KIDNEY MEDICINES.
This group of nostrums consists of those which are put forward for the
cure of kidney troubles, or conditions of ill-health commonly, but
as a rule erroneously, attributed by the public to kidney disease.
Several of these are in the form of pills, while others are liquids.
The two principal drugs employed are oil of juniper and potassium
nitrate (nitre or saltpetre), separately or together; in some cases
aperients are added. Altogether extravagant claims are made for some
of the articles, as is usual, of course, with proprietary medicines;
this point is dealt with more fully in the descriptions of individual
preparations.
In analysing complex mixtures, such as some of these nostrums are,
it is, of course, not possible to attain the same precision as when
dealing with medicines which consist chiefly of inorganic salts, as in
the case of nostrums for epilepsy, dealt with in another chapter. A
vegetable extract containing no definite active principle, such as, for
instance, extract of taraxacum (dandelion), cannot be identified by any
direct test; if such an extract is mixed with another, with a powdered
drug, or an essential oil, its identification with perfect certainty
may become almost impossible. The large variations, again, which may
occur in the proportion of solid matter in a tincture or infusion, as
well as the variations in the relative proportion of the different
constituents of drugs, prevent the results of analysis being translated
with certainty into the formula from which the mixture was compounded.
These considerations apply to several of the articles described in
this chapter. While the principal ingredient or ingredients in each
case can be ascertained with little or no possibility of error, the
subsidiary ingredients in some cases cannot be determined with the
same confidence; we have endeavoured to indicate in each case the
possibility of such minor errors. Full use has been made of check
methods, by compounding mixtures according to the formulæ obtained by
analysis and comparing them with the originals.
DOAN’S BACKACHE KIDNEY PILLS.
These pills, of American origin, which have been very extensively
advertised for some years, are sold in boxes price 2s. 9d., containing
40 “kidney pills” and 4 “dinner pills.”
They were described on the wrapper of the package as a
Specific for kidney complaints and all diseases
arising from disorder of the kidneys and bladder. Cure
Backache, Weak Back, Rheumatism, Diabetes, Congestion
of the Kidneys, Inflammation of the bladder, Gravel,
Bright’s Disease, Scalding Urine, and all Urinary
troubles.
A circular was enclosed with the box, in which a dissertation on
“Diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder” was given, together with
directions for taking the pills for various complaints. The following
extracts are taken from the circular:
Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills are composed of rare and
valuable medicinal agents in a combination best adapted
to the speedy relief and cure of Kidney Disease,
urinary and bladder affections, and all diseases
resulting therefrom. They are purely vegetable,
containing no ingredients of a deleterious nature, and
may be taken by the most delicate person, with every
confidence of their giving quick and permanent relief,
without any after ill effects ... they are the only
medicine known that quickly relieves and permanently
cures.
This medicine has restored to health thousands of
women. As a means of healing the kidneys, and as a
tonic to the whole female constitution it is unequalled.
The last sentence of the next extract shows some ingenuity:
Chronic cases of long standing. These frequently come
under our notice and we hear that the patient, after
trying every known remedy and failed (_sic_) has
despaired of ever getting relief. Now in all stages of
Kidney Disease this is where Doan’s Backache Kidney
Pills are the most needed, and, indeed, are the only
remedy possible to give permanent relief. But it takes
time. One cannot expect to be cured in a few weeks....
In some cases three or four boxes of Doan’s Backache
Kidney Pills are sufficient; but in these cases of
long standing, 8, 10, and even 20 or 30, are required
to effect a cure. But they will cure in the end if the
patient perseveres. We are emphatic on this point,
because in kidney disease patients are so easily
discouraged. It is one of the symptoms of the disease.
The directions were to take from two to four of the dinner pills at
night before commencing to take the kidney pills; then to begin with
one kidney pill after each meal and one at bedtime, increasing the dose
to two or three, after a short time. For children under 8, the dose was
given as half a pill after each meal and at bedtime.
