I 8 8 4 PHARMACAL FACTS. M A Y 6 TO 10 PRESENTED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL CONVENTION, "W"-A. S TT IIST G-TO TSTy ID. G _ PARKE, DAVIS & CO., Detroit and New York City. I 8 8 4 NORMAL LIQUIDS. A Class of Superior Assayed Fluid Extracts, Introduced by Parke, Davis & Co, One Cubic Centimetre of which is Equivalent to One Gramme of Drug of Standard Strength. We call attention to a new line of pharmaceutical preparations which we have introduced as a refinement upon the familiar fluid extracts. The growing popularity of the class of preparations last named is evidence that the introduction of reliable con- centrated solutions of the active ingredients of vegetable drugs, has been a step in the right direction. We need not here rehearse the advantages possessed by these prepara- tions, not only over the time honored infusions and tinctures of the old pharmacopoeias, but even over the crude drugs which they represent. Attention has recently been called in an editorial article in the Therapeutic Gazette (Feb., 1882), to a serious defect which is common to all galenical preparations—infusions, decoctions, tinctures, etc.—and which has not been remedied in even the fluid extract. We allude to the want of uniformity in strength, necessitated by variations in the proportion of active principle contained in the crude drug itself. We quote from the article referred to: “When the physician prescribes ,co8 grm. grain) of morphine, he knows exactly what result to expect from the dose, for he is dealing with a definite chemical compound. When he orders .065 grm. (1 grain) of opium, he cannot count with the same certainty upon the effect, for, in spite of the standards adopted already in regard to this powerful narcotic, the opium dispensed may contain eight or it may contain sixteen per cent, of morphia. Other drugs—among them notably those upon which the physician relies for producing prompt and powerful effects—vary even more widely than this. Yet the books state the dose of the drug as a fixed quantity, and the physician prescribes accordingly—often to be wholly disappointed in the effect he hoped to produce. “In a majority of the vegetable drugs, indeed, no such scientific exactness in dose is required. Such drugs as dandelion, gentian, eucalyptus, etc., may be given in widely varying quantities without any observable difference in the effects produced. If the drug is of fairly good quality, as judged by obvious physical properties, it may be accepted as of standard strength, and administered in the doses which the books recommend. With powerful drugs like aconite, belladonna, colchicum, etc., however, exactness in the dose is a matter of the utmost consequence, if they are to be employed in a rational and scientific manner.” The Normal Liquids are introduced to remedy this great evil. They are simply fluid extracts made by assay of such a strength that one cubic centimetre is equivalent to one gramme of a drug of standard strength. In each case this standard is fully stated on the label of the liquid. As in the chemists’ normal solutions, one litre contains one chemical equivalent, expressed in grams of the reagent, so in these normal liquids one litre contains the therapeutic equivalent of one kilogram of a good drug. 12 Since the pharmacopoeia does not at present furnish any standard of strength for most even of the more active drugs, we have adopted provisionally a standard for these Normal liquids based partly upon the statements of the best authorities, partly upon numerous assays of samples of the various drugs in question. Wherever it is practicable, we have adopted a standard based upon the quantity of the alkaloid contained in an average sample of a drug of good quality. Much remains yet to be done in the way of simplifying and perfecting methods of assay of the various drugs, but sufficient progress has been made in this direction to warrant us in taking the initiative in this important movement in the interest of scientific therapeutics. The committee to which was entrusted the revising of the pharmacopoeia of 1880, have wisely, as we think, adopted the metric system of weights and measures in all for- mulae for fluid extracts. The system commends itself in any case by its simplicity, and its adoption facilitates materially the calculations involved in an assay. Accordingly, we have not only adopted it in the manufacture of these preparations, but we have followed it further in