CHAPTER XII.. The “crimson Cross Remedies.”

THE “CRIMSON CROSS REMEDIES.”

The series of preparations dealt with in this chapter afford a good example of the way in which secret remedies, even when composed of simple and harmless drugs, may be a source of serious danger through the exaggerated claims made for them. The emphatic assurances of curative power given in most cases may easily lead people, even when not unusually credulous, to take the medicine in question and trust to it for a cure, and therefore omit to obtain proper advice until the disease from which they are suffering may have reached an advanced stage. In the present case, however, the danger is not only to the person employing the nostrums, but to others as well; for the claims advanced are not merely that the articles offered will cure a number of very serious diseases, but also that in small-pox, scarlet fever, measles, etc., they render the patient non-infectious, and anyone trusting to this preposterous assertion might therefore easily become an active agent in spreading infectious disease. Heart disease, cancer, typhoid, pneumonia, diphtheria, and consumption are among the other trifles for which the “Crimson Cross Remedies” are recommended. It is hardly necessary to add that ludicrous ignorance is shown in the assertions made; the ointment, which is one of the principal articles of the series, is stated to have been introduced fifty years ago for diseased bones, joints, and abscesses, but “it now includes ‘Infectious’ as well as most other diseases. There is no foothold for microbes where the ointment is applied”--presumably the feet of the microbes are not adapted to the greasy surface which it presents. In typhoid, “if the head is not well soaked with the ointment, an abscess is liable to form on the brain”! Analysis showed the principal ingredient of this marvellous salve to be about 1 per cent. of copper oleate, while the “special ointment” to be used for cancers, chronic stiff joints, sprains, heart disease, etc., contained between 4 and 5 per cent. of the same substance, with a trace of acetic acid. It appears from the statements made that the individual whose name is attached to these preparations has also been in the habit of visiting patients in their own homes.

An advertisement in the Vaccination Inquirer, headed “A simple solution of the vaccination question,” states that:

The Crimson Cross Remedies for fevers, measles, small-pox, influenza, pneumonia, pleurisy, etc., render the patient non-infectious.

The extracts which follow are from circulars sent out with the remedies.

The first of the Crimson Cross Remedies used with unprecedented success was our No. 1 Ointment. This was introduced fifty years ago for Diseased Bones, Joints, and Abscesses. It cures without cutting, scraping, bed, or splints. It has saved hundreds from being hopeless cripples, and thousands of lives and limbs.

As time went on this valuable remedy was found to be a POWERFUL GERM KILLER, so that its usefulness as a household remedy has been considerably extended, and it now includes “Infectious” as well as most other diseases. There is no foothold for microbes where the Ointment is applied.

One of its best works is the

CURE OF CONSUMPTION.

This much dreaded “White Scourge” can be cured in its incipient or first stage, and even when the mischief is deeper rooted it always gives relief.

It has been stated that Small-Pox is now extinct in England, but of course may be imported at any time. However that may be, there need be no fear of it if Crimson Cross Remedies are applied.

The Remedies (No. 1 Ointment and Fever Powder) are equally efficacious for Scarlet Fever, which is easily cured in from one to three days, if applied as soon as the patient sickens. If peeling has commenced before the Remedies are applied, it takes a fortnight to complete the cure, but there is no fear of infection.

Typhoid or Enteric Fever treated by the Crimson Cross Remedies in the first stage is easily cured in a few days....

Internal Diseases of Women can be cured without Operation or Examination by our SPECIAL TREATMENT. Full particulars on application.

In a “Brief Treatise on Diagnosis and Treatment” directions are given for the employment of these remedies in a variety of illnesses. The chief feature is a liberal application of the ointment, accompanied by internal administration of one or more of the other preparations. The following quotations will serve as examples:

COLDS. On the first appearance of a cold, rub the forehead, chest, and back with Crimson Cross No. 1 Ointment contained in the Fever, etc., packet; take the medicine made from the Powder according to directions.

FOR PNEUMONIA, CONGESTION, AND PLEURISY.--Poultice the chest, sides, and back every two hours with hot linseed meal. Spread warm No. 1 Ointment on the face of the poultice until the acute symptoms are gone, then rub the chest, sides, and round the shoulders with the Ointment once or twice a day until quite well. Take the medicine made from the Fever Powder according to directions.

TYPHOID OR ENTERIC FEVER.... Acute Bright’s disease of the kidneys and inflammation of the lungs frequently accompany or follow typhoid; for the former give CRIMSON CROSS KIDNEY CURE, and poultice the lower part of the back with hot linseed meal and Ointment; for the latter see directions given. If the head is not well soaked with Ointment, an abscess is liable to form on the brain. THE FEVER MIXTURE and KIDNEY CURE may both be taken alternately three times a day, if necessary; let two hours elapse between each dose.

DIPHTHERIA. Spread No. 1 Ointment on hot linseed poultices, apply one every hour. As Diphtheria patients are liable to unexpected syncope, it is advisable to have a doctor.

From the following paragraph in one of the circulars, it would appear that “Captain Feilden” does not confine his activities to the selling of these preparations:

Please note--All communications should be addressed

Crimson Cross Dispensary. --------, --------.

Stamped envelope enclosed for reply.

