the
Golden Fire,' " and the two are associated 'n
many of the statements made. The following specimen extracts are from circulars enclosed in the packages, and .other

mended

for

'

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
!

21

This Great Remedy and

matism, diphtheria, etc.

its

accompaniment are sure cures for rheu-

described as " The

In some advertisements the medicines are
Giant Remedy," and it is explained that
determined to
declared war against unbelief, and are
The Giants ask for no quarter nor will they
puflh the battle to the gate.
must be wiped out. Ihe
show any, therefore one of the contending parties
origm. Their fathers
Giants in fight are a noble race and are of ancient
of the wind, ultiwings
the
lived in Eden, and their seed, rising upon

The Giants have

mately spread over the whole earth.

days of creation in the fields, without a
and the rain.
covering, sipping the dew and drinking in the sunshine
When in their prime they were translated to
Remedy calls
where they sleep. And when the proprietor of the Giant
overwhelm
quickly
they
foe,
them they awake, and, springing upon the
friends
his
to
captive
the
back
and annihilate him, and joyfully hand
so they
them
see
now
you
As
Divine.
is
Their origin
health.

They have

lived since the

'

perfect

came from the hands of their Creator,

life from root to leaf.

filled

with the nectar of health and

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
inflammation of brain,
influenza,
toothache,
after meals,
stomach, bowels, lungs, kidneys, etc., fevers, sore throats,
One of the " testimonials " is
diphtheria, and tumours.

headed, in large letters, " Cancer Cured."

tions in the case of influenza will serve as

The

full

direc-

a sample

Take as directed on the la.bel. 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

just above the ankle.

for life.
did,

Hat.

I advised

in

South Africa between rocks,

him

feared he would be a cripple

to get your Pills and " Golden Fire," which he

a spot came out under the heel as Black

has since left for America Quite Cured.

and after 6 days

He

jammed

He came home, and

Another circular

As Your

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.

22

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 mixbe taken internally or applied externally without fear
or hesitation."

ture)

may

The

circular continues

Those who raise the cry of "Poison" are wholesale traffickers in the
same it ie 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.

Is.

l|d. bottle of the

"Golden Fire" contained nearly

Analysis
2 J fluid ounces of liquid.
acetic acid, sodium chloride, volatile
starch, dextrin, extractive,

The mixture

showed
oils,

this

to contain

little

alcohol,

and the pungent principle of cap-

appeared to consist of
After
oils of camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary, and amber.
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 liquil
appears, therefore, to be a decoction of these, with the addition
The pungency was just
of the other ingredients named.
the proof capsicum
decoction
aqueous
an
that
of
to
similar
the
determined;
portions of barley and lobelia could not be
sicum.

of essential

oils

23

amounts of the other substancee found are given

in the follow-

ing formula

amber

0.16 per cent.

rosemary

0.16

eucalyptus

0-32

of

Oil

Oil of

Oil

of

Oil of

camphor

,,

1-3

(essential)

6.4

Sodium chloride
Glacial acetic acid

6.4

,,

Alcohol
Decoction of capsicum.
Decoction of barley.
Decoction of lobelia.

1-0

hardly necessary ho point out that lobelia ie a dangerous

drug to be administered and taken by ignorant people.
It

A
sizes

is

Is.

and

l|d. box of the pills contained fifty-three of various

shapes, roughly coated with talc, and having an aver-

age weight of

" Dose

grains each.

2-J

The

directions

on the

label are,

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 difiicult
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
The following formula
substance which was not identified.
gave a pill substantially agreeing in characters with the pill
under examination
Powdered capsicum
Powdered gentian

35 parts.
15
15
20
5
to 100

Flour
Aloee
Soap

Water

BOWDEN'S INDIAN BALM.

This article

is

supplied by a firm in the

from 7|d. to 10s.

contain about 4 oz.
prices

It

For

is

West

tin priced 26.

9d.

England at
was found to

of

described on the package as

Inflammations, M'uscnlar Complaints, Skin Diiseases, etc., as

Inflamed Eyes, Neuralgia, Face-ache, Bronchitis, Rhe-umatism, Eczema,
Ringworm, Cuts, Stings, Wounds, Scalds, Burns, Strains, Piles, Chilblains, Ohaps, etc.
all

24

Circulars encloeed in the package also contained recommendaof the use of the Balm for colds, congested nostrils,
catarrh, whooping-cough and croup, lumbago, stiff-neck,
tions

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
in-

sunburn, sore and tender feet, inflammation of the bowels,

asthma, coughs and chest complaints, sore
throats, whitlow, corns and warts.
sects,

cancerous sores,

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 im itself.
Few other remedies wiU be
required where it is kept at hand and used habitually.

The most

Lady

delicate

or Child,

a^ well

as

the

strongest Athlete,

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 wiU draw
out every particle of injurious matter before healing any
Ulcer or Sore,
thus preventing a return of the trouble. Prompt application
to Wound,
will find the

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
fclie Eyes two
or three times a day.
In acute cases apply inside the
lids.

Inflammation

of _ the Gums, Toothache, and Faoeache. Well rub the

the Gums and Face. When the Tooth is hollow the Bahn can
be inserted on cotton wadding.

Balm on

Inflammation of

tihe

Bowels and Pain in the Small of the Back.

briskly rub with Balm (10 to 15

Foment the parts with hot water, and

min.utes at a timej

It

till

relieved.

would appear to be equally

internally, for

we read

efficacious

when administered

Sufferers from Asthma, Croup, Bronchitis, and all Throat or Chest

Complaints find the soothing and healing effects of Indian Bahn, 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

pleasant

is

to

use and effectual in

operation.

The " Balm "

consisted

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 eyidece was obta.ined of
of

25

bhe presence of essential oil of camphor, terebene, and oil of

lemon.
The solid basis contained, besides fatty constituents,

amount

a very small

of

ammonia, and

a little of a resinous

substance; the latter was not ordinary resin, but showed no

It may
distinctive characters sufl&cing for its identification.
have been derived from balsam of Peru, or some similar ingredient, but comparison of its properties pointed to the proba-

mixture of balsamic substances. The statement that

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
An ointment prepared from
other active substance was found.
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
bility of a

seventeen ingredients are present

Lard
Cocoanut

35
35

oil

Tallow

Rape

10

oil

Lanoline, anhydrous

Balsam

per cent.

of

Peru

Oil of eucalyptus

Terebene

,,

4.5

,,

,,

,,

1.5

Essential

oil

of

Essential

oil

of

Solution of

camphor
lemon

1.5

0.5

ammonia

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

supplied by a firm in Dublin, in a packet, price Is.,

containing about 13 oz.
The package contained a descriptive
leaflet, from which the following extracts are taken:
is

The introduction of Ozonia marks a new era in the treatment of Rheumatism, Gout, and allied complaints. This remarkable preparation
is ured
in the bathing water, where it reaches tlj^ ggufpe pf the trouble through

26

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 fhoroughly cleansed
the poisonous uric acid is neutralised, and the patient is reinvigorated. The

method

is

new, tut

has hundreds of wonderful cures to

and judge by results.
The Bath Cure. Bathe in itthat's all.

so try one packet,

Thei'e are

many

it

its

credit already

complaints which are acknowledged to have one root

Sciatica, Lumbago, and Gout is the

The cause of Rheumatism,

presence of too much uric acid in the

cause.

blood. The problem of how to remove

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
this poison has hitherto

of the bath,

induces a feeling of ibodUy well-being which

How

to use

is

most gratifying.

"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

not imperative.

Number
is

of

Baths

advised, but

to

be taken.

is Ibefore

going to

'bed,

but this

is

In severe cases a bath every second night

when the acute symptoms have disappeared, a bath once

week is sufficient in most cases, a series of 12 baths will be

found to effect a perfect cui-e.
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.

or twice a

Analysis showed the composition of the salt to be

77.00 per
Sodium carbonate, reckoned as anhydrous
22-30 per
Water

cent.
cent.

0.45 per cent.

Chloride, reckoned as sodium chloride

a trace.

Potassium salt

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
such as the quantity found.

little

chloride,

ANTURIC BATH SALTS.

supplied by a limited company in London.
It is described
6d., contained about 4^ oz.

This preparation

tin,

price Is.

on the package

is

as

For Gout, Rheumatism, Sciatica.

27

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
Directions.

used for one bath.

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.
If it is

After the cure an occasional bath

is

desirable.

Analysis showed the salt to consist of

Sodium carbonate, reckoned
Water

96.86 per cent.

as anhydrous

2.70

trace

Chloride

Potassium

salt

Perfume

EHEUMSOL BATH
This

is

SALTS.

supplied from an address near London.

contained about 5
Uric Acid Solvent.

oz.

It

is

A tin, price

Is.,

described on the tin as

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

Water
Chloride

Potassium

as

anhydrous

...

87.96 per cent.

11.18

considerable trace
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 2f lb. of common washing soda crystals.

SOME GEKMAN 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. Bichter'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.

28

The directions for use are that the essence should be taken in doses
from 4 to 6 teaspoonfuls according to the severity of the case, diluted
a tumblerful

of
in

sugar water.
It is claimed that it contains a new
chemical substance namely, ammonium iodatum salicyl. soluhl. as well
as other ingredients which the medical profession has found to be most
useful during the past decades. Among these is mentioned " diaethyldiamin," 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
of

powder

costs 5s. 6d.,

and

by the manufacturers to contain basic

magnesium, sodium,
!),
sodium sulphate, and extract of almonds.

stated

is

citrate of urea (an imaginary chemical substance

lithium carbonate, citric acid,

analysis proved it to be a mixture of about 10 per cent, theobrominesodio-salicylate, 10 per cent, eodium sulphate, 4 per cent, urea, 16 per cent,
magnesium citrate, 4 per cent, sodium citrate, 2 per cent, lithium citrate,

The

and

fully 40

ipeir

of a substance

cent, citric acid, itogethe'r with

which could correspond

a bitter extract.

No

trace

to the alleged basic citrate of urea

was found.
/. Vdllner's World-renowned Rheumatism Cotton-wool is, it is stated,
manufactured by W. Vollner, 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 Is. 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 cottonwool, 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 testiIt consists of white limosan tablets
monials galore were reproduced.
and greyish-green laxative tablets 30 of the former tablets contained
Several tubes are rein a tube cost 6s., while 15 of the latter cost 6d.
quired 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 phenocoU, while the salicylic
The
salt has the same form as the substance usually knov.'n as falocoU.
;

senna,
Tinavelly
rhamnus
contain
tablets are stated to
purshianus, and frangula, of each 20 parts liquorice root, rhizoma root,
of each 10 parts ; peppermint, marigold, and poplar tree leaf, of each
The action, therefore, would depend on the senna, cascara
5 parts.
sagrada, and frangula. The manufacturers have, it is stated, repeatedly
been punished in courts of law for the puffing nature of the advfertise-

laxative

pjienji^

of tftege Ijmosan preparations.

29

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 iirm, 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 comIt is
bined by " Professor " Tissander in a very concentrated form.

does not produce any deleterious effects of any

tablets contained sulphur, salts
(chiefly alkali phosphates), and an emodin-containing vegetable powder
" This composition indi(rhubarb, senna). Zernik concludes by saying
possess the action
far
the
preparation
can
cates sufficiently in how
pleasant to take, and

kind.

The examination revealed that the

ascribed to it."

CHAPTEK

II.

PEEPAEATIONS FOR ECZEMA AND OTHER SEIN

AFFECTIONS.

selection

from the numerous proprietary

tised for the cure of skin diseases,

lotions, dusting

articles adver-

including

ointments,

powders, and medicines to be taken in-

ternally, 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 sul-

pholine lotion " and on the other hand

'

'

the potent ingre-

dients 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

(The apparent implication that

rigidly avoided."

contain mercury

is

novel and surprising.)

all

It is not

lotions

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

'

page

it is

stated that

'

there

healing extracts used which

is
is

not one

where on one

among the many

not highly lauded by sk:n

speciaHsts 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
doctor's
Britain, and do not form any part of the British

31

One

medical outfit."
course,

of the

commonest

inconsistencies, of

that between the extravagant prospects of speedy

is

cure held out to attract in the

place,

first

and the far more

guarded statements made when the patient has paid for the
article

and

is

beginning to find out for himself what

powers amount

curative

The

to.

preparation

first

tioned below furnishes an example of this

'

tisement readers are assured that

D.D.D., the Guaranteed cure

'

for

its

men-

in a Press adver-

just a drop or

Eczema and

two of
Skin

all

Diseases, applied to the burning skin, and that torturing,

endless, nerve-racking itching is at an end " " not only does
;

D.D.D.

stop

guarantee

it

and

irritation

all

but

immediately

pain

the cures that invariably follow are per-

manent," while in a pamphlet supplied with

it

stated that

is

we

'
'

this verv article

the person fortunate enough to become

D.D.D. Prescription in the early stages of

may commit the error of being impatient of cure.
The eruption may have appeared only on a few

familiar with
his disease
.

spots of his body, but this

is

The germs will grow and multiply

it may take some time to dislodge the

lodged in his skin.

and spread

germs from
a few

...
his skin.

not worth careful study,

months' patience, to be rid of that horrible malady? "
.

Is

it

company, which uses the name of "Dr. Cassends a list of questions to be answered and endeavours

limited

sell,"

to persuade sufferers that

fied practitioner

he

evidence that the disease germ

is

first

deals with

them

just as a quali-

"When

would do:

you consult a doctor,

inquires into the causes leading up to your
trouble,

then carefully examines

Upon

it

all

the

the results he forms his

suggests the treatment.

We

return the examination form

symptoms and
diagnosis,

indications.

which in turn

do exactly the same

filled

up."

The

when you

trifling

sions of the years of study, training,

omis-

and experience requisite

and of personal examination of
the patient, are treated as of no consequence
naturally,
some illuminating diagnoses may be looked for
under such
for a medical qualification,

J2

circumstances, as in the case described, wEere having received the answer " Eczema " to the question " What are

you suffering from ?

'

'

'

and after

'

carefully studying

'
'

the

and other questions, the company gravely

informs the patient " You are suffering from a severe and

answers

to this

disagreeable form of eczema."

D.D.D.

The preparation sold under

in London at 26. 3d. and 4s.

name

tliis

is

supplied by a firm

6d. per bottle; a 2s. 3d. bottle

was found to contain 2.1 fluid ounces.

Press advertisement is headed

Dry and Wet ECZEMA, and all skin diseases cured by
D.D.D., the new liquid remedy, which gives instant relief, and a positive
Psoriasis,

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,
Not only does D.D.D. stop
nerve-racking itching is at an end.
we guarantee it but the cures that
all irritation and pain immediately
invariably follow are permanent the disease never returns.
.

Tlie following are extracts

from a pamphlet enclosed in the

"
package, entitled " Cause and Cure of Skin Diseases

no ordinary patent medicine, but the prescription of the skin

now known as
epecialist. Dr. D. D. Dennis, who used the compound
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
compound put up as a proprietary article for sale through drug stores.

D.D.D.

is

the

the "guarantee" quoted above that D.D.D.

given
irritation and pain immediately, a caution is

In spite
stops

all

of

against discouragement

D.D.D. will spread

Occasionally in bringing the disease to the surface,
is not a sign
This
area.
larger
the eruption temporarily over a much
CONTRARY IT
THE
ON
BUT
SERIOUS,
MORE
GROWING
THAT THE MALADY IS

SHOWS THAT THE DISEASE

It appears that

IS

BEING UPROOTED.

more patience may be required, even when

only " in the early stages," than the advertise

ment quoted might have led him to suppose:

the sufferer

is

The person fortunate enough

tion

in

the early

to

become familiar with D.D.D. Prescripmay commit the error of beinij

stages of his disease

33

The eruption may have appeared only on a

impatient of cure.
few spots of his body, but this is evidence that the disease germ is lodged
it
The germs will grow and multiply and spread ;
in liis skin.
Is
it
skin.
his
germs
from
the
dislodge
to
may take some time
not worth careful study, a few months' patience, to be rid of that horrible
.

...
...

malady ?

"The germs"

that there

is

an

air

knowledge

of scientific

The reader

freely utilized to give

are, of course,

familiar with the deeper questions of medical science knows

still some dispute among the best authorities on the germ

weU 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 tlhe sevei-al diseases
known as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, dandruff, etc. The germs are all
of the same type, and produce ailments with varying symptoms, all
The germs live only in the skin, feeding on the oily
eczematous.
theories, but it is pretty

ingredients of the epidermis.

It oniglit be interesting to

know where " Dr. Dennis'

dis-

coveries " were published.

"
D.D.D. is put up in two forme, called " D.D.D. Ordinary
and "D.D.D. Strong"; the "Ordinary" was taken for
The directions for this are
analysis.
The remedy may be applied
rub the skin as

little

ways it is best, however, to

making the application; hence we

in various

as possible while

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

0.75 part

acid

Salicylic

Phenol
Methyl salicylate

1.18 parts
(oil

of wintergreen)

65.10 parts

Water, to

It

had a

100

sliglit

yellow colour, which

trace of colouring matter, or

oil of

The
mated

1.00 part

9.28 parts

Glycerin
Alcohol

by measure

parts by measure

may have been due

may have been

to a

developed from the

wintergreen.
alcohol

is

by far the most

costly ingredient,

cost of ingredients for 2.1 fluid ounces

is

and the

esti-

3fd.
c

34

HOMOCEA.
This preparation

is

made by

a limited company in London.

IJd. tin contained about
| ounce, and a 2s. 9d. tin about
It is recommended for a very
2^ ounces.
large number of
disorders, as is sliown by the following
extracts from a circular
enclosed in the package:

Is.

Homocea
Ointmen*
is far and away the best remedy
known for Open Wound Sores, Cuts, Ulcers, Bad
Legs, Burns, Scalds,
Chaps Wasp, Bee, and Insect Stings, Earache,
Inflamed Spots, Skin or
.

Flesh Troubles of al 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
immediate relief at all times, and in many cases absolutely

It affords

cures

For Internal Piles the insertion of Homocea Suppositories

mended.

is

recom-

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).

Sores, Warts, etc., cured by

Hay

Fever, Prickly Heat Jigger, and Veldt

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

in its various forms will do, but we claim, without fear of
contradiction, that there are few of the ordinary everyday ailments inci-

Homocea

dental 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 consider-

able 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

Other medicinal
possible to speak positively on this point.
The quantities of the
ingredients were found to be absent.

35

ingredients found were determined as accurately as possible,

and the results gave the following formula:
Oil of eucalyptus
Oil of lemooa

25

Beeswax
Fat

25
49

Solution of

per cent.

0.2

ammonia

,,

0.8

fat agreed with those of a mixture

The characters of the

of lard and oocoanut oil

in about equal parts.

An

ointment

prepared according to this formula was practically indistinguishable from the original.
Estimated cost of ingredients for 2i ounces

(2s.

9d. tin),

2id-

ECZOLINE TKEATMENT.
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 discon-

nected expressions

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

Is.

On the box it is described as

A positive cure for Eczema, and

l|d. box contained, about

good for

all

ounce.

skin diseases.

Analysis showed the presence of zinc oxide, sulphur (flowers),

and a fat which agreed well in its characters with lard, with a trace of oil of lemon ; no other consti-

glycerin, a little water,

The

tuente were found.

quantities of the respective ingredients

were determined, and the results gave the following formula

Flowers of sulphur
Zinc oxide

39

Glycerin

13.5

Lard
Water

39.8

Oil

of

per cent.

3.7

lemon

Estimated cost of ingredients for

a trace
1

ounce, id.

A Is. l|d. box contained 43 sugar-coated

having an average weight, without the coating, of 5'2
grains each.
These are described on the label as
Eczoline Tablets.

tablets,

For Cooling, Purifying, and Strengthening the Blood.

two Tablets three times a day after meals.

Dose One
c2

or

36

Analysis showed the tablets, from which the coating had been

removed to

consist of

Ferrous sulphate
Sulphur (precipitated)
Talc
Starch
Extractive

16.5 per cent.

56
3.4
7.3

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 whol of the extract

as being of the

as extract of cascara sagrada, the estimated cost of

dients for 43 tablets

DR.

is

same
the

price
ingre-

^d.

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
E-uropean 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,"

request for a copy of this

to be sent free on application.
brought a pamphlet of 31 pages, together with a " self-exami-

nation form," and a letter urging that the form should be

In a further circular the following
filled up and returned.
to the mod of procedure
regard
statement is made with
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 treatr-

When you

ment.

do exac\ly 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.

We
:

37

It

further stated that:

is

not one among the iiicany healing extracts used which

highly lauded by skin specialists the world over.

There

is

Which seems

is

not

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 euch incalculable value
as to constitute the basic strength and great (healing virtue of the treat-

ment.

The "self-examination form" was

italics

are the answers which were

as follows; the

words in

filled in

Questions.

Date

Name

in

Address in
Age. 57.
Occupation.

19

fulS
full

Sex Male.
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
What

are you suffering from?

.was your previous health

Where are you

Eczema.
?

Good.

Arms worst;
your trouble? /

affected?

What

also nech

and

shoulders.

don't know.
do doctors call
Have you been treated for it ? Not hy 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 yon in contact with much heat? No.
Do you perspire freely? Yes.
Are your Lands 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 ?
Sometim^es.
If so, what colour is it,
it

smell?

and does

LiJce water.

Have you any bleeding from

Have you any pain? Yes.

the part?

Is your trouble inclined to spread?

suffer from varicose veins?

Do you

No.

Yes.

No.

38

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
what ?

WJiat is your usual diet?

potatoes, beer, cheese.

Do you

eat

much

No.

If so '

Forridga, bread and butter, cofee, meat and

oatmeal, shellfish, or tinned food

oatmeal porridge.

good deal of

Axe you a teetotaler? No, but very moderate.

Are you worse more at one season than a,nother? 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, " Wliat are you suffering

from?" wae answered by the word " eczema," it was not altogether surprising
to be told in tbe letter wbich. was received in reply
Your Examination Form has been duly received and carefully studied
are suffering from a severe and disagreeable form of eczema.

You

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 wiU 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 treatm.ent often proves ineffective.
We make a special
point of treating every case entirely upon its merits, and youxs 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

quite confident,

treated now,

The

it

take a few months to effect a permanent cure, we are

you make up yonr mind to have yourself properly
will save much suffering and expense in the future.
if

letter further intimated that the

treatment would condusting powder, tablets to be taken internally, and an

ointment, and that the charge would be 12s. 6d.

sist of a

As no

reply was sent at once, this was followed about a week

another letter, offering to send the medicines for
6d., and containing the statement:

later with
9s.

We

are quite safe in guaranteeing a cure in youi- case provided you

to persevere for a reasonable length of time.

up your mind

make

39

The sum required was then sent, and the articles named
were received. The powder, in a pill-box, weighed a little
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

less

Ointment. Wash the hands thoroughly clean in hot water and apply a
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.
little of

Powder.
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.

Dusting Powder. This was labelled "Antiseptic

Dusting Powder No. 2." Analysis showed it to contain boric
The
acid, talc, maize starch, and powdered slippery elm bark.
proportions of the first two ingredients were determined and
CasseU's

the otEer two estimated as accurately as possible, and the formula given below was obtained. A powder prepared in accord-

ance 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
Powdered boric acid
Powdered maize etarch
Powdered slippery elm bark

Estimated cost of ingredients for

CasseU's Blood Cleansing

"Price

60 per cent.
20
17

3
1

Tablets.

,,

ounce, ^d.

The

label

was marked

6d. a bottle," and, as stated above, the bottle contained 90 tablets of about 6 grains each.
4s.

Analysis showed the tablets to contain

Phenolphthalein
Potassium iodide

Sugar
Talc, approximabely

Calcium carbonate and sulphate, approximately

0.75 per cent.

1.25

81
11

Water

Extractive

The extractive showed no distinctive characters by which ifc

could be identified the tablets had a faint anise-like odourj
;

40

no alkaloid or other active principle was found. The doee

of
phenolphthalein in one tablet is 0.045 grain, the usual
dose
being
IS

1 to 8 grains ; the dose of potassium iodide in

one tablet
0.075 grain, th official doe being 5 to 20 grains.

If th extract present
as extract of

for 90 tablets

is taken ae being of the same price

taraxacum, the estimated cost of the ingredients

is

|d.

GasseU's Ointment. This was

and the pot contained just over

labelled

"Ointment No.

2,"

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
1

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 ae
closely as possible,

and the following formula was arrived

Boric acid

8 per cent.

Borax
Oil of eucalyptus

2
2
3
4
8
63
7
3

..

Oil of wintergraen

Anhydrous
Oil

(?

at

lanoline

olivej

Soft paraffin

Powdered drug
Water

An ointment prepared in accordance with this formula,

krameria root as the drug, closely resembled the original.

-with

SULPHOLINE LOTION.
Tliie lotion ie

prepared by a limited company in London.

Is. bottle contained 2 fluid ounces.

tised in th following terms

Eczema and

This preparation

is

adver-

ailments are completely cured by Sulpholine Lotion,

all foi'ms of Eczema, Eruptions, Pimples, Acne,
Spots, Blackheads, or Disfiguring Rashes, leaving the skin in the soft, clear,
supple, attractive condition designed by Nature.
all skin

which directly attacks

41

And

in a

pamphlet enclosed in

tlie

package

it

is

further

stated that
Sulpholine Lotion

There

is

no phase

is

the only external skin remedy.

of

Eczema, chronic or acute, red, dry,

scaly, or pustu-

lar (moist), psoriasis, pityriasis, impetigo, prickly heat, tetter, salt-rheum,

or even superficial scorbutic ulcerations, but iSulpholine will grapple with,

and

in most cases completely eradicate, leaving the skin

smooth, pliable surface.

The

its natui'al, clear,

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
Zinc oxide

parts

2.1

Calcium sulphate

0.6 part.

Glycerin
Strong rose water, to

parts.

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 IJd.

CADUM.
Supplied by Omega, Limited.
over 1 oz.
This

is

Is.

l|d. tin contained just

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,
Sores, Burns, Chafing, Sunburn, Scabies and other Skin Troubles.

Cuts,

Its origin is thus described:

The discovery of Cadum, the wonderful new skin remedy, was not the
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

result of

was, however, found that this valuable vegetable extract possessing

such
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

desirable qualities

42
Ins

seemingly inaumountable difficulty

was overcome, resulting in a

marked degree valuable

umque combuiation

of ingredients, possessing
to a
therapeutic properties, the like of
which lias never

Direcfcions ar given for the use

of
thirty affections of the skin.

tliis

before been pi^duced

preparation in some

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

from exact.

not

The formula

arrived at

n,

Zinc oxide
,
Flowers of, sulphur
Boric Acid
,

J-1.3

Salicylic acid

^'ar

is
,

per cent.

g q
^^.-^

q g

Oil of cade

Hard

paraffin

2q
gQ

Soft paraffin

Estimated cost of ingredients for

ounce, Jd.

POSLAM.
This

2s.

It

is

supplied by the Emergency Laboratories,

New

York.

3d. tin contained ounce.

described in a circular enclosed in the package as

The Newest Medical Discovery for the treatment of Eczema and
is

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

made in medicime for the past decade or two, skin diseases, and
particularly eczema the worst of them are about as little understood

been

by the medical

Eczema

profession, to-day as they

were a generation back.

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.
is

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

43
Doctors, in
a blood trouble, only curable by internal remedies.
either
given
have
for
disease,
specific
the
recognised
the absence of any
which
of
both
soaps,
special
the
use
of
ordered
internal remedies or
courses sliow that the average medical man is helpless to combat the

that

it is

growing trouble

of skin diseases.

LOTIONS AND INEFFECTUAL

"

EEMEDIES."Me

fotent in-

gredients of a remedy, which are necessary to the successful cure of

eczema, cannot he contained in the form of a liquid. Lotions, besides containing mercury, must necessarily contain some alcohol or water, which are
irritants

and should he 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 xvork may be noted daily.
.

POSLAM, THE CURE.

success of Poslam in the cure of eczema

and all kindred shin diseases, has been absohite since its first introduction
It is entirely different from
to the public and the medical profession.

The

anything yet used, and as a remedial agent in skin diseases, may be said
Hitherto there has been a common
to be positively infallible in its action.
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

igeneral 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,

paraffin.

Since

oil

of birch tar

and

oil

and

soft

of cad 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 th& following formula was arrived at
:

Zinc oxide
Flowers of sulphur

12 per cent.
8

Maize starch
Salicylic

18

acid

1.5

Oil of cade

15

Oil of birch tar

Anhydrous lanoline

25.5

Soft paraffin

25.5

Estimated cost of ingredients of

| ounce, Jd.

CHAPTEE

III.

NERVE TONICS AND "ELIXIRS OP

A

very large class of proprietary medicines consists of

and

those advertised as nerve tonics

vitality,

chapter.

restoratives

of

lost

and a number of these are described in the present

Some

them

of

are conspicuously advertised in the

newspapers, and are sold through

way

LIFE."

retailers in the ordinary

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

him by

further pressed on

letters at intervals.

is

Medicines

of this kind are not usually sold through retailers, but only
direct

from the advertiser

often supplied with a

to judge

from the

list

to the

consumer.

The

latter is

of questions to be answered,

examples

described

when

and

he has

answered them, and paid the one or two guineas demanded,

be told that his is a complicated case requiring
additional treatment, for which, of course, further payment
he

is likely to

is to

be made.

In some cases references occur

to "

our con-

"cur specialist," etc. In regard to

anonymous kind, some facts elicited at a

sulting physician," or
specialists of this

coroner's inquest, mentioned in chapter

XIX., throw some

on the probable value of such references. Obviously,

no real expert would consent to work under such conditions
light

as those indicated

but even

if

that difQculty could be got

45

manner
over, jio satisfactory diagnosis could be made in the
circumpretended, and the paying of a fee for advice in such
attena very different thing from paying for the
his cases.
tion and skill of an expert who really investigates

stances

is

In regard

through

to the nerve tonics supplied

retailers,

be seen that some of these consist of a few simple and

commonplace drugs, the cost of which is almost negligible

it

will

compared

Others, which have only

to the price charged.

recently appeared on the market, appear to be based

^at

wording of the advertisements on the

orchitic fluid suggested by the late Dr. Brown-Sequard, and
a good deal of play is made with a few terms having a
least in regard to the

scientific

red

appearance, but serving

or

corpuscles

(C2H5N.) "

only

phagocytes,"

to display to

as,

for

example, "the

"a

and

vital

extract

anyone understanding them

The

the articles
dealt with has been very extensively advertised as a " brain
and nerve food " our advertisement shows that the daily

the ignorance of the advertiser.

last of

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 Is. l^d. and
Is. l|d. bottle
9d. by a limited company in London.
was found to contain 2 fluid drachms, and a 2s. 9d. bottle just

26.

over 1 fluid ounce.

Phofiferine

is

described in an advertisement as

The Greatest

A
Nervous

Debility,

of all Tonics.

Proven Remedy for

Influenza,

Indigestion,

Sleeplessness,

Exhaustion,

Neuralgia, Maternity Weakness, Premature Decay, Mental Exhaustion,

Loss of Appetite, Lassitude, Neuritis, Faintness, Brain Fag, Anaemia,
Backache, Rheumatism, Headache, Hysteria, Sciatica, and disorders consequent upon a reduced state of the nervous system.

46

In a circular enclosed in the package

Phosferine

stated that

it 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.
is

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
Nature is straining herself to supply.
other tonic medicines, Phosferine does not injure the teeth
or
upset the stomach and cause constipation; on the contrary,
it will be

gastric juice

UnUke

found beneficial
Phosferine

in tliese conditions.

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 Pharmacopoeia, and the quinine as the ordinary ofl&cial sulphate, the

formula larrived at
Quinine
Diluted
Diluted
Alcohol
Water,

sulphate
sulphuric acid
phosphoric acid

is

0.67 part
2.5

parts by measure

54.6

,,

8.1

to

,',

100

The estimated
bottle)

is

cost of the ingredients for

fluid

ounce

(2s. 9d.

^d.

GUY'S TONIC.
This
Is.

is

a liquid prepared by a

London

l|d. contained 6 fluid ounces.

package

it is

firm

a bottle priced

In a circular enclosed in the

stated that

Guy's Tonic is a rich Cordial prepared from Vegetable Tinctures and

other curative agents found in the British Pharmacopoeia.
Guy's
Tonic is not put forward as a Remedy for "all the ills to wliich flesh is
heir," for no such thing as a "Cure-all" exists. It is, however, confiThe
dently recommended for the specific Ailments enumerated.
use of Guy's Tonic will be attended with the happiest results in
.

Dyspepsia. Heartburn, Loss of

1. Disorders of the Digestive System
Appetite, Pain after Food, Flatulence or Wind, a sensation of Nausea
:

47

(Sickness),

Furred or white-coated Tongue, unpleasant Breath, disagree-

able 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.

AuEemia, Emaciation, Paleness, Weariness,

3. Disorders of the Blood
and Disorders dependent upon a Vitiated or Impoverished condition of the
:

Vital Fluid.

Neuralgia, Nervousness, Hysteria, Giddiness,

4. Nervous Maladies
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.
:

Gout, Eheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, Lumbago,

and Disorders characterised by Perverted Nutrition and Lack of Vital
5.

General Diseases

Force.

Convalescence from Acute Diseases: also in cases of recovery from

Fevers, Bronchitis, and other exhausting Diseases, and in
General Debility and Prostration from whatever cause arising.
6.

Influenza,

The dose

is

stated on

tlie

label to be:

For adults, one tablespoonful.

years, one teaspoonful.

Under 9

years,

one dessertspoonful.

Under 2

Analysis showed

it

to contain

small

quantities

of

hydro-

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 prechloric

sent in very small

amount agreed

well with those of the ofl&cial

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
Diluted phosphoric acid
Alcohol

Compound

0.59 parts

by measure

infusion of gentian

Chloroform water
Cochineal colouring

Water, to

The estimated

a suflaciency
100
parts by measure

cost of the ingredients of 6 fluid ounces

is

^d.

48

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

An

offer

to send

month, to be paid
advertised.

a limited

a package, containing sufficient for one

for only

benefit

if

is

received,

largely

is

The advertisement

usually includes an illustration

man's head, said to represent " Prof. Theo. Noel," described as " the well-known geologist."
The following are
extracts from one of these advertisements
of a

by

accident the dried residue of the greatest curative

It seemed worth while to ti'y whether this, when
The results astonished
redissolved, would have mineral spring virtues.
me and those who experienced them. The spring was a marvel far ex-

discovered

spring in the woaid.

ceeding anything that Homburg, Harrogate, Aix, Bath, or any other spa
can show. Some untraceable element defying the chemist's analysis is it
Eadium? enters into the rock. Whatever the element may be, its effect
cam be distinctly felt when the drink made from this deposit, which I
Those who use
call Vitae Ore, or "life-rock," is taken as a beverage.
energy,
which
they never,
buoyant,
cheerful
degree
of
it say that it gives a

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 tliese 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

new life. Under its influence Nature
Dropsy
jRheumatism

or

weak

all

Catarrh

Gout

Indigestion

Its effect in giving

health, turning

makes

it

...
to people of

new vigour and nerve-force

them

into noticeably and radiantly strong

How

case.

to use

you

Exhaustion

and Stomach Diseases.

worth using in every

will give

Nervous

Sciatica

Liver, Blood,

Ore

Constipation

Anamia
and

Vitae

herself cures

mere ordinary

men and women,

Vitae Ore.

You simply
to yon as a box of powder.
drink
mixture
tliis
of
and
water,
dissolve it in a pint of cold
and
day,
a
times
three
water
of
a teaspoonful in a half-tumbler
to
according
later,
or
week,
a
days,
few
a
In
at bedtime, for a month.
strength, better
greater
notice
to
begin
will
you
your present condition,
a-ppetite. These
higbeir spirits, a cka-rer complexion, a heaKthier
Vitae

Oto

comes

digestion,

are the effects of the

new

vitality in Vitae Ore.

49

substance;
package contained 137 grains of the
basic but soluble iron
analysis showed it to contain a slightly
water the quansulphate, magnesium sulphate, and combined
and found to be as
tity of each constituent was determined

4s

6d

follows
Ferric oxysnlphate, calculated as anhydrous
Magnesium sulphate, calculated as anhydrous

Water,

No

in

47.57 per cent.

15.89

...

36.54

combination

other substance was detected.

The

iron,

magnesium,

and, as
sulphate, and water were all determined separately,
much is left for
the figures add up to 100.00 per cent., not
"some untraceable element defying the chemist's analysis."
If the directions,

quoted above, are followed, each dose would

contain
0-47 gram.

Iron oxysnlphate, anhydrous

Magnesium

sulphate,

The estimated
age

is

0-15

anhydrous

cost of the ingredients contained in

one pack-

about one-eighth of a penny.

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

box

The following extracts are from an advertisement in a magazine

" Puts New Life Into You.

You cannot
Gavin's " Cocaphos
of modern
and
stress
worry
the
state
nervous
;
in
a
do your work if you are
and find
stimulants
to
Many
fly
constitutions.
of
best
life tells on the
necessary
find
it
they
reaction,
always
there
is
as
but
relief,
temporary
When you feel
to continue taking them, and thus a bad habit is formed.
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
" Cocaphos."
This is
feeling, and to build up your nervous system is
.

composed of the

finest ingredients for the purpose,

Medical Profession to be

The dose

is

acknowledged by the

a fine recuperative tonic.

given on the label as "

One

tablet after

each

meal."
D

50

The

tablets were sugar-coated,

and coloured red externally

wae 3.9 grains.

after removal of the coating the average weight

Analysis showed the presence of

In one tablet.
20 per cent.
Iron hypophosphite
2.8
Quinine sulphate
Extract (probably damiana) about 50

...

0.78 grain.

...

0.10

...

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
most

cost of ingredients for 94 tablets

costly ingredient

is

the extract of

is

The

8Jd.

damiana, which

is

the least certain in quantity; probably the figure given

also,
is

liberal estimate.

DAMAEOIDS.
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.

The

tablets sold

"Damaroids "

are thus described in an advertisement:

are a Safe and Sure Cure of General Weakness, Physical Decay,

and
and Loss of Nerve Power, Varicocele, etc., etc. They are a Unique
and
Vitality
Lost
Restore
Effectually
men.
Specific for

They

Wonderful

" Damaroids " is The True

Stamina, counteract result of late hours, etc.
medicine yet introduced
effective
most
and
Safest
the
Nervo-Spinal Tonic,
diseases.
exhausting
all
and
for nervous

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.

Nerve Power.
of
Loss
and
Decay,
Neurasthenia, Physical
Directions

: One

to be-

swallowed three times a day, after meals.

were sugar-coated and coloured red externally;

an average weight of
after removal of the coating they had

The

3.9

tablets

grains.

They exactly resembled the

tablets just described

51

as

" Cocaplios " and showed the same composition, with eome
the ingredients.

difference in the proportions of

The

figures

arrived at are:
In one tablet.
Iron hypophosphifce
Quinine sulphate
Extract (probably damiana) about

14.2 per cent.

3.4

50

...

0.55 grain.

...

0.13

...

2 grains.

Sugar
16

Talc

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.

INVIGOEOIDS.
under the name Invigoroids are supplied
from an address in Yorkshir at 2s. 9d. per box containing 54

The

tablets sold

tablets.

They are thus described

in a circular

Invigoroida 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
suSering, 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
Invigoroids contain free phosphorus

it is

stated that

(nerve and brain food)

herbal blood and flesh-forming specifics.

The

and

rare

on the label were: "Take one three times

was printed, " Take two, twice or three
times daily," but this was altered in ink, not very clearly, to

daily."

directions

The

label

the preceding.

The

were sugar-coated and coloured red externally

after removal of the coating they had an average weight of
tablets

52

Analysis showed the presence of asafoetida, ferrous

2.8 grains.

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 asafoetida 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 proporThe ferrous carbonate is calculated as the
tion of zinc found.
carbonate.
The formula so arrived at is
saccharated
official
;

In One Tablet.

Extract of nux vomica

Zinc phosphide
Saccharated carbonate of iron
Asafoetida

1.0 per cent.

...

...

0.028 grain.

2.4

...

0.067

,,

18.0

,,

...

0.60

,,

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
IS

cost of the ingredients for fifty-four tablets

Jd.

MORGAN'S RADIO-VIMETTES.

DR.

This preparation is supplied by a limited company in London

They are advertised
at 2s. 9d. per box, containing 20 pills.
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.

supply was obtained by poet, and a few days later a letter

was received from the makers as follows:
Dear

Sir,

" Radiosent you a week ago a course of Dr. Morgan's

not
we
take,
sent,
are
these
in
which
case
every
Viimettes," and as in
j-our
interest
in
genuine
but
a
Vimettes,
sell
the
to
merely an interest
ailment and its cure, we are writing now to know just what benefit has
accrued iTom the course of treatment you have had.

We

mild one we have no doubt that by this time your nerves

general vitality and
are strengthened, your energy restored and your
glad we are that the
how
say
us
to
for
remains
only
it
and
health renewed,
supremacy.
to
claim
their
vindicated
more
once
have
Vimettes
If your case

is

53

on the other baud, you had not regarded the first signs of disease and
suffering we
wrote us only when nature positively demanded relief from
such
is your
if
and
cured,
entirely
be
possibly
know that you cannot
all such
For
firm.
continues
still
eradication
its
in
interest
ailment, our
suffering
ailments our primary desire is to relieve, and should you still be
"
cured,"
not
we beg you to let us know at once, not merely saying I am
giving
feel,
you
but by writing a quiet, friendly letter saying just how
If,

particulars of your case,

the cause^and the

result.

The

Direct this to "

wiU then be read only by him,

Specialist" marked "Private," and

regarded by him as most strictly confidential and, if desired, returned to
full
you. Enclose a stamp for return postage and you will then obtain
so
by
that
trust
sincerely
we
charge,
and
all
free
of
case
your
advice on
writing health, strength, and vitality may be yours again.
it

was enclosed on " Special Courses of Radio -Vimette

Treatment," from wliicli it appears that there are three such
"No. 1. Neurasthenic; No. 2.
courses, referred to as:
Urinary; No. 3. Impotence."

leaflet

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.
1.

No.

2.

Special Strength for mild cases, lis. per Course, Carriage Paid.

No.

Concentrated for severe cases and cases of long standing,

21s.

per Course, Carriage Paid.

The

best advice of the Specialist

of all charge,

and

is

at the services of every Patient free

in every case correspondence

is

treated in the strictest

confidence.

list

The dose
follows

was

of questions to be answered
is

also sent.

giveUj in a circular of " General Directions," as

:,

The Ordinary Strength Eadio-Vimettes will be found sufficiently powrerful for all mild cases of Nerve trouble, such as. Nervous Dyspepsia,
Headaches,

etc.

For these troubles One

morning after meals.

Eadio-Vimette

should

be taken night and

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

Reduced

70

iron

Quinine sulphate

Phosphorus

The estimated

per cent.

11.8

0.13

Pill.

...

2.6

grains.

,,

...

0.44

grain.

...

0.005

cost of the ingredients for twenty pills is ^d.

54

GORDON'S VITAL SEXUALINE RESTORATIVE.

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

The usual advertisement

How

Lost,

How

is

pamphlet called " Strength,

of a

Regained," which

is

thus referred to:

men on
Preserve Strength and Retain the Powers."
A Brief Treatise
on Nervous Exhaustion, Loss of Strength, and Debiltiy 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.
Intereeting and instructive remarks to young and middle-aged

"

How

to

The pamphlet
"

is

further entitled

Confidential Treatise on Nervous Exhaustion, Spermatorrhoea, Vari-

Generative Weakness,

cocele,

Debility,

Special

Diseases

and Urinary

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."

Derangements

in

" 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.
a booklet of 43 pages, with sections on Onanism, SpetMarriage, Varicocele, Impotence, Gonorrhoea,
matorrhcea.
An " advice form " was also sent, conGleet, Syphilis, etc.
It

is

taining a

list

of questions to be answered by those desiring

medicine.

price list gives the prices of the

f ollowing

Vital Sexualine

" for

Onanism, Night Emissions,

Seminal Losses, Waste of Vitality, Brain Fag, Depression,
General Weakness, Loss of Energy, Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhoea, and Varicocele "), Viro-Erectile Elixir, Anti-Syphilitic
Mixture, Bubo Compound, Gleet Compound, Gonorrhoeal Mixture, and Gravolene, all at 22s. per bottle, and Gentiana Tonic

Restorative

(described

as

and Varixolene Liniment, at

On

lis.

per bottle.

the label of the " Vital Sexualine "

The Great Nerve

Strengthens,

and

it is called:

Restorative, Brain Fertilizer, and Vital Tonic. Feeds.

of
Sustains the Nerves, prevents Losses and waste

55

Nerve Lorce
Nervous Fluid, Braia Matter and
restores
faculties
mental
and
memory
Brightens the intellect, improves the
proven
A
system
entire
in
the
life
of
renewal
strength, and promotes a
the
upon
system dependent
remedy for all weakened' conditions of the
Creates

Vitality,

deficiency of the vitaJ forces.

Breakdown Brain Fag,

Permanently Cures-Neurasthenia, Nervous
Headache, MelanNervous
Sleeplessness,
Depression, Loss of Energy,
Force, Nervous Prostration, Qeneral
cholia, Trembling, Poverty of Nerve
Premature Decay, Brain
Weakness, Loss of Strength, Exhausted Vitality,
Wreckage, Neuralgia, Nerve Tire, etc.
three
teaspoonful in a wineglassful of cold water

Dose. One small

times a day, immediately after meals.

The liquid was reddish-brown

showed it to contain

in colour,

and syrupy. Analysis

In One Dose.
Iron hypophosphite
Calcium hypophosphite
Sodium hypophosphite
Potassium hypophosphite

0.50 part

..

0.27 grains.

0.50

,,

..

0.27

0.60

,,

0.50
0.90

Citric acid

(approx.)

Sugar
Glycerine
Colouring matter

0.27

,,

0.<8

51

parts

36

parts by measure

to 100

Water

0.07

0.14

Quinine sulphate

0.32

Metallic hypophosphites are not generally considered to be

"concentrated herbal remedies."

The estimated

cost of the ingredients for 21 fluid ounces

is

lO^d.

THE MARSTON TREATMENT.

Thifi

is

supplied by a firm in London, and

is

advertised as

follows

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

Application to the address given brought a paper-covered

book of eeventy-two pages, entitled A Treatise on the Modern
Treatment of Nervous Diseases and Exhaustion in Men hi/

56

Local Absorption,

tlie

scope of

wliicli is

indicated by

tlie

follow-

ing extracte

The object of this treatise is to describe, in as clear and simple a

manner as posBible, for the non-profeBsional reader, the various diseaees
and affections resulting in the nervous and sexual eysteme from the indulgence of early pernicious habits, excessive venery, fast living, and other
irregularities, the

product of our

modem

civilisation.

our treatise on Nekvous 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 Nervoue
and Sexual ailments have proved to be tihe most valuable in their cure.
Our object is to prescribe the course necessary to be taken to ensure the

In issuing

this edition of

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

result expected or

not only more successful in its results but is more effectual

and rational than purely stomach drugging for nervous Disease* allied
with sexual troubles.

treatise,

is

The book was accompanied by various other

papers, and a

letter from which the following extracts are taken:

select
If for any reason after a perusal of our book you are unable to
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.

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

Should you
ment in your

In

still

subsequent letter the following occurs:

aware that there are firms in existence which treat nerclaim

vous debility on similar lines to our own, but we again emphatically
are
the
that
we
viz.,
fact,
and challenge all rivals to contradict the
first
the
were
we
that
and
business,
oldest established advertising medical
Nervous and Sexual
to originate the Rectal Method for the cure of

We

are well

Diseases.

From

the papers sent

it

appears that

five

kinds of treatment

are supplied, as follows

Graded Course for the cure of Seminal Losses, Spermatorrhoea,

etc.

57

,p.c. Coue f

't!Lr:r;:uuo

T"'jLic or

the cu,. of ...pote.ca,

c..

.o,

.ou...

Lc.

o.

Norvin. Tonic Oour.e for Goner.l

Su.l

Vigour,

p-...