putting these goods upon the market in packages of 1 litre, y2 litre and litre. We still follow the common practice of putting up fluid extracts, upon the pharma copoeial standard, by measure in packages containing ]/2, 1 and 5 pints respectively. The normal liquids also will be put up by measure, as they are manufactured, so that each litre represents one kilogram of a drug of standard strength. They are sold in pack- ages containing y2 litre, y litre and 2 litres (bulk) each. The ratio of the metric measures to those in common use is as follows: NORMAL LIQUIDS. I litre==33.8i fluidounces=2.112 pints. X “ =16.9 “ =1.056 “ X “ — 8-45 “ — -528 “ The decimal system of weights and measures is immeasurably superior to all others in its simplicity, and is the only one which can be defended on scientific as well as utilitarian grounds. In this system weights and measures have a common unit. The correspondence of these with one another, and with our own unscientific system, is shown below: Decimal Weight. 1 Decimal Measure. Decimal Liquid Measure. Apothecaries’ Weight. Avoirdupois Weight. Apothecaries’ Measure. Cubic Metre. Kilolitre (Stfere). 2679.2 lb. 2204.6 lb. Hectolitre. 267.9 It). 220.46 lb. 26.41 gal. Myriogramme. Decalitre. 26.8 lb. 22.05 2.641 gal. Kilogramme. Cubic Decimetre. Litre. 32.15 oz. 2.205 lb. 2.112 pt. Hectogramme. Decilitre. 3.215 oz. 3 527 oz- 3.38 fl. oz. Decagramme. Centilitre. 2.572 dr. •353 oz. 2.71 fl. drm. Gramme. Cubic Centimetre. Millelitre. iS-432 gr. 15-432 gr- 16.23 rn. Decigramme. i-543 gr- i-543 gr- 1.623 m- Centigramme. 0.154 gr. •i54 gr. .162 m. Milligramme. .0154 gr. .015 gr. .016 m. NORMAL LIQUIDS. 13 It will be remembered that the fluid extracts of the present pharmacopoeia do not represent the drug from which they are prepared strictly in the proportion of minim to grain, since one minim of water weighs, not one grain, but 0.95 gr. One fluidounce of the fluid extract represents, not as formerly, one Troy ounce of drug, but a quantity equal in weight to one fluidounce of water, viz., 455.69 grains. The following synopsis shows the relation of the fluid extracts made after the pres- ent formulae to those of previous pharmacopoeias, and illustrates at the same time the confusion that must arise in attempting to use our ordinary system of weights and measures: • Weight of Drug. Measure of Fluid Extract. Phar., 1880. Phar., 1870. 100 CC. 105.3 fiuidounces. 96 fiuidounces. 94.9 CC. 100 fiuidounces. 91.1 fiuidounces. The change in strength amounts to only about 5 per cent., which does not materially alter the dose of even the powerful remedies. If the difference in strength of different samples of the same drug, often equally good to all appearances, were no greater than this there would be no occasion for these new standard preparations. Un- fortunately the drug is liable to a variation sometimes of 50 to 100 per cent. We are confident that the time is not far distant when the pharmacopoeia itself will prescribe within rigid limits the strength of all pharmaceutical preparations of powerful drugs. STANDARDS OF STRENGTH OF NORMAL LIQUIDS. The following are the standards of strength which have been adopted for the more important of our Normal Liquids: Liquid Aconite Root, Normal.—Aconite root contains a proportion of alkaloid as esti- mated by Dragendorff’s method varying from 0.2 to 1.125#. We have adopted as standard 0.75# of alkaloid. The alkaloid contained in 10 c. c. of the normal liquid requires 2.8 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution for complete precipitation. We also require that this liquid shall answer to the physiological test lately described by Dr. Squibb. Liquid American Hellebore, Normal.—American Hellebore of good quality contains about one per cent, of alkaloids. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for com- plete precipitation of the alkaloids 3 c. c. of Mayer’s solution. Liquid Belladonna Leaves, Normal.—Belladonna leaves contain a proportion of Atro- pine varying from 0.25 to o.75#. We have adopted as a standard 0.44$ (National Dispensatory p. 275). The alkaloid contained in 10 c. c. of the normal liquid requires for precipitation 3.52 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Belladonna Root, Normal.—Belladonna root contains a proportion of Atropine varying from 0.25 to 0.75#. We have adopted the same standard as for Belladonna leaves, viz.: 0.44#. The alkaloid contained in 10 c. c. of the normal liquid requires for complete precipitation 3.5 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. 