The result of analysis shows that different samples differ slightly in
composition, but that the following indicates the average composition of
the product:—
Per cent.
Zinc sulphate, anhydrous 15.56.
Boric acid 81.26.
Volatile matter at 100 C. for four hours 0.45.
The undetermined portion consists of salicylic acid, carbolic acid,
menthol and eucalyptol; possibly other antiseptic agents may be present
in very minute quantities.
From the above findings we conclude that Tyree’s antiseptic powder is a
mixture of boric acid and dried zinc sulphate and antiseptic bodies,
such as menthol, salicylic acid and carbolic acid, eucalyptol, etc. From
this it can be readily seen that the label which is supposed to set
forth the composition of Tyree’s antiseptic powder is not in accord with
the facts. The powder does not contain either borate of sodium or alum,
and the presence of glycerin could not be established. The antiseptic
agents, exclusive of the boric acid, are present only in small amounts.
The report of another analyst concludes as follows:
It evidently contains less than the amount stated of the principles of
thyme, eucalyptus, wintergreen and mint. It also contains a very small
amount indeed of carbolic acid, much less than that stated. We have been
unable to identify certainly the presence of glycerin, and it is
doubtful if it be present.
From the result of the analysis we feel confident that the preparation
is to all intents and purposes a mixture of boric acid and sulphate of
zinc.
The carbolic acid, thyme, eucalyptus, wintergreen, etc., if present, are
present only in sufficient amount to give the compound a satisfactory
odor.
In view of the fact that J. S. Tyree has given wide publicity to a
formula which the preceding report has shown to be a deliberate
misrepresentation of fact, it is recommended that the article be refused
recognition by the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, and that this
report be published in the _Journal of the American Medical
Association_.
The recommendation of the subcommittee was adopted by the Council in
accordance with which the report is published.
W. A. PUCKNER, _Secretary_.
In a letter to the editor of the _Journal of the American Medical
Association_, Mr. Tyree admits changing the formula of the powder, and
says that it had been his intention to state to the medical profession
his reasons for making the change. In commenting on the letter it is
noted that Mr. Tyree does not state whether the change was made one year
ago or five years ago, but the sample for the first analysis was
purchased last February, and the first chemist’s report was submitted to
the Council March 5, 1906. On April 4th, Mr. Tyree was notified by the
Council that the composition of “Tyree’s Antiseptic Powder” did not
correspond with the formula published by him. Whether or not Mr. Tyree
is justified in offering to physicians a preparation as composed chiefly
of borax and alum, when in reality it is composed of boric acid and zinc
sulphate, is left for physicians to judge.