Although we do not now treat cases personally at the Dispensary, we continue to give advice “Free” by letter. Full particulars of the case should be given, and, where possible, Captain Feilden will call and see patients in their own homes.

A list is given of ten preparations, varying in price from 7¹⁄₂d. to 2s. 9d. The following were obtained for examination: Fever and Influenza Powder, No. 1 Ointment, Special Ointment, and Kidney Cure.

The first two of these were supplied together for 1s. 3d., post free.

CRIMSON CROSS FEVER AND INFLUENZA POWDER.

This consisted of about 100 grains of a purplish-coloured powder, and was contained in a “chip” ointment box. The directions on the label were:

Add to one pint of cold water, and take--Adults, one tablespoonful three times a day. Children, one to two teaspoonfuls, according to age.

The powder contained 99.4 per cent. of ammonium chloride, and nothing else was found except the colouring matter, which agreed with the reactions given by tincture of cochineal.

Estimated cost, about ¹⁄₈d.

CRIMSON CROSS NO. 1 OINTMENT (CAPTAIN FEILDEN’S).

This was also in a “chip” box, and the quantity was about 2¹⁄₄ oz.

Analysis showed it to contain:

Copper oleate 1.1 per cent. Anhydrous sodium sulphate 0.4 „ Beeswax 6.5 „ Resin (colophony) 29.6 „ Linseed oil 62.4 „

The sodium sulphate may be due to the copper oleate having been made by double decomposition of copper sulphate and soap, without washing away the sodium sulphate formed, although the amount of the latter found is more than the equivalent of the copper.

Estimated cost of ingredients, ⁴⁄₅d.

CRIMSON CROSS SPECIAL OINTMENT.

The price of a jar, containing about 3¹⁄₂ oz., was 2s. 9d. A special circular is devoted to this preparation, and the statements made include the following:

This Ointment is prepared from a Special Formula for the Treatment of unbroken substances such as Cancers, Tumours, Bunyons, or Enlarged Toe Joints, Chronic Stiff Joints, Sprains, Heart Disease, etc.

By the blessing of God it has been successful in the treatment of many such cases, and it is hoped that many more may benefit....

An irritable rash may appear, and this is a good sign, though some patients give up using the Ointment because of this irritation. This should not be done--the irritation will die away, though the rash may remain. To relieve the irritation discontinue the Special Ointment for a day or two--bathe with warm water, and apply a little Olive Oil....

CANCERS AND TUMOURS.--Steam the affected part once a day, gently rub a little Special Ointment in, night and morning. Spread Ointment on clean linen, and wear as a plaister during the night and day. If the appetite is not good, take Crimson Cross Liver Mixture, and Crimson Cross Kidney Cure occasionally, to keep the Kidneys in good order....

HEART DISEASE.--Rub the Ointment gently in across the stomach, round the Heart and Shoulder Blades, night and morning. Great care should be taken to keep the Stomach and Kidneys in good order, and to be on the safe side in this matter, we advise all those suffering from Heart troubles to occasionally take a bottle or two of Crimson Cross Liver Mixture, alternately with Crimson Cross Kidney Cure.

Analysis showed this to contain:

Copper oleate 4.6 per cent. Anhydrous sodium sulphate 1.3 „ Acetic acid (glacial strength) 0.8 „ Beeswax 3.5 „ Resin (colophony) 46.8 „ Oily base, chiefly or entirely linseed oil 43.0 „

Estimated cost of ingredients 1¹⁄₂d.

CRIMSON CROSS KIDNEY CURE.

The price of a bottle, containing 6¹⁄₂ fluid ounces, was 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.

It is stated on the package that:

This Mixture contains powerful Medicinal Properties for the cure of Kidney, Bladder, Gravel, and all Urinary Disorders, Dropsy, etc.

Dose. Adults.--One tablespoonful every four hours.

Children.--One teaspoonful to one dessertspoonful, according to age, every four hours.

It is thus described in an accompanying circular:

This is a remedy really worthy of the name. It is natural in its composition, it is natural in its action, it does not coerce nature as in the case of poisonous drugs and drastic metallic medicines. It assists and stimulates the recuperative energies of nature in the system, thus enabling her to throw off the effects of this insidious and alarming disease. Every reader of these lines who is troubled with backache, nervousness, dimness of sight, lassitude, or any symptoms of Kidney trouble, should immediately take this remedy, and obtain that relief and cure which seems possible by no other known means at the present time....

The Crimson Cross Kidney Cure may be confidently taken by young and old alike, in full assurance that whatever the trouble, a course of the Crimson Cross Kidney Cure will gently but surely remedy the mischief, and coax the organs back to a natural and healthy action.

NOTE:--Whilst taking the Crimson Cross Kidney Cure it will greatly facilitate the cure if the lower part of the back and bowels are gently rubbed with Crimson Cross No. 1 Ointment once a day. The Ointment should be well rubbed in for about five minutes, then wipe down with an old rough dry towel, to prevent the linen from getting greasy.

Analysis showed that this fluid contained glycerine about 5 per cent., alcohol 4 per cent. by volume, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) about 0.05 per cent., and a small proportion of vegetable extractive giving a slight colour to the liquid, but having no characteristic taste or any property by which it could be identified; no alkaloid or other active principle was present, and the ash (0.25 per cent.) contained only the constituents usually found in any vegetable extract.