14 NORMAL LIQUIDS. Liquid Cannabis Indica, Normal.—Ten c. c. of the normal liquid evaporated to complete dryness at 105° C. leaves a residue weighing 1.25 Gm. Liquid Cinchona Calisaya, Normal.—Good Calisaya bark contains at least 2% of Qui- nine, U. S. P., 1880. The Calisaya of the market contains from 0.0 to and up- wards of this alkaloid. We have adopted the U. S. P. standard of 2%. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid contain 0.2 Gm. Quinine (anhydrous). Liquid Cinchona Red, Normal.—Red Cinchona bark contains a proportion of alkaloids varying from. 2 to 6%. We have adopted as a standard total alkaloid. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid yield 0.35 Gm. mixed alkaloids (anhydrous) of which not more than 0.15 Gm. is Cinchonine. Liquid Colchicum Root Normal.—Colchicum root contains a variable amount of alka- loid according to the time of gathering. A good article when treated according to Dragendorff’s process of assay indicates r.g5$ of alkaloid, and this we have provi- sionally adopted as a standard. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for com- plete precipitation in a strongly acid solution, 4 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Colchicum Seed, Normal.—For Colchicum seed we have adopted the same standard as for Colchicum root. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for com- plete precipitation 4 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Conium Seed, Normal.—Conium seed contains a very variable amount of alka- loid. The statement of Stilld & Maisch may be provisionally accepted as a basis for this standard, viz.: the ripe undried seeds contain 0.8# of Coniine. Ten c. c. of fehe normal liquid evaporated to complete dryness at a temperature of 105 C. leave a residue weighing 1.5 Gm. Liquid Ergot, Normal.—The value of Ergot is believed to depend mainly upon the amount of Sclerotic Acid and Scleromucin it contains. We have hence adopted as an arbitrary standard a fixed amount of organic acid estimated by a volumetric solu- tion of Lead Acetate. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for complete precipi- tation 100 c. c. of a solution containing 1% of crystallized Lead Acetate. Note.—This preparation which, under the title of Liquor Ergotae Purificatus, originated the establishment of our line of normal liquids, and upon the popularity of which this new issue is pro- moted, undergoes no alteration in process of manufacture or price. The change is confined to the style of package which will hereafter conform to the distinctive characteristics distinguishing this class of our remedies. Liquid Foxglove, Normal.—No satisfactory process of assay having been as yet devised, we adopt provisionally for this preparation a certain proportion of extractive matter. Five c. c. of the normal liquid evaporated to complete dryness at a temperature of 105° C. leave a residue weighing 1 Gm. Liquid Gelsemium, Normal.—This preparation is made from the dried drug, and is con- sequently much stronger than the fluid extract (unofficinal) made from the green drug which is so largely used. It corresponds with the fluid extract of the Pharma- copoeia, but is brought to a fixed allcaloidal strength as indicated by the potasio mer- curic iodide solution. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for complete precipi- tation 3 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Henbane, Normal.—Henbane contains an amount of alkaloid varying from 0.05 to 0.25$. A good drug Should yield about 0.18#, and this we adopt for our standard. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for complete precipitation 1.3 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Ipecac, Normal.—Ipecac contains a proportion of Emetine varying from 1 to 3.5#. A good drug contains at least 1.5# of the alkaloid as estimated by Mayer’s reagent. This forms the basis for our standard. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for complete precipitation 8 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Mandrake, Normal.—Mandrake root yields commonly between 4 and 5% of Podophyllin, of which about 45# is the Podophyllotoxin of Podwissotzky. We have adopted for our standard 2% of Podophyllotoxin. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid yield, when concentrated and poured into 20 c. c. of cold water, a precipitate which, when car:fully washed and dried at ioo° C., weighs .425 Gm. Liquid Nux Vomica, Normal.