MEDICINES FOR COUGHS, CONSUMPTION, CATARRH, ETC.
The medicines described in this chapter include both old and new
nostrums, and vary from simple pills and lozenges to more or less
complex “treatments.” The claims advanced for them also vary
considerably, but are in most cases very wide. A pill containing
ipecacuanha only is put forward, not merely as sometimes useful for
coughs, but as “The Best Remedy to Cure all Coughs, Colds, Asthmas,
etc.” A lozenge containing cubeb and liquorice is similarly described
as “the best article before the public for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis,
Asthma, Catarrh, the Hacking Cough in Consumption, and numerous
affections of the throat.” These, however, are modest claims compared
to some of the others. A lozenge, in which the only medicinal agent
found in any considerable quantity was extract of liquorice, is
not only put forward for most of the above disorders and others
allied to them, but also for “many cases of Headache, Flatulence,
and Indigestion.” A liquid which is said to be “the best-known
remedy for Colds, Influenza, Sore Throat, etc.,” is also described
as a valuable remedy for, among other things, diarrhœa, disordered
stomach, bad circulation of the blood, and quinsy. The “treatments”
are more especially put forward for catarrh, but here, too, the net
is cast rather wide; in one case, asthma, whooping cough, croup and
consumption are among the diseases for which it is put forward as a
cure, while in another the comprehensive, if awkward, description
of those to whom it is recommended is “all who wish to quickly cure
Catarrh, Asthma, Adenoids, Polypi, or other Nose-breathing, Chest or
Lung, and Voice or Hearing or Throat Bronchial Trouble.” Needless to
say, their claims are mutually exclusive; one of them, an inhalation
“treatment,” claims to be “the only treatment through which the
diseased parts of the head, throat, and lungs can be reached”; while
the proprietor of another modestly says: “I assert, without fear
of contradiction, that mine is the only apparatus which sends the
medicated vapour over every membrane that air can reach, and I also
assert with equal firmness that there are no preparations for similar
object which can compare in effectiveness with those supplied by me.”
Two of the treatments are supplied at somewhat high prices; and,
although no exact estimate is given of the cost of the ingredients,
it is evident that it is quite out of proportion to the amounts
charged for them.
FENNINGS’ LUNG-HEALERS.
The article advertised under this name is in the form of small pills,
and is supplied by a firm in the Isle of Wight at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. a box,
containing thirty pills.
The pills are advertised as “The Best Remedy to Cure all Coughs, Colds,
Asthmas, etc.” The following quotations are from a circular enclosed in
the package:
Directions for taking Fennings’ Lung-Healers. The Certain Remedy to
cure all Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Influenza, Incipient Consumption,
The Coughs of Measles and Scarlet Fever, Asthmas, and other
complaints of the Lungs.
The Dose is the same for all ages.
These Lung-Healers, although so beneficial in curing Inflammation,
quelling Fevers, and eradicating the _virus_ of disease, are
perfectly harmless and innocent, and can with equal safety be given
to the most tender infant as well as to the fullgrown person.
To Cure Colds, Coughs, or Asthma.--One of these Lung-Healers should
be given to the infant, or person, in jam, or by itself, every
morning or evening.
For Bronchitis, Influenza, Incipient Consumption, the Cough
of Measles, of Scarlatina, or Scarlet Fever, give one of the
Lung-Healers, in jam, or by itself, three times a day.... If, when
freely taking of these Lung-Healers, the child or person should
perchance become sick, it need not be heeded, or reckoned as a bad
symptom, for sickness often proves of great benefit in a complaint,
and advantageously assists in lessening all Fever and Inflammation.
The average weight of one pill was 0.22 grain. Chemical analysis and
microscopical examination showed that practically the whole of the
material consisted of ipecacuanha; the amount of alkaloid present was
1.8 per cent., which is a little below the average for ipecacuanha,
and the alkaloid extracted possessed the characters of ipecacuanha
alkaloid. Careful search for other ingredients, and comparison with
powdered ipecacuanha, showed nothing else to be present but the trace
of excipient used to bind the powder into pills. Estimated cost of
ingredients for thirty pills is ¹⁄₇d.
PEPS.
