NERVE TONICS AND “ELIXIRS OF LIFE.”
A very large class of proprietary medicines consists of those
advertised as nerve tonics and restoratives of lost vitality, and
a number of these are described in the present chapter. Some of
them are conspicuously advertised in the newspapers, and are sold
through retailers in the ordinary way; while in other cases the
interest of those likely to become purchasers is usually aroused by
a small advertisement with a bold headline to catch the eye--such
as “Lost Manhood Restored”--in which a free book is offered, to be
sent by post on application. The applicant is not only urged by the
contents of the book which is sent to place himself at once under
the advertiser’s treatment, but this advice is further pressed on
him by letters at intervals. Medicines of this kind are not usually
sold through retailers, but only direct from the advertiser to the
consumer. The latter is often supplied with a list of questions to
be answered, and--to judge from the examples described--when he
has answered them, and paid the one or two guineas demanded, he is
likely to be told that his is a complicated case requiring additional
treatment, for which, of course, further payment is to be made. In
some cases references occur to “our consulting physician,” or “our
specialist,” etc. In regard to specialists of this anonymous kind,
some facts elicited at a coroner’s inquest, mentioned in chapter
XIX., throw some light on the probable value of such references.
Obviously, no real expert would consent to work under such conditions
as those indicated; but even if that difficulty could be got over,
no satisfactory diagnosis could be made in the manner pretended,
and the paying of a fee for advice in such circumstances is a very
different thing from paying for the attention and skill of an expert
who really investigates his cases.
In regard to the nerve tonics supplied through retailers, it will
be seen that some of these consist of a few simple and commonplace
drugs, the cost of which is almost negligible compared to the
price charged. Others, which have only recently appeared on the
market, appear to be based--at least in regard to the wording of
the advertisements--on the orchitic fluid suggested by the late Dr.
Brown-Séquard, and a good deal of play is made with a few terms
having a scientific appearance, but serving--as, for example, “the
red corpuscles or phagocytes,” and “a vital extract (C₂H₅N₁)”--only
to display to anyone understanding them the ignorance of the
advertiser. The last of the articles dealt with has been very
extensively advertised as a “brain and nerve food”; our advertisement
shows that the daily dose of this preparation, costing ninepence,
represents about a teaspoonful of beaten-up egg and a wineglassful of
skim milk.
PHOSFERINE.
This widely-advertised preparation is supplied at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s.
9d. by a limited company in London. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle was found to
contain 2 fluid drachms, and a 2s. 9d. bottle just over 1 fluid ounce.
Phosferine is described in an advertisement as
The Greatest of all Tonics.
A Proven Remedy for
Nervous Debility, Influenza, Indigestion, Sleeplessness, Exhaustion,
Neuralgia, Maternity Weakness, Premature Decay, Mental Exhaustion,
Loss of Appetite, Lassitude, Neuritis, Faintness, Brain Fag, Anæmia,
Backache, Rheumatism, Headache, Hysteria, Sciatica, and disorders
consequent upon a reduced state of the nervous system.
In a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that
Phosferine is a potent strengthening medicine, withal gentle in its
action and perfectly harmless; being akin to gastric juice, it rests
and restores the digestive organs and regulates the bowels to normal
action.
The public cannot be too strongly warned against the many purging
medicines advertised for indigestion, etc., which are not only a
fruitful source of piles, but injure the coating of the stomach and
sap the very gastric juice Nature is straining herself to supply.
Unlike other tonic medicines, Phosferine does not injure the teeth or
upset the stomach and cause constipation; on the contrary, it will be
found beneficial in these conditions.
Phosferine may be taken at all times with benefit; there is no
possible objection to its continued use either as an appetiser or a
general strengthening and nerve remedy.
Somewhat varying directions are given as to the quantity to be taken
for different ailments, the dose being stated as from five to ten
drops, to be taken from twice to four times a day.
Analysis showed the presence of alcohol, quinine, phosphoric acid, and
a little sulphuric acid; a trace of sodium salt was found, but this
was probably an accidental impurity in the phosphoric acid; no other
ingredient could be detected. Expressing the acids as the dilute acids
of the _British Pharmacopœia_, and the quinine as the ordinary official
sulphate, the formula arrived at is
Quinine sulphate 0.67 part
Diluted sulphuric acid 2.5 parts by measure
Diluted phosphoric acid 54.6 „ „
Alcohol 8.1 „ „
Water, to 100 „ „
The estimated cost of the ingredients for 1 fluid ounce (2s. 9d.
bottle) is ¹⁄₂d.
GUY’S TONIC.
This is a liquid prepared by a London firm; a bottle priced 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.
contained 6 fluid ounces. In a circular enclosed in the package it is
stated that:
Guy’s Tonic is a rich Cordial prepared from Vegetable Tinctures and
other curative agents found in the British Pharmacopœia.... Guy’s
Tonic is not put forward as a Remedy for “all the ills to which flesh
is heir,” for no such thing as a “Cure-all” exists. It is, however,
confidently recommended for the specific Ailments enumerated.... The
use of Guy’s Tonic will be attended with the happiest results in:--
1. Disorders of the Digestive System: Dyspepsia, Heartburn, Loss
of Appetite, Pain after Food, Flatulence or Wind, a sensation of
Nausea (Sickness), Furred or white-coated Tongue, unpleasant Breath,
disagreeable Taste in the Mouth, Drowsiness after Eating, a feeling
of weight or discomfort in the Chest, palpitation of the Heart,
shortness of Breath and Acidity of the Stomach.
2. Functional Derangements of the Liver: Sluggishness, Congestion,
Constipation, Biliousness, Despondency, Dizziness, Sallowness of the
Complexion, Blotches on the Skin, dull pains between the Shoulders,
variable Appetite, Headache, disturbed Sleep, Lassitude, and
Irritability.
3. Disorders of the Blood: Anæmia, Emaciation, Paleness, Weariness,
and Disorders dependent upon a Vitiated or Impoverished condition of
the Vital Fluid.
4. Nervous Maladies: Neuralgia, Nervousness, Hysteria, Giddiness,
Alcoholism, disturbed Sleep, unpleasant Dreams, confused Thoughts,
lack of Confidence, Loss of Memory, Depression, Melancholy,
Exhaustion, Languor, and affections due to Malnutrition of the Brain
and Spinal Cord.
5. General Diseases: Gout, Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout, Lumbago, and
Disorders characterised by Perverted Nutrition and Lack of Vital
Force.
6. Convalescence from Acute Diseases: also in cases of recovery from
Influenza, Fevers, Bronchitis, and other exhausting Diseases, and in
General Debility and Prostration from whatever cause arising.
The dose is stated on the label to be:
For adults, one tablespoonful. Under 9 years, one dessertspoonful.
Under 2 years, one teaspoonful.