—Nux vomica contains from 1 to 3# of alkaloids, of which about one-half is Strychnine. Most specimens of fluid extract nux vomica which we have assayed contain less than 0.75# of total alkaloids. We have adopted the rather low standard of 1.5* of alkaloids for the normal liquid because this is the maxi- mum proportion obtained from the drug in the galenical preparations, when made with the greatest care. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid contain .15 Gm. of mixed alkaloids, readily estimated by adding a few drops of dilute sulphuric acid, evaporat- ing off the alcohol, washing the residue with pure ether, and taking it up at the same time with water, and finally treating the aqueous solution with caustic soda, and shaking with a mixture of ether and chloroform. Liquid Rhubarb, Normal.—No simple and satisfactory process of assay being yet de- vised for this drug, we adopt as a standard for the normal liquid 30% of extractive matter. Five c. c. of the normal liquid evaporated to dryness at a temperature of 105° C. leave a residue weighing 1.5 Gm. Liquid Stramonium Leaves, Normal.—Stramonium leaves contain from .25 to .5* of alkaloid. We have adopted provisionally as a standard .375#. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for complete precipitation 3 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. Liquid Stramonium Seed, Normal.—Stramonium seed contains about 0.35 to of alkaloid. We have adopted, as for the leaves, a standard of .375#. Ten c. c. of the normal liquid require for complete precipitation 3 c. c. of Mayer’s volumetric solution. NORMAL LIQUIDS. 15 PRICE LIST OF NORMAL LIQUIDS. These preparations are sold in packages containing litre, litre and 2 litres (bulk) each. Prices given are per litre (2.112 pints) in bottles of litre each; an addi- tional charge of 10 cents per litre will be made when desired in the % litre bottles, and a reduction of 10 cents per litre when ordered in bulk (2 litre bottles). Liquid Aconite Root, Normal $ 3 00 Liquid American Hellebore, Normal 3 30 Liquid Belladonna Leaves, Normal .. 3 30 Liquid Belladonna Root, Normal 3 30 Liquid Cannabis Indica, Normal 4 00 Liquid Cinchona Calisaya, Normal 10 50 Liquid Cinchona Red, Normal 10 50 Liquid Colchicum Root, Normal 3 00 L.quid Colchicum Seed, Normal 3 75 Liquid Conium Seed, Normal 3 30 Liquid Ergot, Normal (Formerly Liquor Er- gotce Purificatus) $ 4 40 Liquid Foxglove, Normal 300 Liquid Gelsemium, Normal 3 00 Liquid Henbane, Normal 3 50 Liquid Ipecac, Normal I 25 Liquid Mandrake, Normal 3 00 Liquid Nux Vomica, Normal 3 00 Liquid Rhubarb, Normal 5 50 Liquid Stramonium Leaves, Normal 3 00 Liquid Stramonium Seed, Normal 3 00 PARKE, DAVIS CO., Manufacturing Chemists, DETROIT, MICHIGAN. NEW YORK OFFICE: 60 Maiden Lane and 21 Liberty Street. Concerning Fluid Extracts. We are frequently made aware of the existence of serious misapprehension in the minds of some very worthy physicians, and even druggists, in regard to the functions and properties of fluid extracts, particularly such as necessarily are and should be pre-' pared with a strongly alcoholic menstruum. We have not far to look for the cause of these misconceptions, and it is in order to correct them that we desire to call the atten- tion of our friends to some of the more salient features presented by these preparations. There is a large class of drugs of which we can name, for illustration, such indi- viduals as buchu, eucalyptus, cannabis indica, aconite, yerba santa, cubebs, lupulin, savin, valerian and ginger, in which the activity of the drug depends entirely, either on the volatile oil, resin or alkaloid, or on their combinations. These principles being most largely soluble in strong alcohol and almost insoluble in water, the use of the first named liquid is, of course, made imperative when it is proposed to manufacture a fluid extract which shall properly and fully represent the drug. A re-statement of the well known general properties of these drugs might seem almost superfluous, considering that the pharma- copoeias and text books are so explicit on these points, were it not for the fact that a later education has been attempted, in a very sordid and unworthy interest, by which it is proposed to unlearn this knowledge, or at least to blind us to it by interposing appar- ent excellencies in so-called fluid extracts which a close inspection