MEDICINES FOR ALCOHOLISM AND FOR THE TOBACCO HABIT.
The “treatments” for the drink habit described in this chapter
include some which have only recently been advertised in this
country; two of them are of American origin. With these we include
an account of a “cure” for the tobacco habit, supplied by the same
limited company as one of the drink cures. It will be seen that
with the three first described the claims advanced are a good deal
alike, but the drugs used are almost entirely different. Each of
the preparations is supplied in two forms, the one to be taken
voluntarily by patients desirous of being cured, and the other to
be administered without the patient’s knowledge; obviously, if a
cure can be effected in the latter way, there can be less hesitation
in ascribing the result to the drugs than when the patient has
exercised his will in the same direction, and the preparation for
secret administration was therefore selected for analysis in each
case. The first of the articles examined was found to consist merely
of powdered cinchona bark, diluted with milk-sugar and magnesium
carbonate; of this it is asserted that “it does not contain any
drugs, poison, or minerals of any description,” although cinchona is
generally regarded as a drug and magnesia as a mineral; since the
dose of cinchona which is given is only 6 grains a day, containing
about ¹⁄₃ grain of alkaloids, it is scarcely to be expected that
any great result will be obtained from the administration of this
preparation. In the next article described, which appears to be of
American origin, tartar emetic is the only active ingredient found
in the powders and tablets. What is evidently aimed at is to produce
nausea or vomiting, and to lead the patient to associate these
symptoms with the consumption of alcoholic liquors. Much is said
about the “treatment” being capable of curing any case in three days,
and it purports to be made and sold by an individual who was cured
by it in three days, after having been a heavy drinker for sixteen
years. If the statements are carefully read, it does not appear to
be definitely asserted that the “B treatment,” that is, the remedy
which is administered secretly, will effect a cure in that time,
although the impression might easily be received that three days
will suffice, “between Friday night and Monday night, or any other
72 hours,” whether the patient is treated with or without his own
knowledge and co-operation; but when the money has been paid and the
medicine is sent, the purchaser is urged to have patience and not to
be discouraged if months should be necessary for the accomplishment
of a cure. In the advertisements, letters and circulars, the first
person singular is largely used, and they are ostensibly issued by
the individual by whose name the preparation is called, and who is
said to have been cured by it; but it appears that the vendor is
really a limited company, which deals also in a large number of other
nostrums having nothing to do with alcoholism, such as “anti-deafness
tablets,” “asthma tablets,” “rheumatism remedy,” etc. The third
article reported on is made in America, but it is advertised in this
country. In this case strychnine in small doses and caffeine are
the principal medicaments, tartar emetic being also employed, in
the hope, no doubt, of causing a feeling of nausea to be associated
with alcoholic drink. The lowest price charged for any of the three
preparations is a sovereign, while each of the other two is priced at
two guineas; in every case the prime cost of the ingredients is shown
to be so small as to be practically negligible.
The fourth of the medicines described was not purchased for analysis,
but formed part of what was supplied to a patient who ultimately
decided not to take it; it appears that it constituted the second
part of the course, and we did not receive any of the medicines
forming the first part. In this case a very small quantity of a
neutral bitter substance was found, the amount of which did not
suffice for its full identification, but which resembled picrotoxin;
the principal other substance present was a tincture of nux vomica.
The medicines for the cure of tobacco habit are apparently only
intended to play a subsidiary part; the directions as to the way in
which they are to be taken and for the frequent practice of breathing
exercises, bathing, the use of an enema, etc., are evidently intended
to keep the patient’s mind constantly turned to the breaking off of
the habit; some of the medicines, containing asafetida and methylene
blue, appear to be given for the sake of their subjective effect,
while the others consist principally of bitter tonics and laxatives.
In this case, as in the others, the price charged is such that the
prime cost of the ingredients forms only an insignificant fraction of
it.
THE TEMPERANCIA ASSOCIATION TREATMENT.
The medicines sold under this name are supplied from an address in
London; the price charged for a supply (price stated as two guineas)
was 21s., for which sixty capsules were sent.
Some extracts from an advertisement of this “treatment” are as follows:
The “Temperancia” Assn. organised in 1895 by Dr. Alexr. G. Edison,
M.D., L.F.P.S., etc., and the Revd. Henry Martin Janeway, D.D., B.A.,
L.H.D., are accepting Free and paying patients for the Treatment of
Alcoholism (Drunkenness in any form).
With the methods adopted by this Association all desire for alcoholic
stimulants is permanently destroyed, a distaste for alcohol created,
and the nervous and diseased system restored to a healthy and
natural condition at your own home, hotel, or while at work, without
publicity or inconvenience.