Analysis showed it to contain small quantities of hydrochloric and
phosphoric acids, alcohol, bitter and aromatic substances and colouring
matter, and a trace of chloroform. No alkaloid was present; the bitter
and aromatic substances present in very small amount agreed well with
those of the official compound infusion of gentian; the behaviour of
the colouring matter indicated that it was cochineal. The quantities
of the two acids and the alcohol were determined, and the amounts of
the other ingredients estimated by methods of comparison. The following
formula gives an exactly similar mixture:
Diluted hydrochloric acid 0.59 parts by measure
Diluted phosphoric acid 0.52 „ „
Alcohol 2.27 „ „
Compound infusion of gentian 40 „ „
Chloroform water 50 „ „
Cochineal colouring a sufficiency
Water, to 100 parts by measure
The estimated cost of the ingredients of 6 fluid ounces is ¹⁄₂d.
VITAE ORE.
The article sold under this name is supplied by a limited company in
London, price 4s. 6d. per package.
An offer to send a package, containing sufficient for one month, to
be paid for only if benefit is received, is largely advertised. The
advertisement usually includes an illustration of a man’s head, said to
represent “Prof. Theo. Noel,” described as “the well-known geologist.”
The following are extracts from one of these advertisements:
I discovered by accident the dried residue of the greatest curative
spring in the world. It seemed worth while to try whether this,
when redissolved, would have mineral spring virtues. The results
astonished me and those who experienced them. The spring was a
marvel--far exceeding anything that Homburg, Harrogate, Aix, Bath,
or any other spa can show. Some untraceable element defying the
chemist’s analysis--is it Radium?--enters into the rock. Whatever
the element may be, its effect can be distinctly felt when the drink
made from this deposit, which I call Vitae Ore, or “life-rock,” is
taken as a beverage. Those who use it say that it gives a degree of
buoyant, cheerful energy, which they never, perhaps, experienced
before.
Everyone knows a few people with health and vigour to spare--the men
whose breezy personality carries all before it, so that no one can
resist them; the women whose warm bloom and feminine grace capture
all hearts. Well, Vitae Ore will give these things to ALL, if used as
I will tell you how to use it. No artificial drug enters into it. No
artificial drug can rival its effects.
Whether you are well or ill--strong or weak--Vitae Ore will give you
new life. Under its influence Nature herself cures
_Rheumatism_
_Sciatica_
_Gout_
_Anæmia_
_Dropsy_
_Catarrh_
_Indigestion_
_Constipation_
_Nervous Exhaustion_
_and all Liver, Blood, and Stomach Diseases...._
Its effect in giving new vigour and nerve-force to people of mere
ordinary health, turning them into noticeably and radiantly strong
men and women, makes it worth using in every case....
How to use Vitae Ore.
Vitae Ore comes to you as a box of powder. You simply dissolve it in
a pint of cold water, and of this mixture drink a teaspoonful in a
half-tumbler of water three times a day, and at bedtime, for a month.
In a few days, a week, or later, according to your present condition,
you will begin to notice greater strength, better digestion, higher
spirits, a clearer complexion, a healthier appetite. These are the
effects of the new vitality in Vitae Ore.
A 4s. 6d. package contained 137 grains of the substance; analysis
showed it to contain a slightly basic but soluble iron sulphate,
magnesium sulphate, and combined water; the quantity of each
constituent was determined and found to be as follows:
Ferric oxysulphate, calculated as anhydrous 47.57 per cent.
Magnesium sulphate, calculated as anhydrous 15.89 „
Water, in combination 36.54 „
No other substance was detected. The iron, magnesium, sulphate, and
water were all determined separately, and, as the figures add up to
100.00 per cent., not much is left for “some untraceable element
defying the chemist’s analysis.” If the directions, quoted above, are
followed, each dose would contain:
Iron oxysulphate, anhydrous 0.47 grain.
Magnesium sulphate, anhydrous 0.15 „
The estimated cost of the ingredients contained in one package is about
one-eighth of a penny.
COCAPHOS.
This preparation is supplied by a firm in London. A box priced 4s. 6d.
contained 94 tablets.
The following extracts are from an advertisement in a magazine:
Gavin’s “Cocaphos” Puts New Life Into You.... You cannot do your
work if you are in a nervous state; the worry and stress of modern
life tells on the best of constitutions. Many fly to stimulants
and find temporary relief, but as there is always reaction, they
find it necessary to continue taking them, and thus a bad habit is
formed. When you feel run down and need energy and go the finest
thing to take to brace you up and allow you to make the most of
your opportunities, to remove that tired feeling, and to build up
your nervous system is “COCAPHOS.” This is composed of the finest
ingredients for the purpose, acknowledged by the Medical Profession
to be a fine recuperative tonic.
The dose is given on the label as “One tablet after each meal.”
The tablets were sugar-coated, and coloured red externally; after
removal of the coating the average weight was 3.9 grains. Analysis
showed the presence of:
In one tablet.
Iron hypophosphite 20 per cent. 0.78 grain.
Quinine sulphate 2.8 „ 0.10 „
Extract (probably damiana) about 50 „ 2 grains.
Sugar
Talc 11 „
The extract agreed in characters and tests with extract of damiana; it
was not possible to determine exactly how much was present. The name
of the article appears to imply that a preparation of coca is present;
no evidence was obtained of any, but a small proportion of extract
of coca, if present, could not be identified in the presence of the
extract of damiana.
The estimated cost of ingredients for 94 tablets is 8¹⁄₄d. The most
costly ingredient is the extract of damiana, which is also the least
certain in quantity; probably the figure given is a liberal estimate.
DAMAROIDS.
The tablets sold under the name “Damaroids” are supplied by a limited
company in London at 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. per box. A 2s. 9d. box
contained 36 tablets.
“Damaroids” are thus described in an advertisement:
They are a Safe and Sure Cure of General Weakness, Physical Decay,
and Loss of Nerve Power, Varicocele, etc., etc. They are a Unique and
Wonderful Specific for men. Effectually Restore Lost Vitality and
Stamina, counteract result of late hours, etc. “Damaroids” is The
True Nervo-Spinal Tonic, the Safest and most effective medicine yet
introduced for nervous and all exhausting diseases.
They have cured thousands of cases--and they Do cure.
On the label they are described as:
A Safe and Sure Remedy for General Weakness, Spinal Exhaustion,
Neurasthenia, Physical Decay, and Loss of Nerve Power.
Directions:--One to be swallowed three times a day, after meals.
The tablets were sugar-coated and coloured red externally; after
removal of the coating they had an average weight of 3.9 grains. They
exactly resembled the tablets just described as “Cocaphos” and showed
the same composition, with some difference in the proportions of the
ingredients. The figures arrived at are:
In one tablet.
Iron hypophosphite 14.2 per cent. 0.55 grain.
Quinine sulphate 3.4 „ 0.13 „
Extract (probably damiana) about 50 „ 2 grains.
