CHAPTER IV.. Medicines for Coughs, Consumption, Catarrh, Etc.

MEDICINES FOR COUGHS, CONSUMPTION, CATARRH, ETC.

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

FENNINGS’ LUNG-HEALERS.

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

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

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

The Dose is the same for all ages.

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

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

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

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

PEPS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The results of the analysis may be thus summarised:

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

BROWN’S BRONCHIAL TROCHES.

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

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

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

“BROWN’S BRONCHIAL TROCHES” were first introduced in the year 1850. It has been proved that they are the best article before the public for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, the Hacking Cough of Consumption, and numerous affections of the Throat, giving immediate relief....

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

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

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

DR. WHITE’S KOMPO.

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

It is stated in an advertisement that:

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

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

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

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

The dose is given as

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

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

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

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

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

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

GLYKALINE.

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

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

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

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

The dose is given on the label as:

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

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

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

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

LIQUFRUTA MEDICA.

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

Other particulars given on the label are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The results of the analysis thus showed:

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

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

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

HYOMEI.

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

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

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

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

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

The only Natural Method of Cure.

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

What “Hyomei” Is.

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

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

What “Hyomei” Does.

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

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

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

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

THE RHYCOL TREATMENT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the book is explained how to stop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE COLMAN METHOD.

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

The following are extracts from an advertisement headed:

Dangerous Catarrh! or, Chronic Cold in the Head.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Particulars of Previous Treatment.

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

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

The “outfit” sent comprised:

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

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

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

A box of “Gargle Tablets,” containing 21.

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

A box of pearl-coated pills, containing 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A GERMAN NOSTRUM.

According to Dr. Zernik:

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