The treatment can be taken either voluntarily, or those who, through
“the grasp of drink,” fail to realise their peril, and will not
listen to reason, can be cured SECRETLY, against their own free
will, and without their co-operation, by any member of the family,
with the special course prepared for this purpose. Either course is
perfectly harmless, adapted for both sexes, of any age, even of the
most delicate health, and is endorsed by the Medical profession, the
Press, the Clergy, and thousands of cured patients.
Application to the address given brought a booklet on the “treatment,”
various leaflets, and a list of questions to be answered. The following
extracts are from the booklet:
The treatment is prepared in Two distinct forms, viz.:--
LIQUID {To be used in all cases when a patient treats himself
{voluntarily, with his own free will
and
CAPSULES {To be used in all cases where a patient is to be treated
{secretly without his knowledge.
The treatment in CAPSULE form is absolutely tasteless and odourless,
and is placed in coffee, tea, soup, or any other convenient food....
To do good by stealth is enjoined upon us by the teachings of the
highest authorities, and is in strict accordance with the highest
morality.
It does not matter whether a patient is treated secretly or
voluntarily, the results are the same. Almost from the very first
day of its use the appetite improves, he eats and sleeps better, he
becomes less restless than usual, his eyes become bright, his hands
steady, the brain clear, and the spirit buoyant....
The “Temperancia” Treatment, both the Liquid or Capsule, can be given
with utmost _safety_. As already explained, it does _not_ contain any
drugs, poison, or minerals of any description, but it is entirely of
a vegetable preparation. An overdose is perfectly harmless; it will
not injure a man, woman, or child even of the most delicate health....
Both our Liquid and Capsule treatment are prepared in courses. Each
course of the Liquid treatment contains Two (2) full-sized bottles,
and each course of the Capsules Two (2) full-sized packages. The cost
per course, either the Liquid or Capsules, is Two Guineas (£2/2/0),
or Two courses, if ordered at one time, Three Pounds Ten Shillings
(£3/10/0).
It is impossible to estimate the time required to effect a permanent
cure in any individual case ... the “Temperancia” Treatment often
effects a complete cure in but a few days.
After the lapse of an interval, in which no order was sent, a circular
letter was received, from which the following extracts are quoted:
We are indeed surprised not having received from you an order for
the treatment prepared by this Association.... There is only one
conclusion we can arrive at, namely, that financial circumstances
make the cost of a treatment prohibitive to you. Should this be the
case we would like to say, that this Association being at all times
willing to extend a helping hand to everybody, is prepared to treat
your patient for a fee of only 21s. per course.
One guinea was then sent for a supply of capsules, together with
answers to the list of questions. These questions were as follows, the
answer given being here printed in italics:
Name or initials of patient.
Age? _34._
Sex. _M._
Married? _Yes._
How long? _7 years._
Any children? _2._
Height? _5ft. 11._
Weight? _12 stone._
Complexion? _Fair._
Occupation? _Clerk._
Works hard? _Yes._
Is the patient to be treated secretly or voluntarily? _Secretly._
How long since he commenced drinking? _Four years._
Nature of liquor used? _Whisky; and other spirits._
Quantity per day, or as near as possible? _Varies from 2 glasses to a
bottle or more._
Does he drink during the night? _No._
Before breakfast? _Sometimes._
Does he ever become drunk? _Yes._
Does he drink daily or periodically? _Daily; but to excess only
periodically._
If periodically, how often? and how long does each bout last?
_Sometimes every week, sometimes once in several weeks. One or two
days._
When did he have his last bout? _A week ago._
What mental effect does he suffer with from drink? _Excitement;
sometimes delusions._
How is his appetite, sleep, and digestion, both when drunk or sober?
_Good when sober; not bad when drinking._
Is he nervous, irritable, or phlegmatic? _Rather irritable._
Is he getting thinner or stouter? _Not changing._
Constipated? _No._
Does he ever complain of heart trouble? _No._
Any disease he was or is suffering with? _No._
If so, what was the doctor’s advice?
Taking any medicine at present, and for what purpose? _No._
Any of the parents or grandparents addicted to drink? (state which,
and if not alive, give cause of death) _No._
Did the patient ever have delirium tremens? How often, and when? _Two
or three times last year._
Does he use Tobacco (state what form, quantity, and if he inhales)?
_Pipe and cigars; about 3 oz. and 6 or 8 cigars a week. Does not
inhale._
Does he use any Narcotic Drugs (state which, quantity per day, and
how long used)? _No._
Has he ever been treated for the liquor habit (state when, what
treatment, if voluntarily, how long treated, cost of same and
results)? _No._
P.S.--Write fully on the other side any additional information
regarding the patient’s past and present condition that the physician
should know of.
Two boxes of capsules were received, each containing thirty, with
no labels. A written letter was received separately, in which the
following directions were given:--
For the first two days take three capsules daily, four the third day,
five the fourth, and then six every day until the course is finished.
(The sixty would thus last eleven days, and leave three capsules over.)