shows, however, to be superficial and unreal. We refer now to a class of manufactures with which some of our competitors are endeavoring to flood the market, and the claim of superiority in regard to which is based principally on the fact that they will make a much clearer mix- ture with aqueous liquids than old-fashioned, honestly-made extracts. As an illustration of the principle involved we will select cannabis indica, whose active ingredient, of a characteristic resinous nature, is insoluble in water, soluble in strong alcohol, and solu- ble to but a limited degree in a mixture of the two, or diluted alcohol. Were we to prepare from sixteen Troy ounces of this drug, a pint of fluid extract with strong alco- hol, and from another sixteen Troy ounces a like quantity of extract with diluted alcohol, we should certainly find that the extract prepared with dilute alcohol would make a handsome?, cleare? mixture with an aqueous liquid than the one made with stronger alcohol. Need we ask why? Is it not self-evident that the preparation with dilute spirit is woefully deficient in the resinous ingredients of the plant, and that, therefore, a heavy discount must be made on its activity as compared quantitatively with the other? And yet this class of fluid extracts is presented to the profession with claims for preference based entirely on this feature of their making a handsome appearing mixture, at the sacrifice of medicinal activity! While it has always been our desire to minister to the innate taste for the beautiful, which requires by preference an elegant preparation, and which stimulates all improvements which tend to that end, we cannot admit that a sacrifice of principle is ever justifiable in the attainment of that object. In the case of cannabis indica just referred to, we have always proceeded by using, in the first place, an assayed drug, known to con- CONCERNING FLUID EXTRACTS. tain sufficient resin to conform to an established standard, and then exhausting the drug with the proper liquid, strong alcohol. Our preparation, therefore, will, and should make a turbid mixture with water or aqueous liquids, from separation of the resin which is insoluble in such fluids. The ex- tent to which the resin separates, and renders water turbid, may be even used as an approximate test of the strength of the preparation; for it is very evident that the more resin, oleoresin or other substance insoluble in water, is present in the alcoholic liquid, the greater will be the amount separated when this is thrown into water, and the greater, therefore, the consequent turbidity. These remarks will apply equally to all the drugs mentioned as members of this class; so we need, therefore, not multiply instances to impress a fact which becomes self evident when the premises are taken into consideration. We have enumerated but a few of the drugs whose virtues are constituted so as to require the use of a strongly alco- holic liquid for extraction, and likewise a liquid of the same composition for holding these principles in solution after their separation from the parent drug. In view of these facts, there is then serious mischief threatened in the introduc- tion of fluid extracts which, from poverty of spirituous contents, although possessing a handsome appearance and other apparently desirable properties (particularly a low price), do not act handsomely, and besides bring about one vicious result:—they lead to the employment of larger doses, for it does not take the prescriber long to discover that his patient can bear larger and still larger doses with impunity, and in fact needs such ap- parent over-doses to produce the desired effect. Let such a prescriber, however, obtain a conscientiously prepared extract in place of the one he has been using and give the same doses, and curiously enough, his spleen is usually vented on the really good repre- sentative of the drug for having produced unlooked for, or perhaps even serious results, from a very evident overdose, and the preparation, instead of a perverted education and misplaced confidence, receives the blame. We think it will need but little argument to convince those who have had the least experience, that of different methods of administration, that one should certainly have the preference in which exactness of dose is not only possible but inevitable, while the other which combines chance convenience with uncertainty of dose should be as much avoided. Now, in regard to the