G..na,

Wtoe.. D*iMy,

Nervous Diseases.
Debility asociated with

The
l ls

price of the treatment

is

one month's treatment, and 2

treatment, of any course.
In a third

letter it

To convince you
we JiU send you a

namely
for three months

all caeee,

the same in
2s.

was stated that

to
of our confidence in our Treatment
^^^^\y^^y^'l'
rec^pt of One^
upon
treatment
of
course
three months'

balance
and you need not pay the
Half the Regular Price, namely, 21s.,
satisfied with the reeults.
of 21s. unless you are perfectly

months' supply of
guinea was accordingly sent for a three
a request for answers to
the Nervine Tonic Course; this elicited
and a sample of urme for
the printed questions that were sent,
paper was there"our Consulting Physician." The question
imaginary case of nocturnal
fore filled in with particulars of an
normal healthy urine tx>
emissions, and sent with a sample of
added. Three boxes
which some glycerine and water had been
with a letter, of which the

were received,
principal parts were as follows:
of

suppositories

and sample of urine

have your favour with answers to questions
the latter to a
submitted
has
enclosed, and our Consulting Physician
it was found
that
you
inform
to
pleased
careful examination, and we are
any organic
of
evidence
no
showed
and
to be of normal specific gravity,
debris, together with
kidney disease, but an examination of the urinary
discloses sufficient evidence
the statements made in the diagnosis form
very much below
us that your nerve and sexual system is

We

to convince

your complete restoration to sexual health

treatment our
and strength it will be necessary for you to undergo the
Consulting Physician has prescribed in your case.

par,

and

in order to bring about

case for
it is absolutely necessary in your
in
ordered
you
which
Course
Tonic
the
to
you to undergo, in addition
Course
Graded
the
of
treatment
months'
three
a
your previous letter,
nightly
to permanently check all losses either at stool, in your urine, or by

You

will therefore see that

and by this means a reinvigoration of the exhausted seminal

This course could be used
secreting organs wUl be gradually effected.
every night whilst you are using the Tonic Course every morning
emissions,

58

we forward you herewith a

,T

three months' treatment of the Tonic

Course
^ ^^'^ ^"'^
box No. 2 the second month!

^ month.
M 3 the third
and box No.
advice and use the Graded Course
'

you would like to foOow ou

and will remit the reduced
for the same, the further remedy
will be at once prepared
"
i
.

fee of 2l8.

and sent you.

If

at night

...

Each box contained 29 suppositories,

or 87 in all, having an
average weight of 16^ grains. All
three kinds were found to be
similar
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

bv analysis was

No.

1.

Per
Cent.

Calcium hypophnsphite
Pjwdered gentian and powdered cinchona bark
.

No.

Grains
One.

in

Per
Cent.

No.

2.

Grains
One.

Cent.

in

Per

3.

Grains
One.

in

C-4

0-07

0-3

0-05

0-3

0-05

2-1

0-35

3-7
96-0

0-61

27

0-45

97-5

97-0

The two vegetable drugs could

separately

not, of course, be determined

they appeared to be present in something like equal

quantities.

The estimated
suppositories

cost of the ingredients for the eighty-seven

(ordinary charge 42s.) is 5d.

MUKKAY'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

Allied Troubles,

Nervous Exhaustion, Physical Debility, and

should send for

my

Illustrated

all

Book, fully describing

SyTnptoms, together -with most modern scientific method of cure, including

hundreds of testimonials of complete cures. No Trusses. No Electricity.
Se.it sealed Post free two stamps.

On

application to the address given two paper books and a

small pamphlet were sent.

The

first

entitled

The Comhined

59

Stomach and Rectal Treatment for the rermanent Cure of

Nervous Dehility and Sexual Diseases, including Sperthese
matorrhcea, Impotence, and other Disorders, resulting from
eome
which
Conditions, is a booklet of eiglity-four pages, from
extracts are given below; the second

is

a booklet of forty pages,

the pamphlet,
entitled Varicocele: Its Symptoms and Cure; and
Venereal Diseases
of eight pages, is entitled A Treatise on
Gonorrhoea, Gleet, Stricture,

The "Treatment"

is

etc.

thus explained:

be
present therapeutic methods of treating Nervous Debility may
Stomach
the
by
Treatment
:
viz.
systems,
distinct
described as three

The

Treatment by Local Absorption, through the means of the Rectum

Rectal
of the lower bowel, and the Mui-ray system of conibined
and Stomach Treatment.
The two former methods used separately iiave 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," wliich has received the
It
appellation " Combined " from its peculiar means of administration.
The first consisting of prescribed
comprises two forms of treatment.
The second form
remedies taken by means of the stomach.
alone,

or opening

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
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
It is

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
The
The
The

Nervine Tonic and Brain Food Course.

Seminal Course.
Impotence Course.
Genito-Urinary Course.

The Atrophy Course.

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 a.bout a thorough and complete
Prom

a long

cure.

The
The

fee for

fee for

a three months' Treatment

a month's Treatment is 1

is

Is.

2s.

60

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 coat of
the treatment as I hope will adapt
itself to your means ; and 'to show
you
the confidence I have in the value
and henefits of my
.

method

am

of cure, I

wilhng to meet you in the matter of

payment, and would suggest your
paying me say, 20s. for a three months'
^'^^
^1 .u^^ ^ ^^P'"'*'
with ithe
ir^fiults obtained from

course, and the balance of 228.

P^^vided that you are perfectly satisfied

its

use.

Twenty

shillings was then 6ent 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

the same

sample of

way as for the Marston Treatment (above), and a

the same mixture of urine, glycerine, and
water was

Not only was the result the same, that is, a discovery
that an additional course at an additional
feewas necessary,

sent.

but

it

was conveyed in very similar words:

It is evident

indicated,

that your case

and from the

is

more complicated than your

first letter

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
sary to modify these next month.

The general

directions

it

may

be neces-

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 "

after breakfast."

Take^ne every morning

6]

Gelatinoids No.

grain

Each contained 0.75

of

1.

quinin

partly

eulpliafce,

dehydrated, equivalent to 0.84 grain of the B.P.

substance was present.

No

salt.

other

Gelatinoids No. 2.

The contents

had an average weight

of one

of 1.35 grains,

and contained
Ferrous phosphate (Fe32PO^,8H,0)
Quinine phosphate (Q^OSjPO^j&HjO)
Strychnine.
Talc
Milk-sugar.

26 per cent.
35

11

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.

one had an average weight of 1.66 grains, and

consisted of a brown extract agreeing in most characters and
No other ingredient could be
tests with extract of damiana.
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 contents

of

The estimated
is

cost of the ingredients of the 30 gelatinoids

l^d.

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

Calcium hypophosphite
Powdered gentian and pow-

No

1.

Per

Grains

Per

cent.

in One.

cent.

No.

2.

Grains
One.

in

Per
cent.

3.

Grains
One.

in

4-05

0-7

3-54

0-6

3-70

0-6

3-90
92-05

06

4-30
92-16

0-7

5-30
91-00

0-9

In the mixture of powdered gentian and cinchona, the former

appeared to constitute more than half.

The estimated
Sjd.,

cost of the ingredients for 90 suppositories

and therefore

of the entire

is

" combined treatment " 6fd.

62

SEQUARINE.
Sequarine

supplied by a firm in London, at the price of

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,
8s.

is

a bottle, holding

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, whioh is the Seinim-Sequarine,
has already become an indispensable aid to physicians.
The new
.

serum has been given various names, such as " Sequard Fluid " and
" Spermine," etc., tut the registered and generally
recognised name of
Professor Browm-Sequard's discovery is " Sequarine "a name derived
from that of the discoverer himself, thus Sequar ine.

it

Since the general nature of the preparation is thus indicated,

is not altogether a
secret
remedy but from the way
'

'

'

'

which it is advertised to the public, and the attempt to

identify Brown-Sequard'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
in

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

human organism in curing disease may be briefly summarised as follows
of action on the

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
In treating disease doctors
the disease even after it has gained entrance.
The homoeoare aided greatly by the principle of "natural immunity."
paths 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

In his
the element or force which is the basis of this peculiar power.
search for this element Professor Browm-Sequard discovered that there

which subsequently
proved to be the hasis of the jwwer of natural immunity from disease.
exists in the blood infinitesimal quantities of a fluid

This

fluid is the

serum which has been named Sequarine

in bie honour.

63

Wiat Sequarine
is a euro for any ailment
power or an accumulation of

SequiiL-ine
of

nerve

The attempt

Cures.

or weakness brought about

any part

imjpiuiitiea in

to secure the prestige of the

name

by lack

of tlie body.

of the late Dr.

Brown-Sequard, without stating precisely that he was in any way

responsible for the article

now

sold as Sequarine,

in a circular letter sent with the

from which the following

is

is

very obvious

pamphlet referred to above,

an extract:

Since the introduction of Sequarine into England an ever-increasing

numiber 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

children, 5-15 drops

Dose. Adults, 20-30 drops
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
principally sodium and potassium phosphates. The
0.6 was ash
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.

NEUKOVRIL.
The preparation known as
Xeurovril Company, London.

The

is

price

month," or 7e. 6d.

one week." The smaller

"sufficient for one

"sufficient for

Neurovril

is

for

supplied

by the

per bottle,
a smaller bottle,
21s.

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.

64

And

the

paragraphs are as follows

first

announced to-day a mysterious serum, which, whilst according

from the statements made,
actually introduces into the body not a mere stimulatinf,' force, but life
Although the discovery has been made by a Continental scientist,
itself.
he has already sent particulars to his confreres all over the world, and so

There

is

relief in cases of severe illnesses, apparently,

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 aroueed on all hands the question;
the Elixir of Life at last been discovered?"

"Has

After

much more

of the

same

The new serum is a new food

Loss of Memory,

for use in cases of

It

Melancholia,

Headache,

Irritability,

ExihauiStion,

Slackness,
Nervous Prostration,
Partial Paralysis.

Nervous Weakness,
Brain Fag,
It

sort, it continues

is

a blood food for use in cases of

Ansemia,

Impoverished Blood,

Eheumatism,

Kidney Troubles,

Sciatica,

Disordered Liver.

a physical food for use in cases of

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

is

Weak

The wonderful result after even

sation to those who have long lost

the first dose will be a delightful senthe vigour of full manhood or woman-

hood.

booklet

is

sent on application, from whicli the following

passages are quoted

are made young, that the
cheeks assume the
yellow-hued
the
that
decrepit take on a new virility,
to think and
power
new
gains
brain
out
roses of youth, and the worn

When

said that old

is

it

men and women

control actionthese are facts beyond

all

disputing.

defy the approach of

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

The

investigation on stereotyped lines,

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

65

Further experiments proved that the new basic serum not only supplied
and strength to the body, but could ^e 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.
vitality

millions of life centres, every drop of Neurovril introThe life centres

body effects a wonderful change.

Teeming with
duced

into

the

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

,,

The

albumen, remarkable for creating

carbonate

2
,,

virility.

calcic.

Total = 100 per cent.

water.

directions are

Taike of

itfhdis

Tonic, reguliaiiy,

this bottle) night

dialf of

a Neurovril glass (supplied

witJli

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 lalso 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 reasoBable quantity of the material.

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
If

diluted alcohol.

66

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

Osogen

is

advertisement, occupying the space of a column in a

London daily paper, is headed

An

Mysterious Sertt-Phos.
Scientists.

Some

Amazing

Elemejntal

Combination

Startles

More Effective than the most powerful Serum.

extracts from

Scientific discussion

is

it

are

at present rife anent a mysterious

new combina-

Some time ago Professor Brown- Sequard,

tion of organic 'elements.
E.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
After Professor Brown-Sequard
curative value is more than doubled.
announced his discovery to the Paris Biological Society, Professor Prince
Tarkanhov (St. Petersburg) and other scientists began experiments with
the iserum, 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-pbos combination (called Osogen) has been pronounced absolutely
certain an cuii-ative effect and more swiflt in action itlhan 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 (CjH^Ni), comof
bined with organic reconstituent elements (glycerophosphates), all
in
appear
and
Profession,
Medical
the
by
recognised
which are now
been
has
ingredients
the
of
One
world.
the
throughout
Pharmacopoeias
of
caUed by famous scientists "More powerful than the interchange
which
elements
the
The whole is almost an exact replica of
blood."
The vital extract increases
combine to form the human economy.
forms nerve cells (especonstituent
disease-fighting corpuscles, another
Its
tissue cells, etc.
forms
another
cially cells of the Spinal Nerves),
use
is especiaUy
its
and
body,
the
of
part
every
action is restorative in
thorough
recommended in cases where the serum alone has not effected a
cure.

In a small pamphlet enclosed in the package,

"

Osogen "

is

described as

A Natural Remedy for Neurasthenia,

Geni-al. Debility, Anaemia, Bright s
Pag,
Nervous Disorders,
Weakness, Loss of Vital Power,
Disease, Influenza, Sciatica, Functional
Disease, Dropsy, Diabetes,
Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Rheuma^tism, Kidney
Paralysis.
Asthma, Consumption, Locomotor Ataxy, and
Serum and Glycerophosphates.
Brain

67

The

directions

on

tlie 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

alcohol

and a

with glycerine in large quantity.

Not

iron,

magnesium, sodium and quinine, a

trace

of chloroform,

little

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 email.
Determination of the quantities of the various ingredients gave
-the following formula:
Quinine glycerophosphate
Iron glycerophosphate
Magnesium glycerophosphate

2.14 parts

Sodium glycerophosphate

0.90

Spirit of chloroform

3.8

Glycerine

Water

0.75 part
0.77 part

73

,,

parts by
,,

measure
,,

100

to

DK.

LECOY'S VIGOROIDS.

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

nally.

daily.

Analysis showed them to contain

Ferrous phosphate.
Quinine.
Strychnine.

vegetable extract.

Sugar.
Starch.
Talc.

The ferrous phosphate, calculated as Foa (POi)^ SH.O, 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.

E 2

68

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.

The advertisement is usually

Hartmann's Antineura,sthin.
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 endAntineurasthin, referred to as
ing with " Suicidal Tendency."
" this marvellous twentieth century brain and nerve food discovery," is put forward as a specific for the cure of neurasthenia
:

one that should personally and very deeply

walks of life. Every day are heard and seen
all 'too serious evidences of the undue strain of their intense work, on the
And now, on the highest possible authority, it is
vital power of the body.
heralded tha,t science has proved equal to the stern necessity which
demanded the discovery of " Antineui'asthin," the brain and nerve food.
Dr. Hartmann's discovery

is

interest braii.-workers in all

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
He or she may, by including " Antifailing powers of brain and body.
"
as an article vitally necessary in the daily dietary, build up
neurasthin
and maintain that perfect balance of mental and physical power which alone
can uphold health and happiness.

being
It appears that this article was sold in Germany before
introduced here, and it was included in the series of proprietary
According to Zernik's
analysed by Dr. Zernik.
preparations
analysis,

it

consists of dry yolk of

egg,

milk sugar, a small

quantity of starch, dextrin, and an aromatic substance.

" Antineurasthin " as sold
detailed quantitative analysis of
4s. 6d. box
below.
in this country gave the results described
tablets, having an average weight of

contained twenty-four
30i grains each. The directions are:

before or after great

To be taken when and as required, particularly
disorders and mental
nervous
of
cases
all
exertions (bodily and mental) in
;

affections, general debility, etc

Usual dose 3-4 tablets a

injiu'ious ingredients, and
cate,

even

if

Antineurasthin contains no
delitherefore absolutely harmless to the most

'day
is

between meals.

taken in large quantities.

69

Analysis showed

tlie

presence

of-,

26.4 per cent.

Protein

Fat
Sugar

of

2.5 per cent.

32.8 per cent.

milk

5.7 per cent.

Ash
Water

8.3 per cent.

Gum

about

Aromatic substances
Potato starch (by diffexence)

The material of the

2.0 per cent.

traces.

'.

about

22.0 per cent.

nearly white, with yellow paricles like dried egg-yolk distributed through it ; extraction with
appropriate solvents proved a fair trace of lecithin to be present
ta^blets is

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
if

cent, of fresh liquid yolk in the tablets; this accounts for 1.3

Sulphur in organic comout of the 26.4 per cent, of protein.

bination 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, eggalbumen in the tablet; a further 5.1 out of the 26.4 per cent,
This leaves 20 per cent, of
of protein is thus accounted for.

and this stands in about the same ratio to 32.8 per cent,
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 phoBThe aromatic substances appeared
phate, like the ash of milk.
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.
protein,
of

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
Dry -white of egg
Dry separated milk

Gum
Potato starch
Moisture
Aromatic substances

The

3.8 per cent.

5.4 per cent.

57.8 per cent.

2.0 per cent.

22.7 per cent

8.3 per cent.
traces.

daily dose of four tablets, or 122 grains, would, according

contain the equivalent of 10 grains of yolk

to this formula,

70

and 43 grains of

wliite of egg (not dried)

the ratio between
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 d&se would represent about
2 oz., or a quarter of a tumblerful, of separated milk, and a

these

is

little starch.

A GERMAN NOSTRUM.
According to Dr. Zernik
Dr. J. Schdfert's physiological nutrient (nerve) salts for neurasthenia
The prospectus states that it is comis a preparation made in Barmen.
posed of glycerine phosphate compound with certain physiological salts,
which act on the formation of the red blood corpuscles and improve the
circulation igenerally 100 grams of the salts put up in a glass vessel costs
of
It consists of 40 parts of glycerine phosphate of calcium, 30 parts
4s.
with
a
chloride
sodium
parts
of
glycerine phosphate of sodium, and 20
;

trace of iron.

CHAPTER
MEDICINES

IV.

COUGHS, CONSUMPTION,
CATARRH, ETC,

FOE

The medicines described in this chapter include both old

and new nostrums, and vary from simple pills and lozenges
The claims
to more or less complex "treatments."
advanced for them also vary considerably, but are in most
containing ipecacuanha only is put
forward, not merely as sometimes useful for coughs, but as
"The Best Remedy to Cure all Coughs, Colds, Asthmas,

cases very wide.

pill

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."

etc."

These, however, are modest claims compared to some of the

A lozenge, in which the only medicinal agent found
others.
in any considerable quantity was extract of liquorice, is not
only put forward for most of the above disorders and others
but al^ for "'many cases of Headache,
A liquid which is said to be
Flatulence, and Indigestion."
" the best-known remedy for Colds, Influenza, Sore Throat,
etc. ," is also described as a valuable remedy for, among other
things, diarrhoea, disordered stomach, bad circulation of the
The " treatments " are more especially
blood, and quinsy.
allied to them',

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, theii
'

'

72

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

reached"; while the proprietor of another

be

modestly

" 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
says

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
and is supplied by a firm

pills,

box, containing thirty

this

name

is

in the Isle of

in the

form of small

Wight

at

Is.

IJd. a

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-Healersj 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
"be

Colds, Coughs, or Asthma.

One of these Lung-Healers should
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
Fevers and Inflamniations.

73

The average weight of one pill was 0.22 grain.

analysis and microscopical examination showed that

Chemical
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 posCareful search
sessed the characters of ipecacuanha alkaloid.
;

other ingredients, and comparison with powdered ipecacuanha, showed nothing else to be present but the trace of
Estimated cost
excipient used to bind the powder into pills.
for

of ingredients for thirty pills

is

Jd.

PEPS.
These much-advertised lozenges are supplied by a firm in a
Yorkshire town in boxes at Is. l^d. and 2s. 9d. per box.
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

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

disease

facts

made

itself

apparent.

study of the peculiar property of pine balsams led to their great

medicinal value becoming more fully recognised, and the idea waa 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 woodsj 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.

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 Eelaxed Throat, Huskiness, Loss of
Voice, Asthma, Influenza, Pneumonia, Pleurisy, the Hacking Cough of

74

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 glycyrSugars 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
Talc was present to the extent of about 4 per cent., and
such.
rhizin.

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

The

much

medicinal value.

results of the analysis

may

be thus summarised
about
about

Sugar
Extract of liquorice
Resinous matter
Oil of peppermint

70 per cent.

25

,,

0.7

,,

trace.

Oil of anise

j>

about

Talc

BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES.

These are supplied by a firm in Boston, U.S.A.
box was found to contain forty -eight lozenges.

In a circular enclosed

in the

package

it is

Is.

Ud.

stated that

" Brown's Bronchial Troches " or Cough Lozenges, allay irritation which
Bronchial, and
induces coughing, giving instant relief in Consumptive,

Asthmatic complaints.

"Brown's Bronchial Troches" were

first

introduced in the year

that they are the best article before the public

Asthma, Catarrh, the Hacking Cough of

It has been proved

for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis,

1850.

Consumption, and numerous affections

relief.

...

of

the Throat, giving

immediate

75

The Troches

are etRcacious for children with

Whooping Coughj 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 he observed in the use of the

One or ttvo should be allowed to dissolve slozuly in
Bronchial Troches.
We have seen instances of their
the mouth, repeating when necessary.
cases
inflammation
the
in
Bronchial Tubes and the hoarsegood effects
of
of
ness of children.

The

lozenges

had an average weight

of 11.3 grains.

Cheonical

analysis and microsoopical 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.

WHITE'S KOMPO.

DR.
This

and

is

2s.

supplied by a firm in Yorkshire in bottles at

9d.

2s.

9d. bottle

Is.

l|d.

was found to contain IIJ

fluid

ounces.
It

is

stated in an advertisement that

Dr. White's " Kompo "

Sore Throats, etc.

is

the best-known remedy for Colds, Influenza,

with other similar statements.

But a wider application
claimed on the label, in the following words

is

A Valudble Remedy for Colds, Influenza, Diarrhoea, Pains in the

Stomach and Bowels, Disordei-ed Stomach, Headache, Cold Feet, Cold
Sweats,

As

Bad

Circulation of the Blood, Sore Throat, Quinsy, etc.

Pure Stimulant

it is

far better than Brandy, or

any other Intoxi-

cating Drink.

The dose

is

given as

One or two tea^poonfuls

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

::

76

following formula gave a mixture scarcely

dietinguieliable
tlie original by either physical or
chemical means

gum

Eucalyptus

(red

gum)

I.5

Caustic soda
Oil of

cinnamon

froiji

part.

q gg
0 25

(or cassia)

Oil of cloves

0 25

Tincture of capsicum
Salicylic acid

7 5

parts

0.07 part.

Rectified spirit

2 5
Decoction of cinnamon and cloves to ICQ 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
lialf, 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 11^ fluid ounces

i.s

about 6d.

GL ye: ALINE.
This

is

drachms.

It

Is. 1-^d.

bottle

firm of

1,

jmceopathic

was found to contain about Ih

fluid

described in an advertisement as

is

A Sure Cure for

Asthma, Bronchitis,
cold with one dose.

And

London

a liquid supplied by a

chemists.

all

etc.

Coughs, Colds, Catarrhs,

Rapid and

Hay

Fever, Influenza,

reliable in its effects.

Checlcs a slight,

Cures a severe cold in 24 hours.

in a circular enclosed in the

package

it is

stated that

no medicine

to equal it for promptly relieving those distressing

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 sufiicing to overcome all these

There

is

colds where there

is

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 tliree 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

This conof alcohol, but only 0.15 per cent, of solid matter.
sisted partly of potassium iodide and partly of organic matter.
Not the slightest trace of any alkaloid could be found.

77

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
which

cost of the preparation

it

contains, or about

is

-^-d.

practically that of the alcohol

for the contents of th.6 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 ConsumpThe price of the latter is 2s. 9d., and the bottle
tion Cure."
contain
found
was
to
12i fluid ounces.
Other particulars given on the label are
Liqufruta Medica ihe Only iSafe Cure
Ohronic Asthma, 'Brondhiitiis, Catariili.

for

as f ollows

Pulmonary iConsumption,

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, ichloral, 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 readh. 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

and tilie mioment of awalcening in itihe mjoinning.

moderate and pronounced benefit has been obtained the
doses may be administered with one and a-half to two liours' interval if
dose wihen getting into bed

When symptoms
desired.

The mixture was found

liquid, smelling like a

On

to be a dark brown, rather thick

mixture

of garlic or

onion and pepper-

a trace of volatile oil was obtained, the

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 parte of solids; of

mint.

distilling,

distillate closely

these,

2.05

parte were of

mvicilaginous

or

pectinous nature,

3.44 parte were glucose, and 2.28 parts were cane sugar.
decoction of onion was found to contain a mucilaginous substance somewhat similar to that obtained from the mixture.

78

The

liquid was acid, and on evaporation and

ignition yielde.1
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 organicacid, 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.

Tbe

results of the analysis thus

showed:

Oil of peppermint

Oil of onion, or garlic

[traces

Alkaloids

Potassium bitartrate

0.4 part

Glucose
Cane sugar
Mucilaginous matter

3.44

Tannin

,,

2.05

,,

>.

Extractive

[together

Eesin

1.9

Water

No

parts

2.28

to 100 parts

alcohol was present,

and no metallic

salts

by measure

beyond the traces

ordinarily accompanying plant extracts.

Examination of the plain Liqufruta (for oough) did not show

any important differences between it and " Liqufruta Medica."

HYOMEI.
The preparation
a firm in London.
consists of

sold under the

name Hyomei

The price of an " outfit "

is

supplied by

is 2s. 6d., and this

an inhaler (consisting of a vulcanite tube), ^ fluid

79

ounce of inhalant, wibli 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

The following is the first paragraph of one of
a column or so.

these
Mr. E. T. Booth, who issues the following announcement, is the worldfamous temiperance orator, who some years ago, in co-operation with euch
friends and co-workers as the late Eev. C. H. Spurgeon, Eev. F. B. Meyer,
and (the late Rev. Newman Hall, Archdeacon Wilberforce, Lord Mount
Temple, and others, founded the Blue Eibhon Army, which ultimately
This glorious work was cut short by acute
led a million to temperance.
catarrh and threatened consumption, whidh sent him, by the order of
There he made
the late Sir Andrew Clark, health-seeking to Australia.
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 encloeed in the package

it is

thus described

Hyomei, the new Australian Dry-Air Treatment for the Cure of

Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Catarrhal Deafness, Couglis, Eose Colds,
Whooping Cough, Colds, Croup and Consumption.

The only Natural Method

TIhe

of Cure.

Mrst and only Treatmentt

for all Diseases of ibhe

Lungs ever Endorsed by the Medical Profession.

Wliat " Hyomei "

Air Passages a-nd

.

Is.

Hyomei
It

is

is a vegetable compound the result of recent scientific research.

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 b reached.

What
Hyomei

cures

"

Hyomei"

Does.

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.
all

diseases of

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

80

Catarmel, for catarrh and catarrhal deafness."

invitee correspondence, as follows

The

letter

if you ar a
form of skin trouble

from any breathing trouble or from any

That is why I here invite you to
wirdlte me personally a leitter teilling me of your aihnenit, how long you have
had it, and what you have done so far to cure it. Then I will consider
youir case f rom- the particulars you gdv me, and if suitable for my treatment, will, without charging you any fee, eend you a letter telling you
what you must do to get your cure, and at the same time will send
you eufficienit of wlhait I recommend ito give you a triaJ treatment, free.
.

" Hyomei "

is

sufferer

can help you.

a liquid smelling strongly of eucalyptus

oil.

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 precis_6 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
It was concluded that the alcohol and liquid
the original.
paraffin formed each about 10 per cent, of the whole, and a
determination of the amount of eucalyptol showed nearly all

Analyeifi

showed the presence

of eucalyptol,

small
the remaining 80 per cent, to be oil of eucalyptus.
quantity (under 0.2 per cent.) of solid matter, not resinous,
was obtained on distilling the Hyomei, and this could not be
obtained
identified, but agreed in some respects with the solid
wood
in a corresponding way from a mixture containing a little
tar.

small proportion of creosote was also indicated.

THE KHYCOL TREATMENT.

The price of an
supplied by a firm in London.
preparations
"outfit" is 17s. 6d. The advertisements of the
and application
sold nnder this name are mostly very, lengthy,
This

is

several circular letters

to the address given led to the receipt of
few extracts will
and a good deal of printed matter.

statements
sufficiently indicate the nature of the

made

Nose-Breathing Difficulty.
Free Information tow to cure Catarrh and
It is the hearty
a cure
found
they
Patient and Physician tell of how
suffer from the
who
all
that
cure
new
the
desire of the discoverers of
ihave
-gratis copy of the hodk they
a;bove complaints .^lould wiiite for a
Re-Education
" Rhycol Respiratory
just published, under the title of

81

for Catarrh, Adenoids, Polypi, and other NoseBreathing 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 Physiological Cure

is remarkable, inasmuch as it calls for no sprays or injeono powders to be snuffed no lozenges or tablets to suck no operacauterizing (burning) of the inflamed mucous
tions, and no painful
membrane.

The cure

The

tions,

joint authors of the discovery

for relief and cure

Ca/use "

the

nose

The layman

it

were led
and

to

as

its iresipiratory

How

Firsl.

fimcitions.

was who made the

singer, he discovered

the result of a fruitless quest

experiment along the line of the "

first

the nose could be

enlightening discovery.
f reed.

discovery has been built tihe new " Rhycol " cure,
the details of which are given fully (and illustrated) in the book.

Upon

fitrst-sitep

(this

In the ibook

is

Nasty Dropping

Head

expQained
in the

how

ito

stop

Catarrhal Deafness,
Gurgling in Ears,
Bad Breath,
Snapping Noise in Ears,
Voice Troubles,
Hay-Fever,

Throat,

Stuffiness,

Nose Stuffiness,
Throat Dryness,
Loss of Smell,
Spitting of Thick Phlegm,
Discharge from the Nose,

PhysioaJ.

and

arrisdng

from

Loss of Taste, or Offensive Taste in

Mouth

Mental
Respiratory

Dulne.s
Ineffi-

ciency.

Catarrhal (Coated) Tongue,

...

all

who

-wish

(to

qmickily 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

collapsible

of two "inspirators," 56 tampons, a

tube of lubricant, and a bottle of " Rhycol Anti-

septic Solution."

The "

inspirators " were small celluloid shells,

open at both
ends and along one side, to be placed in the nostrils to form a

They were marked

"R"

"L"

and
respectively, and
the sides intended to lie against the septum and the outer wall
respectively were shaped rather differently; it was not easy.,

lining.

however, to

shown
The

feel

quit such enthusiasm about their beauty, as

in the description

which accompanied the

i^

outfit

... are hand-modelled and made by one of the most

Anatomical Instrument Makers in the world.
They are constructed on perfect anatomical principles, and from a material
that is
not only completely Aseptic in itself, but which cannot be in
any way
contaminated or infected by noxious or morbific matters, and is
entirely
Inspirators

skilful

82

unaffected

by oxidation.

The

middle Beptum of the nose

is

inner

side

that

part
modelled,

exquisitely

inclined

so

as

to

to

the

adapt

the sinuosities and flexuations of the central cartiaud, by a most skilful couformation, the curroat 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.
itself perfectly to all

lages

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.

cylinders of cotton-wool, medicated
fragrant and rather terebinthinate
a
with a substance having
The instructions are to place an " inspirator " in each
odour.
" inspirator," so that air is drawn
nostril and a tampon in each

The tampons were small

They are to be kept in

into the nose through the tampons.
position for about a quarter of an hour the first time, gradually
On
increasing the time until they can be worn all night.
small
extraction with a suitable solvent the tampons yielded a
the average quantity being Jj,
quantity of a volatile oil,
minim. This had the odour of a mixture of oil of eucalyptus
and essential oil of camphor with a little terebene aud a trace of
quantity was far too small for
oil of wintergreen, but the total
analysis.

The

The tube

price of the

tampons alone

is 8s.

Rhycol lubricant, which is priced Is., contained

an ounce of soft paraffin with the addition of a very

of

one-third of
small quantity of carbolic acid.
to the inspirators

to

facilitate

directed to be applied
their introduction into the
It

is

nostrils.

quantity to
The Rhycol Antiseptic is to be added in small
inspirators are to be laid,
water, to make a liquid in which the
The bottle contained U fluid
after washing, when not in use.

solution of formaldehyde.
drachms of the antiseptic, which was a
for the 17s. 6d. consists
Thus the actual medicament supplied
essential oils, distributed on a number
of some 6 drops or so of
wool, the other articles being merely
of small wads of cotton

inhalation of this
accessories to facilitate the

oil.

83

THE COLMAN METHOD.

Under the name " The Colman Metliod " various medicaments
and apparatus are supplied by Erasmus Colman, London.
The

following are extracts from an advertisement headed

Dangerous Catarrh

It

or,

Chronic Cold in the Head.

a fearful mistake to neglect catarrh. It

It will not cure itself.

is

is

quite certain to develop

into something -worse.

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

treatmerat, occupying but a moment or itwo of one's *ime
daily.
Tih benefit
becomes obvious from the first hour. The healing of the diseased
condition is gradual, yeit 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
else, because it is the result of years
of study and active experience, coupled witli exitraordiniaa-y ability in
tlhis partdcuiair line of aiilment.

anywhere

Any

sufferer, regardless of his or her position,

can obtain

my

treatment

upon smiple 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 whioli
Information- concerning

is

sent to inquirers, entitled

My

Book of

System, etc., many statements are

mad 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 wiliidh can con^pare in
efiectiveness wdtlh those suppEed by
It 18 seldom that a sufferer who applies
to me for treatment

me.

does not mention that he has paid out a

considerable sum to doctors and
has never succeeded an getting more
than tempoo-aay 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
ihis IS sometimes practically impossible,
and can only be adopted at
serious and, perhaps, total sacrifice of
one's opportunity for supporting
his
tami y
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

F 2

84

not 'always, however, that contempt for " ethics "

expressed as in the following:

is

is

so plainly

Because of a narrow-minded custom, which, like other relics of barbarism,

practitioners of
will ultimately be swept away by modern ideas, the
outside of
girdle,
mysterious
of
sort
by
a
together
medicine are bound
their fellows.
by
boycotted
are
they
they
do
If
step.
not
dare
which they
advertise in
One of the rules of the medical fraternity is that they may not
and,
bushel,
a
under
They must keep their light hidden
the newspapers.
by
smothered
hopelessly
almost
no matter how skilful they are, they are
and
cruel
a
It
is
"ethics."
called
heavy blanket

...

that large,
" protection "medical ethics. If a registered
erstwhile stupid form of
his name is soon struck from the register.
advertise,
medical man dares to
frank, straightforward, outspoken, and
am
I
independent
My nature is
men, who choose to
I may be considered as outclassed by medical
honest.
but I know
etiquette
so-called
;
remain fettered by the barbaric bonds of
letters by
of
shower
whose
patients,
that I am near to tihe bearts of miy
gratitude.
sincere
of
outpouring
every posit represeoots an unparalleled

stand aloof from medical societies and their oWoure^nd tihe worid is the
faahioned rfes of ^dtiquette. I advertise I

This

is tlhe

better for

Since

reason

why

it.

medical societies

of

consist

qualified

medical

prac-

fact of his not possessing a

titioners, it is just possible that the
" standbe another reason for this gentleman

qualification

may

ing aloof.''

" Patient's Report Forms," with a long list of questions to

up and returned. One of
be answered, were sent to be filled
these has a space headed
:

Particulars of Previous Treatment.

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

"treatment" ^nd sending th^

However, on applying for a
descr.b^
of any case, the -ticl^
.oney, without any particulars
but it
6d.,
Us.
price charged was
below were supplied. The
appears that a larger

The "outfit"

amount

is

usually asked at

first.

sent comprised:

spray, with indiarubber ball.

atomiser, for producing a
for'
of a bent glass cylinder
"nasal irrigator," consisting
nostrils.
pouring liquid into the
41.
"
Tablets," together containing

An

Two

boxes of

Nebular

21.

containing
box of "Gargle Tablets,"
" Atomising Fluid," containing
bottle of

box of pearl-coated

pills,

containing 21.

1 fluid

ounce.

85

Lengthy directions were enclosed, which may be summarised

Every morning One Nebular Tablet is to be dissolved in two tablespoonfuls of warm water and the liquid passed
into the nose through on 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.
as follows

..

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
Sodium bicarbonate
Sugar
Talc
Oil of wintergreen

sufficient to impart

28.7

,,

29 5
12.3

3 1

fairly strong smell.

The atomising

was shown by analysis to consist of

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.
liquid

liquid .paraffin,

The gargle tablets had an average weight of 20

Analysis showed them to contain
Borax, equivalent to crystalline borax
Sodium bicarbonate

...

Sugar

grains.

4.6 per cent.

87 0
40

Talc

Powdered vegetable drug

about

2.1

::

1.5

,,

;;

They had a faint terebinthinate odour, such as might be

given
by a trace of turpentine. The hifitological characters
of the
powdered drug, and the properties and behaviour of the
trace

alkaloid extracted
hydrastis rhizome.
of

The

from

it,

agreed with those of powdered

being only subsidiary to the other articles,

were not
They had an average weight of about
| grain,
and contained aloin ; indications of the presence
of jalap resin
and podophyllin were also obtained.
pills,

fully analysed.

''

86

The following

extracts

from " Truth Cautionary List for

1912," with, reference to the advertiser of the "treatment"

no comment:

just described, require

"

C'olinan, Erasmius,

Edward Manr

Under

Gray's Inn Road, London, W.C.

poses as a

'

catantih specialist,'

spraying tlh nostoils. Asks

gradually reduces the price to

15s.

at

first,

7s. 6d. for

and
Ibut

eells

in

'

this

name

an appliance

folTiow-up

for

letterB

a three weeks' trial."

" Aiural Remedies Co., Craven-lhouse, Kiingsway, London, W.C. One

of the numerous aliases of the aural quack Edward Marr, who also
Tlhis concern is run on
exploiits the deaf as 'Professor Keith Harvey.'
consulting specialist
the lines of the late Drouet Institute. It had for
the notorious H. H. Cxippen, wiho was executed in November, 1910, for
Testimonials given to tlhe Aniral Remedies Co.
tihe murder of his wife.
have (been used for adventising purposes by E. C'olman and by Elmer
'

Shirley."

A GEEMAN NOSTRUM.
According to Dr. Zernik
are put up by the "Victoria Apotheke " in
be taken in doses of from 25 to 50 drops during
Berlin, and are supposed
25 drops regularly three times a day as a
and
half-hour,
an attack every
a brownish-yellow fluid, which was found
contains
bottle
The
preventive.
of opium, liquor ammonii anisatus,
tincture
lobelia,
of
tincture
of
consist
to
Victoria

Asthma Drops

to

acetic ether,

and potassium

iodate.

CHAPTEE

V.

MEDICINES FOR INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, ETC,

The present chapter includes the

results

obtained on

examining a numlber of the most widely advertised

pills

and

other proprietary preparations put forward as remedies for

The majority of these

which show much similarity in their

indigestion or as general aperients.

are in the

form of

composition

and

is

pills,

aloes or aloin

is

a constituent of all of

accompanied by one or more of a small

series of

them,
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

would be damaging
but this

Two

is,

to

of course,

any

the sale of the articles

facts
if

which

revealed

no argument in favour of secrecy.

others of the articles here described, both in the form

and put forward especially for indigestion, were

contain pepsin and diastase, with a small dose of a

of tablets,

found to

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 the

body which

to cure

it.

is

in

of seeking out

any organ or portion

an unhealthy state and proceeding

It is further asserted,

with the emphasis of

88

italics,

that "

it

cures in one dose."

The

booklet in which

puffed shows the most gross ignorance on the part of the writer, who gravely asserts that
tongue,
tiger's
spider's web, crab's eyes,
beetles,
this

pretended treasure

is

rhinoceros's horn, a-nd other repulsive objects form part of

the materia medica now in vogue with the medical profes-

"
sion," and that

all

organic substances defy detection by

any means known to chemical- science," with much more

Analysis, howpreposterous nonsense of the same sort.
ever, 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

extract of
of such substances as aloes or extract of aloes,
oils
colocynth, resins of jalap, scammony, or podophyllin,
powdered drugs
of peppermint, clove, or cinnamon, with

capsicum, cardamoms, colocynth, rhubarb (all

with solyielding extracts as soon as the pills are treated
the aid of
vents), and the whole probably massed with
difficulties to be
syrup, glucose, liquorice powder, etc., the
of
encountered by the analyst are far greater than in many
like ginger,

chapters;
the combinations that are dealt with in other
and
and it is not possible as the result of any reasonable

amount of investigation to assign a quantitative

which are
formula for any such combination of articles
that some
themselves variable, and it may easily happen
practicable

be impossible of
constituents will escape detection, or will
any
It is, therefore, better to avoid naming
identification.
even when the
quantities of the different ingredients found,
quantitative determinations

(which have

been

made
amount

in

of
doubt as to the
combination.
some particular substance present in a given
of the pills
And it must be remembered that with several
have been present
other ingredients than those named may
detection, though it may
in small quantity and escaped
apply to powerful or very
fairly be said that this does not

every case) have

left

very

important ingredients.

little

89

MER-SYEEN.
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

The

progi'essive evolution.

before us

is

made

have undergone
advertisement of it which is

for this article

earliest

a handbill apparently issued three or four yeai-s 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

London, E.G., and Singapore Dispensary,

Sj-ndicate,

Singapore.

little later

a lengthy advertisement in a weekly paper

is

headed
Try

this

"quick cure"

for Biliousness

and IndigestionFree

of Cost.

The following extracts are from what follows the headincr

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

Here

is

Here

is

'

And drug
.

way

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

way by which you can

absolutely cm-e

Biliousness,

Indigestion,

Sick Headache,
Dyspepsia,

Liver Trouble,
and other
Digestive Disorders.

Gastritis,

Free

of Charge.

Here

is a perfect natural remedy which will be freely

sent to very reader
writes for it, and which wiU quicldy, aknost instantaneously,
cure
your trouble and enable you to regain that good health, those

who

unburdened

which, perhaps, you have been a stranger for so very long.

have heard of " Mer-Syren," of course

spirits, to

You

You have heard of

Liver Trouble.

it

as a non-drug, non-pui-ging

But perhaps you have not as yet quite

it is.

for

Stomach and

what a wonderful remedy

" Mer-Syren "

sure in action.
dose.

realised

remedy

is

tasteless

powder.

It is neither a

drug

It is pleasant to take,

noi-

an aperient.

And

and swift and

it

cures in one

90

again appears a whole-page advertisement in a

the heading of the first two columns is

little later

London

daily

" Remarkable

New Book on

Health

by Dr. Pearson.

'How
and the remainder

is

the Body Cures

Itself.'

"

headed

"The '10 Minute Mer-Syren Health Lessons.'"

The

part

first

summary

devoted to a description of the book, and a

is

of its twenty so-called chapters.

The following ex-

tracts 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
unable to

tells

The whole book

the fact that the
vital kind.
.

what every good Doctor knows, but

his

tell

is,

for

many

reasons,

patients.
is

written in straightforwardly candid appreciation of

Desires ^Health Knowledge of tliis

Layman Needs^and

" 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
You have

itself is free.

only to get a 2s. 9d. packet of 20 "Mer-Syren 10-Minute

Health-Lesson" Powders.

The " book "

unquestionably the piece de resistance of all

It is a paper-covered pamphlet of 63 pages,
this advertising.
" referred to in the advertisement occupy"
chapters
the
each of
ing an average space of less than three pages. It is described
is

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 Encyclopcr.dia

or
Britannica failed to discover any place named Bhangulpore

North Bhangulpore

in India.

91

The knowledge possessed by this

Officer," who curiously omits to give

"

Late Principal Medical

his initials, or his degi'ees

or qualifications justifying the prefix " Dr.,"

from the following
o extracts

may be judged

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

This remedyMer-iSyren 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
Profession

fact

that,

is

pretty

is

much

as regards the nature of disease, the Medical

whea-e Harvey left it nearly three centuries

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.
ago, whilst the

We

are,

therefore, driven to accept the

diseases spring

This
for

common

want

of

from one

origin of all diseases

a better

definition,

partial or general.

waves

dictum of Hippocrates: "All

and the types of all diseases are the same."

cause,

we

Systems and

is to be found in tliat condition, which,

shall call " Dehilily of the Cells," either
theories may follow each other like the

the sea, but the trend of medical opinion is setting in this direction, and, to the opinion expressed by the Father
of Medicine, aU Schools
of Medicine must come at last.
of

The Mineral Acids,

Nitric, Hydrochloric

and Sulphuric, and Mineral Oils

(Petroleum) are in everyday use as remedies, whilst
many of the Earths are
diverted fi-om 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 universaUy
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 Materii
Medica now in vogue with the Medical Profession.

The old Blue Pill and Black Draught of our forefathers

has given place
to various iSalines and the waters of
many Spas in the treatment of Bmous
attections, but all to no purpose, the discovery
of

new era

Mer-Syren ushered in a

the History of Medicine; rot only so far

as the Liver was concerned, but also in the case of many other
affections regarding the treatment of wbioh 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 qmckly relieve herself from
.

phcenix-Iike, arise
all

the incubus of disease, and,

from her ashes renewed, invigorated, and
endowed with

her pristine vitality.

This is the sober opinion gleaned from

an experience of one versed in
medicine for a period of nearly forty years.

'

92

-Mer-Syren

composed

of the active principles of certain rare plants

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 iScience, and are therefoi-e not included in any Phar-

which

is

floui'ish in

Mer-Syren, therefore, cannot be imitated either in

macopoeia extant.
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
allcaloids upon -which its extraordinary and startling effects depend cannoi
be determined by analysis, as all organic substances defy detection by any
means known to chemical science.

Europe

There are, in fact, no diseased states or conditions in

Mer-Syren does not produce beneficial results.
'

powder derived from a

advertisement has become the " active

Thus the

'

lierb

'
'

-jvhich the use of

of the

newspaper

principles of certain rare

has become the
syndicate
in the book, just as the
plants
limited company, and the remedy for sea-sickness has become
'

'

the cure-all
Mer-Syren possesses the wonderful property of permeating evei-y part
Moreover, although its
of the organism with the same good influences.
throughout the entire
felt
are
powers
strengthening
and
stimulating
gentle
any part
organism, yet its specific healing actions are principaUy directed to
for

By virtue of its unique

labouring under diseased or disordered action.
upon any organ or
operates
and specific properties, Mer-Syren immediately
whose structures
or
deranged,
tissue whose functions may be in any way

And all structures

in consequer.ce of disease.
insUntly respond to
will
conditions
abnormal
either of the two just-named
of treatment proform
other
every
when
Mer-Syren,
the gentle action of
may be breaking down

duces no effect whatever

The

directions supplied with the powders were as follows

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

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

Analysis
of 25| grains.
material to consist principally of starch, with^ a

The powders had an average weight

showed the
Microscopical examination
vegetable tissue.
little broken
histological
showed the starch to be that of the potato, while the
those of the
elements of the tissue also agreed exactly with
Some raw potato was therefore dried without heat and
potato.
behaviour to
oowdered, and the two powders compared in their

93

a large numbei- of tests, qualitative

by means

of the microscope.

and quantitative, and also

whicli was prepared

The potato

became greyish in colour during the drying, wliereas

che Mer-Syren powder was of a creamy colour no other difference was found between them, and no other substance but potato
as described

could be detected.

CICFA.
This medicine, which has had four different names, but
appears to be called Cicfa at present, is supplied at Is. l|d. and
26. 9d. per package by a London limited company.
Is. l^d.
package was found to contain 21 tablets, and a 2s. 9d. package

63.

The original nam 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,

was changed to "Cicfa." The derivasupplied by the phrase which occurs freely
it

tion of this word is

in the advertisements, " Cures Indigestion, Constipation, Flatulence, Acidity."
Later, however, this word was dropped,

" Mother's Advice ; more

"
as " Tablenes," while now the
former name of Cicfa seems to have been re-adopted.

and the medicine advertised

still it was advertised

as

recently

The preparation
You may

eat

is

advertised in the following terms

What you please when you please

as your Indigestion,
Flatulence and Constipation are not merely Eelieved 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 everjiihing you eat.

Why

" Cicfa "

Must Cure Every

Case.

AU 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

94

You do not

digest the food becauBe you have not enough digestive juices
" Cicfa " contains just enough digestive
material to make sure that the albuminous food like meat, egge, etc., will

Stomach and Bowels.

in the

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, bananaa, etc.

One

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

Dose.

cases

may

had a ohocolate-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
tablets

Tlie

(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
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 I grain in each, and of oleo-resin of capsicum about

s^th

grain.

CELMO
This

is

Chapter

NO.

2.

supplied by the same makers as Celmo, reported on in

It is recommended for "indigestion, gouty
I.

dyspepsia, flatulence, etc., etc."

A bottle,

price 2s. 9d., contained 30 tablets, of average weight

The principal ingredients were found to be pepsin
5.8 grains.
and diastase. The amount of pepsin was found, by ite 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 com-

mercial diastase is very variable in strength, no exact quantity

was
can be stated as the amount present; the diastatic power
in
such that a tablet digested 1.9 times ite weight of starch
British
of
the
test
the
of
half an hour under the conditions

95

Pharmaceutical Codex, so that about 100 tablets would le

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
in th form of malt extract.

may have

been added

small quantity of a bitter substance was present, which

agreed in its characters with Socotrin aloes, the amount being
about I 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 Is. l|d. per box containing 60
pills.

They ar advertised
Indigestion
subject.

relieve

is

in the following terms:

the primary cause of most of the

ills

to which

we

Hence a medicine that stimulates the digestive

ora-ans
quite a number of complaints.
Whelpton's Vegetable

are
will

Purifying
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 superFills arouse the

...

fluous matter, relieves the congested

condition of skin
speedily restores the natural functions
of these

and kidneys and

important organs
Whelp-

ton

s Purifying PiUs are thus a direct

purifier of the blood
Dailv
doses of Whelpton's Purifying Pills will
arouse the Liver to propel action

tXlirZZV

'

'"'"^

^^^^.^^^

These

puis may be taken at any time, but it

is generally found
most
convenient to take them at bed-time.
In ordinary'cases fwo wHl
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

compS ^

The

pills had an average weight

of 2^ grains.
Chemical and
microsoopical_ examination showed th
presence of aloes (apparently So>tnne) powdered colocynth,
ginger, and gentian, th

last-named ingredient being less positively

indicated than th
others.
No evidence of th presence of mercury or
calomel was
ODtamea.