These much-advertised lozenges are supplied by a firm in a Yorkshire
town in boxes at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. per box. A 2s. 9d. box was
found to contain ninety-eight lozenges. The name of the article appears
to be derived from the initial letters of “Pine extract pastilles.” The
nature of the claims made is shown by the following extracts from a
booklet issued by the makers:--
In the course of scientific research singular freedom from bronchial
disease was noticed among the dwellers amidst the rich pine forests
of Europe. The great healing power of the odours and balsams of
the pine tree was also observed; and at last a striking connection
between the two facts made itself apparent....
A study of the peculiar property of pine balsams led to their great
medicinal value becoming more fully recognised, and the idea was
evolved of capturing and storing up these rich essences in some form
convenient for the great masses who are not able to spend winter in
the far-famed forest resorts. It was practically a matter of finding
how to transfer to our crowded homes all the real benefits of the
pine woods, so that those victims of bronchitis, consumption, asthma,
colds and other throat and chest affections, who could not go to pine
woods, should have the pine woods and the rich pine air brought to
them--into the very rooms in which they dwell.
A novel tablet, containing the richest pine extracts--that is, with
all the best pine essences and odours held captive in them--was
eventually perfected; and these tablets, or Peps, as they are
called, undoubtedly supply a long-felt want in the family medicine
cupboard. The need is one that has never yet been properly met by
any of the cough mixtures, lozenges, jujubes, and gums, which no
medical attendant can conscientiously recommend, chiefly through the
pernicious drug habits they encourage and their sheer inability to
grant real, lasting relief. “A Pine Forest in every Home” aptly and
pithily describes this new remedy....
As a Household Medicine they are of unequalled service in cases of
Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Sore or Relaxed Throat, Huskiness, Loss of
Voice, Asthma, Influenza, Pneumonia, Pleurisy, the Hacking Cough of
Consumption, Lung Weakness, Children’s Colds, Whooping Cough, Croup,
Chill or Tightness of the Chest, that old Breathing Difficulty, as
well as for many cases of Headache, Flatulence and Indigestion. For
Clergymen, Lawyers, Teachers, and all Public Speakers, they are an
invaluable boon.
The lozenges had an average weight of 21 grains. The taste and odour
did not suggest pine oil, but peppermint with a trace of anise, and
on distilling out the oils it was evident that the principal one
present was oil of peppermint, but the quantity was far too small to
be determined quantitatively. Resinous matter was only present to the
extent of 0.7 per cent., and this did not show the characters of pine
resin. No alkaloid was found, showing the absence of preparations of
both opium and ipecacuanha. Extract of liquorice was present in rather
considerable quantity, as was proved by extraction of the glycyrrhizin.
Sugars constituted about 75 per cent. of the tablet, but a little
of this would be derived from the extract of liquorice; probably 70
per cent. would about represent the sugar added as such. Talc was
present to the extent of about 4 per cent., and was doubtless added
as a lubricant to aid in making the lozenges by compression. No other
ingredient was found beyond those named; some sort of pine extract
might have been present if it were free from resin or oil, but in that
case it could not be expected to possess much medicinal value.
The results of the analysis may be thus summarised:
Sugar about 70 per cent.
Extract of liquorice about 25 „
Resinous matter 0.7 „
Oil of peppermint trace.
Oil of anise „
Talc about 4 „
BROWN’S BRONCHIAL TROCHES.
These are supplied by a firm in Boston, U.S.A. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. box was
found to contain forty-eight lozenges.
In a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that:
“_Brown’s Bronchial Troches_” or Cough Lozenges, allay irritation
which induces coughing, giving instant relief in Consumptive,
Bronchial, and Asthmatic complaints.
“BROWN’S BRONCHIAL TROCHES” were first introduced in the year 1850.
_It has been proved that they are the best article before the
public_ for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, the _Hacking
Cough_ of Consumption, and numerous affections of the Throat, giving
_immediate relief_....
The Troches are efficacious for children with Whooping Cough, or
other affections of the chest, having a soothing influence, assisting
expectoration, and preventing the accumulation of phlegm, which
causes the sense of suffocation so common with this disorder.