The way to take them is in either hot tea, coffee, or soup. Empty the
contents into the cup, not put the whole capsule, and thoroughly stir
until dissolved. Eat plain, wholesome food, good fruit, and keep the
bowels well open.
The best time for taking the powders is on rising in the morning,
mid-day, and before retiring at night. Should you find it difficult
to give the six daily, two may be taken at one time, but not more, as
they might taste, and they must be well stirred and dissolved.
(They were previously described as “absolutely tasteless.”)
The contents of the capsules consisted of a light brown powder, the
average amount in one being 8 grains. Determination of the weight of
the contents of several capsules singly, taken without selection,
showed them to vary from 5 grains to 9.4 grains. Analysis showed the
powder to consist of powdered cinchona, sugar of milk, and magnesium
carbonate. The amount of cinchona was ascertained by weighing the
fibre after removing other ingredients with solvents and comparing it
with the fibre left by powdered cinchona when similarly treated; and
also independently by determining the amount of alkaloid present. Both
results showed the cinchona to form about 13 per cent. of the powder;
milk-sugar was found to amount to 55 per cent., and the magnesium
carbonate to about 32 per cent. Each capsule would thus contain about 1
grain of cinchona. The estimated cost of the powders for sixty capsules
is 1d.
EDWARD J. WOODS TREATMENT.
The medicines sold under this name are supplied by Edward J. Woods,
Ltd. The price charged is 2 guineas, for which 60 powders and 68
tablets were sent.
Advertisements are usually accompanied with a picture of a man’s head,
purporting to represent the advertiser. The following extracts from
such an advertisement show their general tenor:
I was a Heavy Drinker.
Consumed quart of whisky every 24 hours.
Cured in 3 days.
If you know anyone who drinks alcohol in any form, regularly or
periodically, let me send my Free Book, “Confessions of an Alcohol
Slave.”
I drank beer at first, then gradually developed into a drinker of
strong liquors. When drinking heavily I did not hesitate to pawn my
coat or break a public-house window to get spirits. For long periods
I drank over a quart of whisky, rum or gin daily. And some mixed
drinks and beer additionally!...
For 16 years I kept it up, and I was regarded as a hopeless case.
Various “cures” did me no good. But now I have a joyful message for
drinkers and MOTHERS, WIVES, SISTERS.
While drifting from bad to worse, as all slaves of King Alcohol do, I
unexpectedly found a true cure. It was (and is) genuine. It saved my
life. My health was quickly restored, I became and am a respectable
man, enjoying every benefit of freedom from the accursed alcohol. I
speedily and naturally lost all desire for drink. I took less and
less. I began to prefer tea, coffee, and other non-alcoholic liquids;
the craving for liquor ceased, I could sleep perfectly, my stomach
became well, and I recovered from other ailments which I now know
were due to my indulgence in strong drink.
WONDERFUL.
My cure took 3 days; if I had relied upon will power or faith I
should still be a drunkard, because an alcohol slave has no will
power while drinking. I rejoiced so greatly at having found a true
cure that I decided to devote my life to removing the curse from
others. My success has been marvellous....
What I promise is absolutely guaranteed. My remedy is for either
steady or periodical drinkers. Think of it, a complete and permanent
home cure between Friday night and Monday night--or any other 72
hours!
Men, or Women, Any Age, Quickly Cured....
On application to the address given, the “Confession” referred to
above and various other papers were sent. From these it appears that
the “Treatment” is of American origin, and the business seems to have
attained considerable dimensions in America before being established
in England. Two sets of remedies are supplied--“the A Set of Remedies,
to be given with the knowledge and consent of the person,” and “the B
Set, for conquering his drink habit secretly, so that he will gradually
form a disgust for alcoholic drinks of all kinds and will never know
what saved him unless you chose to tell him.” One of the papers was an
“Information Form No. A 4,” which was as follows--the answers given to
the various questions are printed in italics:
Sex? _M._
Age? _34_ years.
Married? _Yes._
Approximate weight? _12_ stone lbs.
Height about? _5_ ft. _11_ in.
Steady drinker, or does he (or she) drink in a bout (spree) after
keeping sober for some time? _Steady drinker in slight excess; bout
occasionally._
What kind of alcoholic drink mostly taken? _Whiskey and other
spirits._
About how much every 24 hours? _Varies from 2 or 3 glasses to 2
bottles._
Has person ever had delusions? _Yes._
Fits? _No._
Delirium tremens? _3 times._
Insanity? _No._
Apoplexy? _No._
Will remedies be given with or without person’s knowledge? _Without._
Do bowels move freely, or are they constipated? _Alright._
About how many years has person been accustomed to use of alcoholic
drinks? _All his life; only to excess about 4 years._
Does person sleep soundly through the night? _Usually._
Does person need to drink alcohol during the night? _Not as a rule._
Is person drinking at present? _Yes._
What is occupation (or nature of same) and how much outdoor exercise
is usually taken? _Clerk. Does fair amount of walking and little
cycling._
Does person prefer to drink with company, or quietly, alone? _Both._
Are any medicines or drugs being taken for any purpose? _No._
Here please give further details of case.
