MEDICINES FOR INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, ETC.
The present chapter includes the results obtained on examining a
number of the most widely advertised pills and other proprietary
preparations put forward as remedies for indigestion or as general
aperients. The majority of these are in the form of pills, which
show much similarity in their composition; aloes or aloin is a
constituent of all of them, and is accompanied by one or more of a
small series of drugs in regular use, comprising colocynth, jalap,
rhubarb, podophyllin, ginger, capsicum, cardamoms, soap, and oils of
peppermint, and cinnamon. The secrecy of the formula in these cases
does not apparently conceal any facts which would be damaging to the
sale of the articles if revealed; but this is, of course, no argument
in favour of secrecy. Two others of the articles here described, both
in the form of tablets, and put forward especially for indigestion,
were found to contain pepsin and diastase, with a small dose of a
vegetable bitter aperient; the dose of both the digestive ferments
was small, the diastatic action of the tablets being so slight as
to be practically negligible. The lengths of mendacity to which
advertisers may go when the real composition of their wares is
unknown is well illustrated by another nostrum dealt with in this
chapter, which is stated to be composed of the active principles of
rare herbs growing on the Himalaya mountains, and to have the magical
property, when swallowed, of seeking out any organ or portion of the
body which is in an unhealthy state and proceeding to cure it. It is
further asserted, with the emphasis of italics, that “it _cures in
one dose_.” The booklet in which this pretended treasure is puffed
shows the most gross ignorance on the part of the writer, who gravely
asserts that “beetles, spider’s web, crab’s eyes, tiger’s tongue,
rhinoceros’s horn, and other repulsive objects form part of the
materia medica now in vogue with the medical profession,” and that
“all organic substances defy detection by any means known to chemical
science,” with much more preposterous nonsense of the same sort.
Analysis, however, showed the powder to consist of potato flour, and
no other substance could be detected in it.
In the examination of pills or tablets containing mixtures of such
substances as aloes or extract of aloes, extract of colocynth, resins
of jalap, scammony, or podophyllin, oils of peppermint, clove, or
cinnamon, with powdered drugs like ginger, capsicum, cardamoms,
colocynth, rhubarb (all yielding extracts as soon as the pills are
treated with solvents), and the whole probably massed with the aid
of syrup, glucose, liquorice powder, etc., the difficulties to be
encountered by the analyst are far greater than in many of the
combinations that are dealt with in other chapters; and it is not
possible as the result of any reasonable and practicable amount
of investigation to assign a quantitative formula for any such
combination of articles which are themselves variable, and it may
easily happen that some constituents will escape detection, or will
be impossible of identification. It is, therefore, better to avoid
naming any quantities of the different ingredients found, even when
the quantitative determinations (which have been made in every case)
have left very little doubt as to the amount of some particular
substance present in a given combination. And it must be remembered
that with several of the pills other ingredients than those named may
have been present in small quantity and escaped detection, though
it may fairly be said that this does not apply to powerful or very
important ingredients.
MER-SYREN.
This consists of powders which are supplied at 2s. 9d. per box of
twenty by Mer-Syren, Ltd., London. There are several indications that
the claims made for this article have undergone progressive evolution.
The earliest advertisement of it which is before us is a handbill
apparently issued three or four years ago, which commences thus:
“They that go down to the sea in ships” and Suffer from the
distressing Malady of Sea-sickness will find a Safe and Sure
Preventive and Antidote in Mersyren.
Mersyren is a never-failing Rapid Remedy.
Mersyren is not a Drug.
The name at the foot being:
The Mersyren Syndicate, ---- London, E.C., and Singapore Dispensary,
---- Singapore.
A little later a lengthy advertisement in a weekly paper is headed:
Try this “quick cure” for Biliousness and Indigestion--Free of Cost.
The following extracts are from what follows the heading:
Digestive troubles are the curse of the present generation. And drug
remedies for digestive ailments are almost a bigger curse still....
Here is a way (and a free way) by which you can absolutely cure your
Digestive trouble by a remedy which is neither a drug nor a purgative.