method of administration of this class of fluid extracts, we desire to make a few suggestions. In accordance with the proposition that that method should have the preference by which exactness of dose is secured, we recommend, where it is absolutely necessary to dilute such a fluid extract prior to the moment of ad- ministration, the employment of a viscid liquid for this purpose, such as mucilage, syrup or glycerine. Much better, however, is the method of dropping the dose, at the moment it is wanted, into water, milk or other diluent, and administering while the portion pre- cipitated, and insoluble in water, is still in a finely suspended condition, and before its particles have had time to separate and cohere. This latter method renders impossible the gathering of such separated resinous or oily particles into a clot, which may and oc- casionally does, convey in one dose the active and often powerful ingredient intended for distribution among a much larger number of doses, thereby introducing the element of uncertainty and risk in the administration of the remedy. PARKE, DAVIS & CO., Detroit and New York. SARCO-PEPTONES! (dap%,dapkoi—flesh; itBitroo—/ digest.) RUDISCH’S EXTRACT OF PEPTONIZED BEEF. We desire to state to the medical profession that we have assumed the agency for the sale of the above important preparation, and that we have on hand for distribu- tion, gratis, a limited number of samples which we shall be pleased to furnish to physi- cians who may favor us with their addresses. This preparation perfectly meets the modern idea of an artificially digested food, as well as that of an extract of meat, being rich in nitrogenous matter in the form of peptones derived from the albumen of the meat. “SARCO-PEPTONES” contains not only all the extractive substances, organic and inorganic salts of the beef, but also most of its albuminous portion converted into a sol- uble and easily assimilable form, known in Physiology as peptones. SARCO-PEPTONES cannot be compared either with beef-tea or with the com- mercial beef extrai ts after Liebig’s formula, for whilst this preparation is a food in the same sense as beef is, the best authorities, including Baron Liebig himself, have demonstrated that Liebig’s Extract is only a stimulant. One part of SARCO-PEPTONES corresponds in nutritive value to eight parts of fresh beef. All the objectionable features of artificially digested meats heretofore offered to the profession and the public have been overcome in SARCO-PEPTONES, owing to the special method of preparing the same. The superiority of SARCO-PEPTONES consists in: I. The Large Percentage of Peptones which it Contains.—There are 35 per cent, of Peptones, beside other nitrogenous substances. II. Its Absolute Purity.—It is diluted with no foreign matter whatsoever, but contains only such as is derived from the meat itself. For this reason it is one of the cheapest products of its kind ever put on the market. III. Its Uniformity,—The method of preparing this product is such as at all times guarantees its uniformity. IV. Its Palatability.—The taste of this preparation is such as to be accept- able to the most fastidious patient. V. Its Perfect Solubility in Water.—Sarco-Peptones will 'dissolve at once in boiling water; and in a comparatively short space of time, in cold water. The process of digestion has been partially accomplished in the preparation of this article, hence the weakest stomach will be able to assimilate it. Therefore, Sarco- Peptones may be employed as a remedy in Anaemia, Exhaustion, Indigestion, Fevers, etc., and in all cases of convalescence as well as by the healthy. JgP” Send for reprints of articles on the relative value of the ordinary meat extracts and Sarco-Peptones, written by eminent physiologists, and published in various medical journals of high standing. PARKE, DAVIS & CO., Man’f'g Chemists. 