The preparations sent (B set) consisted of 60 powders and 68 tablets.
They were accompanied by a circular letter, in which the following
directions were given:
The chief rule is that you are to give three No. 777 Powders and
three No. 1010 Tablets every day, if you can, and that these are to
be given at different times, not all together. If you miss doses, you
are not to make them up.
If the dose should seem to be too strong, it can be reduced by giving
a half or quarter Powder or Tablet. But do not increase the doses
until you have sent me the report, which should come at the end of
your having given 42 each of the Powders and Tablets, i.e., about two
weeks. If it takes a longer period to give these, then your report
can be delayed accordingly.
Be cheerful and optimistic. Maintain your perseverance and kindly
temper. Watch and wait! Success may come slowly, but it will come
surely.
This is somewhat different from “a complete and permanent home cure
between Friday night and Monday night, or any other 72 hours”! An
extract from a pamphlet of general directions sent with the medicines
is:
Even if six months are required to accomplish the desired purpose,
it is a highly satisfactory reward for the expense, time, and effort
used.
I beg of you, therefore, to treat this matter with calmness. Do not
write me that you are utterly disappointed, that you feel as if
nothing can ever do any good, and other similar remarks, but keep
perseveringly on.
From another leaflet it appears that Edward J. Woods, Ltd., does
business in other articles as well. A list is given of twenty-six
medicines supplied by the company, which includes such varied ones as:
No. 444.--Blood Purifier, Liver Regulator, and Stomach Improver.
No. 555.--Aphrodisiac tablets.
No. 1111.--Tablets for the kidneys.
No. 1616.--Rheumatism, gout, lumbago, neuralgia, and sciatica remedy.
No. 2020.--Tablets to prevent incontinence of urine.
No. 2222.--Anti-deafness tablets.
No. 4444.--Asthma tablets.
No. 5555.--Preparation for darkening grey or white hair to natural
black or dark brown.
No. 1212.--Special method for reduction of superfluous fat.
No. 3333.--Anti-nicotine Tablets.
No. 1515.--Female Remedy.
No. 44.--Flesh Developing Cream.
The powders had an average weight of 9.9 grains, single ones varying
from 7.2 to 11.9 grains. Analysis showed them to contain:
Tartar emetic 3.6 per cent.
Sugar of milk 96.4 „
No trace of any other substance was found. A powder of average weight
would thus contain 0.35 grain of tartar emetic.
The tablets had an average weight of 1.6 grains. Analysis showed them
to contain
Tartar emetic 13.2 per cent.
Boric acid 10.7 „
Sugar of milk 76.1 „
No trace of any other substance was found. One tablet would thus
contain 0.2 grain of tartar emetic, and the daily dose of three powders
and three tablets would contain 1.65 grains.
The estimated cost of materials for 60 powders and 68 tablets is about
1d.
ALCOLA.
Alcola is supplied by “Physicians Co-operative Association,” Chicago,
and the price charged for it is £1.
The method of advertising which appears to be adopted in this case
is for a Mrs. Anderson, of New York, to advertise offering to send,
without charge, information about a medicine which cured her husband of
the drink habit. On writing to the address given, a lithographed letter
was received purporting to be from Mrs. Anderson; its nature is shown
by the following extracts:
My dear friend
I have just read your letter asking me how I cured my husband of
drinking, and I will answer it at once as I am sure that you are
anxious to drive drunkenness from your home just as soon as you
possibly can.
Mr. Anderson was a hard drinker for over 20 years and the disease
had got such a firm hold that it was impossible for him to shake it
off and it continued to grow worse and worse with no sign of ever
stopping.
Just about this time I received a letter from a lady telling me
about a remedy called Alcola which she said had never been known to
fail and she urged me to send for it at once as she knew it would
certainly cure.
I had already tried about every remedy that I had seen advertised for
the cure of drunkenness but none of them did any good whatever and
I was tired of spending my money for nothing but you know a person
especially a woman will do anything to save her family and home and
I made up my mind to make one more effort to cure Mr. Anderson if it
was possible so I managed after some trouble to get the money and
took her advice and sent for it and gave it as directed and in a
very short time he lost all the terrible craving for liquor that he
had had for so long. His health improved in every way too. This was
about eight years ago and he has never drank since.... The Physicians
Co-operative Association ... are the only ones who prepare and sell
Alcola and I will write them to-day and ask them to send you full
information....