Sugar
Talc 16 „
The same remarks apply here as in the preceding case, and the cost
would be approximately the same, about 3d. for the ingredients of 36
tablets.
INVIGOROIDS.
The tablets sold under the name Invigoroids are supplied from an
address in Yorkshire at 2s. 9d. per box containing 54 tablets.
They are thus described in a circular:
Invigoroids are a pure and powerful nerve and organic tonic and
food, designed to replace (at a reasonable price) the highly priced
and pernicious remedies that are so common. With results much more
beneficial and yet with no evil after-effects, Invigoroids are worth
their weight in gold to suffering, sorrowful men, and are regularly
prescribed by leading specialists. Invigoroids create blood, nerve
force and energy. Fill weak and worn-out men with healthy life and
rampant vigour. Make existence a perfect pleasure, and render the
system disease-proof and capable of sustaining prolonged exertion in
any form.
The only Cure for Impotence in Men....
We Speak to You If your complaint is amongst the following: Back
Pains, Brain Fag, Dejection, General Weakness, Head Pains, Hysteria,
Impotence, Loss of Flesh, Lost Vitality, Nerve Paralysis, Nervous
Debility, Senile Decay, Unnatural Forebodings, Weakness of Generative
Organs, etc.
In a newspaper advertisement it is stated that:
Invigoroids contain free phosphorus (nerve and brain food) and rare
herbal blood and flesh-forming specifics.
The directions on the label were: “Take one three times daily.” The
label was printed, “Take two, twice or three times daily,” but this was
altered in ink, not very clearly, to the preceding.
The tablets were sugar-coated and coloured red externally, after
removal of the coating they had an average weight of 2.8 grains.
Analysis showed the presence of asafœtida, ferrous carbonate, zinc
phosphide, strychnine, brucine, and sugar of milk. The alkaloids were
probably added in the form of extract of nux vomica, and the amount
of this is calculated from the proportion of alkaloids found; the
asafœtida was estimated from the proportion of resin found. The results
of tests for the zinc phosphide were somewhat obscured by the other
substances present; the amount was calculated from the proportion
of zinc found. The ferrous carbonate is calculated as the official
saccharated carbonate. The formula so arrived at is:
In One Tablet.
Extract of nux vomica 1.0 per cent. 0.028 grain.
Zinc phosphide 2.4 „ 0.067 „
Saccharated carbonate of iron 18.0 „ 0.50 „
Asafœtida 9.0 „ 0.25 „
Sugar of milk.
The package was not labelled “Poison,” although it would appear to come
within the schedule of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act.
The estimated cost of the ingredients for fifty-four tablets is ¹⁄₂d.
DR. MORGAN’S RADIO-VIMETTES.
This preparation is supplied by a limited company in London at 2s. 9d.
per box, containing 20 pills. They are advertised in the following
terms:
Proved by thousands to be unsurpassed in restoring lost vitality and
strength in all cases of Debility, Nervous Exhaustion, Lost Vitality,
Varicocele, and all Diseases of the Blood, Nerves, and Brain. Not
a quack remedy, but compounded from the Private prescription of a
celebrated Doctor.
A supply was obtained by post, and a few days later a letter was
received from the makers as follows:
Dear Sir,
We sent you a week ago a course of Dr. Morgan’s “Radio-Vimettes,”
and as in every case in which these are sent, we take, not merely
an interest to sell the Vimettes, but a genuine interest in your
ailment and its cure, we are writing now to know just what benefit
has accrued from the course of treatment you have had.
If your case is a mild one we have no doubt that by this time your
nerves are strengthened, your energy restored and your general
vitality and health renewed, and it only remains for us to say how
glad we are that the Vimettes have once more vindicated their claim
to supremacy.
If, on the other hand, you had not regarded the first signs of
disease and wrote us only when nature positively demanded relief
from suffering we know that you cannot possibly be ENTIRELY CURED,
and if such is your ailment, our interest in its eradication still
continues firm. For all such ailments our primary desire is to
relieve, and should you still be suffering we beg you to let us know
AT ONCE, not merely saying “I am not cured,” but by writing a quiet,
friendly letter saying just how you feel, giving particulars of your
case,--the cause--and the result. Direct this to “The Specialist”
marked “Private,” and it will then be read only by him, regarded by
him as most strictly confidential and, if desired, returned to you.
Enclose a stamp for return postage and you will then obtain full
advice on your case FREE OF ALL CHARGE, and we sincerely trust that
by so writing health, strength, and vitality may be yours again.
A leaflet was enclosed on “Special Courses of Radio-Vimette Treatment,”
from which it appears that there are three such courses, referred to
as: “No. 1. Neurasthenic; No. 2. Urinary; No. 3. Impotence.”
The Courses of Treatment in each case enumerated above are put up in
two forms, the supply being sufficient approximately for one month’s
treatment.
No. 1. SPECIAL STRENGTH for mild cases, 11s. per Course, Carriage
Paid.
No. 2. CONCENTRATED for severe cases and cases of long standing, 21s.
per Course, Carriage Paid.
The best advice of the Specialist is at the services of every Patient
free of all charge, and in every case correspondence is treated in
the strictest confidence.
A list of questions to be answered was also sent.
The dose is given, in a circular of “General Directions,” as follows:
The Ordinary Strength Radio-Vimettes will be found sufficiently
powerful for all mild cases of Nerve trouble, such as NERVOUS
DYSPEPSIA, HEADACHES, etc.
For these troubles One Radio-Vimette should be taken night and
morning after meals.
The pills were ovoid in shape, sugar-coated, and coloured purple
externally. After removal of the coating they had an average weight of
3.7 grains. Analysis showed the presence of free phosphorus, reduced
iron, quinine sulphate, and excipient. The amounts found were:
In One Pill.
Reduced iron 70 per cent. 2.6 grains.
Quinine sulphate 11.8 „ 0.44 grain.
Phosphorus 0.13 „ 0.005 „
The estimated cost of the ingredients for twenty pills is ¹⁄₂d.
GORDON’S VITAL SEXUALINE RESTORATIVE.
This preparation and a number of others are supplied by a firm in a
Yorkshire town. The price of this “restorative” is 22s. per bottle,
holding 21 fluid ounces.
The usual advertisement is of a pamphlet called “Strength, How Lost,
How Regained,” which is thus referred to:
Interesting and instructive remarks to young and middle-aged men on
“How to Preserve Strength and Retain the Powers.” A Brief Treatise
on Nervous Exhaustion, Loss of Strength, and Debility in Men. This
book not only contains valuable remarks on how to preserve Strength
and retain the Powers to an advanced age, but points out the best
means of restoring Exhausted Vitality, Poverty of Nerve Force, Mental
Depression, and will especially interest those who wish to create
Vitality, increase Nerve Stamina, renew the Vital Forces, or fit
themselves for business, study, or marriage.