_There are no particular directions to be observed in the use of the
Bronchial Troches. One or two should be allowed to dissolve slowly in
the mouth, repeating when necessary. We have seen instances of their
good effects in cases of inflammation of the Bronchial Tubes and the
hoarseness of children._
The lozenges had an average weight of 11.3 grains. Chemical analysis
and microscopical examination showed the presence of powdered cubeb
(about 6 per cent.), extract of liquorice in small quantity, gum, and
sugar (about 70 per cent.). No other substance was found; if a little
extract of cubeb were present as well as the powdered drug, it could
not have been detected with certainty.
DR. WHITE’S KOMPO.
This is supplied by a firm in Yorkshire in bottles at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and
2s. 9d. A 2s. 9d. bottle was found to contain 11¹⁄₂ fluid ounces.
It is stated in an advertisement that:
Dr. White’s “Kompo” is the best-known remedy for Colds, Influenza,
Sore Throats, etc.
with other similar statements. But a wider application is claimed on
the label, in the following words:
A Valuable Remedy for Colds, Influenza, Diarrhœa, Pains in the
Stomach and Bowels, Disordered Stomach, Headache, Cold Feet, Cold
Sweats, Bad Circulation of the Blood, Sore Throat, Quinsy, etc.
As a Pure Stimulant it is far better than Brandy, or any other
Intoxicating Drink.
The dose is given as
One or two teaspoonfuls in a cupful of warm water, well sweetened,
several times a day.
The bottle contained a brown, somewhat turbid liquid, smelling of
cloves and cinnamon. Analysis showed it to contain 6.42 per cent.
by volume of alcohol, and only 2.4 per cent. of solid matter; this
consisted largely of a tannic acid resembling that of red gum. No
alkaloid was present, but constituents of capsicum, cinnamon, and
cloves were recognised, and a small proportion (0.07 per cent.) of
salicylic acid was found. The following formula gave a mixture
scarcely distinguishable from the original by either physical or
chemical means:
Eucalyptus gum (red gum) 1.5 part.
Caustic soda 0.08 „
Oil of cinnamon (or cassia) 0.25 „
Oil of cloves 0.25 „
Tincture of capsicum 7.5 parts.
Salicylic acid 0.07 part.
Rectified spirit 1.5 „
Decoction of cinnamon and cloves to 100 parts by measure.
The decoction was made by boiling 5 parts each of cloves and cinnamon
with 200 of water until the volume was reduced by half, straining and
adjusting the volume to 100 by measure.
The caustic soda in the above formula was used to darken the colour of
the red gum. A similar result may be obtained by adding a very little
burnt sugar, and there were some indications of the presence of this in
the original.
The estimated cost of the ingredients for 11¹⁄₂ fluid ounces is about
6d.
GLYKALINE.
This is a liquid supplied by a London firm of homœopathic chemists. A
1s. 1¹⁄₂d. bottle was found to contain about 1¹⁄₂ fluid drachms. It is
described in an advertisement as:
A Sure Cure for all Coughs, Colds, Catarrhs, Hay Fever, Influenza,
Asthma, Bronchitis, etc. Rapid and reliable in its effects. Checks a
slight cold with one dose. Cures a severe cold in 24 hours.
And in a circular enclosed in the package it is stated that:
There is no medicine to equal it for promptly relieving those
distressing colds where there is a constant flow of a thin watery
discharge from the nose, accompanied by continual sneezing, throbbing
of the head, and smarting pains in the eyes, etc.--a few hours
sufficing to overcome all these unpleasant systems.
The dose is given on the label as:
Three drops every hour in a tablespoonful of water until relieved,
then every two or three hours until quite well. Children under five
years, a third of the above quantity.
Analysis showed the liquid to contain 35 per cent. by volume of
alcohol, but only 0.15 per cent. of solid matter. This consisted partly
of potassium iodide and partly of organic matter. Not the slightest
trace of any alkaloid could be found.
Each dose would contain approximately ¹⁄₃₅₀ grain of potassium iodide,
with a trace of organic matter, which _may_ be derived from some drug.
The cost of the preparation is practically that of the alcohol which it
contains, or about ¹⁄₆d. for the contents of the bottle.
LIQUFRUTA MEDICA.