Here is a way by which you can absolutely cure:--
Biliousness,
Sick Headache,
Dyspepsia,
Gastritis,
Indigestion,
Liver Trouble, and other
Digestive Disorders.
Free of Charge.
Here is a perfect natural remedy which will be freely sent to
every reader who writes for it, and which will quickly, almost
instantaneously, cure your trouble and enable you to regain that good
health, those unburdened spirits, to which, perhaps, you have been a
stranger for so very long.
You have heard of “Mer-Syren,” of course!
You have heard of it as a non-drug, non-purging remedy for Stomach
and Liver Trouble.
But perhaps you have not as yet quite realised what a wonderful
remedy it is....
“Mer-Syren” is a _tasteless powder_. It is pleasant to take, and
swift and sure in action. It is neither a drug nor an aperient. And
it _cures in one dose_.
A little later again appears a whole-page advertisement in a London
daily; the heading of the first two columns is--
“Remarkable New Book on Health
by Dr. Pearson.
‘How the Body Cures Itself.’”
and the remainder is headed:
“The ‘10 Minute Mer-Syren Health Lessons.’”
The first part is devoted to a description of the book, and a summary
of its twenty so-called chapters. The following extracts will suffice
as a specimen:
Originally published at 2s. 6d., a popular Second Edition is now
being given free to all who will put to the practical test of
personal trial the Author’s “10 Minute Health Lessons.”...
The book tells what every good Doctor knows, but is, for many
reasons, unable to tell his patients.
The whole book is written in straightforwardly candid appreciation of
the fact that the Layman Needs--and Desires--Health Knowledge of this
vital kind....
“Mer-Syren” is the name of a tasteless powder derived from a herb
which powerfully aids the health-reparative power of the body.
It is not a pill--not a purgative--not weakening--not
stomach-upsetting--but just a “Mer-Syren 10-Minute Health-Lesson” to
that part of your body which needs it....
... first of all, get and read Dr. Pearson’s book, _How the
Body Cures Itself_ (by means of the “Mer-Syren 10-Minute
Health-Lessons”)....
The book itself is free.
You have only to get a 2s. 9d. packet of 20 “Mer-Syren 10-Minute
Health-Lesson” Powders.
The “book” is unquestionably the _pièce de résistance_ of all this
advertising. It is a paper-covered pamphlet of 63 pages, each of the
“chapters” referred to in the advertisement occupying an average space
of less than three pages. It is described as--
By Dr. Pearson, Author of
“The Liver in Health and Disease,”
“What to Eat and What to Avoid,”
“The Abuse of Phosphorus,”
“The Etiology of Cholera,”
etc., etc.
(Late Principal Medical Officer, North Bhangulpore, India).
Reference to the volume of maps in the _Encyclopædia Britannica_ failed
to discover any place named Bhangulpore or North Bhangulpore in India.
The knowledge possessed by this “Late Principal Medical Officer,” who
curiously omits to give his initials, or his degrees or qualifications
justifying the prefix “Dr.,” may be judged from the following extracts:
This pamphlet has been compiled for the benefit of the myriads of
afflicted in every part of the globe, who, after trying the ordinary
means of cure at present obtaining to no purpose, are casting about
to discover a method of treatment for disease which shall cure their
ailments and restore them to their former healthy condition....
This remedy--Mer-Syren--the direct outcome of many years’ careful and
painstaking study on the part of a few men who may be said to have
devoted their whole lives to investigations as to the Cause and Cure
of Disease--is assuredly one of the greatest boons ever conferred
upon suffering humanity.
The plain fact is that, as regards the nature of disease, the
Medical Profession is pretty much where Harvey left it nearly three
centuries ago, whilst the means of cure are little better than those
employed by Celsus or Galen, and diseases are arranged in a few
haphazard groups, as motley and incongruous in their composition and
disposition as the various sections of, say, a political party.