The pamphlet is further entitled:
“A Confidential Treatise on Nervous Exhaustion, Spermatorrhœa,
Varicocele, Generative Weakness, Debility, Special Diseases and
Urinary Derangements in Men, THEIR CAUSE AND CURE, By Concentrated
Herbal Remedies. A Popular, Practical, and Moral Exposition of Some
of the Fundamental Problems of Sociology. By Charles Gordon, P.M.B.”
“P.M.B.,” it may be noted, does not represent any known medical
qualification, but is of unknown signification, and is probably
intended to suggest to the ignorant some sort of medical degree.
It is a booklet of 43 pages, with sections on Onanism, Spermatorrhœa,
Marriage, Varicocele, Impotence, Gonorrhœa, Gleet, Syphilis, etc. An
“advice form” was also sent, containing a list of questions to be
answered by those desiring medicine.
A price list gives the prices of the following: Vital Sexualine
Restorative (described as “for Onanism, Night Emissions, Seminal
Losses, Waste of Vitality, Brain Fag, Depression, General Weakness,
Loss of Energy, Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhœa, and Varicocele”),
Viro-Erectile Elixir, Anti-Syphilitic Mixture, Bubo Compound, Gleet
Compound, Gonorrhœal Mixture, and Gravolene, all at 22s. per bottle,
and Gentiana Tonic and Varixolene Liniment, at 11s. per bottle.
On the label of the “Vital Sexualine” it is called:
The Great Nerve Restorative, Brain Fertilizer, and Vital Tonic.
Feeds, Strengthens, and Sustains the Nerves, prevents Losses and
waste of Vitality, Creates Nervous Fluid, Brain Matter and Nerve
Force. Brightens the intellect, improves the memory and mental
faculties, restores strength, and promotes a renewal of life in the
entire system. A proven remedy for all weakened conditions of the
system dependent upon the deficiency of the vital forces.
Permanently Cures--Neurasthenia, Nervous Breakdown, Brain Fag,
Depression, Loss of Energy, Sleeplessness, Nervous Headache,
Melancholia, Trembling, Poverty of Nerve Force, Nervous Prostration,
General Weakness, Loss of Strength, Exhausted Vitality, Premature
Decay, Brain Wreckage, Neuralgia, Nerve Tire, etc.
Dose.--One small teaspoonful in a wineglassful of cold water three
times a day, immediately after meals.
The liquid was reddish-brown in colour, and syrupy. Analysis showed it
to contain:
In One Dose.
Iron hypophosphite 0.50 part 0.27 grains.
Calcium hypophosphite 0.50 „ 0.27 „
Sodium hypophosphite 0.60 „ 0.32 „
Potassium hypophosphite 0.14 „ 0.07 „
Quinine sulphate 0.50 „ 0.27 „
Citric acid 0.90 „ 0.48 „
Sugar (approx.) 51 parts
Glycerine „ 36 parts by measure
Colouring matter
Water to 100 „ „ „
Metallic hypophosphites are not generally considered to be
“concentrated herbal remedies.”
The estimated cost of the ingredients for 21 fluid ounces is 10¹⁄₂d.
THE MARSTON TREATMENT.
This is supplied by a firm in London, and is advertised as follows:
EVERY MAN
Suffering from GENERAL and PHYSICAL DEBILITY should send for a
Valuable Pamphlet explaining how all Nervous and Organic Derangement
may be successfully treated without stomach medication. The method is
easy and pleasant, and will effect a perfect and permanent cure. Sent
in a plain sealed envelope post free 2 stamps.
Application to the address given brought a paper-covered book of
seventy-two pages, entitled _A Treatise on the Modern Treatment of
Nervous Diseases and Exhaustion in Men by Local Absorption_, the scope
of which is indicated by the following extracts:
The object of this treatise is to describe, in as clear and simple
a manner as possible, for the non-professional reader, the various
diseases and affections resulting in the nervous and sexual systems
from the indulgence of early pernicious habits, excessive venery,
fast living, and other irregularities, the product of our modern
civilisation....
In issuing this edition of our treatise on NERVOUS DISEASES, we
desire especially to point out that ours is not an empirical or
secret treatment, nor do we use merely one single preparation and
designate it a cure-all and panacea for every variety of disease.
On the contrary, the Remedies used are varied, and such as long
experience in the treatment of Nervous and Sexual ailments have
proved to be the most valuable in their cure. Our object is to
prescribe the course necessary to be taken to ensure the result
expected or hoped for; we claim no new or occult discoveries in the
domain of Medicine or Pharmacy, but we do claim that our method of
combining medicinal drugs, in the form of a suppository and applying
them directly to the immediate locality of the diseases described
in this treatise, is not only more successful in its results but is
more effectual and rational than purely stomach drugging for nervous
Diseases allied with sexual troubles.
The book was accompanied by various other papers, and a letter from
which the following extracts are taken:
If for any reason after a perusal of our book you are unable to
select the course of treatment necessary, you may give us a full and
as clear a statement as possible of your symptoms, and we will submit
it to the consulting physician, when such course as will meet the
requirements of your case will be prescribed. The treatment can be
sent to you by post, together with the necessary medical and hygienic
advice suitable for your case.
Should you still have any doubt as to the advantages of rectal
treatment in your case, possibly owing to some complication that does
not enter within the scope of our treatise, we shall be glad to hear
from you, and any letters will be treated in the fullest confidence.
Consultation personally or by letter free of charge.
In a subsequent letter the following occurs:
We are well aware that there are firms in existence which treat
nervous debility on similar lines to our own, but we again
emphatically claim and challenge all rivals to contradict the
fact, viz., that we are the oldest established advertising medical
business, and that we were the first to originate the Rectal Method
for the cure of Nervous and Sexual Diseases.
From the papers sent it appears that five kinds of treatment are
supplied, as follows:
Graded Course for the cure of Seminal Losses, Spermatorrhœa, etc.
Impotence Course for the cure of Impotence, Loss of Sexual Vigour,
Erectile Power, etc.
Urinary and Prostatic Course for all troubles of the Prostate Gland,
Bladder, Kidneys, etc.
Developing Course for Atrophy or Wasting and Shrinkage of the Organs,
etc.
Neurasthenic or Nervine Tonic Course for General Weakness, Debility,
Loss of Memory, Sleeplessness, Melancholy, Despondency, Depression,
Neuralgia, Brain Exhaustion, and all those conditions arising from
Debility associated with Nervous Diseases.
The price of the treatment is the same in all cases, namely, £1 1s. for
one month’s treatment, and £2 2s. for three months’ treatment, of any
course.
In a third letter it was stated that--
To convince you of our confidence in our Treatment to effect your
cure, we will send you a three months’ course of treatment upon
receipt of One-Half the Regular Price, namely, 21s., and you need not
pay the balance of 21s. unless you are perfectly satisfied with the
results.