A little later a long circular letter was received from the “Physicians
Co-operative Association,” together with a booklet in which it was
stated that:
Alcola is the very best treatment for drunkenness that you can
possibly obtain....
It cures all stages of the disease, from the beginner to the one
who has drank for years, and is thought beyond hope. It makes no
difference whether the disease was inherited or acquired, nor what
kind of liquor the patient uses. Alcola is absolutely harmless....
Alcola does not contain even a trace of opium, morphine, cocaine,
chloral, cannabis indica, or any other dangerous narcotic or
habit-producing drug....
Alcola is prepared either to be taken with the patient’s knowledge or
to be given secretly. When you send your order state which treatment
you wish.
A short list of questions, as follows, was also sent; the answers given
are printed in italics:
Information Regarding Patient.
Age. _34._
Occupation. _Clerk._
How long has patient drank? _Five years._
Does he keep liquor in the house? _Yes._
Has he any chronic disease that you know of? _No._
How is his general health? _Fair otherwise._
Will the treatment be given secretly? _Yes._
Are you yourself to give treatment to the patient? _Yes._
What relation is patient to you? _None; we live together._
IMPORTANT.
Will tablet be given twice a day or three times? _Twice._
Will you begin treatment at once? _Yes._
The medicines sent consisted of three boxes of tablets, labelled
respectively No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3. They were accompanied by a long
printed paper of directions, a long circular letter, a “Report Blank,”
and other papers giving particulars of “our Co-operative Plan,” by
which the purchaser obtains a commission on sales to others resulting
from his introduction of “Alcola.” The chief parts of the directions
are:
Tablets Nos. 1 and 2 are to be given as follows: One tablet three
times a day at meal time. Give alternately, that is, tablet of No. 1
at one meal, No. 2 at the next meal, No. 1 the next, No. 2 the next,
and so on.
They can be given in almost any liquid except water, but strong tea,
coffee, highly seasoned soups, etc., are preferred.... Tablet No. 3.
This tablet is to be used only when the patient has been drinking to
a noticeable degree, or if the patient is a moderate daily drinker,
give every third day. This tablet should be given as soon after the
patient has been drinking as is possible, that is, if the patient
comes home under the influence of Drink give No. 3 at once, if you
can. If patient does not drink, do not use No. 3.
After you have been using the treatment three weeks fill out the
enclosed report blank carefully and fully, and send it to us. This is
a most important point, for in this way we can judge how your patient
is getting along, and if necessary can give you further advice that
we are sure will be of great assistance and value to you.
It is absolutely impossible for any physician to tell the length of
time or the amount of medicine it will require to cure any particular
case....
The length of time it requires to effect a cure depends entirely upon
the patient’s susceptibility to the action of the medicine....
... we even find cases where but little improvement is noticed with
the use of the first package ... when these cases are found it will
be necessary to continue the use of Alcola longer than the average
amount of time in order to effect a complete cure.
_No. 1 Tablets._--The box contained 62 tablets of a pale yellow colour;
the average weight of one was 5.7 grains. Analysis showed the presence
of--
Strychnine 0.12 per cent.
Caffeine 4.72 „
Sugar of milk 86.9 „
Talc 4.1 „
With starch, a little gum or dextrin, and a trace of colouring matter.
Each tablet would thus contain 0.007 grain of strychnine and 0.26 grain
of caffeine.
_No. 2 Tablets._--The box contained 63 tablets of a light chocolate
colour; the average weight of one was 5.7 grains. Analysis showed the
presence of--
Strychnine approximately 0.2 per cent.
Boric acid 4.4 „
Sugar of milk 82.8 „
Talc 3.0 „
With starch and colouring matter.
A trace of vegetable débris was present, perhaps from a small quantity
of some vegetable extract showing no distinctive characters. The
colouring matter was basic in nature and could not be separated from
the strychnine; hence the figure for the latter is approximate only.
Each tablet would thus contain about 0.011 grain of strychnine.
_No. 3 Tablets._--The box contained 29 tablets, which were greyish with
a pink tinge; the average weight of one was 2.9 grains. Analysis showed
the presence of--
Tartar emetic 16.7 per cent.
Calcium sulphate 61.4 per cent.
Talc 3.1 „
With starch and colouring matter.
A trace of a pungent substance was present resembling the pungent
principle of pepper, and a trace of vegetable débris, which may
have been from a small quantity of a vegetable extract showing no
distinctive characters.
Each tablet would thus contain 0.48 grain of tartar emetic. The
estimated cost of the ingredients for all the tablets in the three
boxes is about 1³⁄₄d.
THE “NORMYL” CURE FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTIONS.