We are, therefore, driven to accept the dictum of Hippocrates: “_All
diseases spring from one cause, and the types of all diseases are the
same._” This common origin of all diseases is to be found in that
condition, which, for want of a better definition, we shall call
“_Debility of the Cells_,” either _partial or general_. Systems and
theories may follow each other like the waves of the sea, but the
trend of medical opinion is setting in this direction, and, to the
opinion expressed by the Father of Medicine, all Schools of Medicine
must come at last....
The Mineral Acids, Nitric, Hydrochloric and Sulphuric, and Mineral
Oils (Petroleum) are in everyday use as remedies, whilst many of the
Earths are diverted from the uses for which they were intended by
the Creator, and forced into the human stomach. Animal substances,
many of the most repulsive nature and origin, are almost universally
used by Medical Men the world over.... beetles, spider’s web, crab’s
eyes, tiger’s tongue, rhinoceros’ horn, and other repulsive objects
form part of the Materia Medica now in vogue with the Medical
Profession....
The old Blue Pill and Black Draught of our forefathers has given
place to various Salines and the waters of many Spas in the treatment
of Bilious affections, but all to no purpose, the discovery of
Mer-Syren ushered in a new era in the History of Medicine; not only
so far as the Liver was concerned, but also in the case of many
other affections regarding the treatment of which medical men of
every school confessed themselves to be nonplussed.... Under its
specific and benign--yet effective--operation the powers of Nature
have been reinforced and strengthened so that she has been enabled to
quickly relieve herself from the incubus of disease, and phœnix-like,
arise from her ashes renewed, invigorated, and endowed with all her
pristine vitality.
This is the sober opinion gleaned from an experience of one versed in
medicine for a period of nearly forty years....
Mer-Syren is composed of the active principles of certain rare plants
which flourish in the valleys situated on the southern slopes of the
Himalaya, between the immense gorge separating Nepaul from Bhutan
on the East, and Almorah on the North-West--the very names of which
are unknown to Western Science, and are therefore not included in
any Pharmacopœia extant. Mer-Syren, therefore, cannot be imitated
either in Europe or the two Americas. Nevertheless, purchasers should
protect themselves by observing that the name of the Mer-Syren
Company appears on every box, and that the place of origin is clearly
stated thereon. The alkaloids upon which its extraordinary and
startling effects depend cannot be determined by analysis, as _all
organic substances defy detection by any means known to chemical
science_....
There are, in fact, no diseased states or conditions in which the use
of Mer-Syren does not produce beneficial results.
Thus the “powder derived from a herb” of the newspaper advertisement
has become the “active principles of certain rare plants” in the book,
just as the syndicate has become the limited company, and the remedy
for sea-sickness has become the cure-all:
for Mer-Syren possesses the wonderful property of permeating every
part of the organism with the same good influences. Moreover,
although its gentle stimulating and strengthening powers are felt
throughout the entire organism, yet its specific healing actions
are principally directed to any part labouring under diseased or
disordered action. By virtue of its unique and specific properties,
Mer-Syren immediately operates upon any organ or tissue whose
functions may be in any way deranged, or whose structures may be
breaking down in consequence of disease. And all structures in either
of the two just-named abnormal conditions will instantly respond to
the gentle action of Mer-Syren, when every other form of treatment
produces no effect whatever.
The directions supplied with the powders were as follows:
For Indigestion and Dyspepsia: Upon rising place two Powders dry upon
the tongue and wash down with a draught of hot water. For Bilious
Headaches: Take one Powder, or two if the attack be very severe, and
wash down with cold water.
In chronic cases it is obvious that in order to effect a complete
recovery the Powders should be taken regularly until cured.
The powders had an average weight of 25¹⁄₂ grains. Analysis showed
the material to consist principally of starch, with a little broken
vegetable tissue. Microscopical examination showed the starch to be
that of the potato, while the histological elements of the tissue also
agreed exactly with those of the potato. Some raw potato was therefore
dried without heat and powdered, and the two powders compared in their
behaviour to a large number of tests, qualitative and quantitative,
and also by means of the microscope. The potato which was prepared
as described became greyish in colour during the drying, whereas the
Mer-Syren powder was of a creamy colour; no other difference was found
between them, and no other substance but potato could be detected.