The “kidney pills” were ovoid in shape, and of a brown-grey colour
externally, with sugar-coating beneath the thin, coloured layer; after
removing the coating, the average weight of the pills was about 2
grains. Analysis showed them to contain oil of juniper and (in spite
of their “purely vegetable” nature) potassium nitrate, together with
a considerable proportion of a resinous substance, and of powdered
fenugreek seeds and wheat and maize starches. Examination of the resin
showed it to be derived from a coniferous source, and on comparison
with various coniferous resins it agreed in characters with that of
_Abies canadensis_ (_Pinus canadensis_), known as hemlock pitch. The
proportions of the different ingredients were determined by analysis;
but oil of juniper, in such small quantity, can only be approximately
determined, and the amount found was confirmed by comparison of a pill
containing this quantity with the pill under examination. The following
formula gives a similar pill:
Oil of juniper 1 drop.
Hemlock pitch 10 grains.
Potassium nitrate 5 ”
Powdered fenugreek 17 ”
Wheat flour 4 ”
Maize starch 2 ”
In twenty pills.
The estimated cost of the materials of the 40 kidney pills and 4 dinner
pills, ½d.
The dinner pills, of which four were included in the box of kidney
pills, are also supplied separately in boxes of 50 for 1s. 1½d. The
label stated that:
Doan’s Dinner Pills Cure Constipation, Sick Headache,
Biliousness, Dizziness, and all deranged conditions of
Stomach, Liver, and Bowels.
The directions were:
For adults, 1 to 3 Pills; for children, ½ to 1 Pill.
These statements and directions were amplified in a handbill enclosed
in the package.
The pills were ovoid and enclosed in white sugar-coating; the average
weight of one, without coating, was about ¾ gr. Analysis showed the
presence of podophyllin, aloin, oil of peppermint, a resin that
appeared to be jalap resin, cayenne, liquorice, gum, maize starch, and
a small quantity of an extract that resembled extract of henbane; as
the extract last named had no sufficiently well-marked characters to
enable a small quantity of it to be distinguished perfectly when mixed
with larger quantities of the other drugs named, the identity of this
ingredient could not be completely established. The following formula
gives a similar pill:
Oil of peppermint 1 drop.
Podophyllin 3·8 grains.
Aloin 6·9 ”
Jalap resin 0·8 grain.
Powdered capsicum 0·5 ”
” liquorice 0·6 ”
Maize starch 0·5 ”
Acacia gum 1·5 grains.
Extract of henbane 1·5 ”
In twenty pills.
Estimated cost of materials of 50 pills, 1d.
DODD’S KIDNEY PILLS.
These pills, made by an American Company advertising from a London
address, are sold in boxes containing 35, price 2s. 9d.
The label round the box stated:
A positive cure for all kidney diseases: cures
rheumatism, Bright’s disease, diabetes, backache;
cures female weakness, purifies the blood, cleanses the
system.
The following extracts are from a circular enclosed with the pills:
Experience has proved that Dodd’s Kidney Pills are the
only cure for kidney diseases.
Dodd’s Kidney Pills is the only remedy that has cured
Bright’s Disease.
Diabetes—Dodd’s Kidney Pills will cure this disease.
Dropsy—The first object in treating dropsy is to
restore the kidneys to their normal condition. This is
what Dodd’s Kidney Pills do and hence their peculiar
efficacy for this disease.
Dodd’s Kidney Pills will cure any form of heart disease.
What is known as the “change of life,” is a period of
great importance to woman. At such a time, no remedy
could be more effective than Dodd’s Kidney Pills.
These pills ... consist of the active principles of
vegetable substances, which have been carefully studied
by the discoverer of the remedy, both as to their
nature and effect, and finally given to the world
in the form of a sugar-coated pill, which to-day is
universally acknowledged to be the best kidney remedy
obtainable.
The directions are:
Take one to three pills morning, noon, and night,
before or after meals. In the majority of cases one
pill is a dose.
The pills were ovoid in shape, coated and coloured red on the outside.