The specimen of this medicine described in the following paragraph was
sent for examination by the medical adviser of a patient who did not
continue the “cure.” It appears from the printed matter on the package
that the full course consists of twenty-four days’ medicine, supplied
in twenty-four bottles; the package sent by our correspondent was
marked “second treatment”; it had contained twelve bottles, but one
had been removed before it reached us, and the eleven sent were marked
respectively “14th day,” “15th day,” etc., to “24th day.” Each bottle
had the cork and neck covered with tinfoil, over which was the label
indicating the day on which the contents were to be taken, showing that
they had not been opened or tampered with. On the outside of the box
was a proprietary medicine stamp for 3s., this being the duty payable
on proprietary medicines of selling price of 20s. to 30s. (exclusive of
stamp); an article bearing a 3s. stamp is usually sold at 33s.
Each bottle contained about 150 minims of a light reddish-brown liquid.
The directions for use are:
Secure from your chemist what is known as a flat eight ounce bottle
for pocket use and a dose glass. Mix the contents of vial marked
“1st day” in eight ounces of water and take half-an-ounce (one
tablespoonful) of the mixture every hour while awake. When any of the
mixture remains from the previous day, throw it away, as it loses its
virtue after 24 hours. Mix a fresh bottle every day. Keep the bowels
regular, and in case of constipation take some gentle aperient as
often as may be necessary, and use no intoxicating liquor. Eat of any
food you like.
It is further stated that:
As this preparation contains a small medicinal dose of Nux Vomica, it
must, in order to comply with the Pharmacy Act, be labelled poison,
but its composition remains unaltered.
And:
N.B.--Although a cure will apparently be effected in a few days, it
is absolutely necessary in order to ensure a Permanent Cure that a
full course of 24 days’ medicine (24 bottles) shall be taken without
a break, so that the alcoholic or drug poison may be thoroughly
eliminated from the system and thus prevent a return of the crave.
Qualitative examination of the contents of some of the bottles did not
indicate any differences of composition, and as the quantity in one
bottle was far too small for quantitative analysis, the contents of
several were mixed for analysis. The mixed liquid was found to contain:
Alcohol 75.5 per cent. by volume
Alkaloid 0.09 per cent. (weight in volume)
A soft resin 1.5 „ „ „
A non-alkaloidal bitter principle A fair trace
Ash 0.1 per cent. (weight in volume)
Extractive, including colouring
matter 2.3 „ „ „
The alkaloid consisted principally of strychnine, with a little
brucine; the amount present corresponds to about 25 per cent. (by
volume) of tincture of nux vomica, or 38 minims in one bottle (one
day’s medicine). The resin did not agree in character with jalap or
scammony resin, and the quantity available was too small for its
identification. The non-alkaloidal bitter principle was extracted from
acid solution by chloroform, like the principles of several common
bitter drugs. It agreed in its behaviour to various colour tests with
picrotoxin, and a small quantity of the latter was accordingly prepared
in an impure state from a tincture of _Cocculus indicus_, for special
comparison with it; they agreed very closely, though not perfectly,
in their behaviour with various tests--perfect agreement between
necessarily impure substances was not to be expected--and there appears
a high probability that the substance extracted from the “Normyl”
medicine was picrotoxin, though it was impossible to prove its identity
conclusively with the minute quantity available. The ash, extractive,
and colouring matter did not give any evidence as to the drug from
which they were derived; there was an aromatic flavour in the mixture
resembling that of orange.
WOODS’ CURE FOR TOBACCO HABIT.
This series of tablets and pills is supplied by E. J. Woods, Limited,
the company whose “cure” for alcoholism is described above. Recently
advertisements have been appearing in newspapers and magazines over the
name of E. J. Woods (the “Ltd.” does not appear) offering a three-day
cure for tobacco habit. One of these is worded thus:
TOBACCO HABIT
Conquered in 3 Days.
I offer a genuine guaranteed Remedy for tobacco or snuff habit, in 72
hours. It is mild, pleasant, strengthening, overcomes that peculiar
nervousness and craving for cigarettes, cigars, pipe, chewing
tobacco, or snuff; they are poisonous and seriously injurious to
health, causing such disorders as nervous dyspepsia, sleeplessness,
gas, belching, gnawing, or other uncomfortable sensation in stomach;
constipation, headache, weak eyes, loss of vigour, red spots on
skin, throat irritation, asthma, bronchitis, heart failure, lung
trouble, catarrh, melancholy, neurasthenia, impotency, loss of
memory and will-power, impure (poisoned) blood, rheumatism, lumbago,
sciatica, neuritis, heartburn, torpid liver, loss of appetite, bad
teeth, foul breath, enervation, lassitude, lack of ambition, falling
out of hair, baldness, and many other disorders. It is unsafe and
torturing to attempt to cure yourself of tobacco or snuff habit by
merely stopping--don’t do it. The gentle, safe, agreeable way is
to eliminate the nicotine poison from the system, strengthen the
weakened irritated membranes and nerves, and genuinely overcome the
craving. You can give up Tobacco and enjoy yourself a thousand times
better, while feeling always in robust health. My Free book tells all
about the wonderful 3 days’ method. Inexpensive, reliable.