96

CHAS. FORCE'S BILE BEANS.

" beans," which consist of ovoid, coated pills, are
box, price Is. Ud., was
supplied by a firm in London.
round to contain 30 pills, and a 26. 9d. box 90.

These

described as
In a circular enclosed in the package they are
" absolutely unequalled" for biliousness and other complaints,
including anaemia, piles, inof which thirty-eight are named,
etc. It is further
fluenza, despondency, blackheads, rheumatism,
stated that:
Degeneration of the Liver,
Chas Forde's also cure Fatty and Waxy
the host
(Cirrhosis),^ and
Liver
"Hob-nailed" or "Gin-drinker's"
assimilation,
digestion,
impaired
in
origin
of ailments having a common
Cha^.
of the excretory organs.
and secretion, and in defective working

peculiar to

service in all the disorders

Forde's are likewise of inestimable
tonic remedy they are unsurpassed.
omen, while as a general aperient and
contain a single particle of Mercury,
Chas Forde's bile beans do not
substance, and are also devoid of
or other poisonous mineral

Bismuth,

As
As

require.
to four beans as occasion may
a General Aperient. Two
going
upon
one
bean after .the midday meal, and
a

Tonic-One

to bed.

The
black.

being coloured
were coated with gelatine, the coating
the coating was
The average weight after removal of

pills

2.3 grains.

The statement that they

be
are devoid of aloes appears to
prerefer to aloes itself and not to

true only if it is taken to

showed very clear evidence of the
parations of aloes, as tests
constituents shown by chemical and
presence of aloin other
;

were powdered cardamoms, oil o

microscopical examination
evidence was obtained of
peppermint, and wheat flour; some
prenot sufficiently conclusive for it.
extract of colocynth, but

No evidence of the presence of

asserted.
sence to be definitely
obtained.
mercury or calomel was

CARTER'S LITTLE LIVER PILLS.

New York firm they .-e large^iy
These are supplied by a
A package, price Is. Ud.
Britain.
advertised and sold in Great
;

was found to contain 42.

package
Thev are described on the

Complexion,

ui

TT^r TT<.adache

Fo""t:on.

as

For Dizziness.

For Biliousness.

ForMoSUi.

F..e

97

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 benefite 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 ^ 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
No other ingredient could be detected.
coating.

HOLLOWAY'S

PILLS.

These are supplied by Thomas Holloway, London.

price Is. l^d., was found to contain 49 pills.
It

is

box,

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.

pamphlet which was wrapped round the box is entitled

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

A Key

from the pamphlet that " the Hollowayian System

of Medicine " might be summoned up in the words Take HolloIt appears

way's Pills; apply Holloway's Ointment.

Among

the comprescribed are gout, rheumatiem, sciatica, paralysis, liver complaints, asthma, inflammation of the kidneys, bronchitis, quinsy, bad legs, bad breasts,
plaints for

this

"system"

is

wounds, sores, tumours, piles and fistulas, the turn of

and the whites, obstruction of the menses, dropsies,

ulcers,
life,

which

floodings

jaundice, youthful indiscretion, impotency, palpitation

of the
heart, debility, indigestion, constipation, gravel, stone,
venereal
diseases, influenza, erysipelas, lepra blotches,
scald

ringworms, scrofula,

mended
pills

ague,

heads and
The dose recomfrom two pills a day to seven

diarrhoea,

in different cases varies

etc.

night and morning.

The

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.
pills

98

PAGE WOODCOCK'S WIND

PILLS.

are supplied by Page Woodcock, Limited.

price of a box containing 32 pills was Is. l^d.

These

pills

They are thus described

package

Effectual Medicine Yet Discovered for the Prevention and

The Most
Cure

in a circular enclosed in the

The

of Disease.

...

cases of Indigestion, Liver Complaints, Biliousness, Constipation,

Palpitation, Debility, Anaemia, Irregularities, Bad Assimilation, Wind in
the Stomach and Bowels, Spasms, Heartburn, Giddiness, Disturbed
Slumbers, Piles, Toothache, Neuralgia, etc., they will, if taken in accord-

In

a,ll

ance 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

had an average weight of 1.6 grain.

after removal of the coating

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
No mercury or
characters by which it could be identified.

calomel was present.

SCOTT'S PILLS.
Scott's Pille are supplied

price

Is.

pills is

l-|d.,

by

containing 24

W.

in boxes,

Lambert, London,

pills.

circular sent with the

headed

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

The recommendations

following

The

for

intemperance will
evil effects arising from
or drinking.
to them after excess of eating

Prevented

if

recourse

P-P^^^J^^^^^^^^^
had
by taking a PiU or two ^or
particularly necessary
are
they
Bathing
Cold
crudities that
bowels will be cleansed from any
a few nights previous the
for the prestate
proper
them, and the body rendered in a
Lay adhere
most ercelthe
also
are
complaints. They
vention of many uncomfortable
obstructions
by
caused
sallow complexions,
Lnt alterative and cleanser of
as
is

-commended
To seafaring persons they are particularly
thfL^ve
a life, wiiich
such
U>
incident
disorders
tL use them will prevent many

of

99
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 tlie

necessity of administering
these Pills to their children
they will find them a most eflScacious Medi;
cine for eradicating Worms, Fevers, Coughs,
Inflammations, and all disorders of the Stomach and Bowels; the child
will be strengtJhened, saved
from all sickness, and the parents themselves
much trouble and uneasiness.

The

pills

had an average weight of 2.4

Chemical and

grains.

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
l|d. per package, containing 41 pills.
They are
thus described in a circular accompanying

Leeds at

Is.

the package:

''"""^y "^^''^
important
^ ""."^fl
t.^Tn^?
step
advance
of oM-fashioned purges and drastic
mineral pills. These
latter with their mercury,
bismuth, and other crude ingredients,
only
irritate, inflame and,
the end, seriously injure, the
delicate linings of
the stomach and bowels.
All uch mineral drugs, doubtful
in fhel
physiological action and paralysing and
harmful in their eventual effect
indirectly, enter into the composition
7^^'
of
Ker
Ker-Nak,
which, on the contrary, contains
certain ^essences and oils
the valuable constituents of fresh
ripe fruit,

^T'^^

together with valuable

vegetable .extracts and internal
disinfectants reputed^or' their purTty
and
medicma worth.
The unapproachable excellence of Ker-Nak
ffom a
-^^^
^^s greater suitability "or
f^^"^P>*'
f
Tov::::'
sickness contracted
under present-day conditions
renders this
reatment, so invaluable in cases of:
Constipation, Headache,
Indire'
,^^"^P^;^^"^^^' Neuralgia, Palpitation
Anemia,
.

FpIi

y^s Pnes""

tions,

T fl
Influenza,

The lengthy

(-/-^h'

motherhood,

and most

middle-age,

Shortness of Breath

^^r^^''"^^'
and
its after-effects.

vLml

and

declining

Rlieumatic Affec-

circular concludes with a paragraph

headed:

Free Advice.

Any

reader in need of sound advice upon

his or
have. Free of Cost, the assistance
of our fully

own

hpr-

^Llkd

a;irv,

^'^^

Med^^^^^^

Describe in detail all the symptoms

of your illness, say how
long the
lUne s has lasted, and what you
have been doing for ft in
the
t
and have

no hesitation in

statin<^ fullv

anv mnHot

i!

L
^

'

100

Tlie directions

Dose 1
and repeat

on the package are:

to 3, or in severe cases,
after the next

two doses

of 2 each, one dose at night

mid-day meal.

were coated with orange-coloured pearl-coating;

weight of 1^ grain.
after removing it they had an average
the presence
Chemical and microscopical examination indicated

The

pills

preparation of aloes, a little soap, a

of aloes (Barbados) or a
little vegetable tissue
very little oleo-resin of capsicum, and a
marshmallow root (used as an excipient).

which appeared to be
There was no evidence

of the presence of

mercury or calomel.

COCKLE'S PILLS.
not given, but they are
accompany them as being
described in the circulars which
" Prepared by the late James Cockle, Surgeon and Apothecary,
box, price Is. Ud., was
4 Great Ormond Street, London."
also stated that:
found to contain IG' pills. It was

The present maker's name

of these is

of the best and

a careful and peculiar admixture
Aowers of the
the
of
extract
pure
the
mildest v^egetable aperients, with
for derange^
remedy
efficacious
most
They will be found a
ramolile
torpid action of
and
obstructions
for
and
the digestive organs,
varieties
produce Indigestion and the several
liver and bowels, which
recommended
not
these Pills are
of BUious and Live; Complaints
ingredients; on the contrary
active
dangerously
or
new
Is containing any
f
simplicity
remarkable
they ar chiract'erised by a
uron
as much upon
depends
possess
to
whatever merit they may be found
bestowed
attention
and
labour
unusual
and the
th s kctirof pure drugs
peculiarity
preparation, as upon the acknowledged
subsequent
their
uoon
are

These

pills consist of

meTo

tT

--^^^X'

JtheJ

composition.

They

are not

recommended

as a panacea, nor

apeneni
a mild and efficacious
to all complaints; but as
irregula.%
intestmal
with
Indigestion,
in the various f orms of
and
be an exaggeration to state that
perhaps,
not,
will
it
use,
admittrg their
of diet, changes of climate,
systems
all
thev hive been resorted to under
degree of ucce.s, for
extraordinary
with an
o^ L^:i;heric Alternations,
over more Oian half a century.

Jliev

IdaptTd

^rmc

a period extending

The
before

The

Pill to be taken an hour

directions vary from "One
any time.
dinner " to " Two or three at
pillB

had an average weight

of 4 grains,

^hem.c.l^nd

(Socoindicated the presence of alo s

microscopical examination
and
ap,
3a
powdered
TneT a little soap, powdered colocynth,
with
did not agree in characters
anottr vegetable tksue which
which could not be adentified.
dJug now in ordinary use, and
mercury or calomel was detected.
evidence of the presence of

Z
No

101

BURGESS' LION PILLS.

The

volume of this book contained the results of analysia

Lion Ointment, and the Pills are a companion medibox, price Is. IM., was found to contain 24 pills.
In

first

of Burgees'

cine.

a circular enclosed in the package it

is

stated that

The Pills act beneficially by imiDarting 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 4 J grains. Chemical and micro;

scopical 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

mercury or calomel.

of

HOOD'S VEGETABLE PILLS.

These are supplied by a limited company in London, in
l-|-d., containing 34 pills.

bottles, price Is.

They are described on the package

The great Liver

Invigorator.

as

mild, eificient carthartic, purely vegeand after-dinner pill.

valuable
remedy for Liver Complaint, Constipation, Nausea, Billiousness, Headache, Indigestion, Sour Stomach, Distress after Eating, Jaundice.

table, unequalled as a family physic

The

directions, given in a circular enclosed in the package.

are

For Biliousness Jaundice, Sick Headache, Constipation, Flatulence,

Nausea, and all Liver Troubles, and to Eelieve 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
Eatmg The usual dose is one pill taken immediately after eatino-,
^ in a
draught of water.
Dizziness,

...

'

The pills were sugar-coated, and, after removal of the

coating,
they had an average weight of ^ grain.
Chemical and microscopical examination showed the presence
of aloes (Barbados)
or a preparation of aloesprobably aloin,
ginger, capsicum
colocynth, soap, and probably a little jalap.
There was no
evidence of the presence of mercury or calomel.

CHAPTEE

VI.

KIDNEY MEDICINES.
The

secret remedies dealt with in this chapter comprise a

further selection from those advertised for the cure of back-

ache 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 concarbonate, and the fourth
sist chiefly of soap and sodium
contains copaiba as the only active substance found; this,

although advertised for backache and kidney troubles, apgleet,

pears to be principally put forward for gonorrhoea,
Neither of the two liquids described
active substance
in the report appears to contain any very

and similar disorders.

American origin, and stated to contain more

dose than any
effectual doses and more medicine in each
contain 10.5
other remedy at the same price, proved to

one of these,

of

with only
per cent, of alcohol and 46.5 per cent, of sugars,
appeared to be
2.4 per cent, of vegetable extractive, which
trace of oil of winterpartly derived from cascara sagrada, a
Needless to
green giving an aromatic flavour to the whole.
combination do not show
say, the claims advanced for this
cases, including as
more modesty than is displayed in other
Bright' s disease, expels
they do the assertions that it cures
drives malarial poison out of
gall stones, cures impotence,
for liver complaint, torpid
the system, is the best remedy

103

liver,

and biliousness, and possesses the rarest

and

electric

The

therapeutic properties in a very concentrated form.

other liquid preparation appears to depend chiefly on

mag-

nesium sulphate and potassium

little

sweet

spirit of nitre

with a very

citrate,

and some vegetable extractive in which

no active substances were recognised.

which the ingredients

carelessness with

The extraordinary
of

nostrums

may

be

shown by comparing the contents of different bottles one contained five times as much magnesium
sulj)hate as the other.
This preparation is foisted upon the
thrown together

is

pubhc

an ingredient in a " prescription " which

as

lished in various papers in the guise of

tion

readers are advised to take

it

pub-

is

an item of informa'

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
scription

'
'

would take good care

that one of the ingredients

recognised preparation of

and our analysis

now
member of

being

who

may

a secret

allow of a

a series called

which furnishes a good

of

the

'
'

pre-

inform the purchaser

nostrum and not a

known composition

One

given.

was

to

received such a

like the others,

little

further information

pills

reported on

is

one

"The Home Doctor Eemedies,"

illustration of the

advantage to the

proprietor of a nostrum in supplying directly to the public.

In this case the proprietor

using the
in the

name

of

an individual

Treatment and Cure

one suffering from

measurements,

is

company

limited

claiming

though

to be " Specialists

Rupture," and inviting every

rupture to submit particulars and
of

etc., in order to

be supplied with an appli-

ance and the application, shown in a previous report to

be
a tincture of capsicum with certain essential oils, which
is
to

"cure"

the rupture.

names and addresses

In this

way

large

are doubtless obtained,

numbers

of

and the persons

applying are not only furnished with particulars of the rupture "treatment," but also in due course
with the par-

104

'

ticulars of

'

The Home Doctor Remedies

'
'

for

various

disorders, remedies said to have been evolved for the treat-

ment

of complications interfering

with the cm-e 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
supply the articles at a reason-

their manufacture,

and

able price "

reasonable the price

how

still

comparing the estimated cost

with the price charged for the

is

may

be seen by

of the ingredients (about Jd.)

pills (Is. 9d.).

HOLDEOYD'S GRAVEL

PILLS.

These are supplied by a firm in the north of England in

boxes at Is. l^d., 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

Back, Between the Shoulders, In the Joints?

when you can be quickly and
If so, don't go on suffering day after day
which are guaranteed to
Pills,
Gravel
Holdroyd's
cured
by
permanently
Pains in Back,
Lumbago,
Gravel,
of
cases
all
in
Belief
Immediate
give

Have you Pains

Dropsy,

Wind

in the

and

Disease, Gout, Sciatica,

Water

Complaints,

Rheumatism,

Gleet,

K:dney

etc.

They have cured

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

The

Two

directions are:
Pills three times a day, morning, afternoon,

and night.

were not regularly coated, but had a thick covering

less impregnated with
of loosely adhering magnesia, more or
from the pill. After removal
oil of anise and colouring matter
was 4.3 grains. Analysis
of this layer their average weight
carbonate, and
showed the presence of oil of anise, soap, sodium
ingredients
powdered rhubarb. -The proportions of the different

The

pills

105

were defcermined as nearly

was arrived at:

as possible,

and the following formula

Soap
Dried sodium carbonate
Powdered rhubarb

40 per cent.
20
20

10
10

Oil of anise

Syrup

Estimated cost of ingredients for twenty-five

DR.
These

|d.

DE ROOS' COMPOUND RENAL PILLS.

pills are

supplied by a firm in

box, containing fifteen

They

pills

London

at Is. l^d. per

pills.

are advertised as follows

De

Roos' Compound Renal Pills have over Fifty years' reputation

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
Dr.

as the

generally..

And

pamphlet enclosed in the package it

By their use alone many thousands are annually
and the agonies of gout and rheumatism may now be
in a

is

stated that

restored to health,
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
f the kidneys, thereby preventing
stone in
fv."'uf'
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
icauiiy

removed by these

Pills.

Vaiying directions are given for different

cases, the dose vary"one or two " to "two or more " to be taken

ing from

either

every night, or every morning, or both

night and morning.

The

pills

were not regularly coated, but had a

thick covering
After removing this, their avera4
Analysis showed the presence of soap

powdered liquorice.
weight was 4.5 grains.
of

per cent., calculated as anhydrous),

sodium carbonate
(19.7 per cent, of the dried salt), a resin
(3.3 per cent.),
34.2

and

106

small quantity of vegetable tissue witt moisture and extractive.

The resin did not contain colophony, and did not show the charbehaviour of galbanum, but may have been derived
acteristic

It possessed no characters by which its

from ammoniacum.
The vegetable tissue appeared to
source could be determined.
with any drug
be derived from a leaf, but could not be identified
No other active ingredient was found.
in ordinary use.

RED CROSS
Red

PILLS.

in LiverCross Pills are supplied by a limited company

pills.
sixty-one
2s. 9d. box was found to contain

pool.

advertisement of the

An

pills is as follows

Cure for Kidney,^ Bladder,

Cross Pills are the Wonder of the Day.
cause
30 years ReputaBackache, Gravel, and all discharge from any
order.
postal
Thousands of Testimonials. Send 2s. 9d.
tion.

Eed

no reference being made to

They were received
required.
the purpose for which they were
punctuation is unaltered):
with the following letter (the

box of the

pills

was sent

for,

by post

You will make better

you for your letter, Pills herewith.
Soda and Lnne Juice
drink
intoxicants
progress if you'do not touch any
home plenty of Barley Water, .f can help
or I little Claret instead; at
for youjn
us, and we will do our best
you in any way, please w.ite to
truly.
Yours
cure.
a speedy
Se way of advice With our best wishes for
pamphlet enclosed in the
The following is an extract from a

We think

package
and Lumbago, take the Red Cross
you suffer from pains in the back
their use.
thousands have been cured by
Pills
Inflamation of the Bladder,
Grav.1, the Kidneys, and
If you .uffer from
use.
thousands have b^n cured by their
If

takl

Red

Cross Pills;

manailments which are the curse of

you suffer from old standing
Strength,
Physica
decay of Nervous and
hood and which bring premature
Nocturnal Emissions, Prostate AffecSpermatorrhoe,
rtTictures
i^
cured by
Pills; thousands have been
:Ls, etc etc" tie 'the Red Cro^s
If

their use.

be red sand deposit in

Pills thousands
and cloudy, take the Red Cross
th urTne, or uHnru'clear
complaints.
their use for the same
are relieved every day by
standing ailments
of energy caused by old
If vou suffer from want
have been
thousands
the Red Crc. Pills;
and impurfty of the Blood, take

von suffer from what

is

generally

known

to

cured by their use.

107

If

you

from GonorrhcBa, Gleet, or discharges of any description,

or chronic cases, arising from any causes, take the
Pills
thousands have been cured by their use.

suiler

accidontaJ,

Eed C ross

recent,
;

The Eed 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

be copaiba resin, a

a resin (24.3 per cent.)

which appeared to

much

smaller quantity of oil of oopaiba,

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

magnesia (about 8 per

removed to facilitate its preparation as a pill, the remainder

being apparently of the nature of excipient.
Such pills sugarcoated, can be obtained wholesale at less than Is.
per gross.

THE HOME DOCTOR BACKACHE AND KIDNEY

These

PILLS.

belong to a series called "The Home Doctor

Remedies," supplied by a limited company in London,
which
pills

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 ibeen 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 he rupture may proceed
without interruption. To that end
we huve 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

108

ingredients of each of our formulas are practically all vegetable promedical

ducts, and the formulas themselves are recommended and used by

The

men

of

Wo,

high standing.

recommend these remedies, and patients can

knowing that in thorn they have the very best

ourselves, can strongly

use thom with confidence,

that actual experience can produce.

We

supply these remedies at Prices which cannot be equalled where

results are considered.

" besides the

There are six other " Home Doctor Remedies
Backache and Kidney Pills. The latter are thus referred to
other
Oar remedy for backache cannot be surpassed. In nearly every
as
dose,
remedy used it is necessary to gradually increase the size of the
at
taken
is
dose
well as the frequency of it. With our remedy the same
harmless
absolutely
is
results.
It
all times and will give exactly the same
kidneys
and will at once relieve all disagreeable symptoms, and induce the
to perform their proper functions.

9d. per bottle, post paid; a bottle was found

shape, and coated with
to contain fifty-three pills, ovoid in
After removal of the coating the
gelatine coloured black.
Analysis showed the
grains.
pills had an average weight of 3.3

The

price

Is.

is

a very little oil

presence of potassium nitrate, powdered capsicum,
starch, and gum. There
of juniper, with soap, sugar, magnesia,
from anything
was no evidence that the extractive present came
quantity of some other extract
besides the capsicum, but a small

might .have been present.

were determined as
Che quantities of the different ingredients
and the formula was found to be,
possible,
distinctive characters

no

possessing

as

nearly

approximately
.

3 per cent.

Oil of juniper
Potassium nitrate

Magnesia
Powdered capsicum
Sugar
o
Soap
Starch, gum, moisture,

Estimated cost

DR.

^
2q
1

^
etc., bo 100.

pills
of ingredients for fifty-three

about ^d.

KILMER'S SWAMP-ROOT.

prepared only by a firm

This preparation is stated to be
package, however, bears the words,
giving a London address ; the
is
The price of the small-size bottle
''made in U.S.A."
just over 3 fluid ounces.
and thie was found to contain
Is l|d
,

109

An

advertisement in an

Are j-our kidneys weak?

Trouble and Never Suspect

And

Englis'li periodical is

TJiousands of

headed

Men and Women

have Kidney

It.

other statements which follovp include

Most people do not

alarming increase and remarkable prevaWhile kidney disorders are the most common
diseases that prevail, they are almost the last recognised by patients and
physicians, tvho content themselves with doctoring the effects, while the
original disease undermines the system.
In taking 8wamp-Root,
you afford natural help to Nature, for it is the most perfect healer and
realise the

lence of kidney disease.

...

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.

common glass with urine

a sediment or settling indicates an

Fill a bottle or

hours

and let it stand twenty-four

unhealthy condition of the
evidence of kidney trouble. Too

When urine stains linen it is

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.
kidneys.

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,
every part of the urinary passage.

And on

the package

it is

liver,

bladder, and

stated that:

This great specific cures Acute and Chronic Diseases of the

Kidneys,
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, Ex-pels
Liver,

Gall

Stones,

Diabetes,

Dropsy.
It cures Enlargement of Prostate Gland,
Seminal
Weakness, Spermatorrhoea, Impotence, Generative Debility,
and General
Languor. Drives Malarial Poison out of systm.
Gravel.
It removes
the causes producing Nervousness, Sleeplessness,
Headache, Neuralgia

Shme

have

Fever, Inward Heat and Thirst, and cures

It purifies the hlood

failed.

The contents of

when

all

other remedies

this bottle is a Pure Medicine, and

contains more
and each dose contains more medicine than
any other
remedy at the same price.
effectual

doses,

110

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

Children less according to age.
bedtime.
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

Analysis showed that 100 parte by

on standing.
measure contained 48.9 parts by weight of solid matter, of
deposit

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
The extractive was bitter, and contained
alkaloid was present.
respects with extract of cascara
these
in
agreeing
emodin,
;

sagrada.

liquid containing

parts of extract of cascara

eagrada 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
" swamp roots, field herbs, sea
small quantities of extractives of
;

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

weeds,"

etc., if present,

microscope, showed traces of vegetable tissue in considerable

variety.

KAROX COMPOUND.
Company from
This is supplied by the Karox Manufacturing
one
containing
an address in the north of England, in bottles
fluid ounce, price Is. l^d.
The method

of advertising chiefly

employed

in this case

is

the

having the appearinsertion in newspapers of small paragraphs

as to appear to be
ance of news paragraphs, and so worded
to its readers.
paper
disinterested information supplied by the
following is an example of such a paragraph

The

the relief and cure of

have recently published a prescription for
We regret to learn from
Kidney and Liver Diseases, Rheumatism, etc.
ha^
prescription
the
some of our readers that in some cases

We

^t.
ingredients being apparently substituted
accurately dispensed, one of the
As it is essential
sake of extra profit.
by other cheaper drugs for the

Ill

that the prescription should

be dispensed accurately if the remedy is

warn the readers of this paper against such
and would advise them to have the prescription dispensed

to be beneficial,

substitution,

we

desire to

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.

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 tx> differ very considerably
in composition.
The ingredients found were magnesium sulphate,
'

potassium citrate, alcohol, spirit of nitrous ether,

sugars, vegeand 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.
table extractive,

CHAPTEE VII.
OBESITY CUEES, AND A
A

good

many nostrums

FLESH PEODUCEE."

"

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

more
obesity is on the increase, or that people are becommg
conscious of its disadvantages and, therefore, more ready to

money on medicines promising to restore them to

normal weight. Somewhat curiously, while advertisements
lay out

" cures " for obesity have increased, there have recently
article
appeared numerous and lengthy advertisements of an

of

excessive
intended to cure the opposite condition, that of
In the present chapter we give an account of some
leanness.

nostrums for obesity not previously dealt with, and

" just referred to.
the " flesh producer

also of

former
was shown by the analyses published in the
of several
volume that extract of bladderwrack was the basis
same substance appears
of the medicines described, and the
It

in

nearly

all

vesiculosus)

is

now dealt with. Bladderwrack {Fucus

common seaweed found on and around our
common with other seaweeds, it contains

those
a

shores, and, in

in sea- water, in
considerable quantities of the salts occurring
of iodine the extract
eluding a small quantity of a compound
effect in reducing
was at one time credited with having some
;

113

superfluous fat. but

does not appear to be used at

all in
legitimate medicine now, and there
is no official process
for
preparing it.
Since it contains
it

no definite active consti-

tuent and

likely to be very variable in

composition it is
not possible to determine exactly
the amount that is present
ni a mixture with other
substances.
is

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
one or two of the articles
examined, but there is
the same difficulty in regard
to determining the quantity
of
It present
a mixture, or even identifying
it beyond the pos;

sibility 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 J

strong family likeness.

The plan

sample and accompanying

portance of following

it

of giving

away

a free

with statements as to the imup with a "full treatment"

it

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 pre
paration, 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

wonThe absurdity of the claims

becomes more
strikmg when they are
brought together. The first
of the
derful substance.

nostrums described
anvTtl

extant,

'r^r^
.

and they

is

put forward with the

assertions
''''''

"

"''^^

"

"

-^like
'

'

case

present a striking contrast

to many sod 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 certam remedy " " t^e
most remarkable scientific
discovery of the present age,"
a^d
cal

114

Such vague titles as " speguarantees to cure and so on.

" and "certified chemist" are so used as to imply
cialist
;

feature, exorbithat they are qualifications; and the usual

businessis, of
tant price the mainspring of the whole

pence being supcourse, conspicuous, drugs costing a few

One advertiser
plied for various sums up to 2 Is. Id.
claim that
appears to have hit on a little novelty with the

" my

remedy

is

woman's cure

women

for

only.

Nobody

woman could have discovered it, and it is offered to

women only," while a certain amount of originality must
but a

emanating from Ih'e same

cases" (of heart
source, that, "what happens in these
" is fatty penetration of the heart, which leads of

be allowed to the

statement,

failure)

syncope."

GORDON WALLACE'S "TREATMENT."

A.
Thifi

is

advertised by A.

Gordon Wallace, London.

month's " treatment," but

It

is

the
priced at one guinea for a
amount
supplied free, the actual
first fortnight's medicine is
The following extracts from adverto be paid for it is 10s. 6d.
claims advanced :
tisements will show the nature of the

ARE YOU TOO STOUT

Obesity Specialist telk

Famous

how everyone can

lose Superfluous Flesh

and Improve their General Health.

women who
of much-enduring men and
If you are one of tiie thousands
bring new
wiU
article
this
stout,
too
are unhealthily stout, or growing
or an
chm,
double
a
by
marred
is
If your appearance
hope to vou.
disagreeable
or any other
Sngai'iy^bust, or 'a protruding abdomen,
help you to remo.e the
wiU
that
offer
an
evidence of Obesity, here is
appearance. If your health is tbreatened.

Tgly de

ft

gout

elln

your physical

must
" be-by superfluous

flesh,

which generally

rheumat'isn,,'or Palpitation, or

"fatty"

carries

its train

heart, or some other

famous Obesity
profit by this advice from a
ferio^as ailment, read and
Specialist.

...

your weight safely and

I do guarantee to reduce
^^^^^^^^f ^/^^^f
laws, if
physiological
well-defined and recognised
c;trictlv according to
a
taking
are
directions while you
yon "^11 conscientioudy follow out my
course of my Treatment.
admission, been so far baffled for A
Medical men have, on their own
-^^^
in Its train
A.D EKFKCTXVK CuHK that will bring
know
I
last.
at
cure
a
I know I have found
system.

to the patient's

115

what

has done for thousands of others and I know it will do the same
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.
it

for you.

...

The " fortnight's package" was accompanied by a

of which the following

is

letter,

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
and on receipt therefore of P.O. for 10s. 6d., together with the
accompanying Consultation Form, fully filled up, I wiJl 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.
enclosed),

The second

fortnight's treatment really begins the actual

flesh-reducing
system following upon the elimination of the
impurities
that are robbmg you of your vital Nerve Force,
and I would

portion of

my

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

booklet of about fifty pages,

Treatment.

also sent; it

entitled

is

a small

"Obesity:

By A. Gordon

paper
Cause and

Wallace, Specialist." This curious

the only one that is mentioned on the
title page ;
but on page 33 the following appears under the
heading
qualification

is

In Plain Language.
is apropos for me to here
mention that I am a physician holdincr
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.

It

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 punx^sely avoid the
use of technical language. I am to
discuss the subject
il 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'^apprecLted."

hZ

On other pages it is stated that

My method is unlike any other. I give mv

treatment that restores

My

los't

m,h'pnf=! n

Nerve-Fore^ an^N!;':

Treatment allows you

to

eat

what you

like

e:

IZeir^'^'''^'

and drink what

yor^ like.

116

The " fortnight's package " contained 54 sugar-coated tablets.

The directions on the label were " Two Tablets to be taken three

At

times daily between food."

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 vesicitlosus) 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
The vegetable powder was found by
not absolute, certainty.
microscopic examination to consist of liquorice root, toeether
with a large proportion of the cells characteristic of jaowdered
the cheapest liquorice powders in
nutshells, olive stones, etc.
with powdered nutshells
adulterated
are
largely
the market
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

a thousand.

Is.

Some further information with regard

obesity specialist " appears in Chapter

DR.
These

pills

London, at

this

" famous

XIX.

VINCENT'S ANTI-STOUT PILLS.

are supplied

2s., 4s. 6d.,

to contain 38

to

and

by Dr.

Vincent's

10s. per box.

2s.

Medicine Co.,
box was found

pills.

In an advertisement of these

pills it is stated

that

inof Dr. Vincent's Anti-Stout Pills has in hundreds of

corpureduce
to
more
do
will
case
any
stances completely cured, and in
lency than any other remedy extant.

One

2s.

Box

pleasant to take,
Dr. Vincent's Anti-Stout Pills are small, harmless,
flesh as much as
superabundant
reduce
will
diet
of
change
and without

10 lbs. in a week.

printed circular and a circular letter were sent with the

these
pills, and the following are extracts from
for the elimination
Dr. Vincent's famous and n;ost successful method

of superabundant, flesh

is

now

well

known throughout

the English speaking

117
world.

known

to fail.

Wliere a fair

...

The

has

trial

been given

it

are purely vegetable,

pills

has never been

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
.

Shillinc.

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 aUow
you the 2s. you have paid for
he Tiial 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

One Pill every morning."

"

Dose-Two

Pills

also

The pills were coated with talc;

after removal
they had an average weight
of 2.6

every night

'

of the coating

grains.
Nearly half the
mass consisted of " extract
"-apparently a mixture' about ^5

r"""and

chiefly
chTeflTof
of The
the tissues

---ted

contents of powdered
ve^^etable
substances.
The nature of these was
investfgated with the at
of the microscope, and
from the histologicaf characters
of the
powder, together with the results
of test, applied to
the
p Fl '
evidence was obtained of the
^
presence of
cell

Jalap
Colocynth
Cloves
Aloes, or extract of aloes

Extract of Fucus vesicvlosus

The

last

named could not be

ceding case, owing to

t:on

for Its

identified as fullv a. in

fl

WeVL ^

being present in no
admixture with the other drugs
named, bTt
presence appeared adequate.
its

^^^^^^^^^^^

thfeviaence
ev de,l

It

is not possible in
such a mixture to give
with anv certain
near approximation the
proportions in
the umerent
dlfferen m-

"

wLh

gredients were present.

PHATOLENE TABLETS.
T
London,

at 6d., 4s.,

and

Phatolene Co
10s.

per box.

Ltd

'

118

An

adverti&&inent of these tablets

is

in the following terms

The
Don't be fat when Phatolene Tablets will cure you absolutely.
Thousands
Registered by Government.
only safe and certain remedy.
Phatolene Tablets are guaranteed to cure you of stoutof Testimonials.
ness without starvation, aperients, or interference with your ordinary
Phatolene Tablets are the most remarkable scientific
method of living.
Phatolene Tablets are an aid to health,
age.
present
discovery of the
We are so conproduce
a charming figure.
and
younger,
look
make you
that we offer
daily
weight
reduce
your
will
Tablets
Phatolene
that
fident
order only.
postal
sixpenny
return
for
a
box
in
trial
large
a
you
send
to
sent bore no patent medicine stamps, and go
presumably "registered by Government" refers to the name
registered as a trade-mark; it is clearly intended to sug-

The box which was

being
gest

much more than

this.

letter sent with the " trial

box

"

was headed
The Phatolene

Co., Ltd.

Remedy),
(Sole Agents for the Discoverer of the "Phatolene"
F. Lawrence, Manager and Certified Chemint.

be observed that " certified chemist " is not a legal

is not to
qualification, and may mean anything or nothing; it
" registered chemist and druggist " or " pharbe confused with
maceutical chemist." Some extracts from the letter are:
It should

been personally
As a chemist of over 20 years' practice I have often
obesity and local overconsulted by my clients of both sexes in regard to
those
But it is even more pleasure to me to come in touch with
fatness.

who

secret service of His

prefer to do so under the Government-guarded
have to charge more
I
fact
of
matter
As a

...

Majesty's Post Office.

in personal consultations.
people use up my time as well as their own
or money-wasting, as I
time-wasting
this
And there is no necessity for
in your case as it has
succeed
wiU
discovery
know that my Phatolene
is not suBacient, of
Supply
Trial
Week's
One
My
done in others.
that may have been developing
course to overcome a bodily condition
My Phatolene reduces all fat within the body at a
for ne'arly a year.
three months' supply is sufficient to
steady and safe rate, and one, two, or
proper size, weight, and appearrestore all but the unusually fat to their

if

...

ance.

What quantity may I send you ?

that my experience enables me to

For your guidance

inform you that you

may

point out

will require the

conditions.
following quantities according to these

year, you will require

you have been fat or growing fat less than one
fat one year,
growmg
If fat or
one month's supply for 4s., post free.
10s.,
post free.
for
supply
months'
and not two years, you will require three
If

From

a second letter

weeks, for if the reduction

cure any ordinary case takes about 12
and thus
violent way the stoutness is sure to return
is forced in a more
advantage
take
therefore
should
you gain only a temporary relief, and you
.
.
will cost you 10s. only.
which
treatment,
weeks'
12
of our

To

119

have made a study of obesity, and you can naturally

understand I am interested in your case and shall be only too pleased at
subject, but please enclose
all times to answer any questions on the

You are aware

stamped directed envelope.

la 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

JOUENAL
The Treatment

of obesity should not be quick, but slow.

To attempt

especito reduce superfluous fat by violent or sudden means is dangerous,

invariably
men
medical
why
this
ie
and
ally if the heart is at all weak,
Doctors cannot dispute the fact
recommend Phatolene Tablets.
had the reputation of reducing
long
time
for
a
has
preparation
that this
.

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."
" Given with good results and does not
Again, the same Journal says
A lady lost 20 lbs. in 9 weeks when
produce dyspepsia or diarrhoea.
8
lbs",
in 3 weeks without bad results."
taking this, and a gentleman
:

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

The

in the terms quoted.

directions on the package are

Dose. For the first week take one tablet three times a day, and after
wards increase the dose to three Tablets three times a day, one hour before
Can be swallowed whole or allowed to dissolve in the mouth.
meals.

The "tablets" were really ovoid

brown externally. The "

pills,

coated with talc and

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.
coloured

6d.

trial

KELLOGG'S SAFE FAT EEDUCER.

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/I

Box

of

my

Safe Fat Reducer Free.

Want To Prove To You Before Your Own Eyes and At My Expense

I Can Reduce You to Normal' Weight Safely, Without Starvation

That

Liet or Tiresome Exercises.

120
It Doesn't Matter
of

my

What You Have

Safe Fat Eeducer To-day.

My

4/rBox

treatment is prepared scientifically. It

does not stop or hinder
on the contrary, it promotes proper
digestion

digestion

and assimilation of
^ ^^nndred haven't got. and that's why they

^
I?e

Tried, Send for This Free

f-it

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

any waste of time.

results without

You have a right to feel sure that Kellogg's Safe Fat Reducer
You can depend upon it that it is positively safe, and you need

is

safe

never fear

that

will reduce

it

you too much.

Kellog'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.
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.

you a full treatment of my Kellogg's Safe Fat Reducer for only
2 Is. Id. 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

I will send

from the heavy burden you are now carrying, and the terrible
dangers of apoplexy and paralysis, which threaten all fat people, are lifted

relief

from your mind forever.

From
I

the second letter

make each

blank

case an individual case, thus I have to have the enclosed

that I may understand exactly the conditions, and thus

filled out, so

employ the means that will most rapidly, and at the same time safely
reduce your fat and make strong, healthy tissue and muscle. ,
.

121

The price of the treatment is but 2 la. Id. 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

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.
I really

...

You

certainly

know

a number of people in your vicinity who

are annoyed
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 he no more than ri-ht to
go o some dear friend and ask a
favour for a short time. Surely no one
could refuse you when it means your
health and happiness

by

fat,

....

The^"

box" sent contained 16 tablets and 6 "

casca
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
trial

beans,

sugar

(glucose or maltose), protein, mineral

salts, vegetable tissue,
a small quantity of an organic

and
compound containing iodine

The proportions of the different constituents

were determined
far as practicable, and the
figures obtained,

as

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
th
whea. were found. All this is, of
course, a vehicle'^for
the
organic substance containing iodine;
both thyroid gland (or
it!
extract) and extract of bladderwrack
are characterised by
con
a,ning iodine
combination in small quantity,
and man^

were employed to ascertain which

was present
evidence of extract of bladderwrack
was o.fZlt'Z

tests

ZT

tW

122

was a good deal

of evidence, not quite

amounting to

positive

proof, of tlie presence of a preparation of the thyroid gland.

It

is

and

impossible to state the quantity present in each tablet,

it

would convey no

real information

may

as preparations of thyroid

if

it

could be given,

widely in their activity

has
as yet been attempted.
and no standardisation

"

differ so

NORMAL "

PILLS.

These are supplied by the Normal Powder Company, Beauty

box" being priced 6d. They
are advertised in the following terms
Specialists, at 10s. 6d., a "trial

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.

Feee Offer
To prove the

great value of our remedy

14 days' supply

Free on

we

will

send you a large

trial

receipt of 6d. P.O. to cover cost of packing

box
and

postage, etc.

box was accompanied by a "chart, to be carefully

etc., and the
filled up," for particulars as to weight, measures,
following to be signed by the purchaser

The

6d.

sample of the " Normal " Pills quite safely,

I quite understand
lbs. in weight.
lost
have
and since using them I
the treatment for
continuing
without
completed
be
that the cure cannot
Specialist's diet instrucLondon
the
with
conjunction
and
in
some time,
out. Please send me per return,
tions which I promise to faithfully follow
of the Pills and the instruccarriage paid, in plain wrapper, a large box
I enclose you cheque or P.O. for 10s. 6d. as
tions which cost you 21.
I duly received

your

" free "

requested.

contained 83 pills, which were

coating their average
coated with talc. After removal of the
showed them to
weight was found to be 1.28 grains; analysis
The
vegetable powder.
consist of a mixture of extracts with
with a large proporpowder consisted partly of liquorice root,
of ground nutshell, which, as
tion of the tissues characteristic
of the lowest grade of
mentioned above, is a regular adulterant
of traces
powder the microscope also gave indications

The box, which bore no

liquorice

label,

contamed
{Fucus vedcido.ns), such as are
that the
indicated
Various tests
extract of this substance.
bladderwrack

123

extracts present in the pill were those of cascara sagrada and

bladderwrack the proportions being approximately as follows:
Extract of cascara sagrada
Extract of Fiicus vesiculosus

Powdered

liquorice (adulterated)

and

Talc

^ grain

^
^
^

moisture
in

one

pill.

MRS. SEYMOUR'S TREATMENT.

is supplied by Mrs. M. Seymour (London), at 15s.
advertisement of this preparation is headed "
woman's
to over-fat women " j some extracts from it are as follows

This

An
offer

I invite other ladies to participate

in a discovery which reduced me

8 lbs. and got rid of my ugly double chin.
remedy is a
woman's cure for women only. Nobody but a woman could have dis-

st.

covered

and

it,

it is

offered to

women

boxes of my anre and copies of

ask you to post the coupon below to
free packages.

only.

my

free

...
book,

am

My

presentuig 5,000

Obesity in

me now and

Women.

accept one of these

The passages which follow are from the " book "

in question

Every one of the cures I have made

fact that obesity in

women

is

is a proof of the all-important

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, af cases which end fatally.
What
happens in these cases is fatty penetration of the heart, which leads of
.

syncope.

Obesity

makes

always due to imperfect nutrition. The food which

fat instead of healthy tissue, muscle, bone, and nerve.
is

certain point the process of nutrition

(whereby the food

is

Up

eaten
to a

transformed
mto 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

is

which governs the

whole subject of
caused as the result of a species of
mal-elimmation 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.
obesity in

women

is

this

Obesity

is

You are certain to have noticed how any marked stag 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.

124

Now there are changes connected with the organs under consideration
which occur without any outward or visible signschanges 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
cure for corpulence in men.
.

The

treat

women

only.

have no

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.3S. Weight. 25 st. 13. Height.-5 jt. 7^ in.
Waist.55 ni.
free

Bust.

Hips. 50 in.
long have you been about this weight? Gradually increasing for
a year or two.
What parts are fattest? Abdomen and bust. Consti
pated ? No. Have you backache or any kidney trouble ? No. PalpitaJf2 in.

How

No.

tion?

Age

No.
tion

If married,

of youngest

Had

now

5.

how long?

Any

miscarriage?

H. years.

How many

children

?5.

sediment or peculiarity about the urine, etc. ?

No. What is your general health and condi-

Fair.

The medicine which was

sugar-coated tablets,

169

sent in reply was not capsules, but

in

number.

Directions were given

as follows

There are

you

to

take

for you to take four each day, one just

you only take three meals and I strongly advise

sufficient tablets

before each meal.

two

If

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
If you prefer to purchase the
powder the fifth morning, and so on.
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
Breathe
breaths in front of the open window every morning on rising.
It will soon become habitual.
deeply whenever you think of it.
For
exercise take a gentle walk every day.
:

125

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, calces, 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. Drinlt as much hot water as you can between meals.

The

tablets were sugar-coated,

and

of a bluish colour exter-

nally.
After removal of the coating tlieir average V7eiglit 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 debris of a seaweed, though it could not be definitely indentified with Fucus vesiml osus ; 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 PRODUCEK."
SARGOL.

preparation

named Sargol has been very widely

of late for the increase of flesh

persons

who

are too thin

advertised

and development of the figure

of

the advertisements often include pictures intended to represent the results to be

attained.
One
of these advertisements is headed
;

We invite every thm man, woman, and child here.

the British Isles to Eat With Us at Our Expense.

Every Person

in

126

Other extracts are

This

an invitation that no thin

is

man or woman can afford to ignore.

' S^^^
that helps digest
^ f
J^.l
food
that puts good solid flesh on people
who are thin

tT. other foods-a

/ .
the
and underweight, no matter what the cause
may be.
A food that makea
brain in five hours and blood in four-a
food-that puts the red corpuscles
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
tne rate of one pound a day.

Application to tlie Sargol Co. at the address

given brought
a small package of the tablets, with a
circular letter, which was
followed at intervals by others.
subjoin a few sentences
from these lengthy documents:

We

Whether your lack of bodily weight comes to you by inheritance,

by
overwork, by indoor occupation, or no matter what you have
done

how many

or

ineffectual preparations

tion to you.

you have

tried, Sargol will be a revela-

Remember until the discovery of Sargol, nothing has ever been known
which could be depended ujpon to put 10, 15, and even 30 pounds of permanent, healthy tissue on a thin person's body.
;

As w-e receive so many letters from people who say they have been
disappointed and deceived by .so-called fatteners we thinlc 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 he obtained in a highly concentrated form in combination with other valuable vitalising and tissue
building agente.
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.

box

tablets

Sargol,

of

it is

strongly

equal to six

4s.

being 21s.

The

1.

Take one

able as regards

price 4s.

6d.,

was found to contain 30

recommended that

a six weeks' supply,

6d. boxes, should be obtained, the price of this

directions are:

tablet with each meal and one at bed-time.

diet..

2.

Be

reason-

127

After
were sugar coated and coloured pink.
removal of the coating they had an average weight of 5.3 grains.
Analysis showed them bo contain lecithin, hypophosphites of

The

tablets

calcium, sodium, and potassium, zinc phosphide, sugar, albumen, and insoluble protein, with talc and kaolin or similar
In the course
mineral matter, evidently added as excipient.

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
of the analysis

it

Zinc phosphide
Lecithin
Calcium hypophor>phite
Sodium and potassium hypophosphites

Albumen

1-9

12.9
...

7.7

,,

4.2

(soluble)

Insoluble protein

0.7 per cent.

(?

coagulated albumen)

Sugar

10.8
18.0

Talc, kaolin, moisture, etc.

Estimated cost of materials for thirty tablets, about 3|d.

CHAPTEE Vm.
MEDICINES FOR ALCOHOLISM AKD EOK THE
TOBACCO HABIT.
The " treatments " for the drink habit described in this
chapter inchide 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.

be seen that with the three first

described the claims advanced are a good deal alike, but the
It will

drugs used are almost entirely different.

parations

Each

supplied in two forms, the one

is

of the pre-

to

taken

be

voluntarily by patients desirous of being cured, and the other

to

be

administered

obviously,

can be

if

without

the

patient's

a cure can be effected in the latter way, there

less hesitation in ascribing

the result to the drugs

than when the patient has exercised his

direction

and the preparation

for secret

same
administration was
will in the

therefore selected for analysis in each case.

articles

examined was found

cinchona bark,
carbonate

diluted

of this

it

is

with

The

first

of the

merely of powdered

to consist

milk-sugar and magnesium

asserted that

any drugs, poison, or minerals

of

'
'

it

does not contain

any description," although

generally regarded as a drug and magnesia as a

cinchona

is

mineral

since the dose of cinchona

knowledge

which

is

given

is

only

6 grains a day, containing about

^ grain of alkaloids, it is
scarcely to be expected that any great result will be obtained

In the next
from the administration of this preparation.
article described, which appears to be of American origin,

129

tartar emetic is the only

powders and

What

tablets.

is

found in

ingredient

active

evidently aimed at

is to

the
pro-

duce nausea or vomiting, and to lead the patient to associate

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,
these

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
after having

remedy which

is

administered secretly, will effect a cure in

that time, although the impression

that three days will suffice,

Monday
tion

but

"between Friday night and

when

the

own knowledge and

money has been paid and

be discouraged

if

months should be necessary

the medicine

for the

In the advertisements,

plishment of a cure.

preparation
it

but

it

is called,

is

really a limited

having nothing to do with alcoholism, such

The

it is

and they

comin a large number of other nostrums

pany, which deals also

etc.

and

by the individual by whose name the

and who is said to have been cured by

appears that the vendor

ness tablets,"

accom-

letters

circulars, the first person singular is largely used,

are ostensibly issued

co-opera-

have patience and not to

sent, the purchaser is urged to

is

easily be received

night, or any other 72 hours," whether the patient

treated with or without his

is

might

"asthma

,as

"anti-deaf-

"rheumatism remedy,"
reported on is made in America, but

third article

tablets,"

advertised in this country.

small doses and caffeine are

the

In this case strychnine in

principal

medicaments,

tartar emetic being also employed, in the hope,

no doubt,

of causing a feeling of nausea to

drink.

be associated with alcoholic

The lowest price charged for any of the three pre-

parations

is

a sovereign, while each

priced at two guineas

ingredients
negligible.

is

shown

of

the other two

is

in every case the prime cost of the

Ito

be so small as to be practically

130

The fourth of the medicines described was not purchased

for analysis, but formed part of what was supplied to a

who

patient

that

it

ultimately decided not to take it;

appears

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

which resembled picro toxin the principal

other substance present was a tincture of nux vomica.
identification, but

The medicines

for the cure of tobacco habit are apparently

only intended to play a subsidiary part

the

way

which they are

in

to be

the directions as to

taken and for the frequent

practice of breathing exercises, bathing, the use of an

etc.,

enema,

are evidently intended to keep the patient's

stantly turned to the breaking off of the habit

mind consome 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

Some
are as

21s., for

which sixty capsules were

extracts from an advertisement of this

sent.

