PATENT MEDICINES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4857, 24 January 1894, Page 3

PATENT MEDICINES.

_■ A series of papers were quack published some time ago in a medicines, journal called Hygiene which should be both interesting and instructive to the numerous patrons of patent medicines. The papers gave the analyses of a number of widely-advertised remedies, and pointed out some of their probable and possible effects. We Bhall not reproduce the editor's comments— these could be supported only by special chemical knowledge — but we shall place the analyses before our readers, and leave them to draw their own conclusions. The first medicine dealt with was a well-known " blood-mixture." An eight-ounce bottle of this stuff contains, according to Dr Taylor, the late eminent analyst, 64 grains iodide of potassium, 4 drams chloric ether, 30 mins. solution of potash and 7_oz water (coloured with burnt Bugar). The chief ingredient in the mixture, it will be observed, is iodide of potassium, which should be taken only under medical supervision. On some constitutions it haß specially injurious effects. The famous chlorodyne (which is desoribed as a most useful and valuable medicine when taken at proper times and under proper supervision) was, analysed by Mr A. W. Stokes, F.C.S. He reports that an ounce bottle of chlorodyne contains about Bix drams chloroform, six grains morphia, twelve drops Soheele's prussic acid, a small quantity of Indian hemp, and some treacle. What has to be observed in connection with this popular medicine is that whereas no chemist would dare to sell a private person six grains of morphia without a doctor's arder, anyone can buy it (with chloroform and hemp thrown in) in a bottle af chlorodyne. Hundreds of women in London have, we are assured, become .laves to morphia through dosing themselves constantly with chlorodyne. The wife of a well-known aotor, according to Eygiene, spent £90 in chlorodyne in six months. The Btory came out through the chemist's bill being disputed. The advertisement, of the less marvellous food from the dangerous far East, which possesses such wondrous " curative, res.orative and, nutritive properties," are things of beauty and joys for ever. Hundreds of testimonials bear witness to the invaluable propertiea of the food. It is, therefore, interesting to learn from Professor Stoke-?, the public analyst, that the food consists Bolely of lentils ground up into fine powder. He adds, "I can detect no added ingredients possessing any medicinal or other properties." On the whole it seems unnecessary for the maker to go to the far East for his material. Peas and beans can be grown nearer home. Before "that good man," Mr W. T. Stead, took up the Mattei remedies— which are shortly, by the way, to make their dtbut in Christchurch —he loudly trumpeted the virtues of a renowned preparation of " vegetable extracts and valuable Indian medicines," " long in use among the Sioux, Cherokees. Comanches and other tribes of American Indians." Analysed by Professor Stokes two ounces of this concoction showed 195 grains water, 105 grains aloes, 35 grains carbonate soda, a few drop 3 of myrrh, and a few drops of capsicum. This seems harmless enough, and the same may be said of a " Wondrous Oil," which cureß nearly every ailment flesh is heir to, and consists of two - thirds turpentine and one-third fish oil, scented with camphor. The latter, it is hardly necessary to say, is recommended for outward application only. The analyst bought his sample of this oil sealed up and stamped with the Government stamp, co that it must be a fair sample of what the travelling agents engaged in its disposal sell. Hygiene states that the agents have with them experienced masseurs, and that with the aid of massage they often effect temporary cures or give temporary relief. pills. The pills and ointments, ointment, well known and appreciated and bybups. in every part of the world, that made a huge fortune for their inventor were analysed by an eminent French chemist. The pills were found to contain 62 grains aloes, 27 grainrhubarb, 3 grains saffron, 3 grains salt and 7 grains pepper. Aloes figure largely io moßt patent medicines. The Briton's rule is "when in donbt as to what is wrong take a purgative," and in nine cases out of ten he recovers. This is the secret of the Buccess of pills innumerable. One mar swears by this pill, another by that pill a third by t'other pill. All these pills are mainly composed of aloes anc rhubarb. The ointment which is so closelj associated in the popular mind with th< most famous of the pills was analysed bj the same high authority. He reporte< that it contained 62} parts olive oil, 51 parts lard, 25 parts resin, 12$ parts whit-; wax, 3 parts yellow wax, 3 parts turpentine and 3 parts spermaceti. A word or tw about a certain much-belauded "syrup, 1 in which many honest folk place un bounded faith, must close our notice o particular remedies. Professor Stoke bought a 4oz bottle of the syru from a leading chemist in Holbon After examining, chemically and micre scopically, he pronounced it "a comple mixture containing treacle, borax, aloei capsicum and liquorice. The acti. ingredient is aloes, of which I extracts 120 grains." One suggestive story i conclusion. A patent medicine vendc started a relative in life with the advice ! " Stick to aloes, my boy. Mix 'em wit what you like. Invent a catchy namei 'The Perfect Cure* will do as well i 1 anything else. Recommend internal! 1 externally and eternally. Advertis , advertise, advertis 9, and you are a ma< | man." The relative followed the advic and is a made man.