The “Free book” is entitled “How to Speedily and Perfectly Conquer
the Tobacco Smoking and Chewing Habits, also the Snuff Habit”; it is
a pamphlet of thirteen pages, chiefly devoted to describing the awful
effects of the use of tobacco, and evidently intended to impress the
reader and enlist his terrors to aid the “cure.”
A few extracts will suffice as samples:
Nicotine is one of the most intense of all poisons, approaching in
its strength the highly powerful prussic acid.
The other important element is an oil called _nicotianin_; probably
this is Shakespeare’s “juice of the cursed henbane,” mentioned in
“Hamlet.” This is also an intense poison....
There are several kinds of cigarettes that are prepared with opium,
cannabis indica (hasheesh), or cocaine. Thus, another very insidious
and killing poison is taken into the system.
The muscles as well as the nerves become poisoned by nicotine.
The effect of tobacco upon the nerves and muscles of the eyes is a
reason why oculists and opticians flourish.
Tobacco causes enfeebling of the mind and too often it leads to
insanity. ... tobacco is a frequent cause of heart failure and
premature death.
I have been told by medical men that there is a belief, becoming
better founded from year to year, that tobacco is a cause of
appendicitis.
Falling of the hair, followed by baldness, also the turning of dark
hair to grey shade, is due very often to the poisoning of the blood
nerves by nicotine.
The nicotine must be removed from the blood, muscles, nerves,
membranes and all other parts of your body. Do not waste time in
trying to accomplish this by the power of the will. No doubt you can
make a gallant fight, but the poison will remain and will continue to
do its mischief, like the uric acid of the rheumatic.
Thus far, over two hundred cases of leprosy in the United States have
been traced to cigarette smoking.
A paragraph headed “A Deadly Weed” gives a list of rather more than a
hundred disorders of various kinds, with the statement that “no tobacco
user can escape one or more of the harmful consequences mentioned
in the list.” They are of very miscellaneous nature, “anxiety” and
“softening of the brain” standing together, and “cowardice” coming
between “amaurosis” and “apoplexy.”
There are two forms of the treatment, at the same price:
The cost of the Woods C Treatment is one guinea. The result is
absolutely guaranteed. All craving for tobacco in any form should
be completely eradicated and in most cases this result will be
accomplished in only seventy-two hours.
My C Treatment (regularly) for the Tobacco Habit is to be taken by
the person who desires to be cured. Obviously, he knows that he is
taking it.
I am asked sometimes if I can provide a Treatment which can be given
without the tobacco user’s knowledge. Yes, I can. This is my C Secret
Treatment. It can be given secretly in any kind of food or drink.
It is tasteless. The person finds that he is losing his desire for
tobacco and soon abandons its use altogether. The price of this C
Secret Treatment is one guinea, the same as the regular C Treatment.
The “treatment” obtained was the “regular,” to be taken knowingly by
a person desiring to be cured. It was accompanied by a letter, in
which it was stated that “the preparations are very potential,” and a
postscript runs thus:
I would appreciate a testimonial from you, to add to the great
collection that I am compiling. I hope you will see your way clear to
send this.
The materials sent consisted of seven different kinds of tablets and
one lot of pills; these bore various numbers as follows:
No. 301: 7 small pink-coated tablets.
No. 302: 64 small brown tablets, not coated.
No. 303: 15 small pink-coated pills.
No. 304: 6 chocolate-coated tablets.
No. 305: 4 small grey tablets, not coated.
No. 306: 10 grey tablets, not coated.
No. 307: 2 small black-coated tablets.
No. 308: 17 chocolate-coated tablets.
Since in every case one is directed to be taken for a dose, the total
includes 125 doses for the 72 hours requisite for the cure; the
elaborate 3-day time table sent, however, only provides for one to
be taken at every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and one on awaking in
the morning and one at bedtime, and “if awake in the night or early
morning, a No. 302 tablet may be taken each two hours. To induce
sleep, if necessary, take one No. 304, followed by another in half an
hour”; so that if five are taken during the night, just seventy-two
doses are directed. For the first twenty-four hours the order of
taking, beginning at 7 p.m., is 301, 302, 303, 302, 303, then the
night interval, 303, 308, 301, 302, 303, 302, 305, 302, 306, 302, 301,
302, 305, and is different for the second and again for the third
twenty-four hours.
Every dose is to be followed by a medium size glass of hot or cold
water (to be sipped), Vichy or soda with milk, or buttermilk.
Take Nos. 303, 304, 306, 307, and 308 whole. Chew No. 301 before
swallowing. Dissolve Nos. 302 and 305 in a small glass of water.