"treatment"

follows

The " Temperancia"

Assn. orgainsed 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).
this Association all desire for alcoholic
a distaste for alcohol created, and
destroyed,
stimulants is permanently
to a healthy and natural condirestored
system
nervous
diseased
the
and
tion at your own home, hotel, or while at work, without publicity or

With the methods adopted by

inconvenience.

131

either voluntarily, or those who, through

The treatment can be taken

"the gi-asp 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, hy any member of the family, with the special course

prepared
for both
endorsed
of cured

Either course

for this purpose.

is

perfectly hannless, adapted

of any age, even of tihe most delicate health, and is

by the Medical profession, the Press, the Clergy, and thousands
sexee,

patients.

Application to

tlie

" treatment," various

answered.

address given brouglit a booklet on tlie

leaflets, and a lifit of questions to be

The following

The treatment
_

i-,iQuiD
I

prepared in

is

from the booklet

extracts are

Two

distinct forms, viz.

to be used in all cases when a patient treats

voluntarily, with his own free will

himself

and
Pauotttto
CAPSULES

J
I

'^^^ cases where a patient is to be treated

^^^"^
secretly, without his knowledge.

The treatment

in Capsule form is absolutely tasteless and odourless,

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.

and

is

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.
course of the Liquid treatment contains Two
(2) full-sized bottles
each course of the Capsules Two (2) full-sized packages.

The

course,

either

the

Liquid or

Capsules,

Two

is

It

cost per

Guineas (2/2/0)

^^^^^ Pounds

(S/lO/Sr^^'

Each
and

Ten

or

Shillings

impossible to estimate the time required to effect

a permanent
case
the " Temperancia " Treatment of ten
effects a complete cure in but a few days.
cure

is

m any individual

After the laps 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
I

132

that this Association being at all times willing to extend a

helping hand to everybody, is ijrepared to treat your patient for a fee
of only 2l8. per course.
like to say,

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
Age?
Sex.

or initials of patient.
34.

M.

Married

How
Any

Yes.

long? 7 years.
children? 2.

Height?

"

6ft. 11.

Weight? 12
Complexion ?

stone.

Fair.

Occupation? Clerk.
Works hard ? Yes.
Secretly.
Is the patient to be treated secretly or voluntarily ?
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 iperiodically, how often ? and how long
times every week, sometimes once in several
When did he have his last bout? A week
What mental effect does he suffer with

does each bout last ? Someweeks. One or two days.

ago.

from drink?

Excitement;

sometimes delusions.

How

is

his appetite, sleep,

and

Good when sober; not bad when

digestion, both

when drunk

or sober?

drinking.

Rather irritable.
Is he nervous, irritable, or phlegmatic?
stouter
Not
changing.
thinner
or
?
Is he getting
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?
at present, and for what purpose? No.
of the parents or grandparents addicted to drink? (state which,

Taking any medicine

Any
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

he inhales)
Does not inhale.
if

Pipe and cigars; about 3 oz. and 6 or 8 cigars a week.

Does he use any Narcotic Drugs (state which, quantity per day, and
how long used) ? No.

133

Has he ever been

treatment,

if

treated

vohzntarily,

how

for the liquor habit (state when, what

long treated, cost of same and results) ? iVo.

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 containiug thirty,

with no labels. A written letter was received separately, in

which the following directions were given
:

For the

two days take three capsules daily, four the third day,
and then six every day until the course is finished.

first

five the fourth,

(The sixty would thus

last eleven days,

and leave three cap-

sules 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

Eat plain, wfholesome food, good

dissolved.

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

showed the cinchona to form about 13 per cent,

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 Id.
of the

results

EDWARD

J.

WOODS TREATMENT.

The medicines sold under this name are supplied by Edward

Woods, Ltd. The price charged is 2 guineas, for
which
60 powders and 68 tablets were sent.
J.

134

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 genera]
tenor
I

was a Heavy Drinker.

of whisky every 24 hours.
Cured in 3 days.

Consumed quart
If

you know anyone who drinks alcohol in any form, regularly or

me send my Free Book, "Confessions of an Alcohol Slave."
drank beer at first, then gradually developed into a dfinker of strong

periodically, let
I

When drinking Jieavily I did not hesitate to pawn my coat or

break a public-ihouse window to get spirits. For long periods I drank over
a quart of whisky, rum or gin daily.
And some mixed drinks and beer
liquors.

....

additionally!

For 16 years I kept

Various " cures
drinkers and

" did

up, and

it

me

no good.

was

regarded

But now

as a

hopeless case.

have a joyful message

for

Mothees, 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
My health was quickly restored, I Ibecame and am a respectable man,
life.
enjoying very benefit of freedom from the accursed alcohol. I speedily
I began to
I took less and less.
lost all desire for drink.
prefer tea, coffee, and other non-alcoholic liquids ; the craving for liquor
ceased, I could sleep perfectly, my stomach became well, and I recovered

and naturally

from other ailments which

now know were due

my

to

indulgence in strong

drink.

WONDERFtrii.

had relied upon will power or faitdi I should

My cure took 3 days
because
an alcohol slave has no will power while
drunkard,
still be a
;

my

marvellous.

What

I rejoiced so greatly at

drinking.
to devote

if

life
.

promise

having found a true cure that

decided

success has been

is

absolutely guaranteed. My remedy is for either steady

Tliink of it, a complete and permanent home cure

or periodical drinkers.

between Friday night and Monday night

or any other 72 hours

Men, or Women, Any Age, Quickly Cured.

On

My

to removing the curse from others.

application

to the

address

given,

the

"Confession"

From
referred to above and various other papers were sent.
"
"
origin,
American
of
is
Treatment
the
these it appears that
and the business seems to have attained considerable dimensions
Two sets of
in America before being established in England

Set of Remedies, to be given

remedies are supplied " the
with the knowledge and consent of the person," and " the B Set,
he will gradually
for conquering his drink habit secretly, so that
will never
form a disgust for alcoholic drinks of all kinds and

135

you chose to tell him." One of

"
4," which was
Information Form No.
the papers was an
the answers given to the various questions are
as follows

know what saved

laim unless

printed in

italics

M.

Sex?

Age?

years.

Married? Yes.
lbs.
Approximate weight? 12 stone
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 drinher in slight excess; howt occasionally.
What kind of alcoholic drink mostly taken? Wliiskey and other spirits.
About how much every 24 hours? Varies from 2 or 3 glasses to 2 bottles.
Ha,s person ever

had delusions

Yes.

No.

Fits?

Delirium tremens?

3 times.

No.
Apoplexy ? No.
Will remedies be given with
Insanity?

or without person's

knowledge?

Do bowels move freely, or are they constipated? Alright.

About how many years, has person been accustomed to use

Without.

of alcoholic

about 4 years.
Does person sleep soundly through the night ? Usually.
All his life; only

drinks?

Does person need

Is

to excess

to drink alcohol

person drinking at present?

during the night?

Not

as

rule.

Yes.

nature of same) and how much outdoor exercise

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.

What

is

occupation

usually taken?

Here

(or

is

Clerk.

please give further details of case.

The preparations sent (B set) consisted of 60 powders and

They were accompanied by a circular letter, in
68 tablets.
which the following directions were given
The

chief rule

is

that

you are to give three No. 777 Powders and three

if you can, and that these are to be given at
together. If you miss doses, you are not to make

No. 1010 Tablets every day,

different times, not all

them up.
should seem to be too strong, it can be reduced by giving a
Powder or Tablet. But do not increase the doses until
have
sent
me
the report, which should come at the end of your having
you
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
If the dose

half or quarter

accordingly.

Be

cheerful

temper.
surely.

and

optimistic.

Watch and wait

Maintain your perseverance and kindly

may come slowly, but it will come

Success

136

This

somewhat

different from " a complete and

permanent
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
is

home

Even i,f 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 simOar remarks, but keep perscveringly
on.

From another

leaflet it appear that Edward J. Woods,

Ltd.,
does business in other articles as well.
list is given of twentysix medicines supplied by the company, which
includes such
varied ones as

No. 444.Blood Pm-ifier, 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 m-ine.
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

varying from 7.2 to
contain
Tartar emetic
Sugar of milk

11.9 grains.

of 9.9 grains, single ones

Analysis showed them to
3.6 pei- cent.

'.

96.4

,,

No trace of any other substance was found.

powder of
average weight would thus contain 0.35 grain of tartar emetic.

The tablets had an average weight

showed them to contain

of 1.6 grains.

Tartar emetic
Boric acid

Sugar

No

Analysis

13.2 per cent.

10.7

,,

76.1

,,

of millc

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
trace of

grains.

The estimated
js

3.bout

!(}

cost of materials for 60

powders

^.nd 68 tablets

137

ALCOLA.
Alcola

is

supplied by " Physicians Co-operative Association,"

Chicago, and the price charged for

it is

1.

of advertising which appears to be adopted in

for a Mrs. Anderson, of New York, to advertise

The method
this case

is

oHering 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

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.
I

Mr. Anderson was a '^ard drinker for over 20 years and the disease had
got such a firm hold th,;u il ^ .is impossible for him to shake it off and it
continued to grow worse and worse with no sign of ev-er stopping.
Just about this time I received a letter from a lady telling me about a
called Alcola which she said kad never been known to fail and she
urged me to send for it at once as slie knew it would certainly cure.

remedy

about every remedy that I had seen advertised for

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 cm'e Mr. Anderson if it was
I

had already

tried

the cure of drunkenness but none of

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
possible so I

and ask them

to

send you full information.

lat-er a long circular letter was received from the

"Physicians Co-operative Association," together with a booklet
in which it was stated that

little

Alcola
obtain.

is

the very best treatment for drunkenness that you can possibly

...

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
wfsh.

138

short

list

of

questions, as followK, was

answers given are printed in

also

eent

the

italics

Information Regarding Patient.

Age. 5.;.
Occupation. Clerh.
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
Will you begin treatment at once? Yes.

The medicines sent

respectively No.

Twice.

consisted of three boxes of tablets, labelled

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:
1,

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,

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.
coffee, highly

After you liav 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
and if necessary can give you further advice that we are sure wdl
be of great assistance and value to you.
along,

It is absolutely impossible for

the

amount

of

The length

medicine

it

wQl

any physician to tell the length

any particular case.

requir.e to cure

of time it requires to effect

time or
.

a cure depends entirely upon the

patient's susceptibility to the action of the medicine.

.... we

of

even find oases 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 oi'der to effect a complete cure.

No. 1 Tablets.

The box contained 62 tablets

of a pale yellow

Analysis

colour; the average weight of one was 5.7 grains.

showed the presence

of

Strychnine

0-12 per cent.

Caffeine

4.72

86.9

Sugar of milk

4.1

Talc

gum

and a trace

of coloui-ing matter.

With

starch, a little

Each

tablet would thus contain 0.007 grain of strychnine

or dextrin,

and

0.26 grain of caffeine.

Fo. 2 Tablets. ThQ box contained 63 tablets of a light chocoAnalysis

late colour; the average weight of one was 5.7 grains.

showed the presence of

0.2 per cfnt.

approximately

Strychnine
Boric acid
Sugar of milk
Talc

4.4

,,

82.8
3.0

With starch and colouring matter.

A trace

was present, perhaps from a small

quantity of some vegetable extract showing no distinctive charThe colouring matter was basic in nature and could not
acters.
of vegetable debris

be separated from the strychnine; hence the figure for the latter
is

approximate only.

Each

would

tablet

thus

contain

about

0.011

grain

of

strychnine.

No. S Tablets. The box contained 29 tablets, which were

greyish with a pink tinge; the average weight of one was 2.9
Analysis showed the presence of
grains.
IS-? per cent.

Taitar emetic
Calcium sulphate
Talc

With

trace of a

61-4 per cent.

3.1

,,

starch and colouring matter.

pungent substance was present resembling the

pungent principle of pepper, and a trace of vegetable debris,

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 l|d.

140

THE "NORMYL" CURE FOR ALCOHOL AND

DRUG
ADDICTIONS.
The specimen

of this medicine de,scribed in

the following para-

graph 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 "

had contained twelve bottles, but one had been

reached us, and the eleven sent were marked
"
respectively
14tli 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
;

it

removed before

it

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

brown liquid. The directions for use are:

of a light reddish-

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-ounoe (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

no intoxicating
It

is

use

liquor.

Eat

of

any food you

like.

further stated that:

Ab 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.---AIthough 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

any differences of composition, and as
the quantity in one bottle was far too small for quantitative
bottles did not indicate

141

analysis, the contents of several

were mixed for analysis.

The

mixed liquid was found to contain:

Alcohol
Alkaloid

A
A

75.5 per cent,

by volume

0.09 per cent, (weight in

1.5

soft resin

non alkaloidal
-

volume

,,

bitter

principle

Ash

fair trace

per cent, (weight in volume)

0.1

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
The resin did not agree in charbottle (one day's medicine).
acter 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

its

common

bitter drugs.

It agreed in

behaviour to various colour tests with picrotoxin, and

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

and magazines over the name of E. J. Woods (the

does not appear) offering a three-day cure for tobacco
One of these is worded thus

in newspapers

"Ltd."
habit.

TOBACCO HABIT
Conquered
I offer a genuine guaranteed

hours.

It

is

mild,

pleasant,

in 3 Days.

Remedy for tobacco or snuff habit, in 72

strengthening.
Overcomes that peculiar

142

nervousness and craving for cigarettes, cigars, pipe,

chewing tobacco or
snulT; 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.
Free book tells all about the wonderful 3 days' method.

My

Inexpensive, reliable.

The "Free book"

is entitled "How to Speedily and PerConquer the Tobacco Smoking and Chewing Habits, also
the Snuff Habit"; it is a pamphlet of thirteen pages, chiefly

fectly

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."

few extracts

will sufl&ce as samples:

Nicotine is one of the most intense of

strength the highly powerful prussic acid.

all

poisons, approaching in its

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

The effect of tobacco upon the nerves and muscles of the eyes

why

oculists

and opticians

nicotine.
is

a reason

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
is due very often to the poisoning of the blood nerves by

to grey shade,
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.

143

A paragraph headed " A Deadly Weed "

gives a list of rather

more than a hundred disorders of various kinds, with the stateno tobacco user can escape one or more of the
ment that
harmful consequences mentioned in the list." They are of very
"
miscellaneous nature, " anxiety " and " softening of the brain
'

'

standing together, and "cowardice" coming between

rosis " and " apoplexy."

There are two forms

of the treatment, at the

"amau-

same price:

The result is
Treatraient is one guinea.
should be
any
form
in
tobacco
All
craving
for
absolutely guaranteed.
accomplished
will
be
result
this
in
most
cases
and
completely eradicated
in only seventy-two hours.
My C Treatment (regularly) for the Tobacco Habit is to be taken by
Obviously, lie knows that he is
the person who desires to be cured.
The

taking

cost of the

Woods C

it.

asked sometimes if I can provide a Treatment which can be given

This is my C Secret
Yes, I can.
without the tobacco user's knowledge.
any
kind
of
food or drink.
It
given
secretly
in
It can be
Treatment.
losing
his
desire
for
tobacco
and
finds
that
he
is
person
The
is tasteless.
The price of this C Secret Treatment
soon abandons its use altogether.
is one guinea, the same as the regular C Treatment.
I

am

The "treatment" obtained was the "regular,"

to be taken

It was accompanied by a letter, in which it was stated that " the preparations are very potential," and a postscript runs thus:

knowingly by a person desiring to be cured.

would appreciate a testimonial from you, to add to the great collection

am compiling. I hope you will see your way clear to send this.

that I

The materials
tablets and one

sent
lot

consisted

of

pills

of

seven different

these boi'e various

kinds

of

numbers

as

follows

No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.

301
302
303
304
305
305
307
308

7 small pink-coated tablets.

64 email brown tablets, not coated.
15 small pink-coated pills.
6 chocolate-coated tablets.
4 small grey tablets, not coated.
10 grey tablets, not coated.
2 small black-coated tablets.
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

144

two

each

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
do&es are directed.
For the first twenty-four hours the order of taking,

beginning

at 7 p.m.,

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 twentyis

four hours.
Every dose

is to >hc followed by a medium size glass of

hot or cold
be sipped), Vichy or soda with milk, or buttermilk.
Take Noe.
303, 304, 306, 307, and 308 whole.
Chew No. 301 before swallowing.
Dissolve Nos. 302 and 305 in a small glass of water.

water

(to

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

The results obtained were as follows:

be chewed before swallowing). The average

qualitative analysis.

No. 301 (to

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
the third

this

makes a

total

two

to be

taken

and four in
of nine, but only seven were sent.

in the first twenty-four hours,

in the second,

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

No.

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
Analysis showed the principal
of the coating was 0.9 grain.
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.

145

No. 304 (to be swallowed whole). The average weight of on6

after removal of the coating was 4.4 grains.
Analysis showed
the principal constituent to be asaf cetida 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 " dis;

'

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

solve

'

extract of

nux vomica.

The alkaloids amounted to 0.16 per

about 2 per cent, of extract of nux vomica,
or about
grain in one tablet; the iron was 9.7 per cent.,
representing 20 per cent, of ferrous carbonate, or about
f 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
cent., representing

third.

No. 307

be swallowed whole).
One tablet weighed 2
grains, including the thin coating.
Analysis showed the prin(to

cipal constituent to be a blue dye

characters Avith methylene blue.

which agreed in

its

general

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

No. 308

its close.

swallowed whole). The average weight of

one, after removal of the coating, was 3.7 grains.
Analysis
(to be

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.


146

According to the directions, one

of

these

taken

to be

ie

in the first twenty-four hours, none in the second,

and three

in

the third.
It appears very evident that suggestion

intended to play
a considerable part in the treatment.
The booklet is written
in such a way ae 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 asafoetida and methylene blue, the colouring effect of
which on the urine might perhaps lead the patient to ask an
shows
explanation or to guess for himself that the colour
the nicotine being driven out of the system."
further set of remedies, the " E set," price 2 2s., is reis

'

'

commended

to be taken immediately after the

" intended to

set,

and

is

natural recuperative powers so that the

the other treatments shall be more
taken
having
full benefit of
speedily manifested."
As the small amount of material available prevented the
analysis of some of the products being made quantitatively, it is
assist the

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."

CHAPTEK

IX.

SOOTHING SYRUPS FOR INFANTS.

Ln the previous volume the results of the analysis of vari-

ous " soothing powders " for infants v^ere given. " Soothing
syrups " also are very largely used, and are probably usually

purchased as " syrup of aniseed,"

pounded
are,

in accordance with

sometimes com-

some domestic

There

recipe.

however, a certain number of proprietary preparations

which have a large

of this class

sale,

give the results of the analysis of

The

etc., or

and in

some

this chapter

of the chief of these.

shown
one or more

principal constituent of three out of the four

to be anethol or carvone,

added in the form of

of the oils of anise,

and caraway.

dill,

we

Two

is

of the three

syrups are alkaline, sodium bicarbonate being used in one

case,

and a mixture of potassium bicarbonate and magne-

sium carbonate in the other.

bromide.

The

on the gums,
by the child
;

mon

The

third contains potassium

other syrup examined

after
this

salt, saffron,

which

is

it is

is

directed to be rubbed

of course swallowed gradually

a preparation of hydrochloric acid,

and honey.

Perhaps the most noteworthy

point in connection with these preparations

them, claiming

com-

is

that one of

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
to

Pharmacy Acts were taken

selling

it,

and in

against unqualified persons for

fact the presence of

by a statement on the package.

analysis shows,

it

contains

morphine was admitted

Now, however,

as

our

no morphine, but potassium

K 2

148

Which

bromide.

of these

two

is

the more unsuitable for

giving to infants of a few weeks old

the question

is,

for the

moment, not

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

preparations,

who

is

at the

mercy

of the proprietors of such

are at liberty to omit or add ingredients,

or to alter the composition as they please.

MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP.

This mucli-advertised preparation
addresses in

taining

New York and London,

is

supplied by a firm having

Ud. per bottle, con-

at Is.

fluid ounces.

In a circular enclosed in the package

it is

stated that

Mra. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, f or children teething, greatly facilitates

the process of teething, by softening the gums, reducing all inflammation

All Pain and spasmodic action, and is Sure To Regulate

Depend upon it, mothers, it will give rest to yourselves,
and Relief And Health to Your Infants.
will allay

The Bowels.

We

have put up and sold this article for over eixty years, and can say
and truth, of it, what we have never been able to say of any
other medicine Never Has It Failed, In A .Single Inst.ance, 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 ispeak 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.
in confidence

The following statement appears on the

label

This Preparation contains no Poisonous Ingredient and

with Perfect Safety.

may

be used

few years ago, however, the package used to bear a state-

ment 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
But the extracts quoted above, as to the
is not now present.

149

having been sold for sixty years, and to the prescription

would lead any one to suppose that its
composition is now what it has always been.
article

of a nurse, are such as

The directions on the label are:

For a child under one month old, 5 to 10 drops three months old,
six months old and upwards, a teaspoonf ul three or
half a teaspoonf ul
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

Analysis showed

of a straw colour,
it

and flavoured with aniseed.

by measure:

to contain, in 100 parts

Potassium bromide

2.0 parts

Alcohol

4.3 parts

Essential

oil

(anise),

about

by measure

0.1 part

Sugar

56.5 parte

Emodin was present

in small quantity.

be derived from several drugs

This substance

for

may

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.
syrup containing 1.2 per cent, (by measure)
of the syrup of senna of the British Fharmacopoaia was of tha
same depth of colour and showed about the same proportion of
emodin, and agreed in other respects also.
No alkaloid was

The

present.
dill

or

essential oil

contained a little oil of

quantity being far too small to be
There was some evidence of about 2 per cent, of

caraway,

separated.

may have

the

glyoerine, 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 Is. Hd. 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 teaspoonf ul two months

The dose may be gradually increased.
;

fuls.

old, one or

two teaspoon-

Analysis showed

it

to contain, in 100 parts

1-08 part

Sodium bicarbonate
Essential

about

oil

Alcohol

0.03

parts by measure

3.8

parts

20.5

Sugar

No

by measure:

alkaloid was present.

chiefly oil of caraway,

with a

The

appeared to be

essential oil

littlo oil of dill,

and possibly

also

of anise.

ATKINSON AND BARKEE'S ROYAL INFANTS'

PRESERVATIVE,
This mixture is supplied by a Manchester firm, at
per bottle, containing 1| fluid ounces.

In a circular wrapped round the

bottle, this

Is.

l^d.

medicine

entrusted with
recommended to all Parents, Nurses, and others, who are
efficacy,
approved
and
of real
the management of Children, as a Medicine
their
m
Children
which
to
disorders
in preventing and removing those
of
redundancy
from
a
proceeding
early infancy are most liable, principally
ConGripes,
Dry
and
Watery
the
Wind,
acidity in the first passages, as
children faU victims, but which
vulsions the Frog, etc., to which so many
I* is also
of this Medicme
use
the
by
prevented
may in general be
Children
which
excruciating pains
happily calculated for allaying those
render
used,
judiciously
will, by bemg
suffer in Cutting their Teeth, and
is also
It
danger.
from
mild and free
this operation of nature perfectly
as
liable,
are
Children
which
to
efficacious in many other disorders
Is

equally
the Rickets,

The

Whooping Cough, Measles,

etc.

...

directions as to dose are

Children up to a month
1 to 3 months

',

to 6

months

6 to 12 months
12 months to 3 years

...

5 to 10 drops in warm water

10 to 20

20 to 30

60 drops, or small teaspoonf ul

100
or moderate-sized teaspoonful

Analysis showed

it

to contain, in 100 parts

1-75 parts

Potassium bicarbonate

Magnesium carbonate
Essential oH
Alcohol

Sugar
Colouring matter

by measure

5-45

about

0.06
"^-O

P*^^'^

^-^
trace.

"

measure

151

No

alkaloid was present.

The

essential oil

appeared to con-

tain oils of caraway, dill, anise, and almond.

matter did not appear to be of vegetable origin,

yellow colour in alkaline and

The colouring
but showed a

a pinkish in acid solution, thus

agreeing with certain coal-tar dyes.

JOHNSON'S AMERICAN

MRS.

SOOTHING SYRUP.

supplied by a limited company of dealers

in
in proprietary medicines in London.' according to statements
made by
a circular accompanying the bottle, it was formerly
Is. l|d. bottle contained about 70
a Mrs. Jane Johnson.

This syrup

is

now

minims.
It

stated in the circular that

is

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
Parents
of the Syrup should be rubbed on the gums to' open the pores.
young
are
there
where
nursery
the
in
Syrup
the
should never be without
the
gums,
the
pain
in
with
night
in
the
wakes
child
a
children; for if
Syrup immediately gives ease, by opening the pores and healing the gums,

thereby preventing Convulsions, Fevers,

The
Eub

directions
the

etc.

on the label are

gums with

the iSyrup two or three times daily for several

minutes.

The syrup was

of a deep reddish-yellow colour,

strong flavour of saffron.

Analysis showed

it

and had a

to contain in 100

parts by measure

Sodium chloride
Hydrochloric acid (B.P.)
Reducing sugars, calculated as glucose ...
about
Extractive, colouring, etc

5.66 parts.
2.33 parts
66.6

,,

5.0

,,

by measure.

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
derived from saffron, and would include the nonpartly
little

alcohol

saccharine constituents of the honey.

CHAPTER

X.

MEDICINES FOE 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

of the six dealt

It is not

with in

uncommon

them, as in five out

the previous volume, to be bromide.
all

of

nostrums for any complaint

having well-marked symptoms, such as epilepsy, contain
the drugs most commonly used by the medical profession
in treating it

to find that

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
;

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
iodide,

of

153

Potassium.

Almost every patient

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

Bromide of Potassium
In the case of the third, which is shown

from the system."

ill

effects of

to

contain 15.6 grains of potassium bromide and 4.2 grains

of

ammonium bromide

more

effrontery

is

in each fluid

shown

drachm, perhaps even

in the statement, " the treatment;

Epilepsy and Fits is carried on under some difficulty, as

nearly all the great Physicians prescribe the
same remedy
of

Bromide Bromide nothing much except Bromide, and

so the unhappy sufferer consults
many doctors without
bemg cured."
two
is.

The

similarity in composition of ihe first

of these preparations is

not reflected in the prices,

being charged in the

6d.

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 smnlarity 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
similarity
^
among some of the pubhshed " testimonials "
3S strikmg, and
shows to what great length the
arm of

comcidence

J.

may grow when

GILBERT DALE'S TREATMENT,

This preparation
address
London.

but

circumstances are favourable

It

for the

appears, as

is

supplied by J.

IMPERATINE."

Gilbert Dale from an

The price was formerly 4s. 6d.

per bottle
shown below, that the method
oF charj

medicme by the

of charging a

"

monthly

bottle has been abandoned

in fav^uf
fee for the " treatment,"

supplying thi

154

medicine " free." Apparently the principal difference

in this way a higher price is obtained.

is

that

one of those that are not supplied through

The
retailers, but direct from the proprietor through the post.
dealt
with
first three communications received in the case here
are dated 1908, and, like so many of such " letters," are circulars in imitation of typewriting, with the name and address,
In the first
the date, and "Dear Sir or Madam" typed in.
This preparation

is

letter it is stated that:

remedy contains no Bromide of Potassium, and no Poison, and ?s

perfectly safe for both delicate adults and young children.
It has cured completely and permanently, frightful cases of long stand-

My

which had been pronounced hopeless by eminent physicians and

hospitals, and after everything which had been tried had utterly failed.
ing,

And

in the third that

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 Phice of One.
If

it is

This will give you a month in which to demonstrate the merits of the
Of course it must be understood that the subsequent supplies must
cure.
be paid for at the ordinary price.
.

keep this offer open for one week from this date. Since you first
I have received several striking testimonials from people who
applied to me at the same time as yourself, and who commenced to take my
I will

wrote

me

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
An alternative
striking testimonials within a few weeks.
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
(Reg.)," and also
Imperatine
for Epilepsy. -Trade-mark
"
Personal
consultations
Free.
Post
Advice
by
words,
bore the
by appointment, One Guinea ; including one month's treatment
'

'

Free."

Various pamphlets were sent at one time or another. In one

" Epilepsy and its Cure. A few facts. J.
of these, entitled
Gilbert Dale, Specialist in Epilepsy and Fits,"

it is

stated:

My

I have no degree, having never sat for any medical examination.

name does not, therefore, appear on the Medical Eegister, and I cannot

155

legally call myself a Doctor; but niy 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
:

Something and advertise. You will then get cases

parts of the country, and particulars will be supplied.
the experience obtained in treating them you will become

Specialist in

from

all

From

qualified to treat others.

It certainly seems simple.

Another of the pamphlets was entitled Epilepsy and its TreatThe similarity between this and the pamphlet sent out
by another firm and referred to below is remarkably close, as
a few extracts will show
ment.

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
for oft times he falleth into the fire, and oft times into the
grievously
water." Also in St. iMatthew'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
as of the lowest.

Some

its subjects persons of the highest rank, as well

of the greatest of the earth have been afflicted by

Ctesar, Henry IV. of England, Napoleon, Peter the Great, Mohammed,

Byron, Sheridan, the great Duke of Wellington, and otiheTs whose names
are wi'itten on the pages of tihe world's Mstory, are said to have been

it.

afflicted

by

this terrible disease.

I honestly believe
It is not a Cure-all.
is all

I claim for

it.

it

to be the finest treatment in the world for epilepsy.

It cures epilepsy
.

and some kindred diseases, but

this

It is as much a food and as necessary

is a Nerve Food.
ordinary food. Some medicines ARE foods, and are found
As we do not get these nerve foods in correct
in the foods we eat.
proportions in the food we eat, they have to be supplied in the form of
medicine.
.
.

"Imperatine"

to epileptics as

156

Other medicines recommended in this pamphlet are " Dale's

Imperatone Pills" and "Dale's Powerones."

considerable interval elapsed between the receipt of these

and the next step. When finally an order for

" was sent, together with 4s. 6d., a
was received in reply, signed " W. Bunn, Secretary,"

pamphlets,

etc.,

a bottle of " Imperatine

letter

stating that

We

do not, however, charge for medicine, but Mr. Gilbert Dale charges
and medicine

a fee for treating the case, as each case is treated individually,

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

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

this

Sir,

Mr. Gilbert Dale has requested me to acknowledge receipt of your

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
letter.

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
I should strongly advise you to take the Treatment at say
at the 4s. 6d.
Ids. 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.

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
bottles

bottle.

157

The "consultation form" was then

questions

filled

with the replies given (in

asked,

up and sent; the

italics), were as

follows

Consultation Fobm.

The information supplied on

private character.

It

up

this

sufferer to

fill

is

this form will be treated as of a strictly

generally better for a relative or friend of tlie

fom.
Date

Name

of patient (in full)

Address
1

{in

full)

Age 1SS.

2 Married or single ? Single'.

3 Occupation? Clerk.
4 Pale, ruddy, blotchy or sallow complexion?
5 Thin or stout? Medium.
6

Weak

Height

Weight 110

or strong

?5

ft.
st.

Pale.

Fairly strong.

8.

7.

9 Is patient of weak intellect? No.

10 How long suffered with fits ? Occasional for about 12 years:
have only been frequent for a year.
11 Do you know the cause ? If so, what was it tNo.
12 How often do attacks occur?
weeks.

From

fits

once a iveeh to once in 4 or 5

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 ?Azotic, except often a severe
headache.
17 Do the bowels act regularly without opening medicine ?Fc5.
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 wayl~Not generally,
but
rather apprehensive in regard to attacks.

Has the patient any other disease? No.

27 Does the patient suffer pain at times? If so,
part ? No.
26

when and

in

what

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?
lars.iVo.

If so, give particu-

158

31 Does the patient take intoxicants?

mid-day meal.

If

so,

to

what extent?

Dnt

glass of beer with

32 Does the patient smoke?

If so,

how much per week?

Yes, about

li oz.

33 Give date of last attack ?

What

34

April 26th.

doctors and remedies have been tried, and for

how long?

None.

What

35

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 pliotograph, 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
butter,

7.30.
tea.

0.30: Plain

only) cocoa.

Breakfast,
1.0
tea.

Dinner
9.30

The medicine was

vieat,

vegetables,

fish,

etc.,

cheese,

bread and
pint

beer.

10.30: Bread and cheese and (in winter

to

Bed about

bacon or eggs, or

11 to 12.

tlien

received,

with

little

book

of

" General instructions to patients, and diet tables," and two

copies of " Report of Progress Form," with a request that one
The
of these should be filled up and sent in after 12 days.
were
the
label
directions on

Two small teaspoonfuls (exactly two drachms) to a wineglassful of cold

water on rising each morning and on retiring each evening.
Analysis showed the
presence of ammonium bromide, potassium iodide, a little sugar
and alcohol, and a small quantity of iron. After determining

The

bottle contained eight fluid ounces.

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
The alcohol may
substance, possibly alkaloidal, was found.
have been due to some tincture having been added, or it
to dissolve a little oil of sassafras,
Sulphate was prethe mixture having a sassafras-like aroma.
ferrous sulphat-e.
as
sent, and the iron may have been added

may have been employed

159

but there was no direct evidence as to the form in which

was used. The formula arrived at was

it

In one dose
(2 drachms)

Potassium iodide
Ammonium bromide

1-7 grains

1-55 parts

17-4 grains

15'78

....

Iron, calculated as ferrous

1-0

sulphate
Alcohol
Sugars
Burnt sugar

1-1 grain

part

4-15 parts

by measure

minims

6 parts

Oil of sassafras

trace

Water

100 parts by measure

to

cost of the ingredients for eight fluid ounces

The estimated
of this mixture

4d.

is

FITZKUKE.
" Fitzkure "

supplied by "The London Medicine Co.";

the price of a bottle containing eight fluid ounces was 2s. 9d.

An

is

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

which cures Fits, Falling Sickness, Hysteria, and kindred

Nervous Diseases. May we request that you give the enclosed booldet your

of "Fitzkure,"

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

who had previously written to Mr. Dale for

particulars of his " Imperatine," suggest that the one business
sent to a person

may be
There

is

the offspring (legitimate or otherwise) of the other.

between some of the " testi-

also a curious resemblance

monials " published; for example, in one of Dale's pamphlets

there ie one marked " Mrs. W.," from which the following are
extracts

am now

and

am

only too pleased to speak for "Imnever erpected 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.
I

peratine."

in perfect health,

When

went

to sleep I

160

Three weeks before I commenced your medicine, wlien I took to my bed,

I was in fits day and night, first screajning, and then laughing, and got so
strange that my friends dared not leave ine a minute.

And the London Medicine Co.'s circular gives one marked

" Mrs. F. W.," from which the following are extracts:
thanks to your wonderful cure
When 1
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
I took a
last I had was on the Friday morning that I got your medicine.
dose straight away, and it seems too wonderful to be true that I have not
had one fit since.
I

am

went

in perfect health,

to sleep I

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
Is it merely an
using the same phrases in writing about it.
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
generally acknowledged to be one of the most dreadful diseases
For centuries it has existed, and has
suffers from.
The medical profession are
baffled the skill of the greatest physicians.
scarcely any nearer being able to cui'e it than in the time of our Lord,

Epilepsy

is

which humanity

Gospel oi S. Miattliew, Chap. IV. verse Si (rewith

vised version), they brought unto Jesus all that were sick, holden
and
epileptic
and
devils,
with
divers diseases and torments, possessed
disease,
appalling
this
from
free
race
is
No
palsied, and He healed them.
and it is no respecter of persons, for many of the great of the earth have
with fits among whom may be mentioned Csesar, Napoleon, Peter

when, as we read

in the

suffered

Duke of
the Great, Mohammed, Byron, Henry IV. of England, the great
so
Wellington, all of whom, among others, are said to have been
afflicted.

..

161

Fitzkure
epilepsy,

is

fits,

not a Cure-all for every disease, but it does and will cure
falling sickness, if steadily persevered with from 18 months

as a Nerve Food, and is as

food. Some medicines
ordinary
much a food and as ,necessary to epileptics as
when we do not get
....
we
eat
foods
are foods and are found in the
to 2 years.

...

It is not so

much a medicine

we

the medicines tiiat we need from the foods

supplied in the form of medicine.
.

....

Fitzkm-e

eat,

these have to be

guaranteed absolutely iree from Bromide of Potassium

is

and Poison.

There appears to be eome humour in the next paragraph

The

which Fitzkure was invented and

indeed a romance which would take too long to describe in

history of the remarkable

developed

is

way

in

Our experience in treating

over many years.
extending
these cases has been most valuable,

these pages.

The

inventor

is

not a Doctor.

Other medicines recommended are

and " Fitzkure Tonic."

No

" Consultation

Form " was

'
'

Fitzkure Laxative Pills

sent to be

'

up, but in the

filled

original circular certain particulars are asked for

When
taking,

Be

sending for "Fitzkure" please say what the patient has been
and with what result.

sure to give the full

name and

address, also state the age of the

patient.

2s.

woman

9d. bottle of the medicine

was sent

" for a young

for,

It was sent with a circular of directions

and diet table, extracts from which are as follows
of 24 years."

The dose which

two small teaspoonfuls or two drachms, must be

of wart^r on waking in tJhe morning, and retiring
at night. Persons over 65, and w-eak 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.
is

.... taken in a win

gla;sfi

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

162

The various ingredients were determined quantitatively,

and the f ormula indicated is

case.

In one dose
drachms).

(2

Potassium iodide
Ammonium bromide
Potassium citrate
calculated

Iron,

as

1.11 parts

1.22 grains

26.63

29.3

,,

1.1

,,

,,

part

1.0

ferrous

sulphate

q.s.

0.5

0.55 grain

Alcohol

1.7 parts by

Oil of aniseed

trace

Burnt sugar
Water to

100 parts by measure

2 minims

measure

The estimated
is

cost of the ingredients for eight fluid ounces

4^d.

DR. NIBLETT'S VITAL

This
4s. 6d.,

RENEWER.

supplied by C. P. Niblett, London; a bottle, price

is

was found to contain four

In a Press advertisement

it is

fluid,

ounces.

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.

pamphlet

is

also offered free, entitled

on Epilepsy, its treatment and cure, by

L.R.C.P.Edi.'

S.

Practical Treatise

B. Niblett, M.D.,

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 Apothe-

On

caries,

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,
TEpilepsie by the Italian professors, mal caduco, or falling sickness.
Epilepsy was termed by the ancient Greeks "the sacred disease," on
it
account of the ma/gnitude of the evil, or .because persons labouring under
was
Hercules
that
said
have been thought possessed by demons. It was
;

163

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 oomitialis," 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 suffei'ers from epilepsy are possessed of high intellectual power;

the classical cases of Julius Ceesar, Mahomet, and the first Napoleon, each of

whom

suffered from the disease, may be cited as examples.

Epilepsy
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
.

is

out,

...

And

so on.

The

section

on " Treatment and Cure

Epilepsy "

of

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,
to worse.

if left

to Natui-e,

Efficient treatment

is

is

certainly to proceed from bad

the very foundation of our art, the alpha

as well as the omega.

Suddenly we come to the " treatment "

My Vital Eenewer is a real vital antidote, really stopping the development of the attacks and absolutely cm-ing the disease.
Under the
use of my Vital Renewer the fits will immediately become
less severe and
.

less frequent.

my

Patients taking
.
Vital Renewer will receive explicit
directions as to the natura of the food desirable to be taken
at each meal.
I am prepared to prove, beyond all fear of contradiction,
.
.
.
that
Vital Renewer has cured the most inveterate cases of
epilepsy. .
.
The
success which has attended the administration of
my Vital Renewer, 1
believe, to be due not only to the pecuUar form
in which it is prepared, but
also to the unremitting care taken in the skilful
.

my

manipulation which

is

required.

In a circular
is

letter sent

with the "Practical Treatise"

it

stated that

The treatment of Epilepsy or Eits is carried on under some

difficulty
nearly all the great Physicians prescribe the
same remedy.
Bromic-Eothing much except Bromide, and
consrucB

many

as

Bromide

so

unhappy

the

sufferer

doctors without being cured.

After prolonged study and extensive experimental

research, varying ov^r
a considerable number of years. Dr. S. Berry Niblett,
of London, discovered
a certam 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.
.

164

The

directions on the label are as follows

Shako the bottle previous

Adults 1
Children
Children
Children
:

to use.

teaspoonful in a wineglassf ul of water.

6 to 10 years, 20 drops in 1^ teaspoonfuls of water.
10 to 12 years, 30 drops in two teaspoonfuls of water.
12 to 18 years, ^ 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
until a period of six montlis has elapsed since the last

after

meaU

has occurred. A";

tbe end of tJiat time it may be taken twice a day only, at 11 in the
morning and again at bedtime, for another six months.
fit

If no further attack occurs during that time the medicine

taken at bedtime only.

may

then be

N.B. If tbe attacks occur at night, one dose of tbe 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

reducing sugar. It contained suflB.cient traces of oil of

aniseed and chloroform to be recognizable by their odour, and
was coloured a dark brown. After the ingredients named had

little

been determined quantitatively, 0.4 per cent, remained to be

accounted for by the colouring matter, which appeared to be
minute trace of a basic substance was preburnt sugar.
sent, which might have been alkaloidal, but the quantity was
The alcohol may have been added as spirit of
negligible.
The formula indicated by the
aniseed or spirit of chloroform.

results is
In one dose
drachm).

(1

Potassium iodide
Potassium bromide
Ammonium bromide
Chloroform
Oil of aniseed
Alcohol

3.75

parts

30.88

,,

...

15.6

,,

7.66

,,

...

4.2

,,

...

2.07 grains.

trace
,,

2.6 parts

by measure.

Burnt Sugar

Water

to

100 parts by measure.

Estimated cost of ingredients for four

fluid ounces, 3d.

BROMOCAKPINE.

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

165

preparation has the

title

" The Treatment of Nervous Affections

by Bromocarpine " and it is stated that "the attacks ere

diminished in number to the extent of 80 per cent.," and that
a " complete disappearance is extremely common. Petit Mai
;

(vertigo)

is

abolished,

and there

is

a very mai-ked 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

bromide treatment is well borne."

this

form

the

intensive

The

bottle (price 6 francs) contained 16.7 fluid ounces.

liquid was found to contain

Potassium bromide

g.g

Alkaloid

0.0035

Sugar
Glycerine

p^j.

The

q^u*

54.0

iq q

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

In a circular wrapped round the bottle

it

is

hydrobrom."

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.

16G

A GERMAN NOSTRUM.
According to Dr. Zernik,
Roller's

powder for epilepsy

is

supposed to be a remedy

for epilepsy,

ohorea, hysterical attaoke, cramp of tho stomach, and of the chest, etc.,
3.40 the box.
and is sold by the Dresden " Diakonissenanstalt " for
sealed paper
5-grams
in
three
powders
-wrapped
up
contains
Tha package
capsules. The powder is black, a.nd has the odour of a rancid animal

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
This use of incompletely carbonized animal
nights following Christmas.
oil.

substance for epilepsy

is

an ancient superstition.

CHAPTEE

THE

"

XI.

TEEMOL TEEATMENT

"

FOE BAD LEGS.

" Tremol Treatment,"

medicines for the cure of " bad legs " are supplied by the
limited company trading as " The National College of

Under the general name

of the

Health, Limited, Eye, Ear, Throat, and Skin Institute,

and Infirmary

for

and an account

We

is

Bad Legs

" at an address in Manchester,

here given of the analysis of some of these.

some account of the methods used to attract

and if any further proof were needed of the neces-

also give

patients,

sity for further legal control of

medical companies, this alone

should furnish everything that could be required.

The

insti-

tution has been in existence for several years, but has re-

become very

cently

active,

thousands of cases.
are
is

open

and claims to have treated some

The methods used

to serious criticism.

It

to attract patients

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

qualified," not " duly registered,"

registered practitioner

is

known

and

he
at

is

called " fully

any rate no duly

to have

anything to do

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
with the place.

It

'

'

simply from perusal of letters sent by patients.

ing up the Truth

found

Cautionary List

On

turn-

the following note

is

" National College of Health, Great Clowes Street, Higher

les

Manchester. Proprietors of a cure for bad legs

Tremol.' The first price for a course of treatment is
called
two guineas, wliicli is reduced to one guinea if the bait is
not swallowed. Also endeavours to obtain advertisemente on
the payment-by-results system, offering 5s. for every patient
caught through an advertisement."

Broughton,
'

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

after receiving the

who,

shown

well

in letters sent to a person

budget of testimonials, "had decided

The

not to order the remedies.

following are typical

" I am truly sorry and

extracts of the letters he received.

much

disappointed that you have not yet participated in 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.
benefits of the

Is

it

scepticism

Is

it

doubt ?

Is

Tell

me

not ordering the treatment and

let

that stands in the

way?

earnest desire to do so.

This

reply."

am

letter of entreaty

it

your financial position

plainly your reason for

me

help you as

it

am

seems

to

specially interested in your case

to the notice of the

them

to

cession

make

have had no

full

for 31s. 6d.

my

result,

sent, saying

and having brought

of Directors I

am

instructed by

The

the following concession to you."

was that the

would be sent

Board

it is

anxiously awaiting your

and accordingly in a few weeks another was

" I

con-

two-guinea course of treatment

on the condition that " when you

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."
are cured

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

name

man," but we cannot

trace the

in the Medical Register as that of a person residing in^

or near Manchester.

further letter, imploring the reci-

169

pient " as a friend " to continue the treatment,

in Chapter

XVII.

Not long ago the

'

John Bull
who came away

periodical

a special investigator,
'

printed

is

that the Tremol treatment

is

sent to the institute

perfectly

satisfied

an honest one and ably ap-

John

plied," and that "it distinctly merits the praise of

Bull.

'

The

'

'

investigation seems to have consisted in

'

roam-

ing over the whole of the carefully kept records of the thousands of cases treated " and apparently accepting every-

thing that was told

not a very

scientific

method

of investi-

gating a treatment on which the health of thousands of

patients

may

The

depend.

investigator

other things, that the treatment

of diseases of the leg

disease

(diseased bone)

(phlebitis, etc.)

and we

and

(4)

(2)

tuberculous

swollen and painful legs

are told that " the treatment is able
(5)

to cure all the diseases included in the classes (1)

but of the classes

among

every description;

varicose veins

(3)

told,

applied to five classes

is

(1) ulcers of

eczema and skin diseases

was

(3), (4), (5),

and

(2)

those only are selected which

the medical history and circumstances of the particular case

convince the doctor are at least curable."
Speaking of

composition

are secret, but " the

John Bull says they

the remedies used,

was

freely disclosed to us

ingredients are not of a harmful nature

most valuable and

beneficial drugs

indeed,

known

and the

some

to the

of 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

gredients revealed by analysis

new;

know which

of the in-

John Bull considers quite

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 carbonateperhaps it
is the
it

pepper-

mint water.

As

far as our analysis reveals, the

combination
mixture of anything that might possibly
be of use, regardless of chemical combinations
that mav re-

is

a heterogeneous

170

and we

suit,

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

tion of the National College of Health

Legs.

If there is a registered medical

the place, he
liable to

certainly acting in a

is

full investiga-

and Hospital

man
way

for

Bad

connected with
that

makes him

be arraigned before the General Medical Council

there is no registered practitioner, then the use of the

"
term
fully qualified medical man " is most misleading to

and,

if

the public.

An

attempt to purcliase

the. remedies through one of the

usual channels for proprietajry 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
is 2 2s.
A publication was also sent, enGood News about Bad Legs; or " Cwes by the Cured,"

Tremol treatment
titled

consisting of twelve pages of the size of an ordinary newspaper

page, containing portraits of patients and letters, etc., about

cases,

much

as well as

printed matter about Tremol treatment

College of Health, Limited."

and " Views of the National

Attached to the front page of
slip, worded thus
Inaportant.