The colouring matter formed a strongly fluorescent yellow solution,
showing it to be fluorescein or an allied substance; the coating was of
sugar on the outside, with an inner layer consisting of chalk. In spite
of the statement quoted above, that the pills consist of the active
principles of vegetable substances, it was no surprise to find that the
principal ingredient was potassium nitrate, of which each contained
about 1 gr.; the other constituents were sodium bicarbonate, soap,
hard paraffin, wheat flour, powdered turmeric, two resins respectively
soluble and insoluble in ether, a small quantity of a bitter substance,
and a little extractive. Examination of the resins showed that they
agreed in their characters with the two constituents of jalap resin;
the bitter substance was not alkaloidal, and after careful comparison
with a large number of bitter principles was found to agree with that
of cascarilla. The following formula gives a pill which is practically
identical with the one under examination:
Extract of cascarilla (alcoholic) 0·15 grain.
Jalap resin 0·3 ”
Hard soap 1·0 ”
Potassium nitrate 1·0 ”
Sodium bicarbonate 0·85 ”
Hard paraffin 0·5 ”
Turmeric 0·3 ”
Wheat flour 0·8 ”
In one pill.
The estimated cost of the materials of 35 pills is 1d.
DR. VAR’S AMERICAN KIDNEY PILLS.
On the outside of the package these pills, which are advertised from
an address in a town in the south of England, and sold in boxes of 14
costing 1s. 1½d., are stated to “correct the stomach and stimulate
the liver and kidneys.” In a circular enclosed with the box they are
referred to as “Certain Corrective! Positive Cure!” while the obscurity
of the following is perhaps intended to make the warning conveyed more
effective:
Do not let slight or severe Kidney Disorders develop
into Cancerous Decay, Twin Complaints—Kidney Liver
Diseases. Cure them! Put both in strong active order.
There is not a safer, surer, speedier remedy in
existence. Myriads of people thank Providence for Dr.
Var’s Kidney Pills. _Should be taken for Natural Weak
Kidneys._
The directions are:
One to be taken three times a day after meals.
The “pills” were in reality flexible capsules, each containing about 5½
grains of a soft mass in which oils of juniper and peppermint could be
recognized in small quantity; examination also showed the presence of
potassium nitrate, of small quantities of iron and magnesium compounds,
and of lycopodium,[1] together with powdered squill, wheat starch, and
a “green” extract, containing a trace of alkaloid, which appeared from
its characters to be a mixture of extracts of henbane and taraxacum.
The iron was perhaps an accidental impurity, and the magnesia and
lycopodium were probably added to assist in making up the mass and not
for therapeutic effect. The following formula gives a similar mass:
Oil of peppermint 1 drop.
” juniper 8 drops.
Potassium nitrate 8 grains.
Powdered squill 3 ”
Wheat flour 6 ”
Extract of henbane 7 ”
” taraxacum 21 ”
In 10 capsules.
The estimated cost of the materials of 14 capsules is under ¾d.
[1] Lycopodium is a fine powder consisting of plant-spores sometimes
used by pharmacists for enveloping pills which easily take up moisture.
FITCH’S KIDNEY AND LIVER COOLER.
A bottle of this preparation containing rather less than 4 fluid ounces
is sold for 2s. The directions are:
Take two teaspoonfuls mixed in water every morning.
The label and package appear to have been devised for the purpose of
suggesting, without explicitly stating, that it is a cure for the
complaints named. On one side appears the following (divided into
sections by use of different type):
Oh my back, how it aches! Why? Fitch’s Kidney and
Liver Cooler. Trade Mark. Sluggish liver. Inactive
kidneys. Over-heated blood. Bad urine. Acts chemically
by absorption.
and on the other:
Oh my back, how it aches! Why? Because your Kidneys and
Liver are Sluggish, and a deposit has formed in the
urine which will contaminate the whole system unless
dissolved chemically. Try this; you won’t regret. It’s
a grand conception.
