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

REMEDIES FOR GOUT, RHEUMATISM, AND NEURALGIA.

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

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

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

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

DR. HOFFMAN’S RHEUMATIC POWDERS.

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

Greatest and latest discovery in medicine.

Dr. Hoffman’s Celebrated Rheumatic Powders.

Great German Rheumatic Cure.

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

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

Relief is felt after the First Dose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EADE’S GOUT AND RHEUMATIC PILLS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

URICURA DROPS AND LINIMENT.

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

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

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

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

And on the package of the liniment:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uricura Drops.--The directions are:

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

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

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

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

Uricura Liniment.--The directions are:

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

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

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

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

CHAMELEON OIL.

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

It is stated on the package that:

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

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

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

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

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

The general directions are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEVASCO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Headache Cured in a few minutes.

Earache Cured in 2 minutes.

Toothache Cured in 2 minutes.

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

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

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

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

DYXOL.

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

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

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

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

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

In another advertisement the following statements occur:

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

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

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

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

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

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

POND’S ARTHRITICUS.

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

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

A pamphlet enclosed in the package bears the title:

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

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

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

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

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

Water, like air, is nourishing....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAGIC FOOT DRAFTS.

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

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

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

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

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

From the third letter:

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

From the fourth:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I remain, yours faithfully, JAMES BODMAN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Powdered white hellebore 40 per cent. Stockholm tar 60 „

No other ingredients could be detected.

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

CELMO.

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

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

Other extracts are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The directions are:

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

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

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

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

DR. BENGUÉ’S BALSAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estimated cost of ingredients, 1¹⁄₄d.

BOX’S PILLS AND GOLDEN FIRE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another circular states:

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

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

The circular continues:

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

The directions for use are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOWDEN’S INDIAN BALM.

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

It is described on the package as

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

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

It is further stated that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BATH SALTS FOR RHEUMATISM.

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

OZONIA.

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

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

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

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

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

How to use “Ozonia.”

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

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

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

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

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

Analysis showed the composition of the salt to be:

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

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

ANTURIC BATH SALTS.

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

For Gout, Rheumatism, Sciatica.

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

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

After the cure an occasional bath is desirable.

Analysis showed the salt to consist of:

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

RHEUMSOL BATH SALTS.

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

Uric Acid Solvent. For Rheumatism, Gout, etc.

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

Analysis showed the salt to consist of:

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

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

SOME GERMAN NOSTRUMS.

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

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

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

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

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