A guinea was accordingly sent for a three months’ supply of the Nervine
Tonic Course; this elicited a request for answers to the printed
questions that were sent, and a sample of urine, for “our Consulting
Physician.” The question paper was therefore filled in with particulars
of an imaginary case of nocturnal emissions, and sent with a sample of
normal healthy urine to which some glycerine and water had been added.
Three boxes of suppositories were received, with a letter, of which the
principal parts were as follows:
We have your favour with answers to questions and sample of urine
enclosed, and our Consulting Physician has submitted the latter to
a careful examination, and we are pleased to inform you that it was
found to be of normal specific gravity, and showed no evidence of any
organic kidney disease, but an examination of the urinary débris,
together with the statements made in the diagnosis form discloses
sufficient evidence to convince us that your nerve and sexual system
is very much below par, and in order to bring about your complete
restoration to sexual health and strength it will be necessary for
you to undergo the treatment our Consulting Physician has prescribed
in your case....
You will therefore see that it is absolutely necessary in your case
for you to undergo, in addition to the Tonic Course which you ordered
in your previous letter, a three months’ treatment of the Graded
Course to permanently check all losses either at stool, in your
urine, or by nightly emissions, and by this means a reinvigoration of
the exhausted seminal secreting organs will be gradually effected.
This course could be used every night whilst you are using the Tonic
Course every morning ... we forward you herewith a three months’
treatment of the Tonic Course.... Use from box No. 1 the first month,
box No. 2 the second month, and box No. 3 the third month.... If you
would like to follow our advice and use the Graded Course at night
and will remit the reduced fee of 21s. for the same, the further
remedy will be at once prepared and sent you....
Each box contained 29 suppositories, or 87 in all, having an
average weight of 16¹⁄₂ grains. All three kinds were found to be
similar in composition; they differed a little in the proportions
of the ingredients, but, as the drugs are not soluble in the fat,
suppositories of such a composition, if prepared by melting and pouring
into moulds, would show such differences in strength as those found,
unless prepared in very small quantities and with extreme care. The
composition shown by analysis was:
----------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------
| No. 1. | No. 2. | No. 3.
---- +-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
| Per |Grains | Per |Grains | Per |Grains
|Cent.|in One.|Cent.|in One.|Cent.|in One.
----------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
Calcium hypophosphite | 0.4| 0.07 | 0.3| 0.05 | 0.3| 0.05
Powdered gentian and | | | | | |
powdered cinchona bark| 2.1| 0.35 | 3.7| 0.61 | 2.7| 0.45
Oil of theobroma | 97.5| -- | 96.0| -- | 97.0| --
----------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
The two vegetable drugs could not, of course, be determined separately;
they appeared to be present in something like equal quantities.
The estimated cost of the ingredients for the eighty-seven
suppositories (ordinary charge 42s.) is 5d.
MURRAY’S COMBINED TREATMENT.
This “treatment,” which has so great a resemblance in many respects to
the preceding as to suggest that it can hardly be merely accidental, is
supplied by another London firm.
It is advertised as follows:
BOON TO MAN.
All Men suffering from Nervous Exhaustion, Physical Debility, and
all Allied Troubles, should send for my Illustrated Book, fully
describing Symptoms, together with most modern scientific method
of cure, including hundreds of testimonials of complete cures. No
Trusses. No Electricity. Sent sealed Post free two stamps.
On application to the address given two paper books and a small
pamphlet were sent. The first entitled _The Combined Stomach and
Rectal Treatment for the Permanent Cure of Nervous Debility and Sexual
Diseases, including Spermatorrhœa, Impotence, and other Disorders,
resulting from these Conditions_, is a booklet of eighty-four pages,
from which some extracts are given below; the second is a booklet of
forty pages, entitled _Varicocele: Its Symptoms and Cure_; and the
pamphlet, of eight pages, is entitled _A Treatise on Venereal Diseases
Gonorrhœa, Gleet, Stricture, etc._
The “Treatment” is thus explained:
The present therapeutic methods of treating Nervous Debility may be
described as three distinct systems, viz.:--Treatment by the Stomach
alone, Treatment by Local Absorption, through the means of the Rectum
or opening of the lower bowel, and the Murray system of combined
Rectal and Stomach Treatment.
The two former methods used separately have proved of considerable
advantage in removing some of the distressing symptoms of this
disease, but the successful cure of Nervous Debility, needless to
say, depends upon the cure and removal of every symptom associated
with the disease.... This result is effected by “Murray’s Treatment,”
which has received the appellation “Combined” from its peculiar means
of administration. It comprises two forms of treatment. The first
consisting of prescribed remedies taken by means of the stomach....
The second form ... is that of a Rectal Suppository.
The books were accompanied by various papers and a letter of the usual
type, which was followed at intervals by others, in one of which it was
stated that:
It is always the earnest endeavour of my Consulting Physician to
carry out to a successful issue the many cases that come under
our care, and I am glad to say that the results have in no way
contradicted my claims as to this satisfactory issue.
In all cases that are submitted to my opinion, it is honestly given
after consulting with my Physician, and in no case do we encourage
or give hopes of a successful cure in those chronic cases which
sometimes do not yield to treatment.
From the book it appears that five “courses” are supplied--namely:
The Nervine Tonic and Brain Food Course.
The Seminal Course.
The Impotence Course.
The Genito-Urinary Course.
The Atrophy Course.
From a long and varied experience in the treatment of Nervous
Debility my Physician and myself find it very requisite that three
months’ treatment should be prescribed in order to bring about a
thorough and complete cure.
The fee for a three months’ Treatment is £2 2s.
The fee for a month’s Treatment is £1 1s.
No order having been sent, a further letter was received, containing
the following offer:
... I shall be most happy to make such reduction in the cost of the
treatment as I hope will adapt itself to your means; and to show
you the confidence I have in the value and benefits of my method of
cure, I am willing to meet you in the matter of payment, and would
suggest your paying me, say, 20s. for a three months’ course, and the
balance of 22s. I shall only expect or look for, provided that you
are perfectly satisfied with the results obtained from its use.
Twenty shillings was then sent for the “Nervine Course,” and brought
a request for answers to the questions on a sheet forwarded, and a
sample of urine. The questions were answered in the same way as for the
Marston Treatment (above), and a sample of the same mixture of urine,
glycerine, and water was sent. Not only was the result the same, that
is, a discovery that an additional course--at an additional fee--was
necessary, but it was conveyed in very similar words:
It is evident that your case is more complicated than your first
letter indicated, and from the full particulars to hand, together
with result of examination of urine, your case needs in addition to
the Nervine Tonic Course a Special Seminal Course to permanently
check all seminal losses, whether at stool, in the urine, nightly or
otherwise, and it will strengthen the now weakened seminal secreting
ducts. This extra Course would have to be used in the morning, and in
conjunction with the night Course they will act in harmony with each
other and attack every symptom of your case.... I shall be pleased
to let you have this extra Course on the same reduced terms, viz.,
20s., and upon receipt of this amount it will immediately be prepared
and sent you with full directions, and I trust you will see your way
clear to order the same at once so that they may be used conjointly.
