1.-14.

J. M. MASON.]

on a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that " Kaputine is composed of several approved ingredients. That is, unlike the white headache-powders, which consist solely of one crude drug, and which have frequently been condemned as dangerous by the medical Press, Kaputine is most carefully prepared from several ingredients which have the absolute confidence of the medical profession." Eighteen powders for Is. ljd. Average weight of one powder, 6"6gr.; individual powders in a package, s'7gr. to 7 - 5 gr. Analysis shows the composition of the powder to be — Gr. Acetanilid ... ... ... ••• ■•• •■• 630 Ferric oxide ... ... ... ■•■ ••• ••• o'os Sugar ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0-21 That is, the acetanilid is tinted pink with what is practically the saccharated carbonate of iron of the B.P. The dose is given as one powder: "If not completely cured in two hours, the dose may be repeated. Half a powder for children under twelve." Estimated cost of the drugs (119 gr.), just over Jd. Hoffman's Harmless Headache-powders. Prepared by the Hoffman Drug Company, New York. The package also bears the name of John Timpson and Co. (Limited), London —presumably the English agent. Described as" a simple and effective cure for all headaches." Ten powders for Is. l£d.; average weight of one powder, 105 gr.; nine out of ten weighed from 9 - 3 gr. to 105 gr., the tenth weighing 153 gr. Analysis shows the composition of the powder to be— Acetanilid ... ... ... .... ••■ ••• o'O 2 Cocoa ... ... ... ... ••• •• ••• ±-02 Sodium-bicarbonate ... ... •■• ••■ ■■■ I'd The dose is given as one powder, to be repeated in half an hour if not relieved. Estimated cost of drug (105 gr.), Jd. In addition to the above proprietary articles large numbers of headache-powders are supplied singly by retailers, and are commonly bought for this purpose ready packed from a wholesale house. It was therefore thought to be of interest to examine a sample of such powders. The one taken for the purpose is known as the "Good as Gold" headache-powder. This is put up by Barclay and Sons (Limited), 95 Farringdon Street. Three dozen are attached to a card for exhibition, and the powders retail at Id. each. The average weight was found to be 2"Bgr., six individual powders ranging from 2-7 gr. to 2'9gr. The powders consisted of acetanilid only, and there is reason to believe that practically all the others sold in this way are of the same composition. Estimated cost of drug for three dozen powders, Jd.

g IR) Colonial Laboratory, Wellington, 9th May, 1906. On the 24th ultimo I received from Constable Greene a bottle of " Peruna." I have analysed this sample, and find that it contains 18 - 6 per cent, of absolute alcohol by weight, equivalent to 40 per cent, of proof-spirit. It also contains a little essential oil, probably oil of cubebs, and only 0 - 22 per cent, of solids, apparently mainly caramel (burnt sugar). With regard to its intoxicating properties, it is three times as strong as beer, fifty per cent, stronger than the strongest unfortified wine, and about half the strength of brandy or whisky. It is therefore undoubtedly of an intoxicating nature. Further, as it contains nothing unpalatable it could readily be used as a beverage. I have, &c, J. S. Maclaurin, D.Sc, F.C.S., The Inspector of Police, Wellington. Government Analyst.

Department op Public Health, New South Wales. certificate op analysis. Analysis Register No. I^slfi. The sample of " Tuberculozyne," sealed in an original package, marked or labelled "No. 2 Tuberculozyne Yonkerman," received on 29/9/6, from Constables Lonsdale and Blair, has been examined, with the following results : — Percentage Composition. Water ... ... ■•■ _■•• •■■ ■■■ 84 3 5 Solid matter, &c, comprising chloride of iron,* sugar, balsam, glycerine, oil of almonds, vegetable colouring-matter ... 15"65 100-00 Specific gravity of the liquid, 1045. . William M. Hamlet, Sydney, 18th October, 1906. Government Analyst. * Containing 0 15 per cent, of chloride of iron.

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