CICFA.
This medicine, which has had four different names, but appears to be
called Cicfa at present, is supplied at 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. and 2s. 9d. per
package by a London limited company. A 1s. 1¹⁄₂d. package was found to
contain 21 tablets, and a 2s. 9d. package 63.
The original name of these tablets appears to have been “Tablones,”
but in consequence of legal action taken by another firm, whose trade
mark this word was considered to resemble too closely, it was changed
to “Cicfa.” The derivation of this word is supplied by the phrase which
occurs freely in the advertisements, “Cures Indigestion, Constipation,
Flatulence, Acidity.” Later, however, this word was dropped, and the
medicine advertised as “Mother’s Advice”; more recently still it was
advertised as “Tablenes,” while now the former name of Cicfa seems to
have been re-adopted.
The preparation is advertised in the following terms:
You may eat what you please when you please as your Indigestion,
Flatulence and Constipation are not merely Relieved but permanently
cured by “Mother’s Advice” (Formerly called “Cicfa”). Purgatives
often relieve Indigestion and make you feel better for a few days.
“Mother’s Advice” cures absolutely and permanently, because while
purgatives simply remove the undigested food, “Mother’s Advice”
completely digests everything you eat.
WHY “CICFA” MUST CURE EVERY CASE.
All the tortures of Indigestion, the Acidity and Heartburn, with
Teeth on Edge, the Burning Spot behind the Left Shoulder Blade, with
pains shooting through towards the Heart, the Heart Palpitation, with
Cold Hands and Feet and General Weakness, the Flatulence and Pressure
and Discomfort, the rumbling and often excruciating Bowel pain, are
all due to your failure to digest your food, and three-quarters of
it is due to Failure To Digest Starchy Food Like Bread, Potatoes,
Bananas, etc.; but you like to eat those, and you need them, and if
you could digest them you would have none of this pain, discomfort,
and misery, and you would have all the nourishment which comes from
such food when well digested
You do not digest the food because you have not enough digestive
juices in the Stomach and Bowels. “Cicfa” contains just enough
digestive material to make sure that the albuminous food like meat,
eggs, etc., will be digested in your stomach, and just enough of
that wonderful digestive material Which Is Not Found In Any Other
Proprietary Medicine which digests all starchy food like bread,
potatoes, bananas, etc.
DOSE.--One with the early part of each meal three times daily. Severe
cases may take two with each meal for a short time, and then reduce
the dose as the cure proceeds.
The tablets had a chocolate-coloured sugar coating; after removal of
this they had an average weight of 1.85 grains. Analysis showed the
presence of pepsin, diastase, reducing sugar (apparently maltose), a
bitter extract agreeing in characters with extract of cascara sagrada,
a small quantity of a pungent substance which appeared to be oleo-resin
of capsicum, together with talc and a little starch, the last being
probably derived from the coating. The digestive power on egg-albumen
and on starch was determined; the former corresponded to about ²⁄₃
grain of pepsin of B.P. strength in each tablet; the material digested
about 1.4 times its own weight of starch in half an hour at 40°, which
corresponds to a very small proportion of diastase, but as commercial
diastase varies much in strength, no quantity can be specified as
equivalent; from a comparison of the bitterness and pungency of a
mixture made up to imitate the tablets the amount of extract of cascara
appeared to be about ¹⁄₄ grain in each, and of oleo-resin of capsicum
about ¹⁄₃₀₀th grain.
CELMO NO. 2.
This is supplied by the same makers as Celmo, reported on in Chapter I.
It is recommended for “indigestion, gouty dyspepsia, flatulence, etc.,
etc.”
A bottle, price 2s. 9d., contained 30 tablets, of average weight 5.8
grains. The principal ingredients were found to be pepsin and diastase.