The Board

that every Patient

this

was a conspicuous

separa-te

of Directors wish it to be distinctly understood

who undeTgoes

the Tremol Treatment

direct supervision of a fully qualified Medical

is

under the

Man.

few extracts from this publication will serve to indicate

The
the methods of the National College of Health, Limited.
might
ring,
and
familiar
curiously
opening paragraphs have a
be paraphrased from the pamphlets of almost any quackmedicine 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 do^wn 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 com:

171

ptnt to cure,

it

cam

Medical Faculty wer reduced to

This in

to .pass that the

the expedient of ordering sufferers long periods of rest iu bed.

was a confession of

itself

failure

and

no

of

avail.

has been computed that Bad Legs have caused mor misery and
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
It

suffering than all the

Legs is ever present, ever constant, ever taking its toll of suffering
humanity. In the face of all this. Medical IScienc fell back, helpless,
baffled, and beaten.

At last, after years of scientific research, after thonsands of painstaking

experiments, the Tremol Method of Treatment was discovered, and th
cure of Bad Legs, once for all, established and placed on a sure and scientific

basis.

discredited Astrology, what

olden times, even that and more
is Tremol System of Treatment to all other so called treia/tments for Bad
Legs. Other treatments are empirical, this Treatment is scientific ; other
treatments end an failure, this System cures to sitay cured. Once again
has Mothea' Nature yielded to patient scientific investiga^tion on of her
greatest secrets, th secret of how, by means of th Tremol System, to cur
Bad Legs with certainty, with rapidity, scientifically, and with no possi-

What modern Astronomy

Scientiflc

Chemistry

is

th

io

is

to the

Alchemy

old

of

bility of failure.

Other extracts are

Universally accepted as th on and only cure for Bad Legs, the Tremol
System stands to-day before the world unohallenged and unrivalled. Men
Medical men recommend it. The thinking public
of science accept it.
endorse it, and th thousands of happy men and women cui-ed by it hail
it with a delight words fail to express.
.

As sure

day follows night, so certain

discovery will cure every case of J3ad Leg
as

Remember, in

is it t/hat this

to

which

new and

great

it is applied.

our cases, this System of Treatment has had to begin

iSufferers who apply to us for relief and cur
are only those whom doctors have finished with, or on whom ointments
have proved useless, lotions abortive, pills impotent, and blood mixtures
all

where others have

left off.

futile.

These

last

two extracts scarcely seem

the announcement which

is

curable cases not accepted."

to be in harmony with
" Inrather conspicuously
the back page appears in large

made

On

letters

No Pain. No Experimenting. No Lying Up.

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
There

No

is

no Guess-work.

Operation.

claims or statement

Witnesses.

is

made

that

is

not borne out by Facts and Living

172

A document was sent with the medicines, marked

Guarantee to Cure." It is worded as follows:

"

Legal

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
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
is

under or upon this agreement or as to any question arising hereunder

determined by arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration

shall be

Act, 1889.

Since this " Legal Guarantee to Cure " is sent with the medithe person receiving it would naturally suppose that it

cines,

would apply to

his case;

and

only on careful examination

only applies to cases where the

it is

that it is discovered that (1) it

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 ix> 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 snch 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.

173

The "Diagnosis Form" sent was

italics

are the particulars of

an

as follows; the

imaginary

case

words in
that were

supplied

1.

Date.

2.

Christian name.

3.

Surname.

4.

5.

Male or Female. F.
Married or Single. Widow.

6.

Full Address.

What
What
What

7.
8.
9.

10. Is it

your age ? 53.

your weight? About 12 stone.
is your Occupation?
Housekeeper.
your right leg, your left leg, or both your legs that are affected
is

is

Eif/Iit.

How long has your Leg troubled you? About a year.

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 oven wounds, and a
11.

12.

great deal of itching as well; the irritation,

in addition to the vain, often
causes sleeplessness.
* 14. Is the portion of your
Leg affected Itchy or Scaly? Very itchy
Have you consulted any person? If so, who, how
15.
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 ivas 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?

acquaintance in Yorkshire.

Thro'

an

^""^
^"'^
"^^thods you have
'^^'^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^-i ^P^ yo-^r leg? At
^^-^^2/
ointment. Practically n!
effect,
^"^"'^^^ ^ liles in your Right Leg
or is it a

adfpted\Tpfftr"''' """"fT
^""^

tTcoldl f
^

21 IreTheT
r.f'-'rl or .caly
red,^tchy

patch only? Three open woJnds

aTda l^'^:! Zli^

If there are ulcers,

wounds, or holes, state how manv
position and size of each, cut
to reply
out on pieces of paper
and
!end to us the sizes of the wounds
to this.
or ulcers on each leg
B
* distinguish the size of the wound
or ulcer from
fh size off\'^''^''^
the
the surrounding redness or
inflam^iation.
The
three ovTn
wounds are each about | inch across; they
are about 2' inrhZ
I
irregular triangle; they are in a
red itcliZ
!bVut Tl^^^^^
on the outer side of the leg, about
half-way
Don't

fail

S -

pZT

dlwn

24. Is there
^

^5.
26.

now, or has there ever been proud

Are your bowels habitually costive

or
Have you ever suffered from a white

flesh in the

free

leg?

Free

No.

wound

No

174

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.

Has your Doctor advised Rest ? Have not had a doctor.

Have you rested, if so, has it done you any good? Have rested a
good deal, hut 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,
28.

29.

half-way down.

aboiit
33.
*

34.
35.

Have you been growing worse lately? Yes.

Is there much inflammation or fiery redness round the wound ? Yes.
Have you Varicose Veins ? If eo, state extent, of how long standing,

and what caused them.

No.

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
*

36.

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 lis., by post lis. 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 fhe label were the same as those given in the para-

graph 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.

175

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,

small quantities of free hydrochloric acid and

ferric chloride,

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
alcohol,

positively identified.

dients were determined,

The proportions of the definite ingreand found to be as given in the fol-

lowing formula.
mixture prepared according to this formula
agreed very well in regard to the vegetable drug, and perfectly
in other respects.
Calciumi chloride
Solution ai fsTric ohloride
Dilute hydiodhloric aoid

Concentrated infusion of rhubarb

Peppeirmint water

(1-7)

Water

to

deposit slowly falls, from wihich the clear liquid

is

224 grams
300 minims
200
100
,,
2 fl. oz.
R

decanted.

Estimated cost of the ingredients, IJd.

TEEMOL LOTION.
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 typed sheet were the same as those on the
label, as follows:

Dilute ithe Loticm with an equal quantity of water.

Cut out a piece of
Lint slightly larger than you.r Ulcer, so .that the Lint will cover the snrf aoe
of the Ulceir as completely as half -a- crown covisa-s a shilling.
After a
thorough cleansing (see directions for so doing) well soak the Lint in t<he
dilute Lotion for two or three minutes, and) then aipply .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 chlosoda containing 2.9 per cent, of available chlorine
(which is slightly above the minimum strength of the ofiicial
rinated

solution) with the traces of impurities usually

Estimated cost of the liquid, 2d.

found in

it.

17S

TEEMOL OINTMENT.
This was in a wooden box containing 14 1 oz. it bore a typewritten label " The Tremol Ointment. To be used as directed."
;

The

directions

How You

on the typed sheet were

ARE TO Apply Tremol Ointment.

as follows

Gut out a piece of

soft lint

slightly laxger in circumfeirence (aJbout i in. larger all round) than the
Lint on which the Tremol Lotion is applied. Spread the Ointment thickly
on th plain suirfiace, then place it on top of the Lint on which No. 2

Ointment is spread, but over the Ulcer, and therefore covering the Lint
whioh is isoaked in the Lotion. You -will therefore have over the Ulcer
Lotion.
iFlrst, two layers of Lint containing
three layers of Lint.
and
is
spread,
Ointment
No.
2
the
Second, the layer of Lint on which
which
on
Lint
of
the
layer
Third,
tpairt.
inflamed
covering the Tod and
Tremol Ointment is spread and covering the portion where the Ulcer is
Therefore over 'the red inflamed pairt there is one layer only,
situated.
No. 2 Ointment is spread, but over the Ulcer there are
which
that on
that
three. When you are dressing your leg do not remove Ointment No. 2

adheres to the skin.

ointment.

Apply

'fresh dressing

on the top

of

the adhetrent

Analysis showed the ointment to contain:

70.3 parts.

Prepared chalk
'Soft

29.0

paraffin

Yellowish-brown colouring matter traces.

The colouring matter

but was not present in

af)pear6d to be one of the ooal-tar dyes,

quantity for exact identificaquantities of impurities

small
the
tion; the chalk contained
No other ingredient was found.
usually occurring in it.
sufficient

Estimated cost of the ingredients, 2^d.

OINTMENT NO.

2.

it bore a typeThis was in a wooden box containing lOi oz. ;

" Ointment No. 2. To be used as directed." The
written label,
directions on the typed sheet were as follows

apiece of Lint large

ARE TO Apply Ointment No. 2. Cutout
On this spread
leg.
your
of
portion
inflamed
enough to covr the red and
No. 2, .and apply it; at the
pretty thickly the specia^l Ointment labelled
in the Lotion.
same time covering the Lint which is soaked

How You

oxide, a lead
Analysis showed the ointment ix) contain zinc
benzoate,
compound which appeared to be the carbonate, sodium
which
matter
colouring
sodium acetate, water, lard, and a pink

177

other substance was found.

The quantities of the different ingredients were determined, and
the results agreed with the following formula

was evidently a coal-tar dye.

No

Zinc oxide
Leaxi carbonate
Sodium benzoate

Sodium
Water

acetate

19-8 pa-ts.

^-^

"
"

0.7

,,

Colouring matter

9-6
"
traces.

Lard

P^'^^-

Estimated cost of the ingredients, 7d.

"

CHAPTEE

XII.

THE "CEIMSON CROSS REMEDIES.

The

series of preparations

afford a

dealt with in

chapter

this

good example of the way in which secret remedies,

even when composed of simple and harmless drugs, may be

5 source of serious danger through the exaggerated claims

made

for

them.

The emphatic assurances

given in most cases

may

of curative

easily lead people, even

power

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
of very serious diseases,

number

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 infec-

Heart disease, cancer, typhoid, pneumonia,

diphtheria, and consumption are among the other trifles for
which the " Crimson Cross Remedies " are recommended.

tious disease.

It is hardly necessary to

shown

in the assertions

add that ludicrous ignorance

made; the ointment, which

of the principal articles of the series, is stated to

introduced

fifty

abscesses,

but

is

is

one

have been

years ago for diseased bones, joints, and

" it now includes Infectious
as well as
'

'

There is no foothold for microbes

"
presumably the feet of
is apphed
the microbes are not adapted to the greasy surface which

most other diseases.

where the ointment

179

it

In typhoid, "

presents.

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

own homes.

their

An advertisement in the Vaccination Inquirer, headed "

simple solution of tbe vaccination question," states that:
Tlhie Orimson Cxosis Bemodies for fevea-s, measles, istmaLl-pox,
imlluieaiza,

pneumonda,

pileiuinisy,

midar

etc.,

tibe patieinJt nom-kiifeiotaoujs.

The extracts which follow are from

circulars sent out with

the remedies.

Tbe

finst

suicoees

of

ifche

was our No.

for Disieosed Bones,

eorapimg,

bed,

or

Ordartfioai

Cross

Ointmeaifc.

and

Joints,

-splints.

It (has

Bemediies used ynih umpreci&deotieicl

This was injtiroduoed fifty years ago

Absoessiea.

It ouires 'wittihout

saved tondjreds

imm

outtimg,

being Ibopelees

cmpplee, lamd Itibonsaiuds of lives land limbs.

As

time, wemit

on

tims valuabla TOmeidy was fouind to b a

so tbat ite usefulness as a housebold remedy
has been
ooneidea-ably ex-tended, aaid it now imokides " LxfeotixMis "
as weil as most,
dbh&r dieieaees-. There is no footibold for microbes wlbeire
ttbe Ointment

POWE'RFUL

GEBM KILLER,

is

applied.

One

of its best works is

ibbe

iCuRE or CoNStTMPTION.

"WMte

Tbis nmiob dreeded

Sconrge" can. be curad in its incipient
or
tes^^istage, -and e^-en iwben tbe mischief is deeper
rottod it always
gives

It baa been stated tbat iSmall-Pox is

now laxtinot in England bnt of
oouroe may be .impoaited at any time. Howwer
Wbat may be, tb^m need
be no fear of it d Orimson Croes Bemedies are
applied.
The Remedies (No. 1 Ointment and Soever
Powder] are equaUy
effiofloious If or iScarlet Feve^, *hddb is
ea^y oua^d in from one to tJbree
days, d
as soon as the patient sidcens. If
p,adMng ibas oommenxd
before Wua Remedies ^a^ ^ppMed, it
td.es a
^Jip une
caire, but ftlhere
no fe^r of infedtdon.

^ph^

foo^^^o

coZT^

Typhoid or Enteric Fever toeated by *he

Orimsoai Cross Remedies
xvt^meafles
stage is easily ounred m a f ew days.
.

tlbe first

Z.

180

Itttermal Diseases of

tion iby ouir

Woanem can be

ouired wit/bout

SPECIAL TREATMENT.

Opeimtiom or Exanikia-

Full parbioulaire

on, appMcatiooi.

In a " Brief Treatise on Diagnosis and Treatment " directions

are given for the mploym-ent of these remedies in a variety of

The

illnesses.

chief feature

is

a liberal application of the oint-

ment, accompanied by internal administration of one or more

The following quotations will serve
of the other preparations.
as examples
appearance of a cold, iruib tlh foreihead, ohest,
and ibaok witih 'Cmmisaiii lOross No. 1 Ointment contained in fbe Fever, etc.
packet; take the medicine made from the Powder according to directions
For Pkettmonia, Congestion, and Pletteisy.Poultixje thie chieet, sides,
and back very itiwo Ihouiris with Ihot liineecd meal. Spread warm No. 1

Om

Colds.

tlhe

fiir^t

Ointment on the iface of the poultice until the acute symptoms are gone,
then rub the chest, sides, and round the shoulders with the Ointment
the
once OT- twice a day umtil quite well. Take tih me'ddmie mad from
directions.
to
a/ocordimg
Fever Powder
Acute Bri'giht's disease of tJhe
Typhoid oh Enteric Feveb.
accompany or foLLow
frequiently
Ithe
lungs
fcidnieys and inflaniimaJtdon of
Cuee, and poultice
Kidney
Cross
Crimson
iormior
give
lor the
tyiphoiid
for the
O.intmeint
amd
meal
liinseed
(hot
with
iback
the lower part of th
Ointment,
itlhie bead is not we-1 soaked with
If
given.
idireotioms
latter seie
Mixtitre end
an abscess is liable 'to form on ihe brain. The Fever
times
a day, al
aiteraaitiely
thiree
iKiDNEY Cure may botih h taken
idose.
let two hmim elaipse between adh'
neoeesafl-y
poultices, apply
Diphtheria. Spread No. 1 Ointment on hot linseed
.

one every hour. As Diphtheria patients are

doctor.
it is advisable to have a

lia'ble to

unexpected syncope,

it
the following paragraph in one of the circulars,
"
his
confine
"
not
does
Captain Feilden
would appear that
preparations
activities to the selling of these

From

Please

noteAll communications should be

addiressed

Crimson Croes Dispensary.

Stamiped enveikxp lemclosed for (reply.
personally at the DispMisary, we
AUbou2jh we do not now treaA oases
Full pa,rtxcito f /be se
letter.
continue to give advice "Fi^e" by
call and see
Feilden
Zuld he given, and, where p<.ible, Ca^^tain
patien-te in their own homes.

w*

list is

in price from 7jd.

given of ten preparations, varying
examination: Fever
The following were obtained for

9d
Ointment, Special Ointment, and
and Influenza Powder, No. 1
Kidney Cure.
together for Is. 3d., post
The first two of these were supplied

to 2s

free.

181

CRIMSON CROSS FEVER AND INFLUENZA POWDER.

This consisted of about 100 grains of a purplis'li-coloiired
The
powder, and was contained in a " chip " ointment box.
directions

Add

on the

to one

label

were

pint of cold water, and take Adults, one tablespoonful

Children, one to two teaspoonfuls, according to age.

bhree times a day.

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 gd.

CRIMSON CROSS NO.

OINTMENT (CAPTAIN

FEILDEN'S).
This was also in a "chip " box, and the quantity was about

2^

oz.

Analysis showed

it to

contain

Copper oleate

1.1 per

Anihiydrous sodiiim suliphate

0.4

Beeswax
E^siiai

6.5

29.5

(coloplhiomy)

Linseed

ceaiit.

,,

52.4

oili

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, |d.

CRIMSON CROSS SPECIAL OINTMENT.

The

price of a jar, containing about 3i oz.,

was

2s.

9d.

devoted to this preparation, and the statements made include the following
special circular

is

This Ointment is prepared from a (Special Formula for the Treatment

unbroken substances such as Cancers, Tumoure, Bunyons, or Enlarged
Toe Joints, Chronic Stiff Joints, Sprains, Heart Disease, etc.

of

By the blessing of God it has been successful in the treatment of

such cass, and it is hoped that many more may benefit.

manv

182

An irribable rash may appear, and this ds a good sign, though some
patients give up using the Ointment because of this irritation. This should
not Ibe done the irritation will die away, though the rash may remain.
To relieve the irritation discontinue the Special Ointment ior a day or

two

bathe

warm

with

water, and apply a

little

Olive Oil.

Steam the aSected part once a day, gently

Special Ointment in, night and morning. Spread Ointment on
If the
clean linen, and wear as a plaister during the night and day.
appetite is not good, take 'Crimson Cross Liver Mixture, and Crimeon
Cancees and Tumoues.

rub a

little

Cross Ividney Cure occasionally, to keep the Kidneys in good order.

Heaet Disease.

Ewb the Ointment gently in across the

stoniach, round

the Heart and Shoulder Blades, night and morning.

Great care should
be taken to keep the Stomach and iKidneyis 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
Anhydrous sodium sulphate

4.6 per cent.

1.3

Acetic acid (glacial strength)

0.8

'.

Beeswax

,,

3.5

Resin (colophony)
Oily base, chiefly or entirely linseed

oil

46.8

43.0

.,

Estimated cost of ingredients lid.

CRIMSON CROSS KIDNEY CURE.

price of a bottle, containing 6^ fluid ounces, was

The
It

Is.

IJd.

stated on the package that:

is

This Mixture contains powerful (Medicinal iProperties for the cure of

Kidney, Bladder, 'Gravel, and all Urinary Disorders, Dropsy, etc.
Adults.

Dose.

Children.

^One tablespoonful every

One teaspoonful

to one

four hours.

dessertspoonful,

according to age,

every four hours.

It

thus described in an accompanying circular:

is

a remedy really worthy of the name. It is natural in its comnatural in its action, it does not coerce nature as in the
It assists and
case of poisonous drugs and drastic metallic medicines.
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

This

is

position,

possible

it is

by no other known means at the present

time.

183

The Cniinson Ci-oss Kidney Cure may be confidently taken by young

and old alike, in full assurance tliat whatever the trouble, a course of
the Crimson iCross Kidney Cure will gently but eurely remedy the mischief, and coax the organs back to a n.atural and healthy action.

Whilst

taking the Crimson Cross Kidney Cure it will greatly

the cure if the lower part of the back and bowels are gently
rubbed with Oimson Gross 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 ithe linen from getting greasy.

Note

facilitate

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 AMENORRHGEA, ETC.

One

one in which most of the

cines

and

of the largest classes of proprietary nostrums,

may

evils

connected with secret medi-

be seen at their worst,

called " female medicines."

The

that consisting of so-

is

reasons for the abundance

In

of proprietary articles of this kind are not far to seek.

the

place

first

the gross profit of the trade

our analyses show, the prime cost of

very low, and the selling price of

all

very large

is

these medicines

many

them

of

In the second place, the expenses are low

high.

many

as
is

very

is

while

other nostrums require large and expensive adver-

tisements 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.

tive feature is that, as a rule, the business is

third attrac-

done directly

with the consumer through the post, and there are, therededucted; payment

fore,

no intermediate

made

in advance, and only the postage has to be reckoned

off

the

profits to be

full retail price.

the

Fourthly, purchasers are in

nature of the case often persons more

than usually

is

sus-

ceptible to the plausible promises of cure that are sent out

failure to effect

what

is

promised,

purchaser to stop wasting her

turned to account by offering a

at a higher price,

and behind

" extra special " at a

a fourth.

still

far

from causing the

money on
'

'

the nostrum,

specially strong

this

is

usually

'
'

variety

third, or

higher price, and sometimes

Finally, in a very large

number

is

ever,

of cases, the sale

185

of a

an opening for a steady

a kind usually bought more or

this class provides

nostrum of

business in other articles of

and whi6h bear a

less surreptitiously,

very high

rate

of

profit.

So

much

purchaser
least

The harm

for the gain to the vendor.

similarly of a manifold nature.

is

important

that the price charged

is

is

to the

Perhaps the
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

the fact that the purchaser

is

take medicines of

to

derangement which
lightly.

It

more

is

may

if

induced

any, for a functional

always dangerous to treat too

known

that cessation of

be a sign of phthisis or other serious

and good medical advice oaght

Further, a large
of

it

value,

cannot be too widely

the normal period

illness,

little

is

number

be

obtained.

nostrums are the subject

of these

or less thinly veiled

to

recommendations that they

should be used for cutting short an unwelcome pregnancy,

them would be but little likely to be

ef&cacious for this purpose, some contain irritants which are
highly dangerous.
When cessation of the menses is due to
and although some

of

pregnancy, there

no drug or medicine known which

is

will

them and stop the pregnancy without putting

the woman's life in grave danger.
re-establish

It

would be tedious

advertisements of
in other chapters.

all

to

give detailed extracts from the

the articles here described, as

A few

of

them

is

done

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
In the majority of cases, however, a usual plan is
to advertise a "certain cure" at a low price, sometimes
Is. IJd., or to offer a " free sample " on application. When

others.

the' low-priced article or the free

sample

is

sent

for,

the

186

applicant

is

informed of a " special " kind which

recornmended, and the price of which

as already noted, usually leads

on

to

is

strongly

higher; and this,

is

another at a

still

higher

price.

Since

pills,

many

such as

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

extremely small.
tions 'from, but

a slum

it

An

address

is

necessary to conduct opera-

does not matter

if it is

that of a garret in

practically none of the purchasers

There

is

is

will

be any wiser.

nothing whatever to prevent any ignorant person

possessed of a few pounds from buying from a firm of pillmakers at a few pence per gross " female pills " in bulk,
or ready boxed, with coatings of three different colours to

represent

"strong," and

"ordinary,"

"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

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.
trade, the profits of

few extracts from some advertise-

It will suffice to give a

ments.
Adeline Dumas's

pills
'
'

are thus advertised:

To

Mainried Ladies.

Try the Ilrenab Remedy.

Not

.a

Diaingerous Dnuig, bolt

Never

I^ails.

Pairiticxilliairs

woiniderful Secreit Iniventiion.

Free to

all

Applicants.

AddTess,

M.D.,

London, N.E."

" M.D." may, of course, stand for Madame Dumas, but it can
hardly be doubted tliat it is intended to suggest that the
" secret invention " is supplied by a Doctor of Medicine.

187

In a circular referring to the

etc.,

and giving testimonials,

pills

they are described as follows:

" Dumais'

Tbe

Ooir.ibdmtaoai

What

is

Bairis

Pdils.

Remedy

(Piriatected).

meant by a Combination Remudy?

Dmms's Oombdmation Remedy, The Pams PiM (PMe de

Paris) is

mos* powerful drags

reaJiilby a oar^Mly sedeoted icomlbdina/tion
wibea-idby
a mjaiimum oei*amty
knowo to Mediaad and Botanical Soiences,
of

tJhe

explanation of
producing the desired effect is absolutely assured, the
conrtained in
dirmg
epecific
.ajny
If
followis
this reimirkabk tresuJit ibeing as
piarttaculatr i.em;aJle origandzathe Paris Pill be not aiotively snitable for
whdiclh, firom tftiir vamed
pretsein*,
inigT-ediieinits
ac4ive
otiheir
tion, ithane aie
and iseaircdidnig natare, aire in every wiay icaiauilated to ait once girap.plo with
and oveoicome tlhe moist ofcatimaJte ciase. In itihe face, thiereifore., of such a
rem-edy lae ihere desoribed, it oain be "well unideirsitood ihaJt tlher-e need be no
of

la,

fear of a fadlnre of

effe-cit.

Dumas's Paris PMls, seoreit, and powerful ingreddemts (pnoteoted by

Government stamp) act with instant certainty, in all oases of Irregulairiitieis and .Suppressdom of /the Menses, dincdd'enitail to femiaies.

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
The reference to
reference to the real value of their contents.
it here is obviously intended to suggest some sort of official

The

clause

" protected by

guarantee

of value.

" Nurse Powell's Remedies " illustrate the ascending scale of

They are thus advertised
charges.
Feee Offer to Ladies.
Our recent offer of a Free Sample of Noirsio Pow-eli's PopiiilaT Pellets met
with such striking success itlhat we have decided to xepeiat the offer. Ladies
should wirdte foir free hox, endorsing ,sltamp for positage. Delay is dangerous
write at once and obtain relief. ^Nnnse 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

from which the following extracts are taken

letter,

Owdng to tIbeiT iproved supeTioir,ilty they have now come to be looked

upon as The Leading Woman's Medicine ^a proof of wihioh is that in
thousands of homes to-day a bo'X is always to be found, ready for lany
emergency wthioh may ariise. They are composed of ingnedienits which are
Perfectly Harmless, and will not injure the most deliicaite oonsititution,

nor ddstorb one's usual ocoupaltdons,

ia

-claimed for -t.hem.

We

yeit

shall be glad

if

they. Fully

Carry Out All

that

you wdM try this sample at once,

188

In in any cases tihiie smaJl quaaitiity iias laroiugiht

let ms kno w the iresull.
We would ask you Not to Expect Too Much
about reJief lEund health.
from it, however, hwt fo obtain more and bake them reguJairly Each Day
until you obtaan a bencfioiial result.
They have cured thousainids of suffering women who have heesa on 'the venge of despair, and we are coinifident
that if yoia will only persevere with tlhem, and ^ve them a tihorough tr.iai,

amd

They Will Relieve

Yotj.

The pills were stated to be Is. l^d. 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 Ansenaia, Debility,
Constipation, Headache, and all Female Ailments " ; the words
" Poplete, Registered," were printed across the label in red
ink.
A circular was enclosed on which it was stated
It ishoiild Ibe partiaularly not.ed thait

Forms to meet the

Is.

l^d.

and

2s. 9d.)

Constipation,

the peUefts a^e prepared

requiiremedtis of the .oase.

The

in

Two

Ordinairy Pellets (Price

are prepared as a remedy for Nervousness, Headache,

Debility,
Sleeplesness,
Hysteria,
Lack of

Ansemia,

Energy, Wind, Biliousness, Indigestion, Sick Headache, and a general

run-down state of the system, and Menstrual Troubles of a slight
naituire.
The iSpecial Pellets (Pri'ce 4s. 6d. per box) are expressly compounded for use in all Severe Mensitrual Troubles, and should be ordered
for Suppnession of -the Memises, Inregulaa- and Painful Menstruiation,
Painful Uirinart/ion, iQhiamige of Life, Dragging or Bearing Down Pains,
Leucoirnhoea (whites.), Excessive Flow of the Memseis, and all kindred
aalmenits.

" 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.

box

of the

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.

189

mixture, either
These remedies are prepared in tlio form of a pill and a
the very best
obtain
to
order
in
but
of which will be found effective,
in alternate
mixture
and
pills
take
the
is
to
method
results, by far the best
doses.

the utmost
These exceedingly valuable preparations we recommend with
from the
chemists
qualified
fully
They are prepared by

confidence.

and most beneficial results are obtained

purest ingredients obtainable,

after a few doses.

necessarily higher than the ordinary

preparations, but compared with the results the cost is small.

The

these remedies

price of

is

Prices

Corrective Pills, lis. per box

Corrective Mixture, 13s. per bot.
or the two preparations, 21s.

Supplies of both, these were obtained.

In a

Home

little

book sent with the earlier supply, entitled Woman's

Doctor, appears the following

Advice to Stjfferbrs Free.

Many women

are in doubt as to the nature of their ailment and the

To all such, we
best means to obtain a cure.
Advice Free if full particulars are given to us

offer

our Experienced
If

in a letter.

Nurse

Powell's Popular Pellets will be of no use in your particular case you

Address all letters asking for advice to the
will be at once told so.
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 youT 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,
With all
as the grateful letters we have received plainly show.
good wishes, and again assuring you of our sympathy and aid, we remain,
.

dear

Madam, yours

faithfully.

Another advertiser

is

The Nurse Powell Remedy

Co.

very frank on the subject of quacks

" Irristum " never fails, that is the marvel of it. On " Irristum "
To it women may turn with
is stamped the seal of unequivocal success.
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 quachs.

190

Nothing conceivable can be worse or more contemptible than for confiding and suffering women to be the dupes of plausible and unscrupulouB
Not merely is it the pocket, but the paramount question
adventurers.
which may be imperilled and here it is that the
health
of life-long
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

modestly added that:

is

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
It someof course be untrue to say a second bottle is never required.
times ha,ppens that a lady has to send for another supply, but in 19 cases

We

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.

" A Woman's
In the case of a medicine wkich is advertised as
Cure for Women's Ills," an account is given of the evolution
of the remedy, in the course of which it is stated that

woman, if she know where best she

to confiult medical men in these
woman,
may
Lydia E. Pinkham, was often
Mrs.
woman,
One
troubles
who suffered from the diseases
friends
and
neighbours
her
called to help
It

seldom necessary
look for help from a

for

is

and ailments
So,

of

sister

women

after a time,

she learned to select

tihe

most potent roots and

medicine, but one

herbs, and to steep and compound from them a simiple
physicians failed.
wben
even
cured
and
relieved
which almost always

rather surprising theref ore to read that

knotty point wWoh she could not
in thofie rare cases involving some
physician and kept notes of
answer as she wished, she >nsnl*ed a good
what he said.
It

is

when physicians
Surely if this lady could relieve and cure
been the other way round
failed, the consultation should have
claimed, with a
Sometimes a French or American origin is
the
as
better,
therefore
suggestion that the preparation is

following
" To

Ladiieis.

for all irregularities?

Do you want a guaranteed remedy

Do you want sometMng far superior
apple and

all En'glisfh

preparatdons

to steel

and pennyroyal,

r.

bitter
a

Compound
NoKse Grey's Eenowned Am^er.can
If you do. mad for
even
results
surprising
A truly wonderful discovery, affording
Tablets.
most obatinaAe oaie*.
Prices Is. 3d. and 2s. 9d.

in the

(treble quantity) in pladm wrapper.

191

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
It

is

mentioned in the advertisement. The tablets were sent with

a circular letter, from which the following are extracts
tablets are certain to do good,

The

plete Tedief.

worth

thoixgQi

tihis

supply

may

and they frequently afford combe dmsufficdent to test their real

MtrcH mono effeotive iiham pillB, because tlhey comni'ince

nnan the OTstem Immediatblt, rwiheTeias pdfc (hiave to dissolve before

Miixtuires aire

to act

any benefit cam be obtaimed. The Tableits, tlhweifoire, oaninot Always

be Bupnosed to aocomplislh whiat a %. 9d. bottle of med/iaiine will, aJid
who would Te0rt 00 smaill lam ooitila/jr, 'wihioh may b the meams of saving
poumds.
You w& laoix'iouis for a oeiriaiin cure, and this is Just the
medioinft vou ireauilre. It ihas ouired itihooMaaidB amd will cure you.
There
are only the two pricee, namely, As. 9d., and Special Compound 10s., poet
free, securely packed from observation.
-

is

The way in which " guarantees " are given and then ignored
shown by " Nui-ee Mann's Remedy," advertised thus:
Free to Ladies.

A Sample

of

tike

Most

Reliiabl

Bemedy

-ever

discovered for irregu-

oam be Ibad, post free.

Thousaaids of letters
of tbam.ks tteisftiifyiiing to their speedy efficacy after all otlier thiings have
been tried in vain.
Each purdhaser semds back testimoiniiiaile, as they
afford reilieif in efv&ry imstanc.
Or wrdite for our ExtiPa 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.
DeHay is damgerous. 6emd at once.
laniities

'and

suppressdonis

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

iMb

not prove strong enough to oorrecjt the irreguyou to send at once for my spaoial No. 3
treatment at 21s., which takes effect in a few hours and saves all further
worry and expense.
(sihould

lardty I ishould strongly advise

It is perfectly harmless.

Yours faithfully,
Ntiesb Makn.

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

192

nature of a vegetable extract or a mixture of sugar, gum, etc.,

eucli as cannot be resolved exactly into its constituents when
Others, again, are mixtures
dealing with only email quantities.
containing decoction of aloes with other vegetable drugs many
also contain quite small quantities of volatile oils, usually oil
In
of pennyroyal, but sometimes with other oils also present.
all such cases it is only possible to give an approximate formula
;

in

many

cases

some other constituent

be present in small quantity, but

practically certain that such
ill-defined

if

besides those

any

this is so, in

unnamed

named may
cases it is

constituents are of an

and usually inert character,

definite

since

active

substances can almost always be detected.

DUMAS'S PARIS PILLS.

These are sold at

4s.

The box contained

6d. per box.

forty -six pills

these were coated with

had an average

after removal of the coating

French chalk, and

weighs of 2.9 grains.

Examination showed the presence

of

sulphate of iron, aloes, canella, liquorice, jalap, ginger, wheatEstimation of the

flour, and a trace of oil of pennyroyal.
amounts of these ingredients indicated the following formula
Dried sulphate of iron

38 grains

Powdered canella
Powdered liquorice
Powdered jalap
Powdered ginger

22

22
12

,,
,,
,,

"

12
2 minims
^

Barbadoes aloes
Flour
Oil of pennyroyal
Excipienfc

In 100

Estimated cost

pills.

of ingredients for forty-six pills, Vs'd.

NURSE POWELL'S POPULAR PELLETS

(SPECIAL).

t&blets.
These are sold at 4s. 6d. per box, containing forty-five
bright
The tablets were coated with sugar, dyed externally to a
was 2.8
purple; the average weight after removing the coating
aloes,
Analysis showed the preseoice of sulphate of iron,
starch and kaolin.
canella, ginger, oil of pennyroyal, with

grains.

193

Estimation of the varioixs ingredients indicated the following

formula
40 grains

of iron

Dried sulphate
Socotrine aloes

67

>>

Powdered canella
Powdered ginger

56

,,

Oil of pennyroyal

12

Maize starch
Kaolin
Excipient

16 grains

,,

minims

50

,,

In ICQ tablets.

Estimated cost of ingredients for forty-five tabletSj ^d.

NURSE POWELL'S CORRECTIVE

These are sold at

The

lis. per box,

PILLS.

containing forty-two

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
pills

Dried sulphate

of

ron

Socotrine aloes

Powdered
Powdered

100 grains
140
14
80
,,
10 minims
10 grains
,

jalap
liquorice (adulterated)

Oil of pennyroyal

Starch
Excipient

In ICQ

pillfl.

Estimated cost of ingredients for forty-two

pills,

^d.

NURSE POWELL'S CORRECTIVE MIXTURE.

The

price of this

is

13s.

per bottle, containing eight fluid

ounces.

Examination of the liquid showed

compound

it to be of the nature of
decoction of aloes, without saffron, with a trace of

194

chloroform;

was, however, much darker than the official

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.

decoction

it

of

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 tincturo
;

the colouring matter appeared to be cudbear.

Determination
of the quantities of the various ingredients gave the following

formula
Quinine sulphate
Ferrous phosphate
Dilute phosphoric acid
Sugar

grains

10
6

,,

fl.

drachms

3 oz.

220 minims.

Eectified spirit

Cudbear

Water

6.75

to

fl.

oz.

Estimated cost of ingredients, 2d.

MRS. LYDIA
The price
package

is

of

E.

PINKHx\M'S VEGETABLE COMPOUND.

this

marked,

is

2s.

"Made

and 4s. 6d. per bottle; the

U.S.A." A bottle was found to

9d.
in

contain nearly seven fluid ounces.

to contain 19.3 per cent, by volume of
cent of solid substances; the ash was
per
alcohol, and only 0.6
0.06 per cent., and consisted of the constituents usual in
and ammonia were
traces of tannin
vegetable preparations;
sugar; no alkaloid
reducing
of
a
quantity
present, and a small

Analysis showed

it

was present, and no evidence was obtained

of

any active prin-

soluble in ether ; the

ciple except a trace of a bitter substance
poeremainder (0.3 or 0.4 per cent.) was vegetable extractive,
sesbing

no

distinctive characters.

1S5

NURSE GREY'S AMERICAN COMPOUND TABLETS.

Tliese " tablets, " or

at Is. 3d.

and

2s. 9d.

more properly ovoid pills, are supplied

A Is. 3d. box contained twenty-

per box.

six ovoid pills.

The pilk 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)

;
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
talc

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

this contained

48

is 4s.

6d. per

box

for the "

Extra Special "

'

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

in this case

iron pill

corresponded to 88 per cent, of the

official

of iron

aloes

there was some ground for suspecting

traces of
rue and apiol, but without positive
evidence of either.
;

and

oil of

TOWLE'S PENNYROYAL AND STEEL

PILLS.
The

price of these

is Is.

l^d. per box,

box was found to contain 26

and upwards

a Is.

Ud

'

pills.

The pills were coated with French

chalk and sugar- after
removal of the coating the average
weight was sUg'htl^ ove"
Enough oil of pennyroyal was
2 grams.
pr^ent to give a not
very marked odour of the drug,
and estimation of thf quantX
showed about 0.02 grain in each pill;
iron sulphate was pr'en/
ealt.

About 43 per

cent,

of

the

pill

consisted of

powdered
N 2

,
'

U6
capeicum, and no other active ingredient was found, the
remainder being excipient and moisture. The formula is thus,
approximately
Dried sulphate of iron
Powdered capsicum
Oil of pennyroyal
Excipient

14 grains

86

In 100

Estimated cost

DR.

,,

minims

pills.

of the drugs, for twentynsix pills, Jd.

JOHN HOOPER'S FEMALE

PILLS.

These pills are stated to be prepared under

granted to Dr. John Hooper in 1743.

letters

patent

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

Examination of the

letters

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
The results of examination of the
antihysterical ingredients."
pills showed them to liave 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,

A similar pill is

with a trace of oil of pennyroyal.

following formula
Dried sulphate

given by the

10 grains

of iron

48

Powdered senna
Powdered canella
Powdered jalap

,,

27

17

Aloes

>

2 drops

Oil of pennyroyal

Excij)ient

In 100

pills.

Estimated cost of the drugs, for forty-one

pills,

KEARSLEY'S ORIGINAL WIDOW WELCH'S

FEMALE
T'ne price of these

The

pills

is Is.

PILLS.

l^d. per box containing twenty

had an average weight

of 3-8 grains,

pille.

and were found

197

to

exsiccated

salt),

(equal

iron

contain eulphate of

sulphur

(2.7

per

to

per cent,

29

the

powdered

with

cent.),

of

powdered turmeric, maize starch, and excipient. The

vegetable powders were estimated to be present in the amounts
liquorice,

given in the following formula:

120 grains
12
65
,,
34
,,

Dried sulphate of iron

Precipitated sulphur

Powdered liquorice
Powdered turmeric
Excipient

In 100

pills.

Estimated cost of drugs, for twenty

DE.
The

pills,

-^d.

FAMOUS FEMALE

DAVIS'S

price of these pills

is Is.

PILLS.

l^d. per box, containing twenty-

three.

The

^_

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, euch 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
pills

Dried sulphate

46 grains
1^4
,,

of iron

Powdered savin
Extract of colocynth

Excipient

In 100

Estimated cost

DR.
The

of drugs, in

twenty-three

pills,

Jd.

FAMOUS FEMALE MIXTURE.

DAVIS'S

price of this

pills.

is

28.

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;

198

this contained a trace of

in the oil of pennyroyal)

magnesia (no doubt employed in mixing

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.
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
" concentrated decoction of aloes, without saffron,"
volume).
is largely sold as a cheaper substitute for the ofl&cial preparation
the latter, however, whether with or without the saffron, cannot
properly be prepared of the concentration commonly employed

(1

on account of the amount of tincture

4)

and the

cardamoms,

therefore diminished in the concentrated pre

and may consequently vary in the preparations of

alcohol

paration,

of

is

different makers.

The following formula:

Concentrated decoction of aloes -without saffron

ChloToform water, 2 parte
Water to 8 parts {all by measure),

(1

to

3), 1

part

gave a mixture agreeing in all respects, except the amount

alcohol present, with the one under examination.

Estimated cost

of

of ingredients of 4 ounces, ytj^-

JEFFERSON DODD'S FEMALE PILLS.

The

price of these pills

is Is.

l|d. per box, containing thirty

six.

were found to be coated with French chalk, and

grains.
after removal of the coating had an average weight of 3.4

The

pills

199

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 xcipient and moisture. The following formula

gave a similar

pill

34 grains
72
,,

Dried sulphate of iron

Powdered liquorice
Barbadoes aloes

142

,,

Excipient

In 100

pills.

Estimated cost of drugs for thirty-six

pills,

^d.

MARTIN'S APIOL AND STEEL PILLS.

These are sold at

4s. 6d.

per bottle, containing forty-nine

pills.

The

were coated with French chalk, coloured pink with

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
eosin

pills

after removal

Reduced iron

10 grains
150
,,
12
,,
75
,,
55
,,

Barbadoes aloes
Apiol

Powdered cinnamon
Powdered cardamom
Excipient

In 100

pills.

Estimated cost of ingredients, for forty-nine

pills,

|d.

FOURNIER'S HYGENIQUE MIXTURE FOR FEMALES

(EXTRA STRONG).
The

price of this

is

lis. Od.

per bottle holding twenty fluid

ounces.

Examination showed the mixture to consist of compound

decoction of aloes, with th addition of a very small quantity

200

of iron

the

amount

of the latter corresponded to 0.45 per cent,

of the crystalline ferrous sulphate, or two grains in a dose.
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 Pharmacopoeia.

Estimated cost

of ingredients for

twenty

fluid ounces. Is. Id.

MONAID TABLETS.
The

price of these

is

2s.

9d. per

box contfeining

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.
Oieo-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,

cannot be quite positively

the
substance
was
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 subtaste, etc., it

asserted that this

stance, but nothing further could be identified.

SANOL CONES.
Two

varieties of these

were examined,

viz.

Sanol Cones (Ordinary). Price 4e. 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

201

gentian

roofcj

formula

is

the remainder consisted of

oil of

theobroma.

Thf

thus
22 grains
87
,,

Dried sulphate of iron

Sulphate of quiniue
Powdered gentian
Oil of

26

theobroma

1,200

,,

In 100 cones.

Estimated coet of ingredients of sixteen cones, under IJd.

Sanol Cones (Special).

Price

containing
thirty-six cones.
These were similar in size and shape to the
Analysis
preceding, but differed in being of a green colour.
lis.

per

box,

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 email 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
Oil of theobroma (tinted green)

52
1,200

,,

In 100 oones.

Estimated cost of ingredients in thirty-six cones, 3d.

I.E.S.

COMPOUND GOLDEN TABLETS.

The price of these is Is. l^d. 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

After removal

paint,

containing copper but no gold.

average weight of the pills was

of the coating- the

analysis showed them to contain sulphate of iron equi;

valent to 48 per cent, of the exsiccated salt, and sodium car2 grains

bonate, producing ferrous carbonate on addition of water; the

other ingredients were starch, gum, and moisture. The amounts

and sodium carbonate were not properly

adjusted for converting the whole of the former to ferrous carbonate, but the composition was variable.
One specimen

of ferrous sulphate

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,

202

two

fifths of

which formed ferrous carbonate.

The formula

thus approximately
Dried sulphate of iron
Dried sodium carbonate
Excipient

gg grains
25 grains

In 100

pills.

Estimated cost of ingredients of twenty-four

MRS.
Tliis

is

is

pills,

J^d.

SHAPFER-BENNYON'S REMEDY.

supplied at

48.

per

8d.

box,

containing

fourteen

suppositories for rectal use.

On

the wrapper of the box

was stated that

These cones are coampoeed of Theobrama, Cerum,
Fer Lac. Sol
Sulph, 01, Rutae, Crab, Etc.
it

Ouinse

(the stops being as here given).

The fourteen

had an average weight of 14.2

Analysis showed them to contain

grains each.

suppositories

Quinine sulphate
Boric acid
Oil of

They had

per cent.

4_g

theobroma

2.75

fl

oz

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.

grain,

Each suppository thus contains quinine sulphate 0.73

acid 0.70 grain.
The estimated cost of the

boric

materials for fourteen suppositories

is

Id.

MRS. STAFFORD-BROOKES' PELLOIDS.

These are supplied at

4s. 6d.

per box, containing sixteen pes-

saries.

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,

nnd the style and wording of all the circulars, are very similar
The chief difference is that the cones are
in the two cases.
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.

203

On

the package appears the statement

Tlhese Peilloids are Gmraiuteeid Hoirmleas,

01. Tlheobroiina,

and

Rad. Anchvisas, Myrrh, A. Bor,

conitain

Saiilplhi.

Quina.,

etc., etc.

" 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

The

" Pelloids

trace of quinine, not sufficient to give the Blighteet perceptible

bitter

taste;

myrrh or

no

any other ingredient

oould

be

detected.

Each

" Pelloid

The estimated
ie

" thus contains: Boric acid, 0.37 grain.

cost of the materials for the sixteen pessaries

Id.

NUESE HAMMOND'S IMPEOVED EEMEDIES.

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; tkis consisted
bottle of liquid, 16 tablets,

and 16

of

an

8-oz.

piile.

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 extracthe latter possessed no characters by which it could be
tive
identified, but its vinous ismell and taste, slight acidity, and alkaline ash, and the presence of a reducing sugar in moderate
amount, all suggested the presence of a smalll quantity of wine.
No active principle of any sort could be detected beyond la 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 tbe coating had an average weigbt of
Analysis showed the principal ingredient to be
2.9 grains.
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 excipiente.
No alkaloid or other active

principle was found.

pill,

The

pills

somewhat weaker than the

were thus a form of Blaud's

official

iron

pill.

204

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

contained twelve

The

is

T^d. and 2b. 3d. per box; a l\d. box

pills.

were ovoid in shape, coated with talc coloured pink

;
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 ol
oils of pennyroyal and rue, and possibly tansy ; the quantity was
far too email for its components to be separated and identified
pills

after removal of the coating they

small quantity of apiol appeared to be present,

but this substance possesses no characters by which it can be
positively.

positively identified in such a mixture; the principal consti-

tuents were exsiccated sulphate of iron

forming 10 per cent,

present to the extent of 11 per cent.,
and probably added to assist in incorporating the apiol and
of the pill

and

soap

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
essential oils

certainly) Socotrine aloes.

DR. PATTERSON'S

FEMALE

PILLS.

These are supplied in boxes at 2s. 9d. ; " special extra strong,"
4s. 6d.
2s. 9d. box contained twenty-seven pills.

The

were coated with

and coloured pink.

After
average
weight of 3.2
removal of the coating, they had an
Analysis showed them to contain sulphate of iron,
grains.
pills

talc,

Barbadoes aloee, 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 examiua-

20S

aroma other than that from the conetituente

named may have been due to a trace of oil of rue, and a small
positive
quantity of apiol may have been present, but no

tion.

slight

evidence of

its

presence was obtained.

HORTON'S BENEDICT PILLS.

The

price of these

is Is.

box contained forty-nine

l^d.

and

2s. 9d.

per box.

Is.

l^d.

pills.

The pills had an average weight of 4 grains analysis showed

them to contain sulphate of iron, Socotrine aloes, powdered
another
ginger in considerable quantity, and a small amount of
amount
The
gentian.
vegetable powder which appeared to be
;

of iron

corresponded to 10 per cent, of the exsiccated sulphate.

BLANCHARD'S APIOL AND STEEL PILLS.

Blanchard's Pills are supplied at

IJd. per box, containing

Is.

bwenty-four.

were coated with talc, and after removal of the

Analysis showed
coating had an average weight of 1.9 grains.
the presence of sulphate of iron, soap, Barbadoes aloes, powalso
dered ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon; evidence was
obtained of the presence of a little apiol, but the characters of

The

pills

amount
this substance are not suflaciently well defined for the
The soap was 3 per cent,
to be determined quantitatively.
of the pill,

the apiol
iron pill,

and was no doubt added

to assist in incorporating

the other ingredients represent the ofiicial aloes and

present to the extent of about 80 per cent.

NURSE LILLY'S FEMALE

These
Is.

l|d.

pills

are supplied at

l^d.

box contained thirty-three

were coated with

average weight
an
had
coating

The

Is.

pills

PILLS.
2s.