The preparation sold under this name is supplied from “The Liqufruta
Laboratory.” There appear to be two varieties of the medicine, the one
being called simply “Liqufruta,” and described on the label as “cure
for consumption cough, whooping and every other cough,” while the other
is called “Liqufruta Medica,” and is described on the label as “The
Great Consumption Cure.” The price of the latter is 2s. 9d., and the
bottle was found to contain 12¹⁄₂ fluid ounces.
Other particulars given on the label are as follows:
Liqufruta Medica the Only Safe Cure for Pulmonary Consumption,
Chronic Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh.
Certain of the germicidal constituents contained in this remedy are
otherwise unobtainable throughout the world.
Guaranteed free of poison, laudanum, copper solution, cocaine,
morphia, opium, chloral, calomel, paregoric, narcotics, or
preservatives....
Liqufruta Medica heals the chest, lungs, and throat, arrests the
inflammation, loosens the phlegm, and effectually destroys the
bacilli of consumption, etc., which no other medicine can reach.
Whilst the cough will be eased at once, the expectoration will be
more profuse for a short time.
Directions. One dessertspoonful every two hours; in severe cases
every hour, and also during the night whenever cough is troublesome;
take a dose when getting into bed and the moment of awakening in
the morning. When symptoms moderate and pronounced benefit has been
obtained the doses may be administered with one and a-half to two
hours’ interval if desired.
The mixture was found to be a dark brown, rather thick liquid, smelling
like a mixture of garlic or onion and peppermint. On distilling, a
trace of volatile oil was obtained, the distillate closely resembling
the liquid obtained by distilling onion and a trace of oil of
peppermint with water; 100 parts by measure of the mixture contained
10.05 parts of solids; of these, 2.05 parts were of mucilaginous
or pectinous nature, 3.44 parts were glucose, and 2.28 parts were
cane sugar. A decoction of onion was found to contain a mucilaginous
substance somewhat similar to that obtained from the mixture.
The liquid was acid, and on evaporation and ignition yielded an ash
which was alkaline, the acidity before and the alkalinity after
ignition being approximately equivalent. This is characteristic of acid
salts containing an alkali-metal and an organic acid, such as potassium
bitartrate. The ash contained a considerable proportion of potassium,
but in the presence of the sugars and vegetable extractive the small
quantity of tartaric acid could not be identified; the acidity and
alkalinity indicated 0.4 part (in 100 fluid parts) of potassium
bitartrate, accounting for 0.16 part of ash; the total ash was 0.4
part, and the other constituents were such as are found in the ash of
most vegetable extracts.
Alkaloidal matter was present in very small quantity, the amount being
about 0.01 per cent.; this consisted of two (or more) alkaloids,
neither of which gave the reactions of any of the ordinary medicinal
alkaloids. The other constituents consisted of tannin, a trace of
resin, and extractive. The original liquid had a very slightly pungent
taste, such as would be given by a trace of a preparation of capsicum
or ginger.
The results of the analysis thus showed:
Oil of peppermint }
Oil of onion, or garlic } traces
Alkaloids }
Potassium bitartrate 0.4 part
Glucose 3.44 parts
Cane sugar 2.28 „
Mucilaginous matter 2.05 „
Tannin }
Extractive } together 1.9 „
Resin }
Water to 100 parts by measure
No alcohol was present, and no metallic salts beyond the traces
ordinarily accompanying plant extracts.
Examination of the plain Liqufruta (for cough) did not show any
important differences between it and “Liqufruta Medica.”
HYOMEI.
The preparation sold under the name Hyomei is supplied by a firm in
London. The price of an “outfit” is 2s. 6d., and this consists of an
inhaler (consisting of a vulcanite tube), ¹⁄₂ fluid ounce of inhalant,
with pieces of gauze and a dropper; a 3s. 9d. “refill” of the inhalant
alone was found to contain 2 fluid ounces.