The amount of pepsin was found, by its digestive action on albumen, to
be equivalent to about 3 grains of pepsin (_B.P._) in each tablet. The
amount of diastase could only be inferred from the diastatic power of
the mixture, but, as commercial diastase is very variable in strength,
no exact quantity can be stated as the amount present; the diastatic
power was such that a tablet digested 1.9 times its weight of starch
in half an hour under the conditions of the test of the _British
Pharmaceutical Codex_, so that about 100 tablets would be required
to have as much effect in the digestion of starch as an average
teaspoonful of a good active malt extract. Maltose was also present,
suggesting that the diastase may have been added in the form of malt
extract.
A small quantity of a bitter substance was present, which agreed in its
characters with Socotrine aloes, the amount being about ¹⁄₂ grain in
each tablet. Stearic acid and starch were present in small quantity;
these materials are commonly employed as accessories in tablet making.
No evidence was found of any other ingredients.
WHELPTON’S PURIFYING PILLS.
Whelpton’s Purifying Pills are supplied by a firm in London at 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. per box containing 60 pills.
They are advertised in the following terms:
Indigestion is the primary cause of most of the ills to which we are
subject. Hence a medicine that stimulates the digestive organs will
relieve quite a number of complaints. Whelpton’s Vegetable Purifying
Pills arouse the stomach to action, promote the flow of gastric
juice, and give tone to the whole system. Headache flies away.
Biliousness, Kidney Disorders, and Skin Complaints disappear, while
cheerful spirits and clear complexions follow in due course.... The
occasional or regular use of Whelpton’s Pills, by assisting Nature
to get rid of superfluous matter, relieves the congested condition
of skin and kidneys, and speedily restores the natural functions of
these important organs. Whelpton’s Purifying Pills are thus a direct
purifier of the blood.... Daily doses of Whelpton’s Purifying Pills
will arouse the Liver to proper action, and, by removing the cause of
obstruction, speedily restore the general health of the body.
These Pills may be taken at any time, but it is generally found most
convenient to take them at bed-time. In ordinary cases two will be
a sufficient dose, but three or four may sometimes be necessary
according to the age and strength of the patient or obstinacy of the
complaint.
The pills had an average weight of 2¹⁄₂ grains. Chemical and
microscopical examination showed the presence of aloes (apparently
Socotrine), powdered colocynth, ginger, and gentian, the last-named
ingredient being less positively indicated than the others. No evidence
of the presence of mercury or calomel was obtained.
CHAS. FORDE’S BILE BEANS.
These “beans,” which consist of ovoid, coated pills, are supplied by a
firm in London. A box, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to contain 30 pills,
and a 2s. 9d. box 90.
In a circular enclosed in the package they are described as “absolutely
unequalled” for biliousness and other complaints, of which thirty-eight
are named, including anæmia, piles, influenza, despondency, blackheads,
rheumatism, etc. It is further stated that:
Chas. Forde’s also cure Fatty and Waxy Degeneration of the Liver,
“Hob-nailed” or “Gin-drinker’s” Liver (Cirrhosis), and the host of
ailments having a common origin in impaired digestion, assimilation,
and secretion, and in defective working of the excretory organs.
Chas. Forde’s are likewise of inestimable service in all the
disorders peculiar to women, while as a general aperient and tonic
remedy they are unsurpassed.
Chas. Forde’s bile beans do not contain a single particle of Mercury,
Bismuth, or other poisonous mineral substance, and are also devoid of
Aloes....
As a General Aperient.--Two to four beans as occasion may require.
As a Tonic.--One bean after the midday meal, and one upon going to
bed.
The pills were coated with gelatine, the coating being coloured black.
The average weight after removal of the coating was 2.3 grains.
The statement that they are devoid of aloes appears to be true only
if it is taken to refer to aloes itself and not to preparations of
aloes, as tests showed very clear evidence of the presence of aloin;
other constituents shown by chemical and microscopical examination were
powdered cardamoms, oil of peppermint, and wheat flour; some evidence
was obtained of extract of colocynth, but not sufficiently conclusive
for its presence to be definitely asserted. No evidence of the presence
of mercury or calomel was obtained.