9d. per box; a

after

removal of the
Analysis showed

and

pills.

talc,

and

of 1.9 grains.

the presence of sulphate of iron (12 per cent, of the exsiccated

salt), Socotrine aloes, cinchonine sulphate (3.3 per cent.), pow-

dered 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").

206

BLAX THYROL FEMALE

PILLS.

These pills are supplied at

the following pricesNo. 3x (strong), 3s. 6d.
No. 4
;
(extra)

7.. 6d.

per box. The variety

of whioh contained 48
pills.

The

pills are advertised in

th^ J31ood Ve^sds of

di.eoted.

,fo.

ilihe

.naly'd

5s

No

No
No .

'

9c

fi^

a 3s

the following terms:

r 2

bodv

T^""

^"^'^

^^^^^^

a box a. o.c.;tins^;ti:t:'

"

'"^^"'^ ^^^^ ^^^'^^

black.
After
r..Z^'
removal
of .r'"'
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,

alkaloid,

powdered gmger,

little

powdered

a trace of

liquorice,

and

aloes, soap,

or

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 ^i, 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 solana<5eous 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
" moon plant
is the
originally discovered in South Virginia."

No

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.

207

A MEDICINE FOR ENSURING EASY OONFIiNrEMENTS

The remaining nostrum here described

is for a different puithe preceding, as the extracts from advertisement

pose from

given below show.

MATROZONE.
This

a preparation supplied by a firm in a northern seaport at 5s. 6d. per package containing two bottles marked
is

and B, each holding one

fluid ounce.

which it is intended is indicated by the

page of the booklet which is sent with it

Tihe purpose for

ment on the

first

Matimzoiis Promotes NaturiaJ,

HeailtLy,

Biauifciikil,

and Easy

Ratpid.,

Comfiinieanenifc.

state:

Ensu-rcis

Sind Biriigbt Clhilldrm

The booklet proceeds

to give an account of the origin of the

In a copy of the pamphlet sent out in 1908 it is

medicine.
stated that

TIbis tpaatmenit is tlbe resoilt of tthe patieiaib inviesitigatdcxn, of

of Religion

to

qiualiifyirig

Ube

deiat'h

for

of a

a Minieiter

When

a young man pursuing his studies with a view

Medical Pirofessiiooi Ihe was profoaaiiidly ionpreeBed by

'tine

young wife,

closely associated witib Ihds family, in hex first

comfinemieint.

Realising vividly both the pain

and

peril involved in childnbearing

he
be girven to the^ motbor by appropriate drugs ^if her system could be gently and scientifically prepared
for tlbe igireat sibrain, to be birooiglht lupon it.
Wibdllie tnTnimg from tlbe
medical -professiion Ito enter ttlbe Qbrisltiam, MiinilsltTy, Ibe did not for a
moment TOlimquisIb ihiiis scdieaitifio lamd meddcali studSies, or abandon his quest.
Through one pastorate extending over thirty-three years, he kept his
purpose in view.
t.uimod to

seie

lif

amy

possdible lielp conld

But

in a

copy of the booklet sent out in 1911 the statement

appears thus
" Maytrozone ") is (fabe neeult of
bbe prolonged
patient imvestigaUon of a Scientiist.
When a youin.g m?<n, pumiing
his studies with a view to qualifjdng for the Medical Profession, he was

Maitirozone (pronounced

a-iid

profoumdly iim^preesed by the deatlb of a young wife, closely associated worth

bis family, in bar first conJineoniemt, 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

drag

examined, studied, and carefully experimeaited

with, until several gave proof, when accurately and proportionately
combined, of theiir power to render incaileulable Ibdlp in every
case expeffimemted upon.
aftei-

w^as

208

His fimt

aimpuiLse wa to nialce v.-idely

public the rmuM, of hia abs^va
and expomnemte, ibojt rii>ar consLdKM-aAion showed
him that thos was
unpradtacaible.
Su^h a pu,blioi,ty c<,.uld not poeedibly be

taons
qixrte

me

great inajorilty of

obUmod

tlbe

people woulld oortoinly never hear

of

Them th& preparation were most

oiiJy

d&licajte.

They had

to he

but with extwrne

v/iih ekill,

It.

made not

consoiejiltiousiiess, a.iui thoy h-ad

to
carefully asceinbaiTi.ed ordr.
Only trained

be
admiiUBtaned dn a
pharmacists
could ppQpar tihieam, and without oveTsdghit or check,
they might he prepaa^d carelessly, and so remdeired aborrbive.

The

gneat fuinotion of

first

parturaition

or,

...

"

Mato-ozone" in its two forms is to facilitate

-to ensure nat-ural, speedy, and
easy chiJd-

m othar wonds,

In all the oases in which it has aJlready been tried,

and
have been carafully kept, it has proved itself of wiestu^ble
B-ervioe.
In many caees 'the child has been .healthily born Before
the
Dodtor Has Amived, the mother has made a quiclc and span.taueous
recovery, and Whe habe has proved sound, brigM, and
thriving.
It powerfully bout Uiotunajly Tegulatas the health of ttihe
mother during
the later momths of gefctatiom. It comects the temdeaicy to hysteria,
and
to hysiteric lieadachies. It has a ispecdfic and remarkable power to obviate
fake ipresemtoibioois.
A second great 'fufnctioai. of " Matrozone " is
to induoe^ vigour, buoyancy, phyisioail beauty, and initelleetuol brightness
in the child. This is one of its most remarkable and beneficent achievebinth.

which

of

iM)tes

...

ments.

Leoiigithi

To

of Treatment.

obtain

much

its best effects in tJhe hour of (labour it should (be used daily
least 'a monith hefore the aoooudhemenit is expected.
It would be
safer, however, to- commemc dite luse six weeks before, especially

where

difficiutees

for

alfci

are antdoipated, and in

firat

comfiiiements.

Dose.
" MQ.tmzone "

may

be-

better

desori'bed

as an

elega-nt

and

scientahc

treatment than as a single pTepaxaitdon,. Its ingiredieots are so subtle,

and lhave siuch a dietinot and delicate action, tlhat it is prepared in two
forms A and B. Ten drops of the preparation A sihould be token in a
little tepid water every momimig, hallf an hooiir toefore breakfast, and ten
drops of the preparation B should be taken in a Hltlble tepid water every
evening half-an-'houir before food.

stowed it to
Anaylsis of tlie liquid in the bottle marked
water. The
and
alcohol,
volume)
of
cent,
(by
68.9
per
contain
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
No trace of alkaloid was shown by the most delicate
alcohol.
The residue showed a minute trace of organic matter, but
test.
to an
it was, of course, impossible to say whether this was due
and
dust
or
to
etc.,
extract,
plant
infinitesimal quantity of some
other chance contamination of the liquid.

209

The
cent,

liquid in the bottle

by volume

of alcohol,

B contained only 60.3 per

other respects resembled that

marked
but

in

in the other bottle.

The

cost of the alcohol in the two bottles together

would be

about 3^d.

A GERMAN NOSTEUM.
Dr Zernik

states that:

Dr. med. R. Kleinertz's Quideslin is advertised in a most catchy

The advertisement includes the following passages: "What
manner.
The
to those about to become mothers."
It
is a comfort
it?
is
directions

for

use

are

as

follows

tablespoonful

of

the extract

is

be placed in a thick walled small cup or other similar vessel, and

The fluid is then lighted, and the patient
this is placed in a pail.

to

ifumee to play airounxi her abdomm a.nd legs, umitil they

are thoroughly warmed. Tlhie is to be Tiep'eiateid twice a day for the last
nhie- icomposditdon liis giiwm las bilacisflhorn,
waeiks of ^pregnancy.
fiiLx
is

to allow

tlhie

camomile, eucalyptus, hoarhound, shepherd's pouch, and cheese rennet

extracted in alc<ihiol. The amalysiis sihowed lUhat qiuadeetiim is a wieak
extract of various indifferent Vegetables, including eucalyptus and camomile
in 90 per cent, spirit. Apart from thie impossibiliity of the fumes beiimg
per
of t'heirapeuit.'c value, Zeaiiiik poinit out the highmess of the price, 5s.
litire

bottle,

siuffioieinit

for

tlhire

weeks.

CHAPTEK

XIV.

WALLACE'S SPECIFIC EEMEDIES " AX

ABSOLUTE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE."
study of the advertising matter, pamphlets, " treatises,"

pubHshed 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 unquestion-

etc.,

ingly quite absurd statements widely advertised about

nostrum, or the diseases which

particulars

given

in

this

it is

asserted to cure.

chapter of

"specifics for the eradication of

all

set

of

some
The

so-called

organic and functional

diseases incidental to the present generation during infant

and adult
itself

life

" well illustrate the power of nonsense

believed and accepted.

These medicines appear

put forward by two persons of the

name

of

to get

to be

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
nf

them, or chat acetic acid

is

an absolute poison, surely

211

many

cannot impress

readers with- respect for the know-

ledge of the author; while the grouping together as diseases

for

which one and the same preparation

containing

no

aUcaloid

is

an

dropsy, insanity, consumption,

skin, pleurisy,

and

many

an aconite tincture

" absokite

specific,"

of

mumps, vermin under

the

others, shows a degree of ignor-

ance 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

thus,

it is

from

all

professed that

all

made

alkaloidal substances are absent

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

^y 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

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."
if

these facts

The modest claim advanced for "Wallace's Twelve

Specific
Eemedies," which form the subject of the present
chapter,

is

that
These
Diseases

Speoifi.os are
^inoideiirtal

for the Eradiiaa/fcioai of all OTgandc

to the pTeseai,t .generaitooai durimg infaMt

amd Fumotional
and admit 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 aubhoiB
appear U> be Mr. Joseph Wallace and Mrs.

Wallaxje.

The medicines

Leigh

are supplied at the uniform

Hunt

price of

o 2

212

per bottle, conta-ining 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
9d.

2s.

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 guine.as 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'
miles of Russell Square."

It

own

is

residences, within three

not necessai-y 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.

given below from

evidence of that ignorance.
extracts

The principal account

their

'

publications

are

The

sufiicient

'

system
is given in a book of
about 170 pages, entitled " niysianthrofy or, The Home Cure
and Eradication of Disease. By Joseph Wallace (Lex et Lux)
and O. Leigh Hunt Wallace," which is sold at 6d. and Is. 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
of the

'

'

Second Edition;
revised

By

wihicii

" Physiamibhiropy "

may

be corrected and

Uip-ito-daJte.

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,

The book

is

An Absolute Science of Medicine, in opposition to State-Protected

Experimental Quackery,
" absolute " apparently depending on its being
its claim to being
unrelated to facts, at least in any such way as the sort of science
which is stigmatised as " experimental." fn the iiiLrodnction to
this part an account is given of bow 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

and dootors,
This anvaluafble system he has only divulged to clengymen
tlhenLseives,
boumd
and
gdineais,
Immdxed
lliim
a
paid
.gOadly
who each
prepai-atiou of his
method
the
oi
or
names
tIhe
revead
to
not
legally,

213

medicines,

till

woulil give to

a/flter

.llbe

be

ihntl

ipjublislied bis comple'tB

woo-ld tihe firee

Certaiu possible criticism

aod
is

full beinefiits

.oif

mcdiiuail

work, wibicb

his disTOveries.

thus dealt with in advance

It is leivdtl'eint It'baJt tibose who say 'tJbis 'booli ifi written for the pui'poiso of
advertising tbe sale of quack medicines utter a false and slanderous asserticra

one

upoai

w'hose

desiires

and

woirks &ve ewa" devoted to the best

interests of bumanity.

The

'
'

Specifics

'
'

are thus referred to collectively

Tbe Medicines, here introduced to tbe public for home use and private
purchase for tbe first time, consist of
Twelve Absolute

Specifics.

27iey are scientifically curative of the various diseases and conditions

yjhich are here carefully enumerated, as indicating their

of the body,
requirement.

At present

these Medicines are merely distinguished by numbers, us

"No. I.," "No. II.," "No. III.," etc.

must be explained that they arc prepared in an alcohol denuded of

oil, and are treble the concentration
of those of a similar kind
prepared by the usjtal homoeopathic or allopathic mode, but, as explained
elsewhere, the whole of what man/ he called the accumidative, ulkaloidal,
or poisonous principles of the plants have been removed, and thus their
curative poiuers, ivhen combined loith a tridy curative regimen, arc
enhanced in a marvellous degree.
It

fusel

Although

may

be considered almost hopeless to expect any of these

improved upon, or superseded, yet should others be subscquently discovered which are more prompt in palliative action under any
conditions, non- cumulative in the human system, and permanently curait

Specifics to be

tive,

they will be described in a future edition of this work.

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. 1. 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
"Poison" being put upon the bottle
containing it. But it is, technically, a poison, because it is prepared from
tbe poisonous plant Aconitum napelhis.
Mr. Wallace has taken a patent
out for bis method of producing from it a non-poisonous tincture.
When tbe law was made that all preparations of that plant were to be
to send it out without tbe label

214
labelled " Poison,"

it

In regard to

was not contomplated that a non-poisonouB prepara

is behind the times, and needs repealing.

The law

tion could be made.

its

mode

we are informed that:

of action,

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 jDaralysing 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 60 causing the skin pores to become more elastic, open, and
The mucous

free, as the capillaries get rid of their congestive blockings.

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
It is by virtue of this wonderful power of clearing
of white corpuscles.
out this effete matter that the normal circulation becomes rapidly estab-

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
" No. I."
also possesses the curative property of
the same time.
lished,

encouraging and assisting Nature in her expulsion of iron and olhtr

mineral drugs, tienoe its wonderful control over neuralgia and lung bleedThus it is
ings, which are drug (iron) created diseases, or conditions.
benefited
by
specially
are
discharges
and
hsemorrhages,
abnormal
that all
while
conserved,
fluids
healthy
and
expelled,
rapidly
matter
diseased
it,
the healthy normal action of the organism is restored in the least possible
time.

pretty specimen of " absolute " nonsense!

which this " non-poisonous

tincture " of aconite is to be taken, and the list of their sympA few specimens will show the
toms, occupy several pages.
"
catholic nature of this " specific

names

The

f or

diseases

of

Bronchitis.
Consumption.
painful
and
Inflammatory
Asthma. Heart, stomach, and
bowels.
and
bladder,
kidneys,
womb,
pancreas,
diseases of the spleen,
Measles.
Hydrocephalus.
Mumps. Abscesses. Scrofula
Organic debility.
Fevers of all kinds.
Small-pox.

Tubercular diseases.

Insanity.

Dropsy.

liver diseases.

An-ina

pectoris.

Bidding

Diphtheria

of the nose, eyes, or ears.

Vermin under the

fish.

Erysipelas.

skin.
.

Boils.

Whooping cough.

Polypus of the nose, etc^

Poisoning by bad or putnd
Piles.

Hysteria.

Tooth,

Pleurisy.
Neuralgia. Lumbago.
Sciatica.
iaw, and face-ache.
difficult parturition
and
prolonged,
Painful,
Epilepsy.
menstruation.
Difficult, deficient, painful, or suppressed
Sore throat. Cold
Sunstroke.
Squinting.
Leucorrhoea.
Amaurosis
Catoract.
Diaibeites.
Briffht's disease.
the head.
Short-sightedness.
.

215

Can anything be

do?

it
to the non-poisonous nature of this tincture,

With regard
is

for tJie other eleven specificB to

left

explained that

a poLsonoms one; but this

that portion of the
contain,
not
Liucture ie nob prepared from, and does
^n the toman
oumnMive
co.ns^eque,iitly
plaait knowm to be poisonous amd
if not wholly,
almost,
be
to
pla-nit
has
organism. The .alkaloid of 'the
presiervialtioii in a nonoliminated by the peculiar anode of p.reparaitioin lamd
fu,sel oil >and
poisonous ailooihol, whiah ihais been previously deprived of its
pirepairaother poisonous propea^tdes. So muioh so is this the ciase, that this
patients with
tion of " No. I." has been taken by mistake by several
brandiy, in quanMies
delioaJto oa-ganisms, and by people wlho misibook it for
w.it)ho>Uit the leiaist
equlal to two large wineglass fuls or more at one time,
vrhioh " No. I." is

The plant from

made k

beyond being vea-y mnch. fTigihtemed by

produced on the neirvOTiS system.

peamaineaiib injiimionB af bear -eff eats,

the peculiar

electTiicaJ effects

" would be from 4 oz. to 10 oz.

The draught
or more, according to i>he meaning of "large."
to make
enough
would therefore cost from lis. to 27s. or so,

'Two

large winedassfule

much

the patients "very

The dose

for adults

is

frightened."
stated to be " 20 drops to 40 drops,

according to temperament."

non-poisonous nature,
to read that the antidote to overdoses of " No. I." for adults
" No. III." in 30-drop doses. It is added that " the poisonis
ous aconite sold at the chemist's needs port wine as an antidote."
It

is

somewhat surprising,

in

view of

its

It did not appear to be worth while to analyse every one of

the twelve "specifics," and

No.

II.

The action of

"No.

this

I." was not examined.

described as follows:

is

No. II." consists in antidoting, or neutralizing, the

The great power
virulence oi the oorxoisive action of tlie matter of bad, offensive, painful,
of "

buaining or

eating

aveilted, wihan

ulcers,

wheireiby

can be aipplded

.it

lall

paiai

dinedted.

is

afcyed and

Oominig

diraictly

completeilry
in-

conitact

with the excreted aoid exorebing yeaist looa-ipfusclles, it at oooe so neutralizes

UhedT ammoiniiadal .and putrefaiotive s'unx>uindi,nigis, lioiwever dagriaded their
source, that nature cam immediately set up,
of the pairt, until

,aill

and keep

oifeindimig ma'ttier wfliicih .naibuT

been discharged, and thus

heialtliy, .gramilationis
ihiais

toi

espel

by that

"

No. II." is taken

at the begiiiiimiing, it is lalble to avert iskin sciairs. wiheire they would unavoidHence Ut is speoiaOJly cunaitive for all broken,
aibly (be pa'ioduiced withoiut i*'.
open, raw, or u'lcetrated suirfiaces, either intemaJlly or eatemaily.

outlet, has oozed out, or

It .has another

out

wonderful .power, a0

heo-editaa-y lamd

allopathic
diseases,

acquired

if

ami esitensdom of tlh albove,

diseaees

fTom inoculation, and

or other umscieintafic treaitmeimt.

w.Ul

It

and mineral drags, even wihen lodged

in rootiin.g

subsequent

root O'Ut these old

in the bones, tihrowing to

216

the surface the rotten bene with otihcr offemdaing maitteitilwia enabling
nature ito ,reiouporait.e, and resiorc tilic lost parte. With seemingly lart^oit, ot
;

internal .abnormal .growbl.r,, or igxowing ulcers, such as caiiK'er

dropsy, when taken internally, "No. II." not only stops

and ovarian

their elow
growth, but, by neutrnJiMng the vi/rulemce of the cotrrosive or putrefactive
iohor excreted from the degraded yeast or ofiher geirms in the affect<;d parts,
enaibles nastoine to disperse graduaJly and surely, as a foi^ign
but inoffensive
substance, .tJhe effete matter witibout injury to the vitality, aind with
buit
corapairativeily little general distiwibajicc.

In burns,

.scaldis,

and corrosiohs from

cauteries,

a.nd minieirail acids, ertennally apipliied, it

is aJi

and corrosive

miimerals,

powerful in allaying

tihe

pain!

preventing suppuration, lamd healing the part.

The
all or

list

of diseases

some of

"for which

the absolute specific for

it is

their phases " includes such trifles as:

Syplhiilis, land eveiry farm of venereal disease.

Camiceir in evsiry form,
whether situated in the atomadh, womb, bowiels, kodn-eys, liver, lungs,
breast, brain, throat, tongue, mouth, nose, oi- ,any other .part of the body.
Ovarian diropsy. Wihitlow. Fistiula.
Diphtbeiniia.
Ibchiing, sore,
nesis, or eruption of the .reiproductF^'e oirgans, from whaiteve.r canise,
in male
or female.
Deaifmeiss, with isuppunation of the eatrs..
Necrosis, or
.

rotting

of

Diabetes.

bones.

fluent Bma.ll-,pox.
.

Hemi.a;.

Itich.
.

Effects of poisoning

EsoriaisiLsi.

Vacricose

Eczema.

veia^s.
.

Ane.uriams.-

Tendency

Con-

bo niiscarrdiage.

and Brighlt's diseases in syphdli'tiz.ed persons.

corrosive minerals and mineral acids.

Cystitis

by

Under " administration "

This epeoific can be taken in

it is

aflmoist

functional disturbanae being created,

stated that:

any quantity, without organic

IboDt

wihen large doses

aire

or

persisted in

& consider/able leaiglth of time, its power and piui'pose, as already

become too evident, Iby the general ddstnribance created in the
digestive organs, owing to the extra wave of pent-up laitent matter being
poured into .the .stomach, thro^@h the uprooting po.weir of the medicine,
creating for the time laoidity, heartbra-n, amd other fermentations in the
stomach a.nd bow.els, but which isymptom.s cease if the medicine is discontinued or lessened in quantity for a few days.
for

dasicTLbed,

The adult dose

times daily " ; it

is

is

given as " from seven to ten drops three

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," apjjlies to this as to the
others.
Nevertheless, analysis of " No. II " showed the pre-

217

seuce of

and

alkaloidfi berberine

blie

liydrastiue, the proper bioiit

being
Borbeiinie

0.05

Hydiraisitane

0.11

32.3

Al'cohol

Extraotive

2.7

Ajsih

0.3

oent.

ipeir

,,

by voluime

i>er ocmt.

The ash showed the usual composition of the ash of vegetabH>

The extractive agreed in its properties with thr-;

extracts.

extractive of tincture of hydrastis (which also contains hydras-

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 aav
other ingredient.
tine

and berberine)

this,

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
This gives about 2W. as the cost
liquid under consideration.
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
No. Ill is introduced with
cases, and a few extracts will serve.
"
the
yeast
animalculae, or white
verbosity,
in
which
much
corpuscles," again figure; alcohol is referred to as " this singular
(which no chemist that we are aware of hsR
produot
a " Wallace improved disbeen able to absolutely analyse)
tilling apparatus " is referred to, which separates alcohol and
oenanthic ether from
.

aoebic aoid anxi fusel

theiir ipoiscraouii lasisooiiates,

oil,

whidh

firom tlieir being

absolutely ipoisoaious, less volatile, aind therefore cmmiullaitive, ae

r-atrus

domonstiraites, itlhey iorim the

commonly

The

aittributed to alcdboil

diseases

Seasiokiiiess,

f or

alcobolic

indulgence.

Diaimhoea.

....
and

Delirium

and

Megrim.

trem'enis.

is

biLious

Faltty

iiii

ipiroiliiicing

tihiis

tihose'

appaevils

to be taken include
vomitinig,

vomiting of
from

moimaaiig

durinig pregnaincy, astihmatic ibireatliing

.si'ckneiss

Ddabeteis.

factor

.alorie.

which No. Ill

bilioiusnieisis,

drunkardis, monniiing

oliieif

degenieTiatioin

Poiisoaing

the

oif

Short-isight'edDeisis.

by

deleitepioiUis

heart.
.

Acine.

Dipsomania.

clhemical products

iherbs.

Among

the symptoms "which indicate the requirement of

No. Ill are

Excessive selfishness.
Kleptomn.nia.
Excessive
Imtense pain, as if la mail were dlrdven ink) the biiain.
.

Parched tongue.
EumhlLnig im stomach and bowels, with
.

Weak action of
sickening poin. .
.

heoirt.

meianness.

218

The dose

for adults is stated to be tm drops three times

daily
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.
ill

Analysis showed

it

to contain

Caffeine
Oajne sugar

0.25 per cent.

...

...

Glucose or an vert sugar

...

1.7

...

0.6

Aah

','

0.52

AlcoiicJ

47.25 ipor cent, by volume

3.12

Extraoiive

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

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
is

and behaviour to tests a tincture oi a pale-roasted coffee woula

have the same comj^ositiou 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 lAd.
;

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.

and No. VI are stated to be worm

specifics,

No.

being for small threadworms and long round worms, and No. VI
No. V alone was examined. The dose is stated
for tapeworms.
to be seven to ten drops in a wineglass of water three times
Analysis showed it to contain
daily.
30.5 per cent,

Alcohol

Ash

0.2

Reducing sugars

2.9

,,

Extractive

I-'''

>y

No

by volume

any
sort could be detected, and the extractive and ash showed no
are
distinctive characters by which the plant from which they

The tincture

Avas slightly acid.

active principle of

219

The liquid was compared with

derived could be identified.
tiucturee of drugs that are or have been used for worms, but
with only negative results.

No. VII.

It

stated in the book that:

is

" No. VII " is the (Specific for gout (and is a tincture of Nux Moschata
[Nutmegsl, prepared according to a special formula and from specially

selected fruits).

In the more recent pamphlet no information is given as to what

The dose is given as twenty to thirty
it is prepared from.
drops in water, three times daily.
Analysis showed

it

to contain
51.05 per cent, by volume

Alcohol

Ash

0.22

Reducing sugar
Fat and extractive

2.1

1.0

nutmeg was prepared (not, however, " according

formula ') and compared with it, and the two were

tincture of

'

to a special

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 26. 9d. bottle

No. VIII
in the book,

No.
The

IX

is

is

whooping-cough ; but
was not examined.

for

and

it

would be about 2d.

little is

said about

it

described, as

specific for

mechanical haemorrhages [and

is

aloes,

prepared accord-

ing 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
It is stated that
the drug from which it is made.
'

'

does not produce the slightest erysipelatous swelling or other irritation

of the skin, which is so frequently experienced with the ordinary homoeopathic mother tincture of arnica. For this reason the curative action or
healing power can be pushed to such a demonstration as to surpass
it

oi'dinaTy credibility.

The "
for

symptoms, conditions, and meohanical injuries

include
No. X is the specific remedy

diseases,

which

'

'

'

'

bruifies, strains, spraans,

tLght-lMing
effects

oif

shocks (electric or

Cornfi resulting

Effects of

from meohanicad pressure.

straining with constipated moveimeints

of violent fits; of miscarriages,

etc.

othiei-'wise)

oif

the bowels.

Pain'fui
.

Effects

220

The dose for adulte iu chrouic cases

is seven k> tea drops
tlire.
LimeG daily in a wineglass of water,
and in acute caees the same
every three hours.
It is also ix> be applied
externally.
Analysis showed

it

to contain
per cent, by volume

26.6

Reducing sugars

0 55
27

Extractive

"
"

It (iid not possess the characteristic

odour of arnica, but nad
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 contain.^
nearly three times as much alcohol as this
;

tincture,

sherry to

the cost of a wealc

which would be scarcely affected by adding

enough
give the vinous odour, would bo about l.i.d.
for the

quantity in a

No. XI.

2s. 9d. bottle.

described as the specific for cholera, and a long

given in the book from "a PamiDhlet, entitled
Cholera, its Cause and Cure,' by Joseph Wallace."
In this
it is stated that the specific remedy
is " Coffcea Cruda, or Tincture of Raw Mocha Coffee," the adult dose being

extract

is

is

'

three to

teii

drops in a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of water every

five
minutes, prolonging the intervals gradually as amelioration
sets
in.

It

is

In the
hias

stated that
Cholera, when purging, ot purging amd vomiting
a B'hart time, three or fouir doses at five-minute intervals

learly stages of

commenced

for

I lhave 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 ithe patient has (been allowed to pass into the state of collapse, and
wlhen every energy of the 'body .and mind has been prostrated, Uie same
course of treatment wiU produce a like result, but I would advise the dose
of ^71 (dropiS to Ibe repeated every five iniinutes till amelioration takes place,

three to five drops

aifter.

would

axid ihot a-ppUcations to extremities

and

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.
sides,

The formula

is

given as follows

Steep one pound weight (avoii'dupois) of well-dried and pulverised raw

MociiA coffee in three and one-third pints (inuperial mea.sure) of strong
alcohol for two weeks.
Shake it well occasionally; filter through blotting
paper, a,nd it is ready {or use.

Analysis of " No.

XI." showed

it

to contain:

Caffeine

0.1

Sugars (oKiefly cane sugar)

0.7

Ash

0.26

per cent.
,,

51.05 per cent, by volume

Alcohol
Extractive

2.1

,,

colour than a tincture of raw

to be made like "No. III.," from
of the latter in this case b( ng
proportion
pale roasted coffee, the
only about one part for twelve parts of tincture. No indication
was obtained of any other ingredient. The cost would be about

The tincture was darker

coffee, and appeared rather

in

l^d. for the quantity in a 2s. 9d. bottle.

No. XII. is described as the specific for ringv/orm, for which

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
This "specific" is
little water every three to eight hours.
Canadensis it
Hydrastis
stated in the book to be a tincture of
it

was not analysed.

CHAPTEK
PREPARATIONS
The number

XV.

F0]{

THE HAIR.

of proprietary preparations for the hair

vxhich

are advertised widely

is very considerable.
They include
preparations for increasing the growth of the hair
or cunng
baldness, and preparations for altering the
colouring of the

hair.

The hne

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,

some of these it
growth of the hair.
for

is

and

also claimed that they increase the

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 preparaIt is, therefore,

from each of these groups are given, together

with some extracts from the statements made in regard to
tions selected

them by the
letters, or

proprietors, either

on the

labels or in circulars,

newspaper advertisements.

A. HAIR GROWERS.
TATCHO.
(THE

"

GEORGE

R.

SIMS

"

HAIR RESTORER.)

It appears from the label that there are three varieties of thk

much-advertised

"Tatcho"
oily,

known as " Tatcho " oily.

and "Tatcho" (concentrated). The non-

preparation,

non-oily,

described as "

brilliant spirituous tonic,

free

from

all

223

grease," was taken for analysis.

5^ fluid ounces, was priced 2s. 9d.

bottle of this, containing

It is thus described

certain, 'tousty, genuine, right, honest Hair-Growier.

The

There

is

no

other.

Without " Tatciho

" loss

of hair

is

inevitable, but Mt. Geo. E. Simfl has

altered all that.

" to-day.
It will
your hair .has 'become i&canty ot grey, get " Tatcho
give
and
you,
of
being
bring 'biack the hair of your youth, make a new
Iif

you a new grip upon

The

label

life.

and wrapper bear the following

Certificate.

I guarantee that this Prepairation is

made according

to the Formulae

Tecommended by me.
Geo. R. Sims.

The

directions are

Sprinkle a few .drops on the head each morning, and brush the hair

thoroughly

aifter

application.

Analysis showed the composition to be

2.7

Borax
Glycerine

2.5

parts
,,

0-006 part

Quinine

Formaldehyde solution

0.38

(40 per cent.)

and perfume...

part

tracer

Colouring matter (.brownish-yellow),

2.4 part.= by meaisure
Alcohol
measure
lay
parts
produce
100
Water, sufficienit to

The estimated

cost of the ingredients for

5| fluid ounces

is

|d.

EDWARDS' HARLENE.
Some

of the

most conspicuous and recent advertisements

of

this have been largely devoted to a method of treating the hair

The preparation is supplied by
called " Harlene Hair-drill."

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 oft'eired
to the public (and it may be taken for granted that the proprietors of
" Harlene" have analysed .them .all very carefully) imany prove to be
so 'wide of the mark ais to toe actually injuaiouis in a very high degree,
w.hile a few may do no particular harm, but certainly no good ; for, ai.

we have said. Nature's requirements

neither in a greater nor a less.

must be met

...

in the precise

measure-

224
" 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, albove all, it conveys to

the ibair-bulbs the peculiar .food which they require the only food I^Jature
has ordained can .act a/s nourishment for them, the food ithey otherwise
obtain i'Toin ithe blood. No other prepai^ation contains thijs ingredient,

and therefor no other preparation can be

successful.

" Harlene " recognising that users of their specific

have an undoubted rigiht to look to them for the best informa/tion obtainable on this subject have, over a considerable period, conducted experiments to test thoroughly every method of " drill " not requiring the use of
instruments.

The proprietors

of

Elaborate details follow of the method of carrying out

"drill," of which a sample may suffice:
The manner

the

cat moves among shru'bbery is a good illustration

the fingers should be moved through the hair ; the manner
in w'hich a cat kneadis its bed (before 'laying on it, placing its paws on the
mateaial on which it will sleep, and pressing it down in a kneading manner

as to the

in whic'h a

way

paws never being Lifted and (brought down, but only

relaxed before the pTessure is applied, is exactly how this movement
^-he " drill " should be carried out.

until .suitable, the

Analysis showed the liquid to contain

Borax

0.5 part

Additional alkali, equivalent to anhydrous

sodium carbonate
Solution of ammonia (10 joer cent.)

0.04
0.12

Glycerine

0.4

Brown

traces

colouring matter and perfume

Alcohol

Water,

5.7 parts by
sufficient to

The small quantity of alkali, in excess of what was present

may have been in combination with the colouring matter.

The estimated

measure

produce 100 parts by measure.

as borax,

cost of ingredients for 6 fluid ounces is Id.

KOKO.
This preparation
4s. 6d. bottle

is

sold

contained

by a limited company

in

London

12;^ fluid ounces.

Ti.e following extracts are

from a circular accompanying the

bottle
Eradicates iSom'f. Promotes Growth. Prevents Hai-r Falling. ConNo Dye. Will positively Stop Hair from Falling Out, and prevent
it turning Prematurely Giey.
Will certainly Increase the Growth of the
Hair, and if consistently used will make it Bright, iSoft, and Wavy
tains

Th-^ strong assertions of interested

selleirs

of preparations cannot be relied

225
camnot be saiMy taken as genuine unless
We often"
tlie position of the writer places him or her above suspicion.
"
best
the
This
is
thinli that .the public must be sick of seeing the eternal
for
and
sale;
for
offered
attached to every conceivable -article which is
on,

and testimonials, as a

this reason

we

from saying much about Koko, leaving

speak of its good qualities.

usiially refrain

our illustrious pati'ons to

The

Tule,

day.

is
on-

to

directions for use are:

Tiie best plan is to apply

glow

it

Koko

freely,

and brush the soaJp until a warm

This treatnient should be practised once or twice a

at intervals of a few days, according to the state of the scalp.
produced.

Analysis showed

it

to contain

Borax

1-4 parts.

Glycerine

l-"^

Formaldehyde solution
Perfume

(40 per cent.)

>i

0.1 part.

a trace.
3 parts by measure.
Alcohol
measure.
parts
by
produce
100
Water, sufficient to

The estimated
is

cost

of

the ingredients for 12^ fluid ounces

Id.

B.HAIR RESTORERS.
LOCKYER'S SULPHUR HAIR RESTORER.
This article is supplied by a limited company in London, who
The price of a bottle conalso sell other proprietary articles.
Is.
It
is described as
is
6d.
ounces
fluid
12
taining

The

Best.

The

Safest.

The

Ciueapest.

Restores the coIout to Grey Hair. Instantly stops the Hair from
Occasionally used, Greyness is impossible. If the Hair is actufading.
ally Grey the iSulpiiur Restorer in six or seven days effects a great
By a gradual action, scarcely perceptible even to watchful
alteration.

In a period of three
observers, several darker is'hades will be attained.
weeks a complete change occurs, and a coloar 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
bottle, and immediately apply the Restorer to the roots
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 wiU suffice.

Well shake the

of

2^6

Analysis showed

it to

contain

Precipitated sulphur

1.3 parts

Lead acetate
Lead sulphate

1.6

,,

0.4

,,

Glycerine

9.6

,,

Rose water

euflicieut to

produce 100 parts by measure.

The lead sulphate was probaibly due to eome 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 parte.
;

The estimated

cost of ingredients for 12 fluid ounces

is

2d.

MEXICAN HAIR RENEWER.

bottle of this preparation,

It

is

which is .sold by another limited

the price was 3s. 6d.
fluid
ounces;
contained
company,
7|

For
For
For
For

described as

restoring grey hair to its original colour without dyeing

renewing or causing hair ito grow on bald spots.
preventing dandriff and the hair from falling out.
making the hair soft, glossy, pliant, and luxuriant.

it.

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 offenHence it does not soil the hands, the scalp, or
sive substance whatever,
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

can be confidently recommended in all cases, unless

the hair-glands are decayed for df 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 iRenewer " will renew their vitality, and

on bald

spots,

and

it

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

an occasional use

original colour, then

Analysis showed

it

to contain

Precipitated sulphur

Lead

acetate

is sufficient.

1.4 parts
O-l-^

19.0

Glycerine

,,
,,

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 th ingredients for 7| fluid ounces is 2d.

Rose water

sufficient to

227

VILIXIR.

preparation called " Vilixir " is sold by a limited company

whose address is given as a "Hydro" in Kent.
12s. 6d.
bottle contained 5^ 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 reetoring the natural colour to faded,
grey, or white hair.
.

So much curiosity haa been aroused, indeed, that th 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 ite possibilities of usefulness to
the Public).
No actual colouring agent is employed in the new dye-less and
.

stain-

method.
reawakened.

less

Instead,
.

The new way

the

hair's

pigmentary

sleeping

procees

is

of

making

people's hair

show true colours

is,

happily, an

inexipensive one.

The following extracts are from letters received

from the
Vihxir Company, after application for the
pamphlet mentioned
above
Th^ "Vadxia:" Treatment .diffiera from all otheaways and means

of

colouring the hair.

It does not put on an artificial
colour-it will bring
out (tlhe natural oolouir of your lhair.

...

At

Hydro

have assistants who have become expert

oWtaimng of the best possible resuflfts from
me Tiieatm,ent, and
would Mce to have ns do aJll that is necessary
for you, I shaU be
to quote you terms to include a short
stay at this
tihis

not necessary

w,e

Hydro

in

the

if

vou

ha^y
It

is

he success of *he Txea;tment, (however,

that you camnr
It out at this address.
I c^n send tne
Vilixii' " and full dk-ections
to
enable you to restore ^tlh-e natural colour
of your hair in tlhe privacv
of
your own home.
,to

'

"^^'^t-^i^"*

is

absolutely

non-injurious either

*he akm or r^^^^u".

to the haix; its action is whoUy
beneficial in every wav
It promotes growth on the bald
patches (iniless the roots are
absolutely
perished); It tliickens and lengthens the
growth over the whole of the
head it stops falling out, and, most important
of all, its effects are
comparatively permanent.
+
to

The

directions

Sha.ke the bottle

bi^^e

hour

on the label are

and apply the liquid

for

few seconds

ni^

with

and morning

tflxe

to the scal^

moLtened

228

Tih bottle of liquid that was sent in return for 12s. 6d. was
accompanied by about J ounce of shampoo powder, for shampooing the head before the first use of " Vilixir." This powder
was found to consist of
4.6 per cent.

Borax
Powdei-ed soap
Partly exsiccated sodium carbonate

24.4

,,

71.0

,,

Analysis showed the liquid to contain:

Precipated Sulphur

3.2 parts.

Lead

1-8

aceitate

Glycerine
Rose water, sufficient

,,

5.7
(to

produce 100

paarte

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 5^

liquid and J ounce of the powder is Id.

by measure.
fluid

ounces of the

C HAIR

DYES.
W. SEEGER'S HAIR DYE.
" W. Seeger," and
This preparation bears a copy of signature
the words "made in Germany" on the paokage, but uo
address.

bottle, price 2s., coaitained

fluid ounces.

Directions for use:

water in which
Before applying (Seeger's, wash tibe iliaii- in lukewarm
ibhe size of a
of
isoda
lioueeihold
ordinary
-of
ipieoe
you (have m-elted a

perquant of water you use. 'Ti:en, when tihe hair is

a
of
teeth
(the
a clean saucer, dip
fectly dry, .pour a little of the dye into
the
pass
and
saucer,
dye in tihe
pei^feotly dean fine tooth oon* irito ihe
it is required >to be dyed.
oomib several times .throu.gh itlie hak where
the (hair is daymg, oaml) it
While
Now allow .tihe dye Ito dry on ^tilie haii-.
become visable for some
not
does
whioh
now and then, so that ,the dye,
dliade be obtained
equal
an
and
aii*he
with
hours may come in contact
washed out wiih
be
ean
in
dried
not
has
which
dye
The day following, the

walnut to

clean

-each

water without soda.

The dye

is

"
black; the

and
prepared in three shades, for blonde, brown,
brown " was taken for examination.

Analysis showed

it

to contain, in

100 parts by measure

PyrogaUic aoid
Cupiic diloride (anhydrous)
Hydrochloric acid {B.P. strength)
Sulplhuric aoid

3.8 pants.
1-8

n 07

"

prepared
darker than a solution freshly
dyeing effect of the two was
according to this formula; but the

The

liquid was

much

229

appearance appeared
to be due to decomposition of a part of the pyrogallic acid having
taken place in the original.

and

practically identical,

e diflfereuce in

ti

cost of the ingredients for 1^ fluid ounces is |d.

The estimated

SHADEINE.
This preparation, sold from an address in London, was in a
bottle which contained 3^ fluid ounces, and was priced Se. 6d.
It

is

thus described

Shadeine is a new and impontaint dh-emical disoOTiery wMoh regenerates

and develops the oa-ig-inal oolouiT of grey and faded 2iair, at the same
It contains nieitheo"
time tinting it a perfectly natua-al coloxir.
lead, silver, mercuay, sulpiiur, nor any objectiionable stain.

...

Directions for use

Wash

the hair,

if

with soda and warm water. When

a saucer, and with a stmiad brush apply

in the least greasy,

dry, pour a little iShadei.ne into

evenly over ihe ipants to "be coloured, itihen allo'W it to dsry.

A small
quantity only should be used at a time, and tflie colour allowed to develop
during the day. As soon as Ithe shade is satisfactory, -waslh or brush off
superfluous stain.

This preparation

made

is

taken for examination was

Analysis showed

it

in seven colours.
labelled " Brown."

to contain in 100 parts

Pyrogalldc aoid
Oupa-ic

by measure

2.1 pairts.

dliiltairiide

Hydi-oohloric aoid

The estimated

The one that was

1.5

(ainliydlrouis)

{B.P. strengtli)

,,

0.3 paiii

cost of the ingredients for 3J fluid ounces

is

f d.

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 2 J fluid ounces; the liquids to be mixed .at the
,

time of using.
It

is

thus described

"Ehis marvellous dye is guaranteed not to coomtai,n (mercurial

salts,
altogether of a vegetable nature and Jiai^mless.

"Juvenia"

instantly

original colour, firom

resitoree

auburn to

wlhite
itibe

most

hair

and

gi-ey

jet bladk tinte.

it

is

beard to their

230

We

speoialy Tecommend persons wlho wish to dye

their hair or beard

to (follow oTir advice

It

is

word

for woi^d.

well knowin

that Bubjeots suffering from arthritis, herpes,

or
abstain from eating sea-fisfli, shell-fi^h, sorrel, strawberries,^ eitc, under penalty of provoking
eonptions or eczema spots.
Accordingly, generally sipeaikimg, Buoh persons ought to entirely
give up
the use of all in^tanitaneouis dye, and make use of nothing dse
than our
progressive regeneratoms alone, itihe use of whioh we advise for
them,' in
preference to any other.

eczema ougdut

ito

If, in spite of our advice, those ipersons subject to the

above-mentioned
affections persist in dyeing their hair, ithey 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 beifore the application of a dye, and this recommendation may especially be given to ladies. At times they may prick
themselves with Itheir icombs, Itheir lha/t or ^lair-pins, the result being small
sores

which ought not to be irritated or skinned. TIhe scalp ought to be

and if need be, one musit wait til all flaying is well

absoilutely intact,

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

Paraphenylene-diamine
iSoloition

of

0.9 per cent.

ammonia

with a trace of fixed

to contain:

0.6

alkali,

,,

probably dissolved out of the

glass of Ibhe bottle.

solution prepared in accordance with this formula gave an

exactly similar result in dyeing hair.

The estimated

ingredients for the contents of the two bottles

The danger

is

cost of the

l^d.

of using paraphenylene-diamine as a hair-dye has

often been pointed out, and

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
is

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.

for

CHAPTEK

XVI.

SOME MISCELLANEOUS MEDICINES.

TWO PKEPAKATIONS FOE

Many

SEA-SICKNESS.

proprietary and other medicines for sea-sickness

have been put forward from time

to time,

both as preven-

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

tives

years; the second one, which

is

shown by

analysis to be

very similar in composition, appears to be of Canadian

origin.

ZOTOS.
supplied by Zotos, Limited, London
9d. per box containing twelve capsules.

This
2s.

is

It is described

on the outside

remedy against sea sickness "

the price

is

package as " the infallible

on the inner package it is stated
of the

that
Zotos is an infallible remedy against sea sickness, train eickness, etc.
Zotos not only prevents sickness but stimulates the appetite.
Zotos contains no injurious drug and produces no bad after-effects.

in the package gives a so-called

" 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
circular

contained

" analytical report

activity."

Somewhat lengthy
being as
The

directions are

given,

the principal part

f ollo'WS

capsules

be ewaJlowed whole and to be /t^ken before, not after, a

232

Take a capsule half an hour before the steamer sails, another just ae the
steamer leaves, and a third (tliough this ie rarely required) half an hour
lateT.
Afterwards, if any uneasiness bo caused by the movement of the
vessel, capsules may ibe ta;ken 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 get/ting up.

The capsules were found to oontain 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
chlorbufcol, 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 anaesthetic, analgeeic, and
antiseptic."
"Its anaesthetic properties are specially exerted
upon the stomach, small repeated doses being used to allay postoperative vomiting and sea sickness."

The proportions

of the ingredients were found to be

Chlorbutol
Lactose

76.9 per cent.

23.0

No

other substance was found, except the

and flavouring matters already mentioned.

The estimated

traces of colouring

cost of the ingredients for twelve capsules

is

5d.

MOTHERSILL'S SEASICK REMEDY.

This preparation

is

London and Montreal.

Made in Canada."

addresses in

words "
It

is

company giving
The package bears the

supplied by a limited

stated on the label tha^t

it

Stops and Prevents any case of Seasickness, Trainsickness, and ail

iGuaranteed not to contain
caused by motion, climbing, etc.
cocaine, opium, morphine, or chloral.
It does not affect the heart or liver,
or cause Tinpleaisant symptoms.

nausea

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.
2s.

3d.

233

each capsule was

Analysis showed the powders to have the following

The average weight

11| grains.
composition

of

the

Pinli

Sugar

of

contents of

Powder.
33.3 per cent.

miUc

8.2

Caffeine

Stearic

18.0

acid

,,

40.1

Ohlorbutol
Cblouring matter

a trace.

Brown Powder.
29.4 per cent.

Powdered cinnamon

8.4

Caffeine

The

Stearic acid

17.4

Ohlorbutol

44.5

probably added as a lubricant, to facilitate

the filling of the powder into the capsules, although the amount
is largie for the purpose.
stearic acid

The estimated
is

is

of the ingredients

cost

for the

six

capsules

2Jd.

A CUKE-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.

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
and the bottle bought for examination contained
bottle,
The dose is given as, for an adult one teacupful
fl.
oz.
25^
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

ous acid from wihich

all bad germs.

all

diseases originate,

all

poison-

and cleanses from the system

234

Th<3 Virtuee of this

It kills

and

clears

Famous Medicine " Korpusdoon."

away from the Stomach and Nasal Passages

all

the

accumulation of poisonous acids'which, after 20 yeare of keen and careful

observation, I find to be the caoise 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, Oall Stones, Gout, Goitre, Rheumaitism, I/umibago, Neuralgia, Appendicitis, Consumption, Irregularitiis
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 Ibeautifier 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

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
Possibly the flavour of aniseed and
closely with the original.
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 indistinguishThe quantities of the different inable from "Korpusdoon."
as
follows
were
gredients found

latter contains alcohol,

Magnesium sulphate

624 grains.

Extract of liquorice' (from " stick liquorice ")

Chloroform (= chloroform water 4 fl. oz.)

550

Oil of sassafras

Aniseed water

Water

to

,,

5 minims.
,,

fl.

oz.

25

Estimated cost of ingredients, 2|d.

A EADIUM SALVE.
Long advertisements have appeared recently in the daily
papers of a radium salve stated to have been discovered by Dr.
The salve is
S. Saubermann, who gives an address in Berlin.
sold in this country

by

company which

describes

itself as

235

"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

It

sell.

is

stated further that the salve

impregnated
in 500,000," a
is

with the "radium salt in the proportion of 1

quantity which " must not be exceeded, ae 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

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."
leading scientists on
In the advertisement a list is given of
not
so
far
as to say that any
radium," but the advertisers do
go
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 manu-

soap, a blood purifier,

'

'

facturers.

The

and 30s., accordMr. 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
salve

is

"sold at

2s. 9d., 5s., 10s., 20s.,

ing to radioactivity."

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
'

and

about one-hundredth
part of that of uranium. The beta radiation is too feeble to be
For comparison I might
detected by a sensitive electroscope.
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."
the preparation

is

just detectable,

is

A RINiGWORM CURE. " DETHBLO."