Hyomei has been widely advertised in the Press for some time past,
advertisements in the daily newspapers usually occupying a column or
so. The following is the first paragraph of one of these:
Mr. R. T. Booth, who issues the following announcement, is the
world-famous temperance orator, who some years ago, in co-operation
with such friends and co-workers as the late Rev. C. H. Spurgeon,
Rev. F. B. Meyer, and the late Rev. Newman Hall, Archdeacon
Wilberforce, Lord Mount Temple, and others, founded the Blue Ribbon
Army, which ultimately led a million to temperance. This glorious
work was cut short by acute catarrh and threatened consumption, which
sent him, by the order of the late Sir Andrew Clark, health-seeking
to Australia. There he made his great discovery of Hyomei (pronounced
Hi-o-me), which not only cured him, but has since cured multitudes
of other sufferers. Hyomei is an inhalant which, being a powerful
germicide, cures by just breathing it.
In a booklet enclosed in the package it is thus described:
Hyomei, the new Australian Dry-Air Treatment for the Cure of Asthma,
Bronchitis, Catarrh, Catarrhal Deafness, Coughs, Rose Colds, Whooping
Cough, Colds, Croup and Consumption.
The only Natural Method of Cure.
The First and only Treatment for all Diseases of the Air Passages and
Lungs ever Endorsed by the Medical Profession....
What “Hyomei” Is.
Hyomei is a vegetable compound the result of recent scientific
research. It is a powerful germicide, and absolute destroyer of the
germs which cause diseases of the respiratory organs.
Hyomei is a cure given by a new method--the only treatment through
which the diseased parts of the head, throat, and lungs can be
reached.
What “Hyomei” Does.
Hyomei cures all diseases of the air passages. Cures them by just
breathing; cures them through the air you breathe, impregnated
with Nature’s own antiseptic. No douches, sprays, atomizers, or
stomach medicines are used. It at once kills the bacilli of catarrh,
bronchitis, consumption, asthma, and hay fever, bringing a complete
cure that can be obtained in no other way.
Another circular enclosed in the package is in the form of a letter,
beginning “Dear Friend.” From the heading of the paper it appears
that the company are the proprietors of “Hyomei,” “Hyomei Balm, the
wonderful ointment,” “Hyomei Skin Soap, a medicated toilet soap,” and
“Hyomei Catarmel, for catarrh and catarrhal deafness.” The letter
invites correspondence, as follows:
... if you are a sufferer from any breathing trouble or from any form
of skin trouble I can help you. That is why I here invite you to
write me personally a letter telling me of your ailment, how long you
have had it, and what you have done so far to cure it. Then I will
consider your case from the particulars you give me, and if suitable
for my treatment, will, without charging you any fee, send you a
letter telling you what you must do to get your cure, and at the same
time will send you sufficient of what I recommend to give you a trial
treatment, free.
“Hyomei” is a liquid smelling strongly of eucalyptus oil. Analysis
showed the presence of eucalyptol, which is the chief constituent
of this oil, together with alcohol and liquid paraffin. Since many
essential oils possess common constituents, and for the separation
of the constituents of one oil, and still more of a mixture, it is
necessary to work on a large quantity of the material, a full and
precise analysis of the mixture in question was not practicable. It
was submitted to fractional distillation _in vacuo_, and the various
fractions were tested and compared with, the corresponding fractions
of mixtures made up to imitate the original. It was concluded that
the alcohol and liquid paraffin formed each about 10 per cent. of
the whole, and a determination of the amount of eucalyptol showed
nearly all the remaining 80 per cent. to be oil of eucalyptus. A small
quantity (under 0.2 per cent.) of solid matter, not resinous, was
obtained on distilling the Hyomei, and this could not be identified,
but agreed in some respects with the solid obtained in a corresponding
way from a mixture containing a little wood tar. A small proportion of
creosote was also indicated.
THE RHYCOL TREATMENT.
This is supplied by a firm in London. The price of an “outfit” is 17s.
6d. The advertisements of the preparations sold under this name are
mostly very lengthy, and application to the address given led to the
receipt of several circular letters and a good deal of printed matter.
A few extracts will sufficiently indicate the nature of the statements
made:
Free Information how to cure Catarrh and Nose-Breathing Difficulty.