The preparations sent consisted of three boxes of gelatine perles
(called “gelatinoids”) marked “No. 1,” “No. 2,” and “No. 3,” each box
containing 10, and three boxes of suppositories, similarly marked, each
containing 30. It was explained that:
I am only sending you the first month’s gelatinoids, as it may be
necessary to modify these next month.
The general directions were to use a suppository
from box No. 1 first day, box No. 2 second day, and box No. 3 third
day, recommencing with box No. 1 again on fourth day, and so on in
this order day after day. The Stomach Gelatinoids are to be swallowed
and in same alternative order as Rectal Treatment.
The directions on the gelatinoids were “Take one every morning after
breakfast.”
_Gelatinoids No. 1._
Each contained 0.75 grain of quinine sulphate, partly dehydrated,
equivalent to 0.84 grain of the _B.P._ salt. No other substance was
present.
_Gelatinoids No. 2._
The contents of one had an average weight of 1.35 grains, and contained:
Ferrous phosphate (Fe₃2PO₄,8H₂O) 26 per cent.
Quinine phosphate (Q₂H₃PO₄,8H₂O) 35 „
Strychnine.
Talc 11 „
Milk-sugar.
The strychnine was only a small proportion of the alkaloid, and
the amount of material available did not suffice for its separate
determination.
_Gelatinoids No. 3._
The contents of one had an average weight of 1.66 grains, and consisted
of a brown extract agreeing in most characters and tests with extract
of damiana. No other ingredient could be detected, but some other
extract _might_ have been present, as a mixture of some vegetable
extracts could not be separated with such a small quantity as was
available.
The estimated cost of the ingredients of the 30 gelatinoids is 1¹⁄₄d.
_The Suppositories._
All the three kinds of suppositories had the same constituents, only
showing such small variations in the amounts as would be inevitable in
making a large quantity in the usual way; the average weight was 16
grains. Analysis showed the presence of:
----------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------
| No. 1. | No. 2. | No. 3.
---- +-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
| Per |Grains | Per |Grains | Per |Grains
|cent.|in One.|cent.|in One.|cent.|in One.
----------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------
Calcium hypophosphite | 4·05| 0·7 | 3·54| 0·6 | 3·70| 0·6
Powdered gentian and | | | | | |
powdered cinchona bark| 3·90| 0·6 | 4·30| 0·7 | 5·30| 0·9
Oil of theobroma |92·05| -- |92·16| -- |91·00| --
----------------------+-------+-----+-----+-------+-----+-------
In the mixture of powdered gentian and cinchona, the former appeared to
constitute more than half.
The estimated cost of the ingredients for 90 suppositories is 5¹⁄₂d.,
and therefore of the entire “combined treatment” 6³⁄₄d.
SEQUARINE.
Sequarine is supplied by a firm in London, at the price of 8s. a
bottle, holding 1 fluid ounce. It is advertised as “The New Serum
Cure,” and both newspaper advertisements and the descriptive pamphlet
sent on application include what is stated to be a portrait of “The
Discoverer, Dr. Brown-Sequard, F.R.S.” It is stated in the pamphlet
that:
Since the discovery of blood circulation by Harvey there has been
no greater addition to the forces of medical science than the
strength producing element discovered by Professor Brown-Sequard,
F.R.C.P. (London), L.L.D. (Cambridge). This element, which is
the Serum-Sequarine, has already become an indispensable aid to
physicians.... The new serum has been given various names, such
as “Sequard Fluid” and “Spermine,” etc., but the registered and
generally recognised name of Professor Brown-Sequard’s discovery is
“Sequarine”--a name derived from that of the discoverer himself,
thus: Sequar--ine.
Since the general nature of the preparation is thus indicated, it is
not altogether a “secret” remedy; but from the way in which it is
advertised to the public, and the attempt to identify Brown-Séquard’s
orchitic fluid (which, of course, is _not_ a serum) with the
preparation supplied by this particular firm under a registered trade
name, it is fairly to be classed among nostrums.
The following is an extract from a newspaper advertisement:
Nature and Action of the Serum.
According to leading physicians the nature of Sequarine and the
manner of action on the human organism in curing disease may be
briefly summarised as follows:
Within every animal body there exists a “power of disease
resistance,” the principle of “natural immunity”; this power
resists the entrance of any disease into the body, and if it is of
normal strength readily repels the disease even after it has gained
entrance. In treating disease doctors are aided greatly by the
principle of “natural immunity.” The homœopaths rely on it almost
entirely--and in a great many instances drugs get the credit for
a cure when vital resistance has really effected it. The greatest
scientists have always been baffled in their endeavours to discover
the element or force which is the basis of this peculiar power. In
his search for this element Professor Brown-Sequard discovered that
there exists in the blood infinitesimal quantities of a fluid which
subsequently proved to be the _basis of the power of natural immunity
from disease_.
This fluid is the serum which has been named Sequarine in his honour.
What Sequarine Cures.
Sequarine is a cure for any ailment or weakness brought about by lack
of nerve power or an accumulation of impurities in any part of the
body.
The attempt to secure the prestige of the name of the late Dr.
Brown-Séquard, without stating precisely that he was in any way
responsible for the article now sold as Sequarine, is very obvious in
a circular letter sent with the pamphlet referred to above, from which
the following is an extract:
Since the introduction of Sequarine into England an ever-increasing
number of sufferers have taken this treatment with remarkable
success. The name of Dr. Brown-Sequard, L.L.D. (Cambridge), Fellow
of the Royal Society and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
(London), is a sufficient guarantee of its efficacy.
The directions on the label are:
Dose.--Adults, 20-30 drops; children, 5-15 drops in half-a-glass
of water (soda-water or water which has been previously boiled
preferred).
To be taken three times daily, half-an-hour before meals.
The liquid contained 35.8 per cent. by volume of alcohol, and
a sufficient trace of oil of peppermint to give a flavour; on
evaporation it left 1.9 per cent. of solid residue, of which 0.6 was
ash--principally sodium and potassium phosphates. The nitrogen present
was 0.22 per cent., equivalent to 1.4 per cent. of protein, but a small
portion of it was present as ammonia, perhaps formed by decomposition
of nitrogenous organic matter. The liquid was thus shown to be of the
nature of an animal extract, with alcohol; definite constituents could
not, of course, be isolated.
NEUROVRIL.
The preparation known as Neurovril is supplied by the Neurovril
Company, London. The price is 21s. per bottle, “sufficient for one
month,” or 7s. 6d. for a smaller bottle, “sufficient for one week.”
The smaller bottle was found to contain nearly 3 fluid ounces. An
advertisement occupying the space of a column in a London daily paper,
is headed, in large letters,
HAS THE ELIXIR OF LIFE BEEN DISCOVERED?