" Dethblo," or Wilson's Patent Ringworm Cure, is gupplied
by an individual in a small town in the home counties, a Is. l^d.
package contained a bottle holding rather less than 2 fluid
drachms of the preparation, and a brush for applying it.

236
It is advertised in the following terms

Tms

Preparation

hiaa ibeen

tho iir&aimetni, of 'Homd^eds

C ure ....

used by the Proprietor for many years

m
Cases, .amd has never once faiJ^ed to

of

An

imnrovemeinfc is visible .after one applioation,. Two

or three dressings
any but exceptionally severe cases are sufficient to effect a
Cure.

in

No

necessitv for Cutting the Haiir or Shaving the Head.

It Cuires wihen lalil other remiedjies have been

tried and fajled.
Obstinai*
oases, after aigfhiteen momtihs of other treiaitmenit,
have yidded to

a few

applications of "Dethblo."
It is Fajrmiliess to

arms

The

ihianre

Hair or Soailp of even

been suooessfn,lly treated on

directions on the label are

Appiv with

bruish enclosed,

youngest diil'drem

tihe

many

infants

occasions.

well peneitratiing the omfected parts

with

"Dethbt.o." Treatmen't shouilid be giveai, every other day,

for a few
days, and tihe infected part shouild not be washed
until satisfactory unprovemenit, 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
Aoeitic lacid

33.7 parts

(calculated as

11.9

gJiaciail)

by meosnre

Careful search did not reveal the presence of any other ingredient.

Estimated cost of ingredients of 2

fluid

drachms,

3-\jd.

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

diseasies,

The

bottlfl

a turbid

espeoialJy

for

dipihtheria,

(whidh costs M.1.25, about

brovm

fluid of acid reaction.

triohinosis,
Is.

whooping-cough, etc.
about 30 c.cm. of

3d.) contains

powdered jalap bulbs,

some simiAar drug), to which

It contains

suspended 'in a watery extract of frangula

alcohol and liquorice have been added.

(or

Its

jalap oonitent renders the

free sale of this preparation umlawfuil in Geronamy.

237

Dealin Powder, a Berlin preparation,

cament for wounds

cOTutiainttnig

"a

is

described as an antiseptic medi-

ihaghlly

active

oxygen combined

wiith

was
by sodium per20 parts of
TIhe ohief conebittuentis of this pTOpiaraiion were
borate.
and 60
oxide,
zinc
of
parts
10
acid,
iboric
parts
of
sodiium nerborate, 10
carbonate.
magnesium
and
starch
of
traces
with
tail'c
a.
of
mixture
parts of
no dry

faUv suibstanoe." On examdinajtioin

found, amd the "hiilglbily active oxygen" was

a diry

fiatty

eubstajnoe

reipres'cait&d

Hochfelder Pitch Plaster is advertised by the manufacturers as a porouB

plaster prepared with gum elastic, and as the best external medicament
overfor the treatment of painful affections which follow cold, blows,
activity.
muscular
exertion or other disturbances of the nervous or
The examination showed that the preparation did not contain any
that of
pitch at all, and that its composition was similar to
" CoUemplastrum capsicum," a plaster, which according to an Imperial
Order dated November 22nid, 1901, must mot be offered for sale in drug
As pitch plaster is not included in this Order, the manufacshops.
turers considered that

they would be safe in applying this description

to the Dlatstor.

Franz Lammersdorf's universal chilblain cream, a Hanover preparation,

to (be apoMied thinly on. ihe ohiUblain and 'coverad with wool and a bamdage,
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 ahilblains.
advertised as differing from all other preparations in its power
forms of toothache, including the most severe. It is a fluid,
and three or four dropis are to be applied oai a piece of cotton-wood to
small bottle cootadming about 3 c.cm. of an
the oavitv of the tooth.
alcoholic solution of oil of cloves and other ethereal oils, and possibly

Jehnol

of

is

alilayi.Tit^

all

also

cajeput

30 pfemnnV.s.

and camphor, and coloured green with chlorophyll,

tihat is. about 3f d.

costs

advertised by a Vienna firm, as a " new, absolutely non

poisonouG cresote prepariation, possessing extraordiniary disinfecting proThe dose menitioned is fax>m 1 to 10 gramis a day, accorduig
perties."

Epocol

is

to the ape of the piatient.

No

are given witih regard to the coanconcluides from the resulis of Ms

preparation is a mdxtiure of 45 per cent,

position of the preparation, and

amallyiaiis

It/hlEut

ithis

"oeiw"

detail^s

Zemok

sodium benzoate, 30 per cent, ammonium sulpho-guadiaooJate, and 25 per

The ammonjium siait of suJphocent, potassium isulpho-guiaiiiacolate.
guaiacolic aoid is not used ,in medicine, the pota.ssium salt is used under
the name of thiocol, while the calcium salt and the sodium salt are also
The action of the suJpho-guaiacolates is sufficiently well known,
used.

and the claim of novelty cannot, therefore, (be sustained.

worth further criticism.

Zernik does not

conisider the preparation

Bauch's Busenndhrcreme (hosom nutrient cream) is sold at 4s. 6d. for

boxfts. whioh are said to be neoessary for the production of full
Tihe actual value of the boxes and tlheir oontenits is between
breasts.
4d. and 5d., the cream consisting oif mineral fat perfumed with oil of
The Karlsruhe autihoraty has issued a warning on tihe groxmid that
rose.
the substance cannot possibly produce tihe effect claimed in view of its

two

composit/ion.

238

mnetta

strangtheimixg

mmous

flour

similar

preparation.

and imtrient powder.

with sugar and leoithiai,

It
It

is

described

consists

of

as an Oriental
a powdeix^d

Wu
^

Busieria (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,

Oxyffar is supposed to be a vegetable prepamtion

hydrogen peroxide.
The vegetable substance is

saWed

agar-agar.

with

It is sup-

posed to contain about 10 per emit. H,0

but the mamifa^ture^s cil
attention to the fact that the preparation
loses in strength after a time
Elreriohs fouod that fredh oxygar contained
hydrogen peroxide varying
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 .tihe hvdTogeoi pe<roxide was
liberated within a

few minutes
It thus
appears very doubtful whether the peroxide
would not be liberated in
the stomaah.
spite of the fact that the nmnrafaoturers
claim as an
advantage of the preparation that the H,0, is not
liberated until the
intestine ns reaohed, and them only slowly.

Spiritol is supposed to be an ideal substitute for

spirit and to have
nearly aH the physical! qualities of spirit, to be free
from acid and alkaJi,
to be mascible
all proportions with water or spirit,
and to volatilize
\thout TBsidue.
It is introduced for the prepamtion of
cosmetic and
pharmaceutic preparatiotns, etc. The analysis revealed that
it consisted
ohiefly of m.ethyl a Icohol, which was not
even pure.

Verovhp.n mouth wafer

diseases.

is

advertised as a protective aganmst

all infectious

It consists of

a 0.2 per cent, solution of chinosol in water. A

bottle containing 100 c.cm. of the fluid costs Is. 6d.
"Verophen" for
mouth washes is also sold at Is. 6d., while Verophen for the telephone
costs 3s.

According

law in Germany, chemical combinations of antipyrin

simple mixtures of antipjTin and other
sold, save on a medical practitioner's
prescription.
Sulfopyrin is one of these mixtures which was offered
for sale as a eulphanilate 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.
to the

may be sold to the public, but

known substances may not ibe

chemist

named Taubert produces a "pleasant

powder (ammon.

tasting

headache

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 giram.
spiric.

puriss.),"

mentions Mergandol, which

tn deaUng wih falee description, Zernik
remedy for intraantisyphilitic
is recommended by its producers as an
described a a
is
It
a;pplication.
muscular injection and for external
of the solution
c.cm.
1
glycerine;
in
glycerate
solution of sodium mercury
mercury. Sodium glycerate is recogis said to contain 0.0035 gram of
mercury glycerate nor a
nised as an unstable compound, 'but neither a
mergandol
glycerate i> known. The analysis showed that

sodium mercury

chloride (0.5 of the

a mixture of perchloride of mercury and sodium
diluted glycerine.
of
parts
former and 0.1 of the latter) dissolved in 100
The
of Hg.
gram
0.0044
contain
therefore
Each cubic centimetre would
much
as
twice
least
at
is
which
S^d.,
costs
2s.
bottle, containing 50 c.cm.,
allowed to charge ifor making up a similar prescription.
is

as

any chemist

is

It
Eulatin is a white, almost odourless, mildly acid-tasting powder.
dimethyl-phenyl-pyrazolon.
is supposed to be an amido-bromine-benzoate of
(for
Dr. i'riedmann has described this preparation as a useful remedy
or
three
every
gram
to
0.5
0.1
doses
of
given
in
whooping-cough when
to be
found
was
antipyrin
or
Dimethyl-phenyl-pyrazolon
four hours.
present, but the analysis failed .to reveal a trace of amido-bromine benzoic

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 mole-

acid, a

cular proportions were present to each one part of the latter, also with
The mixture thus differs very
antipyrin in molecular proportions.
materially from the supposititious chemical compound descriibed by the

Dr. Zernik considers that Dr. Friedmann should have

been more careful in expressing himself with regard to the composition.

manufacturers.

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 l: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 la 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 ds 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
The analysis showed it to consist of about 3 per cent, phenols and
acid.
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 hies are also false.

240

John

P. Haig>'s "

Core

"

for Goitre.

Some information with regard to Haig'e goitre cure is given in a paper

by J. Kochfi in the Ajiotheher-Zeilung 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 eoft paraffin paetillee,
consisting of aodium bicarbonate, aloes, and a little oil of caraway
,

pastillee, consisting of extract of hydrastis.

CHAPTER

XVII.

UNQUALIFIED PEACTICE THROUGH THE POST.

the

that

observed

have been

It will

various

articles

described in the precedaig 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
;

through

public

ordinary

the

The second

chemists, stores, etc.

class consists of similar

supplied only, or chiefly, direct from the

retailers

consumer through the

post,

maker or

pro-

and not through

in this case the proprietor reaps the full

as

under the proprietary medicine stamp, but

articles, also sold

prietor to the

such

channels,

retail

retail

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
un"
testimonials.
In
the third class also the
solicited

price,

'

medicine

'

supplied direct to the consumer, but before

is

sent,

list

of

questions,

it

is

is

submitted for answers to the

in

by

will

be

nature
goes

to

the

patient,

on

"modified"
of

the

the

case;

or

the

questions

pretext

and

phed by the patient, future

again, the

with

can

be

full

the

to

retail

the
price

particulars sup-

letters urging

made more

filled

that the medicines

of the " treatment," or the taking of

additional article

be

to

"selected," according

here,

proprietor,

"symptom form,"

or

continuance

some stronger or

effective;

no doubt,

242

such particulars arc 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.
also,

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
kmd of disease, and to treat each case individually,
according to the particulars furnished by
post, or sometimes
to

any and every disease on the information

supplied in
the same way.
The border line between these and the
precedmg class is very indistinct. In this
treat

chapter some
further particulars are given of
advertisers of these ^wo
classes.

The nostrums already reported on have included one

more in which a "symptom form " has figured in
each

or
of

the following groups: "female medicines,"

medicines for
obesity, sexual weakness, skin affections,
"bad legs,"
alcoholism, rheumatism, and deafness.

In most cases the

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
first

case of

medicines for amenorrhoea, 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.

where the

In

many

cases

communication was not an order

medicine but merely an inquiry, the letter sent in reply
original

followed at intervals by a
a sensational

manner

number

of others,

for
w^as

emphasising in

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

persons

known by him

to be suffering

names

of other

from the complaint

in

243

question; so that

if

the terms were acoepted the vendor

would be kept supplied with a list of names and addresses,

ever increasing on the "snowball" principle, of persons

The

likely to be susceptible to his letters.

letters sent

com-

usually appear on casual inspection to be type-written

munications written to the individual,

a,ddressed

by name as "Dear Mr.

" Dear Friend"

shown

who

frequently

is

(or Mrs.)

,"

or as

but closer examination has almost always

that they are really circulars produced by one of the

multiple copy processes with a typewriter, the individual's

name being

These circulars usually

inserted afterwards.

contain expressions of strong or special interest in

case," even

"

when no

symptom form

case has been mentioned

" has not been

up.

filled

In

'

'

and

your
the

fact, there is

every reason to suppose, in regard to most nostrums sold in

this

way, that the composition

way

modified in consequence of the details supplied.

of the

medicine sent

Extracts from one or two typical letters

may

is

in no

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.
are taking a special interest

We

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.
in

Let us implore you as a friend not to neglect the advice

we gave you
you do we fear you will not get well, or ii
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
in our last letter, for if

we earnestly desire.
To effect a permanent and

what

lasting cure, it

you should take the Blood mixture for

this

is

is

absolutely necessary that

Neglectino'

a reasonable period.

not fair either to yourself or to the Tremol

Treatment, which has
it out conscientiously.

done so much good for those who carry

Q2

244

The

date,

name

and address, and the words "Dear

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
"

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.
letter

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 reIt is dated from Clerkenwell, London, and comstricted scale.
mences
:

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

Sample Treatments.

remedies we are going to give away 10,000 Proof

They will be sent post-paid and absolutely free.

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

You

...

We will also send you

neighbourhood will secure other patients.
Answer
entirely free a copy of " Sutton's Talk on the Kidneys."
the questions on the printed form and post it to-day.
.

245

The printed form was

up with the

filled

an im-

details of

aginary 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
" 10,000
will secure other patients," or whether the giving away
treatments" had caused them to collapse, or from some other

no medicine or answer

reason,

THE
One

J.

of

any

sort

was received.

W. KIDD COMPANY.
we
W. Kidd Company,

of the most extensive businesses of the kind

sidering

is

that run by the J.

are conof

Fort

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

Wayne, U.S.A., some

attend to the cases.

references, such as "

particulars of

The letters contain the usual sort of

With my staff of skilled specialists, I have

any other
although established in America,
Besides newssedulously cultivates business in this country.
paper 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 tEe 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 oomjsany's
claims would be absurd, as diffidence in disparaging legitimate
practitioners would be out of place.
single extract may serve
as a specimen
successfully treated

doctor."

more

serious chronic cases than

This company,

My Treatment Do not waste your time and money on worthless patent

medicines, on incompetent doctors, or on One remedy no one remedy
:

246

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

also largely responsible for

IS

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, includhave tried to cure you, vv^hat did they

call your disease or diseases? " ^nd a
general invitation to
"write me freely, in your own words, about your diseases,
symptoms, or pains"; and the following .aid to diagnosis is
ing, " If other doctors

a-dded
I

am

specially successful with the following diseases simply

side of any one of them ycu have

mark (X)

Rheumatism

Piles

Lumbago

Constipation

Dropsy
Pimples

Neuralgia

Diarrhoea
Indigestion

Scrofula

Lung Trouble
Chronic Cough
Heart Disease
Female Trouble
Kidney Trouble
Bladder Trouble

Prostatitis

Partial Paralysis

Headache

Malaria

Nervousness
Torpid Liver
Impure Blood

Dizziness
Epilepsy

Eczema
Asthma
Catarrh

The "diagnosis" and medicine sent

described in Vol. I of Secret Remedies.
List,

make

under

"

Kidd,

'

Dr.'

James

in

given

case

are

In Truth Cautionary
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

of the field, as shown by the recent receipt of its

company out
circulars.

AN " EYE AND EAR

An

SPECIALIST."

advertisement which is to be found in very many newsis 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

papers

247

in majiy of the northern towns,

An

be consulted.

twenty of which are named, to

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.

written postscript stated

The charge

is 10s.

and advice. My treatment

no pain and no inconvenience attending

6d, for special remedies

very successful and there

the use of the remedies.
is

is

The promise of no pain and no inconvenience, before any

information 'had 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

I son,

Oculist and Aurist.

new method

Rapid Cure

of treatment for the

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

and return the same by post

to the following questions,

1.

State name, age, and full postal address.

2.

State profession, business, or occupation.

3.

Is the constitution strong or

4.

How

is

the general health

formed regularly?
5.

only.

weak? Strong.
Ave the functions

If not, state particulars.

34,

Clerk.

Good.

of tJie

body per-

Yes.

State whether the right or left eye, or both, are affected.

Eight

eye,

248
6. How long have the eyes or eye been affected?
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 ?re5,
at the

bach of the eye.

Do the pains occur in the daytime, or in the night?^Zi the time,

worse at night.

8.

biit

Are the

eyelids affected?

If so, describe the symptoms. .Vo.

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.T/te white
No spots or discharge.
of the eye is greyish.
9.

10.

What

11.

Is

the

iris

coloured ring which surrounds the pupil of the

(the

eye, light or dark, or has its natural colour otherwise

state particulars.
Light naturally, unchanged.

Has

12.

has

changed?

If so,

the pupil of either eye increased or diminished in size, and

its natural round form?
If so, state particulars.

changed from

it

No.

Are you naturally near sighted

13.

Do you
what
14.

or far sighted, or do you squint?

If so, state whether with flat glasses, and of

use spectacles?

and of what number,

colour,

What

treatment

(if

you know.

if

No.

any) has been employed up to the present time,

State, as near as possible, what has been done

and with what result?

or used.
Send any prescription that may have been given or used
will be returned.
None.

it

your mother or father subject to any affection of the eyes? No.

other observations which may suggest themselves, please write on
the other side.
15.

Is

Any

Note

being our desire to bring each case to a successful issue as

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.
:

It

early as possible,

This was sent wifch 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

a letter

which stated

Is.

9d. per dozen, accompanied by

send herewith remedies to be used according to the printed instrucPlease persevere and you wiU do well. Write me a day or two
before the remedies are finished, and I hope to have a good report.
I

tions.

printed sheet of instructions for use was sent, giving direcThe 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:
tions for "

The Drops.

Two

Drops

to

be dropped in the inner corner of the

by the aid of the Drop Tube two

affected eye (the eye to be well open)

or three times a day.

249

The Lotion.Linen

cloths wet with the Lotion to be applied to the

Eyelids for a few minutes night and morning.

contents of the bottle to a bottle containing a half pint

Note. Add the

of cold water before use

Analysis showed the drops to consist of

Boric acid
Glycerine

2i grains

Water, to

2
fluid

drachms

found to consist of the Liquor Hamamelidis of

In both cases careful search was
the British Pharmacopoiia.
substances, but nothing else
other
quantities
of
made for small
was found. The cost of both together would be about one penny
the bottles, dropper, and postage would amount to a few pence

The

lotion was

more.
It is not necessary to comment on the value of such
treatment " ; it is sufficient to contrast it with such statements
'

'

from the

Many

circulars sent as

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
This is not accomplished
having been deaf or blind for many years.
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 " HEEBAL
An

advertisement which

SPECIALIST."

may be met with

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
Nature's Remedies only. 30 years' success. The Treatused.
ment 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 llie 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:
in

250

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 Wonderworking qualities of the Herbal Remedy in all cases of Lost Manhood and
Vitality, Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhoea, 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 simiUr paragraph, but the
disorders following the words " in all cases of " has been
changed to

list of

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,
Anaemia,
Dyspepsia,
Female
any complaint incidental to the Human System.
It then continues: " It is an undeniable," etc., as above.
Irregularities, or

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

But a
ten out of the forty years were given to failure.
is supplied by the letter, in which it is

further inconsistency
said that

is one that I have used with the greatest success during the
previous
to which it was used by a near relative (a wellpast 20 years,
known Herbalist in the South of England with over 50 years' extensive

The Remedy

practice).

251

The
8s. 6d.

The

price of the Heribal

;

two mouths',

" consultation

one month's treatment,

three months', 21s.

Remedy

15s. 6d.

form " was

is,

up with particulars of an
A box of 29 powders
6d.

filled

imaginai7 case, and sent with 8s.

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.

CHAPTEE

XVIII.

THE ADVEETISING OF PEOPKIETAKY MEDICINES.

The methods
secret

by the proprietors of
and various. Some employ

of advertising adopted

medicines

are

many

big posters on hoardings, others

an

have fringed the chief railway

lines of the country with

great boards bearing the

names

increasing

of their

number

nostrums; almost

agree in making large use of newspapers, magazines,

and other periodicals, and of copious distribution, through
all

various agencies, of circulars and pamphlets.

sible to read

It is

impos-

any of the popular newspapers or magazines

without seeing that the extent of such advertising is very

As a particular example, there lies before us a letter
great.
recently sent to retailers by the makers of certain proprietary medicines, in which

it is

stated that

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

We

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 advertise-

ments."

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

253

and nature

of the advertisements of proprietary medicines

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 intelhgence and education of the readers on the one
hand, and the extent to which they can be appealed to by
in

such advertisements as

we

are considering

these varying in inverse ratio.

this

may

on the other,

striking illustration of

be seen by comparing the established reviews and

the monthly magazines, or the Times and some of the halfA reference to the current issues of the
penny dailies.
Fortnighthj

Review, the Quarterly ReviexD, and Black-

wood'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

Similarly, on an
of the same contained sixty-three.
arbitrarily chosen day, the Times contained one such advertisement occupying one column, while the Daily

News

con-

tained eight occupying four columns, the Daily Mail four

occupying three columns, the Daily Express eleven occupying three and a-quarter columns, the 'Evening

occupying two-thirds of a column, and the Star

ing two columns.

close connection

may

News
five

four

occupy-

easily be traced,

between the number of advertisements of patent

medicines and the character of the other advertisements,
also,

amount of credulity on the part of the

readers can be counted on being as evident from the one
For example, advertisements of clairvoyants,
as the other.
the fact that a large

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 develop-

ing the bust are frequent

in

those

pubhcations
favoured by the proprietary medicine maker.

Some
tions

of the

Sunday papers which have very

show a very

full

most

large circula-

share of advertisements of nostrums

a
;

254

an imselected copy of one

no

of these

which

before us con-

is

than forty-one such advertisements, occupying nearly seven columns.

Some of these papers have
tains

gai

less

ned a good deal

which they devote

crimes, and

amount

to reports of divorce suits

of space

and sensational

not surprising therefore to find the majority

it is

of proprietary

of notoriety for the laTge

nostrums advertised

most undesirable

in

them belonging

For example, out

classes.

to the

of the forty-one

just referred to, seventeen are of medicines for "-female

com-

plaints," five for " lost

manhood," and two for diseases of

Such advertisements are also abundant

the urinary organs.

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.

" Eeligious " papers appear to be a fairly good hunting-

ground
weekly

for the advertisers of nostrums.

we

tions, along

In one

of these

find eighteen advertisements of such prepara-

with " galvanic rings for rheumatism," "

Is. 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

conduct

it,

and

also

are printed in it."

good deal

God upon

those

who

upon the sermons and narratives which

The

smaller provincial papers are in a

of favour for advertisements of secret medicines

as a rule a

few

local products of this

well as those of wider sale.

noticed in such papers

which from

is

their headings

news paragraphs, and they

kind are advertised as

feature which

is

often to be

that advertisements are accepted

and general appearance look

are sometimes so

like

worded that an

ordinary reader might never suspect their real significance,

and no warning " [Advt.] " or other indication appears at
the end.

255

The feelings of disgust and annoyance which are aroused

when advertisements of this kind are met with in such
abundance in newspapers are

importance in

of very little

comparison with the far greater

the power over the

evil of

press which thus passes into the hands of the owners of the

various quack medicines.

tive

ways

Certainly one of the most effec-

of preventing people being

articles is to publish as

widely as XDossible authentic informa-

tion as to their composition

little

assistance

is

imposed on by such

to be

and

real value

but in this task

obtained from the lay press, on

account of the large pecuniary interest which such advertisements give

it

The

in supporting the trade.

great con-

centration of the ownership of newspapers, magazines, etc.,

in the
is

hands

of a

comparatively small number of companies,

not without influence in the matter

for

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.

CHAPTEE

XIX.

THE "EXPERT" BEHIND THE PROPRIETARY

MEDICINE.
The

reports which appear in the preceding pages and the

volume

first

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.

sometimes professed that

fied

this attention is given

medical practitioner, but whether alleged

or not, the " expert"

is

quali-

to be qualified

usually said to have

is

by a

It

made

a life-

long study of the particular complaint to be treated, and to

know

far

more about

it

than any doctor practising

profession in the ordinary way.

We

his

have shown in many

cases the hollowness of the pretence of personal attention to

individual cases, and

inquest at the

on the kind

some

of the evidence given at a recent

Hammersmith
'

of

'

expert

'
'

Coroner's Court throws light

knowledge placed

at the disposal

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

of those deluded

a promise of personal treatment

who

says, " I

whom

died

am

by "J. Nelson Lloyd,"

member of a family many of

prematurely after much mental and physical

suffering, arising

myself a

from corpulence"; and "not only do

257

of the

whole subject

full benefit of practically

every client the

offer

of corpulence,

hut that

life

study

guarantee to

The value of this

every case I take up."
" guarantee," and the real facts as to the proprietor's know-

effect a cure of

shown by his
own evidence at the inquest referred to. The following is
from a report of the proceedings in the
est London
Observer
" Mr. Frank Derry, the proprietor of Nelson
ledge of the disease he guarantees to cure, are

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
:

'

The book was written for me. In your book you

While studying for my degree? 'That represents the

person.
say,

'

man who
ness.

wrote the prescription.

But you are

joint effort.

He

assisted in the busi-

Lloyd? Yes, it
book first pubhshed? In

said to be Nelson

When was

the

spring of last year.

is

the

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

represents the medical

'

? That

man who

assisted me.
Obesity, you
say, should only be treated by a speciahst? 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 Heme Hill, said

he was
America, but not in this country.
As an employee of Mr. Derry he went over the
consultation
forms and ordered the treatment." The
statement
a quahfied medical

man

in

of the
responsible for the letters and
pamphlets
sent out concluding, " I am, yours truly,
"
J. Nelson

proprietor,

who

is

Lloyd

(the signature being a facsimile of

writing),
personal form of the advertisements,
that

and hr the
"of rourse

25a

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 speci^ilist in fatproducing 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 Eational Eemedies Co., Limited.
The company
went into liquidation, and the
specialist
passed into
'

possession of

which

the

International

Remedies

'

Co., Limited,

went into liquidation.

Warner became bankrupt, and Gordon Wallace then becgme a fnt-dispeller."
also

CHAPTER. XX.

SOME ECHOES OF VOLUME

The

first

volume

I.

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 correspondenfc 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

somewhat entertaining reading.

a

from
explanatory
letter

the

them
The correspondence opens with

makers of this

nostrum, which

is

self-

Deair Sir,

We r-eceived to-day by pofifc a wrapper v^kh. had enolcsed ooie

of our
Mother Seigel pampMets addressed to you, and
on which tiie sender had
copied bhe stupid so-called amly&is
of out Syrup from the publicatdon

of the British

Medical Association. You also copy

the still more silly
averment, - cost of 3 fluid ounces
i of Id.,- and your own comment on
the whole IS,
Nice profit at 2/6
"
What
!

As you seem

humbug

be inclined to believe whatever you road,

wo desi to
eay
ifaat the pretended analysis is
positively absurd; That it does not
remotely resemble tJbe actual formuk of
our medioin*, which reaUy conto

T r?

<^ h^^bal extracts; That

much more
Tt^ i of "l,
than
Id. for 3 fluid ounces; That
it is actually worth
more than
It seilfi for as am effective curative
remedy; That
is not a "humbug "
Tht humbugs do not la.st forty yeai^ and
still contimie a* h-u^me^,
sue'
cessee in aU parts of the world as our
preparatio.n does.
From your penniau^hip we thin.k it not uuhkoJy
that 'you are a medical
practitioner, in whaci evit youaanimus becomes qu,ito intelligible.
If
it

costs

;:

260

yaa

a.r

D-nialysis

a laiyman, please coneider

(?)

Prac-ti Honors'

humbug

meirely

is

aai

fairly ouir oBsiiraflioe that the piiblietoed

the "Doctors' Trusit,"

effort of

Trade Union, "

to injuiTe sucoessful rivals.

or

Don't

"Medical
let them

Yott!

It is of course quite possible that tte 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 te believe wbatever 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 wihich contain no .active principle cannot always be
;

recognized by analysis, and a similar caution is repeat-ed 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

sole question is wtetlber tlbe publiic is more likely to be hmnhugged

by tlbe Britislh Medical ABSOciafcion, -wthiohi is centaiiily a responsible body
of exDerte, or by tihe unikiioTvii vendors of a quack lE&dicine

The

And

the writer adds

Most
there

tlhese

of

abominations haal fax>m America.

Did yours originate

The makers reply

to this in

a long

letter containing various

about their article in nine numbered paragraphs,

although they commence by aa-ying
assertions

have no desire to continue a correspondence which would probably

side.
not b accepted in a fair and reasonable spint ooi your

We

they omit to answer the one question that was asked as

In acknowledging this
to the country of origin of the syrup.
letter, the recipient says

And

As

T^igards

have issued
your remedy

Idbter generaiUy, if the

false ,stajtemente damaging to

yew

is

patent.

Briltidh

you

a;nd

Medical Association
to your concoction,
,

i.v

tibe

10/,

14

other quack mediicinje dealers, specified

the pages of Truth Cautionary List,
pages of Secret Remedies, and
" take it lying down," tihe fair preeumptiooi m tihat the stat^
choose to
If you.

and

all tihe

mentfi are true.

The makers do not appear

so the correspondence closes

to

have found a further reply, and

261

THE VARIABLE COMPOSITION OF SECRET

REMEDIES.

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

Magnesia

0.09

Powdered

0.66

liquorice

S^g"
In one

1_4

grains

0.2

grain

pill.

while according to the writer of the letter

it

is

given on the

label as
Pot. caub
Ferri sulph

0 07
0 80
0 02

Mangan. oxid. puriss

Nuraemin

qq^

Sacchar
...
Ext. gentian
^1^^

n'n-r

0Q25
0.009

[The quantities apparently do not indicate

grains, but the fractional
parts ot the various ingredients in 1
part of the pill.]

The P/uM-maceutical Jov/rruil's correspondent

proceeds to
assume, without further evidence, that
the formula published
Secret Remedies is wrong.
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

262

found to constitute nearly

lialf

the

pill,

but none

is

shown

in the other formula; it cau hardly iiave 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 tx>
pills having very different composition, and the other differences
The
are equally incapable of explanation in any other^way.
only
emphasise
that
the obvious fact
the
comparison serves to
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
In Secret Remedies, Vol.
is that of Laville's Antigout Remedies.
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 't
appears almost certain that remarks similar to the abovG would
apply here also. Thus, Zernik found the pilules to contain
guaiacum resin, whereas this is not one of the admitted con-

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 Pharma" the natural conclusion is a strong
ceutical Journal adds that
the
doubt as to the accuracy of the other formulae given in
with errors
Its pages form very interesting reading, but
book.
the book
avoided,
been
have
such as these, which could easily
who
pharmacist
hardly reflects credit on its authors or any
If pharmacists are as little
uses it as a book of reference."
makers of proprietary
able to criticise the claims of the
appears to be, it is perhaps
articles as the writer of this letter
stituents

it is

well

known

play the part they

not surprising that they are often willing to
evidence is not lacking
do in distributing them. Fortunately,
medicine evil in a very
that many of them regard the quack
manner, and welcome such exposures as we have given
different

of

many

of these preparations.

The

facts

adduced

in the letter

country, as
show very plainly how desirable it is that in this
should require the composition
in France and Italy, the law

263

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 SEORET REMEDIES.

Among

the proprietary medicines the composition of which,

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
as revealed

has sometimes been shown. Thus in the case of powders sold for
the cure of drunkenness powders having an average weight of
grains varied individually from
| grain to 3 grains, and in
another inebriety "cure," variations from 2.9 to 6 grains were

found among
would appear
was merely "
or measured.
bromide, and

ten powders of average weight 4.2 grains.

It
from such cases that the quantity put into each
a little," and could not have been either weighed
One of these powders contained acetanilide 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 10| grains, and acetanilide
fo^ed
;

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-oongratulation
on accuracv
And the "fact" itself belongs to the class described
by Josh
Balhngs 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

^vains

264

Tlie 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 pharma'

'

ceutical correspondent remarks that the statement "is an insult

to the pharmacists to

whom

it is

addressed.

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 packeti 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.

'\cr.-

INDEX.

The contents

The

Roman

of

Volumes

both

the

denote

numerals

1.

and

the

the figures denote

and

volume,

here indexed together

are

II.

page.

PAOE

PAOK

System

Absoluite

Alcoholism, Medicines for

Miedidne,

of

An

210

ii.

i.
Absorbit Reducing Paste
Treataneinit,
Pile
Absorptive
i.
Van Vleck's
...

i.

38, 39, 40, 41, 58, 165

Aicetic acid...i.

15,

78;

ether

Acet'oealic

Drug iCuxes, soane other

Normyl Cut

i.

154

TeetoHa Trealtmemt
Teraiperianciia Treatment
Woods' Treatment

i.

2, 5, 6, 37,
ii.

263, 264

7,

23,

[see

16 ;
Aoetyl-

...i.

ii.

Allan's Anti-fat

i.

Allspice, Oil of

56, 59, 60. 64,

77, 81

Act, Stamp
Advertising
Medicines,

ii.

i.

of

19
214
213
182

4,

ii.

ii.

252
&8

238
65, 127

ii.

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,
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

i.
162
Al'coholLsan, jMedicines tor

ii.

AJ'cola

Anitidipso

Coza Powder

,,

oiil

137
92

ii.

oi

ii-

151
23

135, 138

i.

Aloes i. 48, 49, 55, 104, 175, 176, 177,

180; ii. 5, 23, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,
100, 101,

117,

192,

196, 199,

195,

204, 205, 240

ii.

ii.

7,

,,

166
130
133

10, 12

ii.

Proprietary

The

Albumen
i.

ii.

Aethylenimin
Agar-agar

ii.

ii.

Aimoaiid, essential oil of...d. 35;

Aconite, Tiincture of
Aconitum napelhus

167;

ii.

Alcola

extr.aict

^54
168
140

aciiid).

Ace tylHsalicylic acid

Alcohol

182,

236
ii. 86

i.

acd'd

saJicylic

ii.

Dipeocuir

87

Acetanilid (antifebrin)

(coiit.)

ii.

i-

i.

128
137
165

162

Aloes and iron

piU...ii.

decoction

Aloin

196,

204,

205

193,

198,

199

of...ii.

69, 109, 110, 161

i.

ii.

85, 96,

101, 144, 204

Alum

51, 120

i.

Alujminium oleate

i.

120

i.

145

6,

23

...ii.

184

Blak ThyroJ Female Pms...ii.

206

sulphate

,,

Amber,

oil

of

ii.

Amenorrhcea, Medicinee for

Blanchard's

Apiol

and

PiUs
Davis's Female Mixture

Female

Pille

Steel
ii.

205

ii.

197

ii.

197

266
I'AOK

ATnenorrhrea,

Medicines for

{corU.)

Dodd's Con-ective
ii.
{qq
Female Pills

ii.
193
Dumas's Paris Pilk ....ii. 186, 192
Fournier's
Hygenique Mix^^ure

ii_

Gautieur's Female Pills

Grey's (Nurse) Tablets

Hammond's

(Nurse)

ii.

Eeme-

die

ii.

Hooper'e Female Pills

Horton's Benedict PiUe
Irristum
I.R.S. Tablets

ii.
ii.

ii.

Fema/le Pills

Kearsley's

Welch's

ii.

ii.

196
206
191, 195
ii.

Female

Pills

Mann's (Nurse) Remedy

Martin's
Apiol
and

ii.

ii.

Compound
Powell's
Pills

Powell's (Nurse) Mixture

>,

200
204

ii.

193

...ii.

193

Popular Pellets

ii.

Reimedies

ii.

19M
187

ii.

200

Sanol Cones
-

199

ii.
190, 194
Corrective

(Nurse)

Bennyon's

ii.

Stafford-Broolces'

(Mrs.)

202

Pel-

loids

ii.

202

Towle's Pennyroyal and Steel

Palls

ii.

(Widow)

Weilch'is

Pills

ii.

son's

ii.
. .

.ii.

7, 8, 25, 35, 63, 194,

.4immoniiacum

i.

18;

ii.

carbonate

chloride

Antexema
^nthylla

ii.

151

224
106

125

ii.

181

,-

citrate

i.

87

,,

ioidatum salicyl. solubl.

ii.

28

i.

13

i.

14

ii.

234

,j

25

j^Qg

^^^j^

Anti-oaitaraet Mixture, Pomies'

Anti-.catariih, Birley's

li.

i.

Anticelta Tablets
j.
Anti-corpulent Preparation, Russell's

Medicine,

lor's

i.

i.
i.

Antifebrin (see Acetanilid)

Antigout soap

Anoimony oxide

..

Antineurasthin

jgg
126
129
92

i.

64

j.

132

68
86
238, 239
ji.

^ntipon
Antipyrin

i.

ii.

Anti-rheinnatic

Pearls,

Baring-

Gould's

ii.

55
116

ii.

26

i.

Anturic Bath Salts

Apiol
ii.

and

7
153

Tay-

Anti-epileptique (Uten)
Anti-ifat, Allan's

Apiol

146

j.

Antidipso

Steel

195, 199, 204, 205

Pills,

Blanii.

196

159, 162, 164

19

powdered
Powell's Balsam of

water
"
Annatto

Appendix
Arnica montana

i.

i.

Aniseed,

Apiol and Steel

Ammoniateid mercury i. 113, 143, 144

Ammoniimi bromide i. 126, 128, 129
,,

149, 150, 151, 162, 164

195

American Soothing Syrup, John-

Ammoaia

chard's

Female

28

28, 238

spiric. puriss
ii.
238
sulpho-guaiacolate ii. 237
Animal extract
63,
65
A.ni&eed, oil of i. 12, 14
:i.
74 105

Anti-stout Pills, Vincent's

(Mrs.)

Remedy

ii.

ii.

>i

Anti-epileptic

Steel

PiUa

iodide
talicylate

ii.

Monaid Tablets
ii.
Patterson's Female Pills ....ii.
Pinkham'e (Mrs.) Vegetable

Shaffer

20I
198
198

Female

Pille

Lilly's (Nurse)

>>

203
196
205

139^ 194

ii.

Jefferson Dodd's Corrective

204

190, 195

ii.

Ammonium

Pills, .Martin's

205

ii.

199

i.

182
219

ii

Arnica, Tincture o-f

ii.
220
Asafoetida
ii.
52, 145
Aspirin (.see acetyJ-salicyliic nc:d).

Assmann's

Whooping

Cough

Atkinson and Barker's

Infants'

Remedy

i.

Preservative

Atomising Fluid, Colman's

Atropine

Augenwol
Automors

19

ii.

150

ii.

84
168

i.

i.
ii.

146
239

267

" Bacillentod "

(Pohl's
Family
Tea)
i.
Baldness, Medicines Sar (inifcernal)

36

114
115
114
116
23

i.

Capsulated Hsemoglobin Ovals i.

i.
Oapsuloids
i.
Hsemoglobin Capsules
Balm, Bowden's Indian
ii.
ii.
Bafeam, Benigiie's

Balsam of Peru

Bakam

i.

27, 113, 115

of tola

19

ii.

25

ii.

Balsamic
Mixture,
Cough
Crosby's
i.
Balsamic Elixir, Congreve's
i.
Baring-Gould's
Anti-rheumatic
Pearls

i.

Barkowski's Irrigal Tablets

Barley

ii.

ii.
ii.

77

ii.

i.
i.

i.

Bell's Fairy

35, 181, 182

ii.

Cure

Pills,

Horton's

Balsam
Benzoate, Sodium i. 180 ii.
Benzwin, compound 'tiiiictuire of
;

Berberine
Berendorf's
lepsy
Be tony

ii.

19

for

177, 237
i.

15, 27

ii.

i.

77;

i.

of

217

Epii.

Bile Beans
oil

80

i.

Powder

ii.

39
205

i.

Bengue'fi

Pills

ii.
id.

129
63

96
43

7
i.
Birley's Anti-catarrh
i.
62
Bishop's 'Gout Varalettes
253
ii.
Blackwood's Magazine
Bladdervvrack i. 83, 84, 89, 91, 92, 93,
ii. 112, 116,
94, 100, 102, 103, 104
123, 125
121,
122,
119,
117,

44
46

i.

31

Punifier

Siarsa-

Ameiriican

i-

parilla

118, 119;

i.

7.

i.

i-

Stevens's Consum.ptik}n Cure

Toiwnsend's

129, 138

Boric acid

40, 85, 223,

ii.

106, 109, 113;

i.

43

145

ii.

224,

225
39,

ii.

40, 42, 125, 136, 139, 202, 203,

237, 249

Eye Ointment
Bowden's Indian Balm
Box's Golden Fire

Bostock'iS

i.

163

ii.

164

ii.

ii.

Brandy
Brixa Talblets
Broimoicarpine

and

Cojisumption

Cough

ii.

143
23
20
20
28

i.

ii.

Pills

,,

Bromipton

58, 88, 120, 140, 143,

i.

149, 151, 181

Birch tar,

239
23
25
237
96
104
18
175

....ii.

Batih Salts

Bauch's Busennahrcreme
Beans, Bile
i.
Bearberry
Beecham's Cough Pills
Pills

Benedict

55
122

i.

Barium Sulphate

Beeswax

15
26

i-

Munyon's Cure
Phelps Brown's

Blue dye
Borax i.

i-

of

iSarsaparilla

Hughes's

i.

42
42

i-

Blood Purifiers
Clarke's Blood Mixture
Harvey's Pills
Hood's Compound Extiiact

Specifiic

i.

27

74
Brown's Bronchial Troches ...ii.
ii.
66
Brown^Sequard
62, 63,
lieis'toriative
Vervain
Brown's
i.
Assimilant, 0. Phelps
127
Brucine
ii.
145

Biyony
Buckthorn

i.

63

i.

104

Buer's Mul'la
Buer's PUes Cure

i.

i.

Burdock

li.

Burgess's Lion

i.

Pills

^,

Ointment

ii.

Busennahrcreme, Bauch's

ii.

Biisteria

ii.

149
149

45
180

101
237
238

Gout and Eheumatic Pills i.

ii.
Blak Thyirol Female Pills

Blair's

50

206

Cade,

oil

of

ii.

43
41

139,

218,

221,

233

42,

ii.

Gadum
Caffeine

i.

38,

39;

ii.

4,

Blan chard's Apiol and Steel Pills

ii.

205

ii.
145, 195,
Blaud's Pills
i.
Blood Cure, Munyon's
i.
Mixture, Clarke's

203

Pills, Hart-vey's

Hughes's

44
42

i.

44

i.

48

Calcium carbonate

i.

6,

109

ii.

39,

145, 176
,,
,,

chloride

glycerophosphate
hypophosphite ii.

ii.

...ii.

175
70

55, 58, 61,

127

268

Calcium phosphate
sulphate

Calomel

113,

...1.

Camomile
Camphoo-

i.

28/ 109;

i.

131,

ii.

132,

41,

139

148,

151

63; ii. 100

2, 5, 65, 135, 173; lii. 11
of ...ii.
10, 23, 25,
82
i.

a.

oil

Cancer Rem&dies

OturdiigEun

Ganistics

...i.

117

d.

121

i.

122

Cauiceir Cuo^ers

amd Cancer

Grdmeon

Cross

Special

Oint-

ment
Wallace's iSpeoiiic No. II.
Ca-nella

19k;,

ii.

Canexia preparations
Capsicum i. 14, 35,
177

132
39,

Carbolic acid

Cardamom

96,

156, 161

ii.

ii.

175

ii.

175

i.

163

Chloroform

i.

i.

115
114

Munyon's
Rhycol Treatment

Van

Vleck's

No. 2

i.

80;

164;

i.

ii.

96

ii.

147

10,

ii.
i.

Lane's

Cinnamon

decoction of

...i.

Colman Method
Hyomei

Cinchona
i.
167
Cinchonidine sulphate
Cinchonine sulphate i.

oil

70
36
39
39
40

71

,,

Cocaphos

Cochineal

Cod-liver

200
122

i.
i.

61

ii.

17

ii.

94

86,

87;

28, 55

42

i.

27, 35, 86,

136

ii.

117

ii.

76

65, 76, 237

ii.

120;

Cocoa

76

76, 98

i.

Cocoa-butter (see Theobroma,

i.

i.

84,

Cockle's PilLs

Cocoanut

ii.

199, 204,
205, 233
ii.

81,

205

Treatment for Deaf-

decoction of
oil of

78
6

ii.

195^

ii.

64,

i.

2,

ness
Cloves

83

80

57

Clarke's Blood Mixture

Clifton's

ii.

i.

93

i.

ii.

ii.

ii.

ii.

ii.

i.

112

58, 61, 133

ii.

67

ii.

m,

i.

of

Citric acid

76
3

43;

...i.

Ciniicifuga

>,

Dusting Powder
ii
Blood Cleansing Tablets ii
Ointment
ii.

Chloroform, Spirit of
Chlorophyll
Cicfa

,,

ii.

74,

234

88

104,

16,

13, 47, 164, 194, 198,

i.

i.

ii.

ii.

14,

17,

i.

74,

CasseU's Medicines

CaulophyUin
Caustics and cancer
C.B.Q. Tablets, Post's
Celmo

125

12, 13,

i.

205
121

28, 36, 94, 110, 123,

Birley's

ii.

Cliloreton

Chlorinated soda

195, 198, 199, 204,

i.
35;
Catarrh Balm, Van Vleck'e
Catarrh Cures
i.

238
j.
168
232, 233
ii.
232

Chlorine

149, 150, 151, 240

Cassia, oil of

I33

i.

ii_

196

149

,,

Powdere,

215

Cascarilla

,,

Cooling
Fenning's
Chinosol
Chiretta
Chlorbutol

69, 156, 160, 176,

Cardigan Cancer Curere

Carmine
Carter's Little Liver Pills
Carvone
Cascara sagrada i. 2, 6, 55,

22, 32

i.

193,

Phenol)

(see

ii.

Chijitse

Children's

96

ii.

...ii.

Oapsulated HEEmoglobin Ovals

Capeuloids
oil of...ii.

19, 145

ii.

181

101, 108, 196, 200, 205

Caraway,

Charcoal
i.
172;
Chas. Forde's Bile Beans

ii.

11, 19, 23, 76, 04, 98, 100,

ii.

Century Thermal Bath Cabinet i.

99
Cialk
i.
6, 109; ii.
39, 145, 176
Chameleon Oil
ii.
7

ii.

49

ii.

47,

ii.

181
100

i.

41

oil

of)
oil

ii.

Oil,

Pastor

of

218,

Honey
Coffee,

i.

tincture

ii.

220,

Goffoea cruda

CoJchicine

i.

Colchicum
i.
51, 63;
Cold Cures
Keene'.s " One Night"
Maokeffiaie's

25

Felke's

"One Day"

56
221

ii.

220

61,

54

ii.

a.

i.

...i.

269

Nervlettes
CoUemplastTum Ga-pedcum

95, 100, 101,

237
57
83
117

96,

197

ii.

CoMie'a Ointmeiirt

i-

Colmaji (Method
Colocyn-tih

iiii.

extract of

CoJophony

ii.

181'

ii-

135;

Co'DistipaAion,

Remedy
Becjcham'e Couigh Pills

Brown's Bronchial Troches

Groisby's Bakamiic Elixir
Fenning's

25

207

Blanks

Symiptom

(see

FoiTmis).
,,

Forms

Symptom Forms).

(see

Consumption Curee

20

i.

Bacilientod

Brompton

71

ii.

i.

36
27

...i.

26

i.

specific

Congreve's Baleamic Elixir

Honey Cod-laver
Kefyr Ferment
Felke's

i.

Tea

i-

Pohl's Family

Tea

Star Toniic
(Sacco,

Stevens's

Tuben-cuJozyne

i.

Conpulenice
cines

(see

Beecham's
Brompton

,,

Pillis,

,,

iSpecific,

Coza Powder

i.

23

Crimson Cross Remedies

Fever
and
,,

28

21

32
23

i.

152;

113,

,,

i.

132

ii-

107

35
182

198

ii.

195

ii.

12

Reaohel's

i.

27

i.

162
80

ii.

178

181

,,

ii.

181

,,

Kidney Cure

...ii.

182

Cubeb

Cummin

i.

170

Beecham's Pilis
Korpusdoon

15

ii.

75

i.

164

i.

176

ii.

170,

233
175
233
163
175
176
172
174

Syrup
Therapiom
WiUiams's Pink

i.

38

i.
ii.

Martin's iMinacletts
Nervlettes

i.
i.

iSedgel's

16

19
19

135

i.

xMolher Seigel's

Cure-alls

15
'

i.

28

ii.

,,

18

i.

104

...ii.

Cotton Wool, Vollner's

Cough Cure, Kilmer's Indian ...d.
Veno's Lighibning i.
,,
i.
Lauser's
Drops,

28
28

181

No.

Curaitive Syrup,

i.

oil

75

In-

'for).

Cottonseed

19
16

ii.

Crosby's Balsamic Cough Elixir

Medi-

Correotive, Jefferson Dodd's

Pilk. Powell's

19

Orompton's Specific for Deafness

181,

Corpulin

14

i.

ii.