Patient and Physician tell of how they found a cure. It is the hearty
desire of the discoverers of the new cure that all who suffer from
the above complaints should write for a gratis copy of the book
they have just published, under the title of “Rhycol Respiratory
Re-Education: The Physiological Cure for Catarrh, Adenoids, Polypi,
and other Nose-Breathing Difficulties, Catarrhal Deafness and Head
Noises, Loss of Sense of Smell or Taste, Coated Tongue, Bad Breath,
Asthma, Bronchitis, and Weak Chest and Lungs.”
The cure is remarkable, inasmuch as it calls for no sprays or
injections, no powders to be snuffed--no lozenges or tablets to
suck--no operations, and no painful cauterizing (burning) of the
inflamed mucous membrane....
The joint authors of the discovery--as the result of a fruitless
quest for relief and cure--were led to experiment along the line of
the “First Cause”--the nose and its respiratory functions.
The layman it was who made the first enlightening discovery. A
singer, he discovered How _the nose could be freed_....
Upon this first-step discovery has been built the new “Rhycol” cure,
the details of which are given fully (and illustrated) in the book....
In the book is explained how to stop
Nasty Dropping in the Throat,
Head Stuffiness,
Nose Stuffiness,
Throat Dryness,
Loss of Smell,
Spitting of Thick Phlegm,
Discharge from the Nose,
Loss of Taste, or Offensive Taste in Mouth
Catarrhal (Coated) Tongue,
Catarrhal Deafness,
Gurgling in Ears,
Bad Breath,
Snapping Noise in Ears,
Voice Troubles,
Hay-Fever,
Physical and Mental Dulness arising from Respiratory Inefficiency.
... all who wish to quickly cure Catarrh, Asthma, Adenoids, Polypi,
or other Nose-Breathing, Chest or Lung, and Voice or Hearing, or
Throat Bronchial Trouble should send for a copy.
The “outfit” consisted of two “inspirators,” 56 tampons, a collapsible
tube of lubricant, and a bottle of “Rhycol Antiseptic Solution.”
The “inspirators” were small celluloid shells, open at both ends and
along one side, to be placed in the nostrils to form a lining. They
were marked “R” and “L” respectively, and the sides intended to lie
against the septum and the outer wall respectively were shaped rather
differently; it was not easy, however, to feel quite such enthusiasm
about their beauty, as is shown in the description which accompanied
the outfit:
The Inspirators ... are hand-modelled and made by one of the
most skilful Anatomical Instrument Makers in the world. They are
constructed on perfect anatomical principles, and from a material
that is not only completely Asceptic in itself, but which cannot
be in any way contaminated or infected by noxious or morbific
matters, and is entirely unaffected by oxidation. The inner
side--that part inclined to the middle septum of the nose--is
exquisitely modelled, so as to adapt itself perfectly to all the
sinuosities and flexuations of the central cartilages and, by a most
skilful conformation, the current of air on each inspiration is
most favourably directed through the spongy nasal passages to the
air-openings (nares) at the upper and back of the pharynx.
Since the “inspirators” are supplied to fit (or otherwise) a strange
pair of nostrils, the “exquisite hand-modelling” of one of the most
skilful anatomical instrument makers in the world appears to be rather
wasted. Possibly it is referred to as some justification of the price
of 7s. 6d., which is charged for these without the remainder of the
outfit, but to a disinterested eye they appear likely to have cost at
most a few pence per pair. It may be remarked that each of the articles
constituting the outfit, even including the box, is elaborately
described in a similar laudatory strain.
The tampons were small cylinders of cotton-wool, medicated with a
substance having a fragrant and rather terebinthinate odour. The
instructions are to place an “inspirator” in each nostril and a tampon
in each “inspirator,” so that air is drawn into the nose through the
tampons. They are to be kept in position for about a quarter of an
hour the first time, gradually increasing the time until they can be
worn all night. On extraction with a suitable solvent the tampons
yielded a small quantity of a volatile oil, the average quantity being
¹⁄₁₀ minim. This had the odour of a mixture of oil of eucalyptus and
essential oil of camphor with a little terebene and a trace of oil of
wintergreen, but the total quantity was far too small for analysis. The
price of the tampons alone is 8s.
The tube of Rhycol lubricant, which is priced 1s., contained one-third
of an ounce of soft paraffin with the addition of a very small quantity
of carbolic acid. It is directed to be applied to the inspirators to
facilitate their introduction into the nostrils.