Amazing Results of Great Health Discovery announced To-day.
And the first paragraphs are as follows:
There is announced to-day a mysterious serum, which, whilst according
relief in cases of severe illnesses, apparently, from the statements
made, actually introduces into the body not a mere stimulating
force, but life itself. Although the discovery has been made by
a Continental scientist, he has already sent particulars to his
confrères all over the world, and so important do British scientists
consider this matter, that they are making every effort to place the
information at once in the hands of those who are ailing.
The amazing successes that have attended the application of this
wonderful new health discovery have aroused on all hands the
question: “Has the Elixir of Life at last been discovered?”
After much more of the same sort, it continues:
The new serum is a new food for use in cases of
Loss of Memory,
Headache,
Exhaustion,
Nervous Weakness,
Brain Fag,
Melancholia,
Irritability,
Slackness,
Nervous Prostration,
Partial Paralysis.
It is a blood food for use in cases of
Anæmia,
Rheumatism,
Sciatica,
Impoverished Blood,
Kidney Troubles,
Disordered Liver.
It is a physical food for use in cases of
Wasting Tissue,
Lack of Muscular Vigour,
Weak Back,
Thinness,
Aged Appearance,
Premature Decline.
The wonderful result after even the first dose will be a delightful
sensation to those who have long lost the vigour of full manhood or
womanhood.
A booklet is sent on application, from which the following passages are
quoted:
When it is said that old men and women are made young, that the
decrepit take on a new virility, that the yellow-hued cheeks assume
the roses of youth, and the worn out brain gains new power to think
and control action--these are facts beyond all disputing.
The great new basic serum makes it possible to defy the approach
of age, and, better still, enables men and women to come back from
the realms of senile decay and continuous illness to the vigour
of perfect man and womanhood. Tissue by tissue, new flesh, new
energy-creating cells are formed, and as the basic serum is absorbed
into the system, throughout the whole body is carried on a work of
rejuvenation....
Realising the inutility of conducting investigation on stereotyped
lines, elaborate search was made for a new idea, and in a most
singular manner the secret that proved the keynote of our scientist’s
success was found. His work involved ceaseless laboratory experiments
through the realms of organic chemistry and physiological science,
and demanded abnormal patience....
Further experiments proved that the new basic serum not only supplied
vitality and strength to the body, but could be prepared in such
a way as to prove an anti-toxin, a means of resisting and curing
illness....
To say that Neurovril contains protoplasmic life is no rash
assertion; it is a perfectly true statement proven by exhaustive
laboratory tests.
Teeming with millions of life centres, every drop of Neurovril
introduced into the body effects a wonderful change. The life centres
develop and give up their energy to the body....
The following appears on the label:
Analysis of Active Principle:
75 per cent. phosphates, immediately assimilable.
20 „ albumen, remarkable for creating virility.
2 „ carbonate calcic.
3 „ water. Total = 100 per cent.
The directions are:
Take of this Tonic, regularly, half of a Neurovril glass (supplied
with this bottle) night and morning directly after meals.
“Half of a neurovril glass” is about 5 fluid drachms. Analysis showed
that 100 parts (by measure) of “neurovril” contained 18.9 parts (by
measure) of alcohol, and gave 19.1 parts of residue on evaporation,
of which 18.1 parts consisted of sugar. A trace of oil of cloves was
present, giving a slight clove odour, and a faint odour like that of
an animal extract in a state of incipient decomposition could also be
detected.
The liquid was slightly turbid, and a trace of fatty substance was
present. No appreciable amount of “serum” or other animal substance was
present; only the slightest indication of a trace of nitrogenous matter
could be detected, this being of the nature of an organic base, and
the amount of phosphate was so small that it was doubtful, even with
a very delicate test, whether any at all were present. The total ash
was 0.03 per cent., and it contained a little lime. The 1 part per 100
fluid parts which was not sugar was probably chiefly glycerine, but a
small quantity of glycerine in presence of a large quantity of sugar
can hardly be positively identified by examining a reasonable quantity
of the material.
If the “active principle” contains, as stated on the label, 75 per
cent. of phosphate and 20 per cent. of albumen, it follows from the
analysis that only a minute trace of it is present in the liquid, which
is practically a mixture of simple syrup and diluted alcohol.
OSOGEN.
Osogen is supplied by a firm in London at 2s. 9d., 7s. 9d., and 11s. a
bottle. A bottle price 2s. 9d. was found to contain 1 fluid ounce, and
a bottle price 11s. 5 fluid ounces.
An advertisement, occupying the space of a column in a London daily
paper, is headed:
MYSTERIOUS SERU-PHOS.--Amazing Elemental Combination Startles
Scientists. More Effective than the most powerful Serum.
Some extracts from it are:
Scientific discussion is at present rife anent a mysterious
new combination of organic elements. Some time ago Professor
Brown-Sequard, F.R.S., F.R.C.P. (formerly head of Queen Square
Hospital, London), discovered a serum (Sequard Fluid) which was used
with success in treating various ailments. Another eminent scientist
has now discovered that by combining this serum with organic
reconstituent elements its curative value is more than doubled.
After Professor Brown-Sequard announced his discovery to the Paris
Biological Society, Professor Prince Tarkanhov (St. Petersburg) and
other scientists began experiments with the serum, and hence the new
remedy is a direct product of the labour and learning of some of the
greatest scientific men of their age. This seru-phos combination
(called Osogen) has been pronounced absolutely certain in curative
effect and more swift in action than the most powerful serum used
alone. Scientists who investigated it were amazed by its wonderful
potency, and Physicians, both in London and on the Continent, predict
that Osogen will supersede many other forms of treatment....
Osogen is not a secret remedy. It is a vital extract (C₂H₅N₁),
combined with organic reconstituent elements (glycerophosphates), all
of which are now recognised by the Medical Profession, and appear
in Pharmacopœias throughout the world. One of the ingredients has
been called by famous scientists “More powerful than the interchange
of blood.” The whole is almost an exact replica of the elements
which combine to form the human economy. The vital extract increases
disease-fighting corpuscles, another constituent forms nerve cells
(especially cells of the Spinal Nerves), another forms tissue cells,
etc. Its action is restorative in every part of the body, and its
use is especially recommended in cases where the serum alone has not
effected a thorough cure.
In a small pamphlet enclosed in the package, “Osogen” is described as
Serum and Glycerophosphates. A Natural Remedy for Neurasthenia,
Nervous Disorders, Brain Fag, General Debility, Anæmia, Bright’s
Disease, Influenza, Sciatica, Functional Weakness, Loss of Vital
Power, Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Rheumatism, Kidney Disease, Dropsy,
Diabetes, Asthma, Consumption, Locomotor Ataxy, and Paralysis.
The directions on the label are:
20 to 30 drops in a wineglass of water after meals three times daily.
Children over six: 5 to 15 drops as above.