CARTER’S LITTLE LIVER PILLS.
These are supplied by a New York firm; they are largely advertised
and sold in Great Britain. A package, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to
contain 42.
They are described on the package as:
Purely Vegetable. For Headache. For Dizziness. For Biliousness. For
Torpid Liver. For Constipation. For Sallow Skin. For the Complexion,
and in a circular contained in the package as:
designed to act upon the Liver and Bile in such a manner as to secure
all the benefits of a prompt and active medicine, without any of the
unpleasant effects which usually attend the use of ordinary liver
remedies.
The pills were sugar-coated, and after removing the coating had an
average weight of ¹⁄₃ grain. Chemical and microscopical examination
gave evidence of the presence of aloes (Barbados) or a preparation of
aloes, podophyllin, powdered liquorice root, and wheat starch, the last
probably from the coating. No other ingredient could be detected.
HOLLOWAY’S PILLS.
These are supplied by Thomas Holloway, London. A box, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.,
was found to contain 49 pills.
It is stated in the advertisement that:
They have positively no equal for thoroughly cleansing the system and
putting the liver and kidneys in functional order, without pain or
griping.
A pamphlet which was wrapped round the box is entitled:
A Key to Health!!! The Hollowayian System of Medicine and its
adaptation for the treatment of many Diseases incident to the human
frame.
It appears from the pamphlet that “the Hollowayian System of Medicine”
might be summoned up in the words: Take Holloway’s Pills; apply
Holloway’s Ointment. Among the complaints for which this “system” is
prescribed are gout, rheumatism, sciatica, paralysis, liver complaints,
asthma, inflammation of the kidneys, bronchitis, quinsy, bad legs, bad
breasts, ulcers, wounds, sores, tumours, piles and fistulas, the turn
of life, floodings and the whites, obstruction of the menses, dropsies,
jaundice, youthful indiscretion, impotency, palpitation of the heart,
debility, indigestion, constipation, gravel, stone, venereal diseases,
influenza, erysipelas, lepra blotches, scald heads and ringworms,
scrofula, ague, diarrhœa, etc. The dose recommended in different cases
varies from two pills a day to seven pills night and morning.
The pills had an average weight of 1.4 grain. Chemical and
microscopical examination showed the presence of aloes (Barbados), or a
preparation of aloes, powdered ginger, and soap. There was no evidence
of the presence of mercury or calomel.
PAGE WOODCOCK’S WIND PILLS.
These pills are supplied by Page Woodcock, Limited. The price of a box
containing 32 pills was 1s. 1¹⁄₂d.
They are thus described in a circular enclosed in the package:
The Most Effectual Medicine Yet Discovered for the Prevention and
Cure of Disease....
In all cases of Indigestion, Liver Complaints, Biliousness,
Constipation, Palpitation, Debility, Anæmia, Irregularities, Bad
Assimilation, Wind in the Stomach and Bowels, Spasms, Heartburn,
Giddiness, Disturbed Slumbers, Piles, Toothache, Neuralgia, etc.,
they will, if taken in accordance with the following directions,
effect a positive and permanent cure in the most stubborn and
deep-rooted cases.
The directions in various cases are from three to nine pills to be
taken daily.
The pills were pearl-coated, and after removal of the coating had an
average weight of 1.6 grain. Chemical and microscopical examination
showed the presence of aloes (Barbados) or a preparation of aloes,
a little ginger, a little soap, a trace of capsicum, and oils of
peppermint and cinnamon; some other vegetable tissue was also present,
but it did not possess any characters by which it could be identified.
No mercury or calomel was present.
SCOTT’S PILLS.
Scott’s Pills are supplied by W. Lambert, London, in boxes, price 1s.