The Rhycol Antiseptic is to be added in small quantity to water, to
make a liquid in which the inspirators are to be laid, after washing,
when not in use. The bottle contained 1¹⁄₂ fluid drachms of the
antiseptic, which was a solution of formaldehyde. Thus the actual
medicament supplied for the 17s. 6d. consists of some 6 drops or so
of essential oils, distributed on a number of small wads of cotton
wool, the other articles being merely accessories to facilitate the
inhalation of this oil.
THE COLMAN METHOD.
Under the name “The Colman Method” various medicaments and apparatus
are supplied by Erasmus Colman, London.
The following are extracts from an advertisement headed:
Dangerous Catarrh! or, Chronic Cold in the Head.
It is a fearful mistake to neglect catarrh. It is quite certain to
develop into something worse. It will not cure itself.
I, Erasmus Colman, declare that I have a perfect and speedy cure for
nasal and throat catarrh. It is a system of vapourised medication,
complemented by other highly effective therapeutic aids. It is a
home treatment, occupying but a moment or two of one’s time daily.
The benefit becomes obvious from the first hour. The healing of the
diseased condition is gradual, yet speedy and certain. There is
nothing complex about it. Anybody can easily understand it. It is a
pleasant form of cure. It is permanent.
I offer a perfectly genuine system of treatment. You cannot obtain it
anywhere else, because it is the result of years of study and active
experience, coupled with extraordinary ability in this particular
line of ailment.
Any sufferer, regardless of his or her position, can obtain my
treatment upon simple and easy terms by confiding in me. I know
that I have the complete cure for catarrh and its consequent ills,
including asthma, deafness, etc. I want to cure every man, woman, and
child that suffers.
In a booklet which is sent to inquirers, entitled _Book of Information
concerning My System_, etc., many statements are made in which the
modesty of the above claims of “extraordinary ability” and “the
complete cure” are quite equalled:
I assert, without fear of contradiction, that mine is the only
apparatus which sends the medicated vapour over every membrane
that air can reach, and I also assert with equal firmness that
there are no preparations for a similar object which can compare
in effectiveness with those supplied by me.... It is seldom that a
sufferer who applies to me for treatment does not mention that he has
paid out a considerable sum to doctors, and has never succeeded in
getting more than temporary relief. After treating a sufferer until
a patient’s patience (excuse pun) is exhausted, he, the medical man,
usually advises a change of climate or method of living. This is
sometimes practically impossible, and can only be adopted at serious
and, perhaps, total sacrifice of one’s opportunity for supporting his
family. He is, therefore, a true martyr--remains where he is, and
bears the distress of his asthmatic attacks. I want all such persons
to come or write to me. I assert, upon my word of honour, that I have
the true cure, and being the genuine--it is the most inexpensive that
money can buy.
Such statements about the medical profession are, of course, commonly
met with in the utterances of nostrum vendors. It is not always,
however, that contempt for “ethics” is so plainly expressed as in the
following:
Because of a narrow-minded custom, which, like other relics of
barbarism, will ultimately be swept away by modern ideas, the
practitioners of medicine are bound together by a sort of mysterious
girdle, outside of which they dare not step. If they do--they
are boycotted by their fellows. One of the rules of the medical
fraternity is that they may not advertise in the newspapers. They
must keep their light hidden under a bushel, and, no matter how
skilful they are, they are almost hopelessly smothered by that large,
heavy blanket called “ethics.” ... It is a cruel and erstwhile stupid
form of “protection”--medical ethics. If a registered medical man
dares to advertise, his name is soon struck from the register. My
nature is independent--I am frank, straightforward, outspoken, and
honest. I may be considered as outclassed by medical men, who choose
to remain fettered by the barbaric bonds of so-called etiquette; but
I know that I am near to the hearts of my patients, whose shower
of letters by every post represents an unparalleled outpouring of
sincere gratitude. That is the reason why I stand aloof from medical
societies and their old-fashioned rules of etiquette. I advertise--I
cure--and the world is the better for it.
Since medical societies consist of qualified medical practitioners, it
is just possible that the fact of his not possessing a qualification
may be another reason for this gentleman “standing aloof.”