135

73

Ointment ii.
Ointment
Specdal

,,

15
19
13

Po'wder

fluenza

130

i.

Obesity,

10, 11,

Creosote

21,

18,

15,

i.

36

and

ii.

in

"77

1.

Teetlhing

13,

9,

Opium

i.

Weiidbaas Hygieaiiic Imsibit-uite i.

Cooling Powders ifor 'Infants ...i.
Fenning'e Obildirein's Powders

Fever Powders
Copaiba
Copper in Tuibenculozyne
Copper oleate ...i. 120;

1'^

i.

ii.

Lungsava)
i.

Pritchard'e

36
36

i-

Liquifmta Mediica

12

i-

i.

i.

36
24

00... i.

Koriber's
Lieiber's

76

...i.

i.
Owbridge'e Lung Tonic
ii.
Peps
Powell's Balsam of Aniseed...!.
i.
Beichel's Drops
i.
Tussothym
i.
Lightning
Cure
Veno's
ii.
White's Komjpo
Cough Medicines, Morphins in

for).
Comfi-ultatiotn

ii.
..-ii-

Lauser's Drops

Mediicineis

etc.,

19

18

74
15
72

Keating's Lozenges
Kilmer'is Indian Cure

26

71

i.

....i.

Compound

Linseeid

Kay'is

17

i.

...ii.

Lung Healers

Glyk aline

Inidaigestion,

(see

Constiijpa,bion

i.

Cough, Medicines for ...i. 9; ii.

Cough
Whoopiing
Aissmann's

182

ii.

Colza oil
Confinements, Medicine for securiiing easy
iCongreive'is Balsamic Elixir
88,

i-

Cough Lozenges, Keating's

I'^S

i-

ColeiTirain's

d.
i.

Pills

...d.

Cuxdc Wafea-*

270

Cuticum Temedies
Cysfcaimin

Cystogen

(see

110

.i.

Duty

on

Secret

Remedies,

Formamine).

(see Formiamiine).

^''^'"P

^y"^^'

222, 228

ii.

^y^ol

Daily
Daily
Daily
Daisy

Express, The
Mail, The

ii.

News, The

ii.

Powdeirs

38;
Dale's Treatment for Epilepsy
i.

ii.
ii.

Tea
Damaroids
Dalloff's

Dami'aiia,

253
253
253
264
153

ii.

104
50

i.
,ii.

extract of

173;

ii.

50,

51, 61

Daturine

ii.

155
197
197

ii.

32

i.

134

j.

Davis's Female MixtuTe

ii.

Pills

D.D.D
Deafness, Remedies for
Clifton's Treatment
Grompton's Specific
DeUar's Essence

i.

Nazaisepti-c

i.

Oiiraseptiic

OliTsorb

136
135
135
139
139

i.

i.

i.

Compound

138
237
135
105
Dethlblo
ii.
235
Diabetes, Medicines for
i.
76
A Lanoasiliiire nostrum
i.
80
Dill'is Mixture
i.
76, 77, 79
Pesqui's Uranium Wine ...i. 76, 77
Diabetic Foods
i.
81
i.

Dealin Powder
ii.
DelJar's Essence for Deafness ..4.
De Roos' Compound Renal Pills ii.

Mixture, Dill's
Diaethylen-diamin
Diagnosis Forms (see
Forms)
Diastase

Dill, oil of

Mixture
Dipsocure
Doan's Kidney PiUs

28

u.

Symptom

149,

...i.

150,

i.

Pile Ointment

Dodd's Corrective
Female Pills

Kidney Pills

Ifal

76, 77, 79
i.

i.

ii.
ii.
i.

154
69
151
198
198
69

Drug Addictions, Normyl Cure

for Alcohol and

Drug Cures

for Inebriety

Duboisine

Dumas's Paris PiUs

ii.

Gout

and

140

i.

168

i.

168

186, 192

ii.

Ear disease

(see

Deafness, Reme-

dies for).

Eczema and
tions,

otjier

skin

Preparations for

affeci.

105

Antexema

ii.

Cadum

30
jqS

i_

ii

OasseH's Medicines

35
39
39

ii.

Dusting Powder
Tablets
,,
Ointment
Cuticura remedies

D-D.D

ii.
ii.

40

ii.

no

32
35
113

;;;::;.;ii;

Eczoline Treatment
Ekzemin Orean'

ii.
i.

Homooea

ii.

34

i.

113

Jumiper preparations

Paciderma preparations

Pheun Skin Paste

Poslam
Rino Ointment
Sulpholine Lotion

Zip Ointment
Eczoline Treatment

Edwards' Harlene
Egg-substance

i.

lOo

i.

113

ii.

42

i.

113

ii.

40

i.

no

i.

112

ii.

i.

3S
223
59
113

i.

64

Zam-Buk

ii.

ii.

Ekzemin Cream
Electricum

Nerve

7,

Tonics).

slippery

ii.

Eosin

i.

Epilepsy, Medicines

for...i.

Antiepileptique (Uten)
BerendoTif 's Powder

Bromocarpine
Dales's Treatment
Fitzkure
Imperatine

124;

ii.
i.

Osborne's Mixture
Ozerine
Phelps Brown's Vervain
storative Assimilant

91

152
129
129

ii.

164

ii.

ii.

Renewer

39

i.

ii.

Lamma Powder
Niblett's Vital

ii.

Rheumatic

Pills

Elm,
95

11

ii.

Elixirs of Life (see

94,

ii.

ii.

Dill's Diabetic

76, 77, 79

...i.

Eade's

182

i.

Hair

i.

ii.
i.

i.

I57

159
153
129
162
126
125

Rei.

127

271
PAGE

Epilepsy, Mediciues foc

(cont.)

Powder

Roller's

Taylor's

ii.

Medi-

Anti-epileptic

cine

i.

Trencli's

Remedy

i.

Epocol
Essence for Deafness,
Euoaly.p'tms

ii.

Dellar's...i.

gum

ii.

oil of

... i.

112;

4,

166

Figuroids

lepsy and
127
i.
Fitzkure
ii.
159
126
Flesh prodTioer, A
ii.
Flour
ii. 23,
121, 192, 251
Fluorescein
70
i.
Forde's Bile Beans
ii.
96
Formaldehyde ...i. 129; ii. Ill, 223
225

ii.

Evening News, The

ii.

Exalgin

ii.

239
253
238

" Expert " behind the Proprietary

Medicine, The
ii.
" Eye and Ear Specialist," Aii..ii.

256
246

142;
ii. 246
Augenwol
i.
146
Bostock's Ointment
i.
143
Ison's
ii.
246
"New
and
Marvellous
Remedy "
i.
144
...i.

Okterin

i.

Opthalmol
i.
Pomies' Aniti-cataract Mixture i.
Singleton's Ointment
i.
Wisbech Remedy
i.
Eye Ointment, Bostock's
i.
Singleton's

i.

146
146
146
142
144
143
142

Honey

Felke's

i.
ii.

Cod

Liver

Remedy

Trench's

Epi-

for

Fomiamine

Fucus

Pastor

i.

Reducing Treatment
i.
Female Mixtures and Pills (see
Amenorrhcea. JMedicines for).

Mix-

Children's

28, 236

ii.

vesiculosus

[see

BJaddeir-

wrack)

Galeopsidis

i.

Gall stones

i.

79

i.

155

Galls,

powdered

Gargle Tablets, Colman's

Gaultheiria,

of

oil

i.

,,

Lung Healers

Fenugreek
Fenric chloride

i.

oxysuliphate
ii.

phoephate
sulphate

...

ii.

72

i.

68
Vro

ii.

5, 40, 54, 172

49
145, 195, 203
ii.

Feirrous carbonate

121

i.

oxide

133

ii.
i.

174;

61,
ii.

67,

194

36, 159,

Gentian

62,

i.

20,

lii.

63,

161,

infusion of
,,
George's Herbal Eemedy
Germicides
Ginger i. 49, 88, 89, 109,
ii.

204

ii.
i.

60

i.

60

173,

179;

23, 58, 61, 95, 201, 205

95, 97,

98,

99,

ii.

47

ii.

251

j.

3^

110,

175,

192,

193,

195, 204, 205, 206

Gloria Tonic

53
52
Gluten Flour
i_
81 82
'Glycerin i. 17, 30, 32,
35, 73, 74 78
,,

Treatment for Bheumatism

i.
i.

'

89, 90, 92, 93,

103, 113, 120, 'l35,'

138, 142, 143, 144, 146, 173 ; ii. 13
53, 35, 41, 55, 65, 67,
165, 183,'
197, 203, 223, 224, 225, 226,
228, 249

162, 192, 193, 195, 196, 197,

Glykaline

199, 200, 201, 202, 204, 205,

Goitre, Haig's

236.

84

ii.

18U

73,

Gelsemium
Genoform Tablets

180;

i.

36

33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145, 183

Cooling

Powders

199

ii.
.'.

ii.

36
97

253

ii.

ture

Frangula

85, 96

i.

Fortnightly Review, The

Fournier's
Hygenique

Oil,

Fell

Fenning's

39
180

71

i.

Fits,

Gautieur's Female Pills

Fairy Cure, Bell's

Feilden, Captain

94

Kidney and Liver Cooler

135
76

Eulatin

dieeaees, Mediioines for

132

Fitch's

35, 40, 80, 82

Eye

i-

i.

126
127
237

23, 25,

ii.

Fever Powders, Pritchard's Teething and

Cure for
Golden Fire, Box's

ii.

240
20

2f2
PACR

Vital

Gk>rdon'fl

Sexualine

storative

Gout and Rheumatic

54
258

ii.

Gordon Wsdlace
Gordon Wallace's Treatment
Obesity
GossypiTiini, extract

Re-

otf

ii.

for
ii.

114

ii.

198

Gout, Rheumatiem, and Neuralgia, Medicines for ....i.

50; ii. 1
Anturic Bath Salts
ii
26
Baring Gould's Pearls
i.
55

Bath Salts
Dengue's Balsam

ii.

Fill*, Blair's
i.

50

Gout and Sciatica Cure, Hamm's

Rheumatic
i.
Gout Powdens, PLstoia
i.

51

Portland
Varalettes, Bishop's

6k!

i.

62

Gower's Green PilLs

i.
Graziana Reducing Treatment... i.
Green PiUs,' Gower'.s
i.

103

,,

25

Grey's

American

(Nurse)

ii.

19

Bishop's Varalettes

i.

62

pound Tablets
Grindelia robusta

Blair's PiUs

i.

50

Gripe Water, Woodward's

ii.

20

Guaiacum

ii.

20

Guarantee Bonds

23

Guarantee... i.

Guy's Tonic

Box's

Pills

Golden Fire
Bowden's Indian Balm
Gebno
Chameleon Oil
Collie's Ointment
,,

Dyxol
Eade's Pills
Electricum
Genoform Tablets
Gloria Treatment

Limosan
Magic Foot Drafts
Oquit

Orudon Essence

ii.

17
7

i.

57

ii.

11

ii.

i.

64

i.

60

i.

i.

i.

ii.

10

ii.

28

i.

i.

Rheimia Tabakolin
Rheumisol Bath Salts
Tissander's Cure
Uricedin
Uricura Drops
Liniment
,,
Vollner'e Cotton Wool

Weigand'e Spirit
-

61

Hair Dyes

222, 228

ii.

Hair, Preparations for the

Edwards'

.ii.

Harlene

ii.

Koko
Lockyer's

Sulphur

Hair

,ii.
.

.ii.

.ii.
ii.
,ii.

Vilixir

,ii.

Hair Restorer,
Sims
,,

Restorer,

The

.ii.
.

Renewer, Mexican ....

Hamamelidis, Liquor i. 150

64

Hamm's Rheumatic,

i.

64

Hammond's (Nurse) Remedies

ii.

ii.

ii.

28

i.

65

i.

58

Sciatica

225
226
228
229
222
227

R.

Geo.

Lockyer's

222
223
229
224

Re-

storer

ii.

ii.

45

116

65
27
29

i.

30
172

OvaJe,

,,

i.

ii.

Capsulated
..i.
115
Hsemorrhoids (iee Piles, Medicines for).
Haig's Cure for Goitre
240
,,

Shadeine
Tatoho

i.

149

114, 115, 116

i.

14

ii.

17

ii.

ii.

59
27

62
12
62

195

i.

i.

i.

28
25

190,

97, 99, 107, 155;

Haemoglobin

56

44, 54, 62, 64

ii.

i.

Rheumacid

i.

56

Com-

ii.

Mexican Hair Renewer

Seeger's Hair Dye

ii.

Pond's Arthriticus
Portland Powder
Post's C.B.Q. Tablets

52

56
51
3
64
64

ii.

ii.

Powdens

;ii.

id.

Salt

Ozonia

Zox

i.

Gower's Green Pills

Hamm's Cure
Hoffmann's Powders
LaviUe's Remediee
Lazarus Soap
Levasco

Pistoia

ii.

62

i.

222

225
226
249
ii.
152
149, 152
.ii.
.ii.

Gout, and

Cure

i.

ii.
ii.

Hargreave's Reducing Wafers ..i.

,ii.
Harlene, Edwards'
Headache Powders,
Harmless

51

205
6, 7
91

223
41

273

Harvey's Blood

Pills

Bell's Fairy

Cure
Wafers

i.

Daisy

Gold "
Hoffman's Harmless
Kaputine
Betailers Supplying
Stearns's Cure
Healine Treatment for Rupture
-white

Hemlock Pitch
Hemotora
Henbane
Herbal Remedy,
Hexameithylieaie

tetramine

153

ii.

23

etc..

Medicines for

ii.

87

ii.

101

...ii.

95
94
93
100

41

Canter's Little Liver Pills

40

Celmo No. 2

i.

41

Ciofa

ii.

39

Cockle's Pills

ii.

i.

i.

i.

Constipation,

Indiigestion,

177

i.

160
17

68
153

69, 71

i.

Indian Balm, Bowden's

i.

ii.

i.

i.

Specialist,

Imjperatine, Dale's

Burgess's Lion Pills

ii.

George's

140, 151

i.

Humanity

i.

as

HeJleiboTe,

38

Ichthyol
IMs of

38
41

i.

Good

Herbal

39

i.

Headache Powders

"

i.

i.

Cure, Stearns's

Curie

i.

44
37
39
37

i.

Headache

...ii.

251

ii.

249

Beans

Forde'is Bile

Hood's VegetaJble

ii.

101

ii.

Mer-iSyren

ii.

99
89
98
95
96

Pills

Scott's Pills

ii.

Wlhelipton's Purifying Pills

..ii.

Pills

ii.

Alcoholism, Medi-

(see

cines for)

237

Drug Cures

Inelbriety,

42

96
97

Ker-Nak

Inebriety

Hoffman's

ii.

ii.

HoUoway'is Pills

Woodcock's Wind

[see

Formamine).

Hochf elder Pitch Plaster

ii.
Harmless Headache
Powders
i.

ii.

Infants,

Infants'

Powders

for

168
I30

i.

for

i.

Atkinson

Preservative,

Hoffmann's Rheumatic
Powders
Holdroyd's Gravel Pills

ii.

104

HoUoway's

ii.

96

Forms)

169

Inspirators

ii.

81

Invigoroids

ii.

51

Home

ii.

Pills

Homatropine
"

and Barker's

168,

i.

Doctor "

Backache and

Kidney Pills
Doctor" Remedies

ii.

107

Information Forms

Iodine

Homocea
Honey
Hood's

Compound

Extract

107

Ipecacuanha

ii.

34
151

Iridin

of

Sarsaparilla

Hood's Vegetable Pills

Hooper's Female Pills
Horton's Benedict Pills
Hughes's Blood Pills
Hydrastine
i.
80;
Hydrastis
i.
77, 80; ii.
,,

103,

ii.

tinctuire of

Hydrochloric

acid...i.

ii.

121,

i.

i.

46

,,

caxlboTiiate

chloride

ii.

196
205

,,

48
217
85, 240
217, 221

169,

176,

177; ii. 47, 151, 175, 228, 229

Hydrogen peroxide
ii.
230, 238
Hygenique Mixture, Fournier's ii. 199
Hyornei
ii.
78
Hyoscine
i.
168, 169
Hyoscyamine
i.
168, 169

ii.

14,

73, 101

157

i.

Iron

101

i.

28;

18,

i.

ii.

136

i.

2, 11, 12, 13,

ii.

ii.

Symptom

tinciture of

,,

ii.

[see

...ii.

84, 94, 102, 103, 126

i.

"Home

150
147

ii.

Infants, Soothing Syrups for

71, 87, 89, 121, 162

ii.
i.

121;

glycerophosphate)

ii.

203
175

ii.

67

145,

,,

hypophosphite ...ii. 50, 51, 55

oxide
di.
20U
oxysulphate
ii.
49
phosphate i. 89; ii. 61,

Teduioeid...ai.

,,

sacchara'ted carbonate

,,

Milphate

67, 194

53,

145,

199,

206

i.

10.--,
i.

175;

ii.

52

36,

159, 162, 192, 193,

197,

195, 196,
199, 200, 201, 202, 204,

205, 236
s

274
Irrigal Tablets,

Barkowski

Irristum

239

...11.

139^

ij.

^94

Compound Golden Tab-

I.R.S.
lets

\i

Eye and Ear Dispensary

Ison's

Preparations

Ey6

for

ii.

Kidney medicines
Munyon's Cure

Red Cross
201
246

Pills

j.

75

ii.

105

Var's American Pills

Veno's Seaweed Tonic

the
ii.

{cont.)

Warner's Cure
248

Kilmer's Indian Cough Cure

180;

ii.

49,

55,

100,

57,

101,

69,

117,

70,

192,

193, 196, 236

Jal^p resin
Jaundice

35
i.
72, 79
Jefferson Dodd's Corrective ....ii.
198
Female Pills ...ii. 198
Jeiinol
ii.
237
John Bull liaivesbigation
ii.
169
Johnson's (Mrs.) American Soothing Syrup
ii.
151
Juniipeir,

oil of

,,

19,

ii.

Juvenia Hair Dye

J.Z. Obesity Tablets

108

i.

113

ii.

2291

i.

87

15

108

i.

32

Kleinertz's Quidestin

ii.

209

Koko
Kompo, White's

ii.

224

ii.

75

i.

36
233

Korber's Cure for Consumption

Korpusdoon
Krameria

i.

54, 109, 172

i.

Compound
Kay's Linseed Compound
Linum Catharticum

Pills

Kearsley's

Female

Elarox

Welch's

i.

110
12

i.

12

ii.

Pills

Keating's Cough Lozenges

Keene's
"One Night"

ii.

198

i.

17

Cold

Cure
Kefyr

i.

Kellogg's Safe Fat Eeducer

i.

2b
119

id.

Kerosene

ii.

Co.,

The

J.

ii.

Kidd's Treatment, James W. ...i.

Kidney medicines
i.
65; ii.
Be iRoos' -Renal PiUb
ii.
Doan'-s Pills

Dodd's

i.

Pills

Fitch's

Kidney

....i.

and

Cooler

40

Kupfinn, "Dr."

i.

139

Lamma Powder

i.

129

ii.

237

Karox Compound
Kilmer's

Swamp Root

...ii.
ii.
ii.
ii.

i.

Lammersdorf's Chilblain

Cream

Lancashire nostrum, A
i.
80
Lane's Catarrh Cure
i.
2
LanoJine i. 149, 154; ii. 20, 25, 40, 43

Lard

Laxatol

Laxen
Laxoin

(see

{see
(see

Lazarus Gout
Soap

and

35,

acetate

19

i.

104
11

i.

64

Rheumatic

i.

carbonate

99

oleate

12
244

oodd

:78
102

i.

64

i.

122

152;

113, 127, 148,

226, 228

ii.

ii.

113,

i.

119,

i.

plaster

sulphate

subacetate
Lecithin

i.

181

ii.

226

127
69, 127, 238

ii.

i.
i.
i.

65;

ii.

25,

35

74

Leptamidlrin

107
110
108

Lieber's Tea for Consumption.. .i.

Levasco

ii.

Female

Pills
i.

84
113

i.

71
104

Lilly's (Nurse)

181

144

i.

grass
oil of

177

143,

Lemon

Lime Juice

177

i.

ii.

Lead

67
69

25,

Pbsnolphthalein)
Phenolphthalein)
Phenolphthalein)

,,

105

20,

ii.

Cough Drops

Lavender
oil of

Laville's Antigout remedies

Liver
i.

Holdroyd's Gravel Pills

" Home Doctor " Pills

...ii.

Ker-Nak
Kidd

40

ii.

32;

ii.

Lausieo-'s

Kaolin
Kaputine

72

ii.

68, 71;
pnepaffations
i.

i.

Swamp Root

Kino
48,

i.

70
74

...i.

,,

Jalap

i.

i.

...ii.

77,

10
36

206
81

275
PAGE

Limosan

ii-

iLinseed Compound, Kay's

ii.
181,
oil

jiLion Pills, Biwgess's

...i.
BuTg&ss's
Ointment,

ii.
Liqufxuta Medica

Liquor ammonii anisat

Liquorice

61,

55,

11,

i.

102,

91,

156, 173, 174, 175, 176

122,

116, 119,

103,
ii.

204,

205,

Liquorice, extract of

Lithium carbonate
citrate

Liver

(Cooler,

62

182
101
180
77

86
54,

133,

199,

206

234
ii.
28
13, 28

ii.

Kiidaiey

iFi'tch'e

and

i.

71

ii.
Lloyd, J. N'alson
256, 257, 268
Lloyd Reducinig 'Treatment, Nel100
son
i.
ii.
Lobelia,
23
,,

tincture of

ii.

86

Lockyex's Sulpliuir Hair Restoa-ex

ii.

London

Medicaji'e Co.'e

MarshmaJlow
?Iar6ton Txeatment
Martin's Apiol and Steel

225

Fitzkure
ii.

159

(see

Mixaoletts,

ii.
i.

73, 180

i.

82, 85,

i.

4
14

i.

citrate

ii.

glyoeaiopibaspbatB

ii.

silicate

ii.

sulphate

ii.

Magnesium carbonate

49,

111,

ii.

133,

Magpies
Malachdfce gxeen

Malt extract

ii.

M.andelyl-tropetin6

150
28
57
19

Mmn's

i('Nurs6)

Remedy

ii.
ii.

148

ii.
Mother's Advice
Mother .Seigel'e Cuxative Syrup i.
Mothexsill's Seasick Remedy ...ii.

176

Tabletfi

Miuico-Food

Marmola

i.

i.

ii.

Vdmieittes

i.

13,

Cones,

15,

Van

18;

232

Vleok's
148,

155

i.

149

Cure

Catarrih Tablets

Blood Cure
Kidney Cure
Pile Ointment
,,
Murray's iCoomibined Txeatment
Mustaxd, essential oil of ...ii.
,,

93

i.

i.

44
75
i.
150
ii.
58
10, 12
i.

i.

166

National

i.

Ill

Limited
ii.
166, 243
Nazaseptic
i.
139
Nebular Tablets, Colman's ....ii.
84
Nelson Lloyd, J
ii.
256, 257, 258
Nelson Lloyd Reducing Txeat-

Homaii.

171

ii.

tropinie)

Maxigold

69

i.

234
150

19, 95, 121, 237

(see

226

ii.

126
200
52

(fox

Monaid

Mninyon'is 'Catiaxxh

ii.

238
145
86

Foxmiamine).

i.

i.

239
89

110, 145, 183

Mnl'la, Buer's

Cuxe
Magic Foot Drafts
Magnesia, calcined

239

20, 33,

ii.

Martin's
Epilepsy, Ofiboxne's

Mixture

13

One Day " Cold

1'^^

ii-

Mexican Haix Reneiwex

Milk

i.

"

i-

113, 143, 144

ii.

40,

Meitriamine^

Lung Tonic, Owibxidge's

Mackenzie's

ii.

ii-

salicylate

28
71

i.

perchloride

i.

158

172;

156,

Mergandol
Mer-Syxen
Methyl alcohol
Methylene blue
Methyl orange

I'^l

207
182
1^1
238
20

i-

i.

Lungsav;!,

i.

i-

ii-

Menthol

Moxphane

i.

199

Treatment,

Mercuric oxide
Mercury, ammoniated

89

Lyoopodium

ii.

i|-

Meligiin

i.

Lymplioll, Rice's

1^0
^5

Oxien

Mongam's Radiio

Lotion, X..L. Reducing Pills and

Pills

li-

i-

Miiracletts

Mat/rozone
Medicine Sfcamip Act
Pile
Mcdii-cone

74,

ii.

i.

12

28, 97,

197,

193,

192,

45,

19,

18,

14,

89,

69,

ii.

28

191,

195

ii.

28

85,

93

College

ment
Nexve Stimulators

of

Health,

i.

100

i.

61

276
PAGE

Nerve Tonios and

Life"

" Elixirs

of

Antineurast/hin

Cooaphos
Damaroids
GrOTdon's

Vital

ii.

44
68

ii.

49

ii.

50

ii.

Sexualine

Obesity, Medicines for

Anticelta Tablets

(covt.)

Corpulin
DaUoff's Tea
Fell Treatment

Jie-

st>orative

ii.

54

Guy's Tonic

ii.

Invigoroidfi

ii.

46
51

Figuroids
Gordon Wallace's Treatment

Marstoa Tireatment
ii.
Morgan's Radio- Vimettes ....ii.
Murray's
Combined
Treatmenb
ii.

55

Graziana Treatment
Hargreave's Wafers

52

J.

58

Marmola

Neurovril

ii.

63

Osogen

ii.

Nelson Lloyd Treatment

" Normal " Pills

Bhosferine

ii.

Nervlettes, Colenian's

i.

66
45
70
62
48
175

Nefbtle

i.

36

Sc'liafert's

Nerve Salts

ii.

Sequarine
VitsB

ii.

Ore

ii.

Neuralgia (see Gout, Rheumatism,

ajid Neuralgia, Medicines for)
Neurovril
ii.
" Neiw and Marvellous Remedy
i.
for tihe E>es "
Niblett's Vital

Renewer

;...ii.

Ninetta
Nitrous Ether, 'Spirit oi
" No Oure No Pay "
i.
" Normal " Pills for Obesity

ii.
ii.

5, 29,
...ii.

63
144

95
122

Normyl

Treatment for Alcohol

ii.
and Drug addictions
i.
Nostrum, A Lancashire
Nurse Grey'js American Comii.
pound Tablets
Nurse Hammond's Remedies
Lilly's Female Pills

Mann's Remedy ...ii.

190, 195

203
...ii.
206
191, 195
Powell's Corrective puis ii. 193
ii.
193
Mixture
,,

Popular Pellets ii. 192

187
ii.
Remedies
,,
,,
12
iiNutmeg, oil of
219
ii.
tincture of
,,

Nux Vomica,
,,

extract of

...ii.

...ii.

tincture of

Obesity, Medicines for

AbsoTibib Paste
Allan's Anti-Fat

i.

83

52,

145

ii.

141

ii.
i.

i.

112
87
92

86

i.

104

i.

104

i.

i.

97
94
114
103

i.

91

ii.

i.

87

Kellogg's Safe Fat Reducer... ii.

119

Z. Tablets

85,, 93

i.

Phatolene Tablets
Russell's Anti-Corpulent

i.

100

ii.

122

ii.

117

Prei.

87

Seymour's (Mrs.) Treatment ii.

i.
Trileine Tablets
Vincent's Anti-Stout Pilk ...ii.
i.
X.L. Pills and Lotion
i.
Zehrkur
i.
Zobiede

123

paration

Ohrsorb Compound
Oil

of

90

116

89
103
87

139

i.

10,

ii.

,,

almond

,,

almond, essential

,,

amber

anise

,,

birch tar

cade

camphor
caraway

35;

i.

14;

151

ii.

6,

ii.

12,

138

135,

i.

i.

138
12

i.

allspice

74,

ii.

23

105,

149, 150, 151, 162, 164

140
80

i.

i.

Ohraseptic
162
238
Ill

163

i.

Antipon

ii.

ii.

cassia

43

43
ii.
10, 23, 25, 82
149, 150, 151, 240
10
ii.
i. 35
42,

ii.

,,

cinniamon

,,

cloves

,,

coooanut

ii.

di.

76,

ii-

,,

cottonseed

dm

,,

eucalyptus

ii.

4,

i.

150,

149,

ii.

9ci

63, 76, 237

112;

ii.

25
12
151
23,

25, 35, 40, 80, 82

juniper

,,

lavender

,,

demon

linseed

mustard,
oTutmeg

,,

OU, olive

...i.

68, 71;

li.

19, 108
ii-

i.

65;

ii.

ii.

essential... ii.

181,

35
182

10,

12

25,

ii.

12

ii.

40

277
PAOB

Oil of onion
onigaaium

pemmyroyal

78

i.

160
196,

193,

192,

ii.

ii.

197, 204, 205, 206

peppermint
81,

14,

i.

160;

94,

pimanto

10, 12

ii.

pine

101

98,

4
88, 135 ii. 25
ii. 11, 23
195, 204, 205

i.

Oil of rosemaxy

rue

,,

sassafnas

,,

ispeajrminit

theoibroma

ii.

Patterson's Female Pills

ii.

PoweU's Popular

ii.

192

ii.

202

Pellets,

Pelloids, Mrs. Stafford-Brookes'

and
Pennyroyal
Towle's

i.

...i.

159, 234

ii.

ii.

10

152,

154,

160;

148,

58, 61, 201, 202, 203

ii.

,,

tTiTpen*ine

,,

wintergreen

...i.

136';
...i.

122,

113,

65,

10

7,

ii.

180;

73,

i'.

20, 33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145, 183

Ointment, Cassell's
Collie's

Crimson Cross
,,

ii.
i.

ii.

Tremol

ii.

Okterin
Oleic

i.

acid

115,

i.

Oleo-reein oi Capsicum

Opium,

i.

i.

tincture

of

ii.

Onohitic fluid

di.

Oirigajiium, oil of

Crudon

62,
i.

Esseai'ce

ii.

Salt
oi.

Osborne's Mixture for Epilepsy..!.

Osogen

ii.

Owbridge's Lung Tonic

i.

Ox-bile

i.

Oxien Pile Treatment

Ozerine

i.
i.

Oxygar

ii.

Ozonia

57
181
176
146
161

11, 19

ii.

Opthalmol
Oquit

40

ii,

146
59

86
67
160
27
28
126

66
13
88
151
125
238
25

Pale People, Dr. Williams' Pink

Pills for

Paraffin

...

i.
i.

4, 70, 100,

170, 174

106, 109, 110,

111, 112, 113, 120, 140, 143, 144, 146,

151, 152, 156;

ii.

12, 40, 42, 43, 80,

176, 240

Paraphenylene-diamine
Paris Pills, Dumaa's

230
186, 192
ii.

ii,

Pills,

195

ii.

192, 193, 196, 197,

...di.

204, 205, 206

Peppermint
oU oif

94,

28

ii.
...i.

160;

14,

36,

69,

ii.

63,

74,

71,

81,

78,

96,

98, 101
,,

156

oil otf

Steel

44;

...i.

245
204

i.

Oil, (Tiape

25

i.
ii.

78,

63, 74,

ii.

96,

71,

69,

55,

names, obtaining

Patients'

water

127

i.

Peps
Pepsin

73
94
76;
ii.
25
i. 76, 77
i. 58,
156
ii.

i.

Peru, balisam of
Pesqui's Uranium

Wine

Peitroleaim jeJly

Phatolene Tablets
Phelps Brown's Blood

ii.

tive Assimiidant

Phenaoetin

i.

127

i.

39

38,

PhenocoU
...

117
46

ii.

Purifier... i.

Vervain Restora-

Phenol

175

di.

ii.

ii.
i.

151

1, 3, 4, 7, 120,

enlphate
,,
Phenolphthalein

ii.

i.

...

i.

97

39, 144

ii.

i.

Phosferine

ii.

...i.

id.
i.

46, 47,

176;

ii.
i.

Picrotoxin

ii.

Pile Ointment, Doan's

33,

239
239

77, 81, 85, 94, 96,

Pheun Skin Paste

Phosphoric acid
Phosphorus
Phytolaccin

4
28

i.

Munyom's

i.

Medicines for
Buer's Mul'la
Doan's Ointment

Piles,

113
45
194
66
54
141
151
150

147
149
i.
151
Hemotora
i.
I53
Muco-food Cones, Van Vleck'e.i. 148
Munyon's Ointment
i.
150
Oxien Medi-cone Treatment...!. 151
RoUo's Remedy
i.
153
Van Vleck's Absorptive Treati.

i.

ment

i.

Pilocarpine

Pimmto,

oil of

ii.

ii.

10,

154
165
12

278
rAOB

Pine baJsams
.

73

ji.

Pinkham's (Mrs.) Vegetable Compound

ii. 190,
Pink Pills, Williams'
i.
170, 174
Piperazine

62;

i.

Gout Powders

Pistoia

ii.
i.

28
62
237

Pitch Plaster, Hochfelder

ii.
Plasma, Van VIeck's
i.
155
Podophyllin
i. 69 ; ii. 85, 97, 144
Pohl's Family Tea
i.
35
Pomies' Anticataract Mirture...i. 146
Pond's Arthriticus
ii.
12
Poplar tree leaf
ii.
28
Popular Pellets, Powell's
ii.
192
Portland Gout Powder
i.
62
Poslam
jj.
42
Post's C.B.Q. Tablets
.......i.'
61

Potassium

ibioaalbonate

ii.

'bitarfcrate

bromide
127,

i.

89,

128,

90,

129,

cdtrate

,,

hypophosphite

ohloride

i.

a.

13,

dodide

43,

45,

47,

,,

52,

71,
ii.

phosipba'te

ii.

,,

sulphate

ii.

,,

siulpho-graaiaooOiate

di.

"Good

as

Gold"

ii.

valerianate

86
54,

66,

Potato Flour
Powders, Headache
Daisy

167

,,

i.

73;

ii.

2, 45, 61, 64,

ii.
i.
i.
i.

Hoffmann's Harmless
i.
Powders for Infants, Soothing,
Teething, and Cooling
i.
Fenning's 'Children's Cooling i.
Pritchard's Teething and
Fever
i.
Stedman's Teething
i.
Steedman's Soothing
i.
Powell's Balsam of Aniseed ...i.
(Nurse) Corrective PiRs ii.
,,
Mixture
ii.

,,
Popular
Pellets
ii.

,,

72,

108
63
145
237

92
37
38
41
41

176

i.

Ra;dio-vimetts,

Morgan's

Radium Salve, A
Rape o,il
Red Cross PiUs

130
131
14
193
193
192

60,

1.

202
172

ii.

52

234
ii. 25
88, 135
ii.
106
ii.

i.

Gum

Reducing Paste, Absorbit

PiUis and Lotion, X.L.
,,
Treatment, Fell
Graziana
,,
Nelson Lloyd
Wafers, Hargreave's

,,

,,

Reichel's

Cough Drops

ii.
i.
i.
i.

76
87
89
97

i.

103

i.

100

...i.

91

i.

19

Religioue Papers, advertisemente

in

ii.

Report Forms
Forms)

(see

Resin (colophony)

d.

plaster

supplied

58,

'by

i.

41

di.

28

ii.

Rheuma Tabakolin

i.

Rheumacid
Rheumatic,
Cure,

i.

Gout,

and

Hamm's

Rheumatic and
Weigand's

28
65
64

Sciatica
i-

Gout

119

powders

pursManus

,,

112

181, 182
i.

Headache

Retailers,

254

Syroiptom

ii.

Rhamnus frangula
132

61

46,

ii.

67

51, 53, 55, 61, 194, 201,

,,

130
133

67

203, 223

126,

39, 76, 159, 162, 164

70,

...i.

ii.

STilphate

di.

68,

Quinine

263
144
209

ii.

'

,,

61, 89, 90, 92, 93, 111, 126, 142

146 ;
nitrate

Quarterly Review, The

Quassia, extract of
Quidestin, Kleinertz

78

ii.
d.

(see Phenolphthalein)
Pyrogallic oicdd
ii. 228, 229

ii.

127

iodate

Purgen

id.

162

132
69

i.

ii.

55,

150

ii.

ph<>siphaAe

111,

ii.

Powders
Protein

glycerophosphate

125

187

ii.

,,

90,

89,

Fever

166;
164, 165
174,
175
i.
133

i.

Barker's Infants'
Pritchard's Teething and

150

125,

dhloT-aJte

and

ii.

13,

165,

149,

ii.

carbonate

Powell's (Nurse) Remedies

Preservative,
Atkinson

51

Spirit,
i.

65

279
PAGE

Rheumatic
and

Pills,

Gout

BJaiir's

i.

Rheuiindtifim

and

matism,

Gloria

for

i.

Rheumsol Bath

Salts

ii.

Rhiizama root

Rhubarb

i.

ii.

45, 55, 74, 104, 111

,,

Rioe'fi
,,

52
27
29

oif

ii.
ii.

Lubricant

ii.

Tampons

ii.

Treatment
Lyimphol
Treatment for Rupture

Ringworm Cure, Wilson's

ii.
i.

i.

Mothersill's

ii.

232

Remedy

Zotos

175
82

82
82
80
158
158

i.

231
74

ii.

228

ii.

Seaweed Tonic, Veno's

Seeger's Hair-Dye

99, 101, 105, 149

ii.

Rhubarb, iniusion
Rhycol Antiseptic

..ii.

ii.

Seasickness, Preparations for

Treatment

Syrup,

Curative

Seigel's

Mother

i.

dies

ii.

Form

Self-examination

tom Form)
Senna ...i. 19,

(see

104;

74,

28,

ii.

149,,

Rue,

Singleton's

oil

of

195, 204,

ii.

i.

Healine Treatment

i.

Rice's Treatment

i.

Russell's Anti-Corpulent Preparation

i.

205
158
160
158

87

,,

medy

ii.

Eye Ointment
i.
Skin Diseases (see Eczema and
otiher

skin

affecbionis.

i.

Slippery elm bark

i.

196
149

62
123
229

205
142

Pre-

parations for)
Skin Paste, Pheun

Soap

259

Symp-

syrup of
ii.
Sequarine
ii.
Seymour's (Mrs.) Treatment for
Obesity
ii.
Shadeine
ii.
Shaffer-Benmyon's
Re(Mns.)

Ruptuire, Preparations for

176

and Secret Reme-

Seigel's iSyrup

235
Rino Ointment
i.
113
Rock Rose
i.
46
Roller's Powder if ot_ epilepsy ...ii.
166
Rollo's Remedy for Piles
153
i.
Rosemary, oil of
ii.
11, 23
Rose water
ii.
41, 226, 228
ii.

70
61
168
98
231

i.

i.

Scott's Pills

]\l6dicines for)

Rheumatism,

ii.

Hamm's Rheuma-

"Sciatica Cure,

tic, Gout, and

Scopolamine

RheuNewalgia,

Gout,

(see

Nerve Salts

Scihafert's

50

ii.

115
39

57, 64, 65, 70, 113, 119,

135, 140, 175

ii.

11, 23, 97,

98, 99, 100, 101, 105, 108, 195,

204, 205, 228, 240

Saocharin
Sacco

11, 172

i.

Saffron
Salicylic

acid

...i.

92,

methylene-glycol

.,

ester... i.

61

ii.

28
43

SalocoU

i.

Sanol Oones
Sargol

ii.
ii.

compound

i.

SarsapariUa, Hood's Extract of

Townsen'd's Amierican
,,
Sassafras, oil of

...i.

44;

ii.

Savin

Scammony

i.

i.

44
46

43
159, 234
ii.
197
80, 180
i.

,,

Lazarus Gout and Rheu-

i.

ms, tic

,,

64

64
145
ii.
175
177, 239
177, 237
i.

142,

i.

ohloriiUated

Sodium acetate
ii.
benzoate ...i. 180; ii.

bicarbonate i. 1, 41, 62,

70, 80,

96, 97, 107, 164, 179;

200
125

solution

of

Antigouit

Soda alum

33, 42, 43, 76

Sal volatile

Sarsaparilla,

28
151

113;

93,

ii.

i.

ii.

ii.

86,

150, 240

bromide

chloride

citrate

i.

carbonate

ii.

129

26, 27, 105, 202,

228
146;

i.

ii.

1, 3, 7, 94, 96, 97,

23, 70, 85, 151, 259

glyceax>plhospihate

ii.
...ii,.

13^

67,

28
70

280

Sodium] hypophosphite

55,

ii.

perborate

ii.

pliloephate

d.

74

ii.

salicylate

i.

52;

ii.

sulphate

77, 81, 120, 145

i.

SooHiing,

182,

181,

28,

powders for infants

i.

Fenning's Children's Powders

i.

Pritehaird'fl

Powders

i.

Stedmian's

Powidei-s

i.

Powdere

Soothing SjTu.ps
Atkinson amd

i.

ii.

eenrvative

Woodward's
Spearmint,

ii-

ii.

203
130

133
132
130
131

Forms...!.

167, 178;

ii.

132, 135,

138,

150
151

ii.

148

...li.

149

ii.

10

'Gripe

Water
i.

Deafnieiss,

160

Simple

,,

Tabakolin,
Tablenes
Talc
Tallow

Tannin

i.

i.

65
93
39

i.

i.

Taylor's

ii-

202

i-

182

on secret remedies

i.

The

ii-

182
253

36, 39, 43, 69, 92, 193

Starch
23
iStar Tonic
i.
39
Stearns's Headache Cure
Stedman's Teething Powdere ...i. 130
Steedman's Soothing Powders...!. 131
Stevens's Consumiption Cure i. 21, 28
i46
Stillingia

Stockholm Tar

ii-

8,

62,

ii.
9
i.
27, 115
Storax
" Stramonine "
168
i.
253
ii.
Strand Magazine, The
Strychnine ii. 61, 67, 139, 141, 144, 145
ii238
Sulfopyrin
ii40
SuJplholine Lotion
Sulphur i. 88, 109, 113, 140, 150;
;

29, 35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 197, 226,

HaiT Reetorer, Lockyer's

i.

16

ii.

46,

ii.

78,

288
239
244

96,

97,

ii.

13
222

i.

126

i.

104

Lieber's

36
36

i.
i.

Fever

Powders,

Pritchard's

132
130
Teetolia Treatment
i.
166
Temperancia Treatment
i'.
130
Terebene ...i. 118, 119; ii. 6, 25, 82
Testimonials
ii.
15, 16, 159, 160
Theobroma, oil of i. i48, 152, 154,
156; ii. 58, 61, 201, 202, 203
28
Theobromine sodio-salicylate ...ii.
i.

Teething Powders,

Stedman's

i.

Therapion

172

i.

Thermal Bath
tury"

Cabinet,

"Cen99
237
19

i.

Thiocol

.ii.

Thyme

i.

Thyroid

i.

84, 94, 102, 103;

ii.

113,

125
253
29

121,

Times, The

ii.

Tissander's Cure
Tobacco Habit, Medicines for
ii.

Tolu
225

ii.

Anti-Epileptic

Medicine

228

ii.

119;

ii.

Pohl's

Teething and

Stamp Act

204
17
45, 66, 71, 73
ii.
139
136,

i.

Tartar emetic
Tartaric acid

,,

25

ii.

Tea, Dalloff's

Pel-

ii.

78, 194

ii.

Tansy
Tar
Taraxacum

ii.

loids

109;

27, 32, 73, 152, 153, 161;

...i.

Sprengel's herbal spice

(Mrs.)
Stafford-Brookes'

Sutton Medical Co

65

ii.

SpiTibol

Sulphuric acid

176

ii.

238
236

Sulphuir

i.

ii.

Eiheuma

135

ii.

173, 242,

247, 251

i.

ii.

158,

Syrup, Seigel'a

li.

Star,

157,

Tatcho

Cromp-

ton's

,,

101, 107, 138, 139,

37, 57, 60, 84, 124,

147

Anieirioan...iii.

oil of

for

Specific

Pre-

Barker's

Johnson's (M's.)
Winslow's

Symptom

237
63
13

and ooolimg

teetlhiiixg,

iSteedman'is

127

i.

Owbridge'a Lung

141

128,

13, 16, 18, 27

Tonic, Gloria

ii.

i.
i.

Star

i.

,,

Veno's Seaweed

i.

ii.

9
52
13
23
74

81
PAGE

PAGE

Towle's

and

Pennyroyal

ii.

Townsend's

Vegetable -Compound, Mrs. Pink-

Steel

Pills

American

195

Saxsai.

43

Tragacanth
i.
Treatment Forms {see Symptom
Forms)
TremoJ 'Blood Mixture
ii.

10b

parilla

Lotion

Oiutment
Treatment
Treoi'ch'a Reimedy
and OFite
,,

Trilene

ii.

174
175
176

ii.

167

ii.

Epilepsy

for

i.

TaJbleits

List,

28;

i.

167.

TuboTCulozyne

ii.

258,

246,

21,

i.

Tumenol

i.

Turanefric

70;

i.

oil

of

i.

ii.

ii.

260
32
140
197

Vilja

i.

19

32

241

76, 78, 79

i.

win, Pesqui's

76, 77

i.

Uiiea
tTricedin

Uricura Drops
Liniment
,,
UrisoJ [spp Foxmamine).
Lrotropim (se; FoTiar, amine).

Cream

Vincent's Anti^Stout Pills

Vin Ura<ne Pesqui
Vitee

Ore

Vital

Renew er,

Vollner's Cotton

ii.

28

i.

64

ii.

ii.

Absorptive
Catarrh

,,

Muco-'fooid

,,

Pile Pills

Wool

238
127
127

ii.

65
196

Whelpton's Purifying PiUs

ii.

95

White hellebore

ii.

Spirit

,,

,,

Plasm^a

i.

preoiipitate

...i.

113,

Kompo

143,
ii.

Williams'

...i.

mann's

i.
i.

155
155

-..i.

70

i.

62

Variable composition of secret

remedies
ii.
261
dosage of secret reme
dies
li.
2G3

i.

Pink

PUls

People

Wind
148

258
210
114
72
23

Welch's (Widow) Female Pills

164

i.

38
91
109

Weigand's Rlheumaitic and Gout

i.

Cones

Var's American Kidney Pills

Bi.sbnp's

Niblett's

Whooping Cough Remedy, As6-

Pile

Balm

,,

Varalettes,

i-

172

i.

Treatment

1"^

127

86
227
239
ii.
116
ii.
76, 77
48
ii.
153
ii.
28
ii.

i.
Wafers, Curie
..i.
Reducing
Hargreave's

i.
Paciiderma Blood
,,
ii.
Wallace, A. Gordon
ii.
Wallace's Specifics
Treatment for Obesity ii.

i.
Warner's Saife Cure
WeidhaAs Hygienic Institute ...i.

White's
Vaieiianates

Vleck's

16
74

ii.

,,

Van

l"^

17

nitrate

6,

ii.

" UmucikaloaJbo "

i.
22
Unqualified practice through the
ii.
post

86,

Vilixir

194

65, 113, 122, 136

Venice

Tussoithym

Uranium

90

i.

Truth Cautionary

Turpentine,

127

ii.
190,
ham's
iiVenice turpentine
Veno's Lightning Cough Cure ...i.
i.
Seaweed Tonic
,,
iiVeratrum album
Verbena officinalis ...i. 124, 125,
ii.
Verophen Mouth Water
i.
124, 125,
Vervain
Vervain Kestorative Assimilaiiit,
i.
0. Phelips Brown's
ii.
Victoria Aaithma Drops

17

144

75
19

Pale

for
i.

Woodcock's

170, 174
ii.

98

Wine, Pesqui's Uranium

i.
Winslow's (Mrs.) Soothing Syrup

77

ii.

148

PiLLs,

Winterigaieen, odl of
ii.

i..

73, 180;

20, 33, 40, 82, 85, 110, 145,

Wisbech Remedy for the Eyes...i.

Witch hazel (see Hamamelis).
Woodcock's Wind PUls
ii.

Wood

tar

ii.

183
144
98
go

282
rAGIC

Woods'

Tiiea.knie(nrb

ii.
))

Zam-buk

for Alcoholieon

133

Tobacco

>,

Habit

Woodward's Gripe Water

ii.

141

ii.

149

1.

Zeihrkur
Zinc

dblodde
oxide ...i. 109, 129,
ii.

Xaxa

and Lotion

Yolk of gg
Yonkerman's Tuberculozyne

i.

ii.

....i.

i.

156
122

148,

151;

35, 41, 42, 43, 177, 237

phosphide

52,

127

6ulphat.e

i.

120

,,

vale!ria/nat<;

i.

172

i.

112

,,

Pills

103

i.

,,

(see Acetyl-saJicylic acid)

X.L. Reducing

i.

89

69

Zip Ointment
Zoteide
Zotos

32

Zox

Volume I. or Volume II. of " Secret Remedies " can be

from Tlie, British Medical Association, 429, Strand, London, W.C.,
bookstalls and booksellers.

ii.

ii.

87
231

i.

68

i.

obtained
or from

in"?-

\\

o to-