Analysis showed the liquid to consist simply of a solution of potassium
nitrate in water, the strength being 56 grains in a fluid ounce—that
is, 14 grains in a dose.
The estimated cost of the contents of the bottle is one-eighth of a
penny.
WARNER’S “SAFE” CURE.
Warner’s Safe Cure is a liquid sold in a bottle holding about 8 fluid
ounces at the price of 2s. 9d.
The label bore the words, “For Kidney and Liver and Bright’s disease
and jaundice, gravel, stone”—and a long list of other complaints. “Dose
for adults, one tablespoonful 5 or 6 times a day.”
A “medical pamphlet” of 34 pages accompanied the bottle, from which the
following extracts are taken:
Warner’s “Safe” Cure is a purely vegetable compound,
and contains no narcotic or harmful drugs; it is free
from sediment and is pleasant to take; it is a most
valuable and effective tonic; it stimulates digestion,
awakens the torpid liver, and puts the entire system in
the very best receptive state for the work of restoring
the kidneys. It does its work with absolute method,
preparing the tissues, soothing and stimulating the
enfeebled organs, healing at the same time. It builds
up the body, gives it strength, and restores the
energy which is or has been wasting under the baneful
suffering of kidney disease. Warner’s “Safe” Cure was
discovered about thirty years ago by one of the most
eminent specialists in diseases of the kidneys, who had
made a life-study of kidney and kindred diseases.
How to test your kidneys. Put some morning urine in a
glass or bottle; let it stand for twenty-four hours; if
there is a reddish sediment in the bottom of the glass,
or if the urine is cloudy or milky, or if you see
particles or germs floating about in it, your kidneys
are diseased and you should lose no time but get a
bottle of Warner’s “Safe” Cure, as it is dangerous
to neglect your kidneys for even one day. Bright’s
disease, gravel, liver complaint, pains in the back,
rheumatism, rheumatic gout, inflammation of bladder,
stone in the bladder, uric acid poison, dropsy, eczema,
scrofula, blood disease, offensive odour from sweating,
so-called ‘female weakness,’ painful periods, too
frequent desire to urinate, and painful passing of
urine are all caused by diseased kidneys, and can be
speedily cured by Warner’s “Safe” Cure, which has been
prescribed for twenty-five years.”
Of Bright’s disease it is remarked:
It is one of the harassing complaints which physicians
in family practice seldom have the patience to
investigate and manage with sufficient care.
The assumed predilection of the public for vegetable remedies is
no doubt answerable for potassium nitrate being classed as “purely
vegetable” in so many of these medicines. In the present case analysis
showed the presence of potassium nitrate, alcohol, glycerine, a trace
of oil of wintergreen, and vegetable extractive; there was no alkaloid
or similar active principle, and the extract had little distinctive
taste or character; all its properties pointed to its consisting
largely of extract of taraxacum, with some other extract containing a
small quantity of tannin; a careful series of comparisons with all the
drugs in ordinary use which were not excluded by various tests did not
identify it with any of them, and it is probable that it is obtained
from some non-medicinal plant.
The following formula gives an almost identical mixture:
Potassium nitrate 50 grains.
Oil of gaultheria ⅓ minim.
Rectified spirit 5 fluid drams.
Liquid extract of taraxacum 10 ”
Glycerine 4 ”
Water to 8 fluid ounces.
This contains about 10 per cent. of pure alcohol, which is the
proportion found in Warner’s Cure; in a mixture of which a
tablespoonful was to be taken five or six—or, according to the handbill
with it, six to eight—times a day, this proportion of alcohol is by no
means negligible.
In such a mixture there is no means of determining exactly the amount
of liquid extract of taraxacum, especially as it is liable to vary
considerably in colour and in amount of solid residue; this is by far
the most expensive ingredient in the above formula, and it is probable
that the amount is here over-estimated. Taking the quantity here given,
the estimated cost of the drugs for one bottle of the mixture is 5¼d.
VENO’S SEAWEED TONIC.