“Patient’s Report Forms,” with a long list of questions to be answered,
were sent to be filled up and returned. One of these has a space headed:
Particulars of Previous Treatment.
(_Patients should here state what doctors have said about case, and
give particulars of treatment previously followed._)
However, on applying for a “treatment” and sending the money, without
any particulars of any case, the articles described below were
supplied. The price charged was 14s. 6d., but it appears that a larger
amount is usually asked at first.
The “outfit” sent comprised:
An atomiser, for producing a spray, with indiarubber ball.
A “nasal irrigator,” consisting of a bent glass cylinder for pouring
liquid into the nostrils.
Two boxes of “Nebular Tablets,” together containing 41.
A box of “Gargle Tablets,” containing 21.
A bottle of “Atomising Fluid,” containing 1 fluid ounce.
A box of pearl-coated pills, containing 21.
Lengthy directions were enclosed, which may be summarised as
follows:--Every morning: One Nebular Tablet is to be dissolved in
two tablespoonfuls of warm water and the liquid passed into the nose
through one nostril by means of the nasal irrigator until the nasal
cavity is full, retained for two minutes, and run out; this is then
repeated through the other nostril; then, after gently blowing the
nose, the atomising fluid is applied through each nostril by means of
the atomiser. Every evening: Repeat the above treatment, then dissolve
one Gargle Tablet in two tablespoonfuls of cold water and gargle the
throat with the solution. Take one of the pills daily, after the midday
meal.
The nebular tablets had an average weight of 20 grains. Analysis showed
them to consist of
Sodium chloride 28.3 per cent.
Borax, slightly dehydrated, equivalent to crystalline
borax 28.7 „ „
Sodium bicarbonate 29.5 „ „
Sugar 12.3 „ „
Talc 3.1 „ „
Oil of wintergreen--sufficient to impart a fairly strong smell.
The atomising liquid was shown by analysis to consist of liquid
paraffin, with small quantities of menthol and oil of cinnamon (far too
small to be determined quantitatively). Traces of other essential oils
may have been present.
The gargle tablets had an average weight of 20 grains. Analysis showed
them to contain:
Borax, equivalent to crystalline borax 4.6 per cent.
Sodium bicarbonate 87.0 „ „
Sugar 4.0 „ „
Talc 2.1 „ „
Powdered vegetable drug about 1.5 „ „
They had a faint terebinthinate odour, such as might be given by a
trace of turpentine. The histological characters of the powdered drug,
and the properties and behaviour of the trace of alkaloid extracted
from it, agreed with those of powdered hydrastis rhizome.
The pills, being only subsidiary to the other articles, were not fully
analysed. They had an average weight of about ²⁄₃ grain, and contained
aloin; indications of the presence of jalap resin and podophyllin were
also obtained.
The following extracts from “Truth Cautionary List for 1912,” with
reference to the advertiser of the “treatment” just described, require
no comment:
“Colman, Erasmus, Gray’s Inn Road, London, W.C.--Under this name
Edward Marr poses as a ‘catarrh specialist,’ and sells an appliance
for spraying the nostrils. Asks 15s. at first, but in ‘follow-up
letters’ gradually reduces the price to 7s. 6d. for a three weeks’
trial.”
“Aural Remedies Co., Craven-house, Kingsway, London, W.C.--One
of the numerous aliases of the aural quack Edward Marr, who also
exploits the deaf as ‘Professor Keith Harvey.’ This concern is run
on the lines of the late Drouet Institute. It had for ‘consulting
specialist’ the notorious H. H. Crippen, who was executed in
November, 1910, for the murder of his wife. Testimonials given to
the Aural Remedies Co. have been used for advertising purposes by E.
Colman and by Elmer Shirley.”
A GERMAN NOSTRUM.
According to Dr. Zernik:
_Victoria Asthma Drops_ are put up by the “Victoria Apotheke” in
Berlin, and are supposed to be taken in doses of from 25 to 30 drops
during an attack every half-hour, and 25 drops regularly three times
a day as a preventive. The bottle contains a brownish-yellow fluid,
which was found to consist of tincture of lobelia, tincture of opium,
liquor ammonii anisatus, acetic ether, and potassium iodate.