1¹⁄₂d., containing 24 pills. A circular sent with the pills is headed:
Bilious and Liver Complaints, Indigestion, Costiveness, Loss of
Appetite, Worms, Gout, Inflammations, Rheumatism, Lumbago, etc.,
effectually removed by the use of Dr. Scott’s Bilious and Liver
Pills.... Prepared from the Recipe of Dr. Scott, of Bromley, Kent.
The recommendations for their employment include the following:--
The evil effects arising from intemperance will be prevented
if recourse is had to them after excess of eating or drinking.
Preparatory to Sea or Cold Bathing they are particularly necessary;
by taking a Pill or two for a few nights previous the bowels will be
cleansed from any crudities that may adhere to them, and the body
rendered in a proper state for the prevention of many uncomfortable
complaints. They are also the most excellent alterative and cleanser
of sallow complexions, caused by obstructions of the Liver. To
seafaring persons they are particularly recommended, as the use of
them will prevent many disorders incident to such a life, which
frequently prove fatal. Pregnant women will find them a most
efficacious medicine in preventing Bilious Vomitings, Nervous
Headaches, and other complaints peculiar to their situation....
Mr. Lambert wishes to impress on parents the necessity of
administering these Pills to their children; they will find them a
most efficacious Medicine for eradicating Worms, Fevers, Coughs,
Inflammations, and all disorders of the Stomach and Bowels; the
child will be strengthened, saved from all sickness, and the parents
themselves much trouble and uneasiness.
The pills had an average weight of 2.4 grains. Chemical and
microscopical examination indicated the presence of aloes (Socotrine)
in rather small quantity, ginger, rhubarb, and soap. No mercury or
calomel was present.
KER-NAK.
Ker-Nak, or Ker-Nak Pills, are supplied by a company in Leeds at 1s.
1¹⁄₂d. per package, containing 41 pills. They are thus described in a
circular accompanying the package:
Ker-Nak is a natural and valuable remedy which marks an important
step in advance of old-fashioned purges and drastic mineral
pills. These latter, with their mercury, bismuth, and other crude
ingredients, only irritate, inflame, and, in the end, seriously
injure, the delicate linings of the stomach and bowels. All such
mineral drugs, doubtful in their physiological action and paralysing
and harmful in their eventual effect, do not in any way, directly
or indirectly, enter into the composition of Ker-Nak, which, on
the contrary, contains certain essences and oils, the valuable
constituents of fresh ripe fruit, together with valuable vegetable
extracts and internal disinfectants reputed for their purity and
medicinal worth.... The unapproachable excellence of Ker-Nak from a
medicinal or healing standpoint, as well as its greater suitability
for sickness contracted under present-day conditions ... renders
this _natural_ treatment, so invaluable in cases of: Constipation,
Headache, Indigestion ... Sleeplessness, Neuralgia, Palpitation ...
Anæmia, and most Female Ailments (in youth, motherhood, middle-age,
and declining years), Piles ... Hysterics, Shortness of Breath ...
Rheumatic Affections, Influenza, and its after-effects....
The lengthy circular concludes with a paragraph headed:
FREE ADVICE.
Any reader in need of sound advice upon his or her own ailment can
have, Free of Cost, the assistance of our fully qualified Medical
Staff.
Describe in detail all the symptoms of your illness, say how long the
illness has lasted, and what you have been doing for it in the past:
and have no hesitation in stating fully any matter which troubles
you. The medical staff will tell you frankly and in confidence what
is the best treatment for you to adopt.
The directions on the package are:
Dose--1 to 3, or in severe cases, two doses of 2 each, one dose at
night and repeat after the next mid-day meal.
The pills were coated with orange-coloured pearl-coating; after
removing it they had an average weight of 1¹⁄₂ grain. Chemical and
microscopical examination indicated the presence of aloes (Barbados)
or a preparation of aloes, a little soap, a very little oleo-resin
of capsicum, and a little vegetable tissue which appeared to be
marshmallow root (used as an excipient). There was no evidence of the
presence of mercury or calomel.
COCKLE’S PILLS.