Nos. 302, 303, 306, and 308, of which the supply was the largest, were
analysed as fully as possible; for the others, the small quantity
available did not permit of much more than a qualitative analysis. The
results obtained were as follows:
No. 301 (to be chewed before swallowing).--The average weight of one
tablet after removal of the coating was 1.28 grains; the principal
ingredient was phenol-phthalein, and a resin which appeared to be
podophyllin; no other active substance was found.
According to the directions, three of these are to be taken in the
first twenty-four hours, two in the second, and four in the third: this
makes a total of nine, but only seven were sent.
No. 302 (to be dissolved in water before taking).--The average weight
of one tablet was 1.28 grains. Analysis showed the presence of sugar
of milk 63 per cent., a brown dye, and a very bitter non-alkaloidal
extract resembling extract of quassia, which it probably was. No other
substance was found except a little talc; it was not possible to
determine the amount of the bitter extract or of the dye.
According to the directions, seven are taken during the daytime in the
first twenty-four hours, seven in the second, and four in the third,
and three during each night if awake. There is, therefore, a large
surplus of these in the supply sent.
No. 303 (pills).--The average weight of one pill after removal of
the coating was 0.9 grain. Analysis showed the principal constituent
to be aloin, with a small proportion of strychnine. According to the
directions, four of these are to be taken in the first twenty-four
hours, three in the second, and one in the third.
No. 304 (to be swallowed whole).--The average weight of one after
removal of the coating was 4.4 grains. Analysis showed the principal
constituent to be asafœtida; in addition, a minute trace of an
alkaloidal substance, which was far too small in amount to be examined,
but which was not strychnine, was present, and no other medicinal
substance was found.
These are the tablets to be taken during the night, if necessary, to
induce sleep:--
No. 305 (to be dissolved in water before taking).--The average weight
of one was 2.5 grains. Analysis showed that the principal ingredient
was reduced iron, with a trace of a bitter alkaloid which appeared to
be strychnine. The greater part of the tablet being insoluble in water,
the direction to “dissolve” it before taking cannot well be carried out.
According to the directions, two of these are to be taken in the first
twenty-four hours and one each in the second and third.
No. 306 (to be swallowed whole).--The average weight of one was 3.7
grains; analysis showed the presence of ferrous carbonate, potassium
sulphate, strychnine, and brucine, with dextrin, glucose, and starch;
it was thus a form of Blaud’s pill with extract of nux vomica. The
alkaloids amounted to 0.16 per cent., representing about 2 per cent. of
extract of nux vomica, or about ¹⁄₁₃ grain in one tablet; the iron was
9.7 per cent., representing 20 per cent. of ferrous carbonate, or about
³⁄₄ grain in one tablet.
According to the directions, one of these is to be taken in the first
twenty-four hours, four in the second, and five in the third.
No. 307 (to be swallowed whole).--One tablet weighed 2 grains,
including the thin coating. Analysis showed the principal constituent
to be a blue dye which agreed in its general characters with methylene
blue. The only other substance found was a little starch.
According to the directions, one of these is to be taken about the
middle of the period of seventy-two hours and the other just before its
close.
No. 308 (to be swallowed whole).--The average weight of one, after
removal of the coating, was 3.7 grains. Analysis showed the tablets to
contain chalk 36 per cent., charcoal 20 per cent., sugar 26 per cent.,
and a trace of methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen); the only other
constituents found were small quantities of gum and talc, used, no
doubt, as excipients.
According to the directions, one of these is to be taken in the first
twenty-four hours, none in the second, and three in the third.
It appears very evident that suggestion is intended to play a
considerable part in the treatment. The booklet is written in such a
way as to strike an impressionable reader with a strong conviction of
the terrible results to be expected if the tobacco habit is continued,
and the emphatic guaranteeing of a cure in a very short time would, no
doubt, assist the patient’s determination to give it up. The medicines
having to be taken every hour, sometimes chewed, sometimes swallowed
whole, and sometimes dissolved, would ensure the mind being kept well
occupied with the cure; and the full directions include the use of an
enema daily, dieting, breathing exercises, bathing, etc. The medicines
themselves appear to be of three classes--aperients, tonics, and those
intended to produce a subjective effect, like asafœtida and methylene
blue, the colouring effect of which on the urine might perhaps lead the
patient to ask an explanation or to guess for himself that the colour
“shows the nicotine being driven out of the system.”
A further set of remedies, the “E set,” price £2 2s., is recommended to
be taken immediately after the C set, and is “intended to assist the
natural recuperative powers so that the full benefit of having taken
the other treatments shall be more speedily manifested.”
As the small amount of material available prevented the analysis of
some of the products being made quantitatively, it is not possible to
estimate exactly the cost price of the ingredients, but it is evident
that a few pence would fully cover it.
Although three of the different kinds of products contained strychnine,
none of the packages bore any intimation of the fact, or the word
“Poison.”