The Company in Manchester which advertises Veno’s Seaweed Tonic sells
it at the price of 1s. 1½d. a bottle, holding 2¾ to 3 fluid ounces.
The label states:
Contains in a pleasant and agreeable form the active
principles of seaweed. First introduced into the
medical world by Mr. Veno, and now admitted to be a
most efficient and valuable medicine. Veno’s seaweed
tonic is prepared on an entirely new principle, and
is free from poisonous or mineral drugs. It cures
all ailments arising from a diseased condition of
the Stomach, Liver, Kidneys, and Blood, which, when
diseased, cause nearly all sickness. Dose.—For an
adult, one teaspoonful twice or three times daily.
The following extracts are taken from a pamphlet enclosed with the
bottle:
Veno’s Seaweed Tonic is a specific remedy; money cannot
make it better. If it fails, no other medicine will
ever succeed; but sufferers must have patience.
Kidney Diseases, Weak Back, Backache or Lumbago,
Incipient Bright’s Disease. If you suffer from a weak
back, with pain, soreness, or stiffness; if there is
a dragging weakness in the limbs and lack of muscular
energy; or if your urine is very clear or high
coloured, showing a sediment of white flakes through
it, it indicates a weakness or disease of the kidneys.
Veno’s Seaweed Tonic should be taken for at least two
or three months, in teaspoonful doses twice or three
times daily, after meals.
The mixture contained a small proportion of undissolved sediment,
which, when collected and examined, agreed in all respects with the
insoluble portion of leptandrin. Glycerine, a little phosphate,
alcohol, and a trace of chloroform were present, and vegetable
extractive. Careful examination of the latter gave evidence of the
presence of the constituents of cascara sagrada, senna, and rhubarb.
Such a mixture as this could not, of course, be quantitatively resolved
into its components, and the proportions given below were arrived at
by comparisons of the properties of various trial mixtures with the
properties of the original; no indication was obtained of any substance
derived from seaweed. The following formula gives a practically
identical mixture:
Leptandrin 10 grains.
Sodium phosphate, crystals 33 ”
Liquid extract of cascara sagrada 45 minims.
Concentrated infusion of rhubarb (1-7) 1 fluid dram.
” ” senna (1-7) 2½ fluid drams.
Glycerine 2 ”
Chloroform water 1 fluid ounce.
Water to 3 fluid ounces.
The estimated cost of the ingredients is 1½d.
MUNYON’S KIDNEY CURE.
This is sold by Munyon’s Homœopathic Home Remedy Company from an
address in London, but is stated to be “Manufactured in U.S. of
America.” The price is 1s. a bottle, containing 132 pilules.
The directions are: “Four pellets every hour,” which must at least keep
the patient amused.
The label bears the words:
Cures Bright’s disease, gravel, all urinary troubles,
and pain in the back or groins from kidney diseases.
The following extracts are from a circular enclosed with the bottle:
Munyon’s Improved Homœopathic Remedies are radically
different from those used by the regular school of
homœopathy or any other system of medicine. We have the
true cure for the most obstinate as well as the most
intricate of diseases. The whole secret of Munyon’s
Remedies is the science of combining and harmonizing
all drugs that are known to cure certain diseases, so
that by our special combinations we cover every phase
of the case, no matter what the complaint. There is no
experimenting, no guesswork, but an absolutely fixed
law of cure.
Munyon’s Kidney Cure has no equal. It cures pain in the
back, loins, or groins, from kidney disease, puffy and
flabby face, dropsy of the feet and limbs, frequent
desire to pass water, scanty urine, dark-coloured and
turbid urine sediment in the urine, gravel in the
bladder, and too-great a flow of urine.
The pilules were found to vary much in size, the average weight being
0·6 grain. Analysis showed them to consist of ordinary white sugar; no
trace could be detected of any alkaloid or other active principle, or
of any medication. The sugar was determined quantitatively, and found
to be just 100·0 per cent. of the weight of the pilules.
Estimated cost of contents of bottle, one thirty-fifth of a penny.