The present maker’s name of these is not given, but they are described
in the circulars which accompany them as being “Prepared by the late
James Cockle, Surgeon and Apothecary, 4, Great Ormond Street, London.”
A box, price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to contain 16 pills. It was also
stated that:
These pills consist of a careful and peculiar admixture of the
best and mildest vegetable aperients, with the pure extract of the
flowers of the camomile. They will be found a most efficacious remedy
for derangement of the digestive organs, and for obstructions and
torpid action of the liver and bowels, which produce Indigestion
and the several varieties of Bilious and Liver Complaints ... these
Pills are not recommended as containing any new or dangerously
active ingredients; on the contrary, they are characterised by a
remarkable simplicity of combination, and whatever merit they may
be found to possess depends as much upon the selection of pure
drugs and the unusual labour and attention bestowed upon their
subsequent preparation, as upon the acknowledged peculiarity of
their composition. They are not recommended as a panacea, nor are
they adapted to all complaints; but as a mild and efficacious
_aperient_ and _tonic_ in the various forms of Indigestion, with
intestinal irregularity admitting their use, it will not, perhaps, be
an exaggeration to state that they have been resorted to under all
systems of diet, changes of climate, or atmospheric alternations,
with an extraordinary degree of success, for a period extending over
more than half a century.
The directions vary from “One Pill to be taken an hour before dinner”
to “Two or three at any time.”
The pills had an average weight of 4 grains. Chemical and microscopical
examination indicated the presence of aloes (Socotrine), a little soap,
powdered colocynth, powdered jalap, and another vegetable tissue which
did not agree in characters with any drug now in ordinary use, and
which could not be identified. No evidence of the presence of mercury
or calomel was detected.
BURGESS’ LION PILLS.
The first volume of this book contained the results of analysis of
Burgess’ Lion Ointment, and the Pills are a companion medicine. A box,
price 1s. 1¹⁄₂d., was found to contain 24 pills. In a circular enclosed
in the package it is stated that:
The Pills act beneficially by imparting a healthy action to the
Liver and Digestive Organs, removing Obstructions and purifying the
Blood, completely renovating the health by expelling and preventing
the recurrence of disease. When suffering from Headache, Giddiness,
Pains in the Back or Loins, Loss of Appetite, or a feeling of General
Debility, these Pills will be found most invaluable.
The directions on the label are “Two to be taken at bedtime.”
The pills were pearl-coated; after removal of the coating they had an
average weight of 4¹⁄₄ grains. Chemical and microscopical examination
indicated the presence of ipecacuanha, rhubarb, a little jalap,
probably aloes (Socotrine), and oil of peppermint, and soap. There was
no evidence of the presence of mercury or calomel.
HOOD’S VEGETABLE PILLS.
These are supplied by a limited company in London, in bottles, price
1s. 1¹⁄₂d., containing 34 pills.
They are described on the package as:
The great Liver Invigorator. A mild, efficient cathartic, purely
vegetable, unequalled as a family physic and after-dinner pill.
A valuable remedy for Liver Complaint, Constipation, Nausea,
Billiousness, Headache, Indigestion, Sour Stomach, Distress after
Eating, Jaundice.
The directions, given in a circular enclosed in the package, are:
For Biliousness, Jaundice, Sick Headache, Constipation, Flatulence,
Dizziness, Nausea, and all Liver Troubles, and to Relieve or Prevent
Malaria and Influenza. For laxative effect, the usual dose is one,
two, or three pills taken at bedtime in a draught of water; for
purgative effect, from three to six pills, taken in the same way....
For Indigestion, Heartburn, Distress in the Stomach, Fulness after
Eating: The usual dose is one pill taken immediately after eating, in
a draught of water.
The pills were sugar-coated, and, after removal of the coating,
they had an average weight of ¹⁄₂ grain. Chemical and microscopical
examination showed the presence of aloes (Barbados) or a preparation of
aloes--probably aloin, ginger, capsicum, colocynth, soap, and probably
a little jalap. There was no evidence of the presence of mercury or
calomel.