Analysis showed the liquid to contain glycerophosphates of iron,
magnesium, sodium and quinine, a little alcohol and a trace of
chloroform, with glycerine in large quantity. Not more than a trace of
nitrogenous matter was present in addition to the quinine, showing that
if the mixture contained any of Brown-Sequard’s Orchitic Fluid, the
amount was very small. Determination of the quantities of the various
ingredients gave the following formula:
Quinine glycerophosphate 0.75 part
Iron glycerophosphate 2.14 parts
Magnesium glycerophosphate 0.77 part
Sodium glycerophosphate 0.90 „
Spirit of chloroform 3.8 parts by measure
Glycerine 73 „ „
Water to 100 „ „
DR. LECOY’S VIGOROIDS.
These consisted of sugar-coated tablets, coloured blue externally.
After removing the coating, the tablets had an average weight of 2.2
grains. The dose is stated to be two, three times daily.
Analysis showed them to contain:
Ferrous phosphate.
Quinine.
Strychnine.
A vegetable extract.
Sugar.
Starch.
Talc.
The ferrous phosphate, calculated as Fe₃(PO₄)₂,8H₂O, from the iron
found, was 8.7 per cent., or 0.19 grain in each tablet. The quinine
and strychnine together amounted to 4.35 per cent., or 0.09 grain in
one tablet; the strychnine was clearly not more than one-twentieth
of the total alkaloid (= 0.005 grain in one tablet), but it was not
possible to determine the amount exactly on the quantity available. The
vegetable extract showed no well-marked properties by which it could be
identified; the amount was small, the sugar constituting the largest
part of the tablet.
ANTINEURASTHIN, A BRAIN AND NERVE FOOD.
Readers of daily or weekly papers or magazines who allow their
eyes occasionally to travel over the advertisement pages of these
journals can hardly fail to have seen somewhat frequently a lengthy
advertisement of a preparation called Dr. Hartmann’s Antineurasthin.
The advertisement is usually headed “The Twentieth Century Disease.”
This, it appears, is neurasthenia, and the various stages of its
manifestations are set out in a sort of table, beginning with
“Sensitiveness” and ending with “Suicidal Tendency.” Antineurasthin,
referred to as “this marvellous twentieth century brain and nerve food
discovery,” is put forward as a specific for the cure of neurasthenia:
Dr. Hartmann’s discovery is one that should personally and very
deeply interest brain-workers in all walks of life. Every day are
heard and seen all too serious evidences of the undue strain of their
intense work on the vital power of the body. And now, on the highest
possible authority, it is heralded that science has proved equal to
the stern necessity which demanded the discovery of “Antineurasthin,”
the brain and nerve food.
For greater convenience “Antineurasthin” is compressed into small
tablets, and although its beneficial effect on the brain and senses
is so immediate, yet there is none of the depressing reaction
that follows the administration of artificial drug stimulants,
“Antineurasthin” being a special brain and nerve nutrient, and not
a brain and nerve drug-irritant. No longer need the brain-worker
struggle on under the cloud of fear of failing powers of brain and
body. He or she may, by including “Antineurasthin” as an article
vitally necessary in the daily dietary, build up and maintain that
perfect balance of mental and physical power which alone can uphold
health and happiness.
It appears that this article was sold in Germany before being
introduced here, and it was included in the series of proprietary
preparations analysed by Dr. Zernik. According to Zernik’s analysis, it
consists of dry yolk of egg, milk sugar, a small quantity of starch,
dextrin, and an aromatic substance.
A detailed quantitative analysis of “Antineurasthin” as sold in this
country gave the results described below. A 4s. 6d. box contained
twenty-four tablets, having an average weight of 30¹⁄₂ grains each. The
directions are:
To be taken when and as required, particularly before or after great
exertions (bodily and mental); in all cases of nervous disorders and
mental affections, general debility, etc.
Usual dose 3-4 tablets a day between meals. Antineurasthin contains
no injurious ingredients, and is therefore absolutely harmless to the
most delicate, even if taken in large quantities.
Analysis showed the presence of:
Protein 26.4 per cent.
Fat 2.5 per cent.
Sugar of milk 32.8 per cent.
Ash 5.7 per cent.
Water 8.3 per cent.
Gum about 2.0 per cent.
Aromatic substances traces.
Potato starch (by difference) about 22.0 per cent.
The material of the tablets is nearly white, with yellow particles like
dried egg-yolk distributed through it; extraction with appropriate
solvents proved a fair trace of lecithin to be present; if the whole
of the fat present were derived from egg-yolk it would represent 3.8
per cent. of dried yolk, equivalent to 7.7 per cent. of fresh liquid
yolk in the tablets; this accounts for 1.3 out of the 26.4 per cent. of
protein. Sulphur in organic combination was found to be present to the
extent of 0.09 per cent.; sulphur is practically absent from the yolk,
but occurs in the white of eggs, and the amount found corresponds to
5.4 per cent. of dried, or about 38.6 per cent. of liquid, egg-albumen
in the tablet; a further 5.1 out of the 26.4 per cent. of protein is
thus accounted for. This leaves 20 per cent. of protein, and this
stands in about the same ratio to 32.8 per cent. of milk sugar, and
about 5 per cent. of ash (deducting the ash of the egg and gum), as
corresponds to the composition of a dried separated milk. The ash
consisted principally of calcium phosphate, like the ash of milk. The
aromatic substances appeared to include a trace of vanilla and of some
other substance that could not be identified; these are probably added
to serve at the same time as flavouring agents and preservatives.
The starch was seen by the microscope to be very abundant,
corresponding in appearance to the amount required by difference.
On the above assumptions the composition of the tablets would be
approximately:--
Dry yolk of egg 3.8 per cent.
Dry white of egg 5.4 per cent.
Dry separated milk 57.8 per cent.
Gum 2.0 per cent.
Potato starch 22.7 per cent.
Moisture 8.3 per cent.
Aromatic substances traces.
The daily dose of four tablets, or 122 grains, would, according to this
formula, contain the equivalent of 10 grains of yolk and 43 grains of
white of egg (not dried); the ratio between these is about the same as
exists in an average egg, and the two may be put together and regarded
as about a teaspoonful of fresh egg; in addition, the daily dose would
represent about 2 oz., or a quarter of a tumblerful, of separated milk,
and a little starch.
A GERMAN NOSTRUM.
According to Dr. Zernik:
_Dr. J. Schäfert’s physiological nutrient (nerve) salts for
neurasthenia_ is a preparation made in Barmen. The prospectus states
that it is composed of glycerine phosphate compound with certain
physiological salts, which act on the formation of the red blood
corpuscles and improve the circulation generally; 100 grams of the
salts put up in a glass vessel costs 4s. It consists of 40 parts of
glycerine phosphate of calcium, 30 parts of glycerine phosphate of
sodium, and 20 parts of sodium chloride with a trace of iron.