60 Maiden 21 Liberty Street. NEW YORK CITY. DETROIT, MICHIGAN. fin ordering, please, specify Parke, Davis & Co’s.] OLEATES. Their Origin, Nature, and Medicinal Uses. >JWHE use of an oleate of mercury in place of the time honored mercurial ointment C_£ was suggested more than ten years ago by Prof. John Marshall, and the advan- tages of the preparation were so manifest that it came immediately into general use. The oleate was prepared in a very crude manner, by merely dissolving mercuric oxide in a large excess of oleic acid, and although the product left much to be desired from the pharmacist's standpoint, it so far met the expectations of the profession, that a gen- eral interest in the compounds of oleic acids was aroused, and experiments Were made with oleates of certain alkaloids, as well as of several of the metals which promised to be of great therapeutic usefulness. These compounds were, however, generally made by the same crude and unscientific method which had already been employed in the case of the mercuric oleate. Recently attention has been turned to the pure oleates; particu- larly of some of the metals, as possessing properties which should entitle them to a place in the materia medica. It had been assumed that for dermic medication the ole- ates possessed advantages over all other known compounds, both from the facility with which they might be blended with fats in ointments, and the readiness with which, when so blended, they might be absorbed. Clinical experience has confirmed these hypothetical assumptions, and the oleates of zinc, lead, mercury, bismuth, copper and aluminium have already found important applications in therapeutics, and those of iron, silver and arsenic promise to be scarcely less useful. Dr. John V. Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, has recently drawn the attention of the profession to the therapeutical applications of some of the metallic oleates, particularly in the treatment of diseases of the skin. An extended clinical experience in their use has convinced him that their merits entitle them to a permanent place in the materia medica. He has embodied some of the results of his careful study of the subject in a paper read before the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and published in their Trans- actions for the year 1882. To this paper we desire to refer as authority for the follow- ing statements: 1. The compounds of oleic acid are remarkable for their ability to penetrate rapidly into animal textures. 2. Ointments -prepared from the pure oleates are wholly free from rancidity. 3. The ready absorption of the oleates renders the ointments prepared from them more cleanly than any others. 4. These preparations may be applied to the skin without the tedious friction requisite to promote absorption in other cases. They are likewise much more economical in the amount ©f material required to produce a specific effect. 5. The metallic oleates seem to exert an antiseptic action, not only on the fats with which they may be combined in an ointment, but also on the discharges from wounds and suppurating surfaces. The recommendations which follow in regard to the therapeutic uses of the metal- lic oleates are taken from Dr. Shoemaker’s essay, above referred to, and are based upon the writer’s extended clinical experience in their use: 2 OLEATES. Oleate of Mercury. The impure solution of mercuric oleate is well known, and all who have had occasion to dispense it know how unstable is the compound in presence of excess of oleic acid. The pure precipitated oleate of mercury is not liable to this objection, and from this an ointment of any desired strength may be readily pre- pared with lard or lard oil. Its uses are already somewhat familiar, being the same as those of the old-fashioned mercurial ointment. It destroys all parasites, animal or vegetable, and produces all the therapeutic effects, local or constitutional, which have so long rendered mercury an indispensable article of the materia medica. Oleate of Arsenic. This is employed in the form of an ointment, containing 20 grains to the ounce, chiefly for its caustic action in the treatment of lupus, of the ulcerating variety of epithelioma, and for destroying warts, condylomata, nsevi, corns and old granu- lations. Its action is mild and comparatively painless, and it may be combined with anodynes, such as the oleates of morphia, atropia, etc. When used for warts, corns, etc,, the surface must first be punctured or scraped to afford it opportunity to act. Oleate of Lead. This compound is used in the form of an ointment (60 per cent., which is substantially Hebra’s unguentum diachyli), but has the advantage of greater definiteness in composition, and is besides more readily prepared. It is used to allay the inflammation and check the discharge in the pustular eczema of infants; it relieves the intense irritation of papular eczema, and especially that form which occurs in the flexures of joints, around the axilla, etc. It is also useful in simple lichen, in acne about the face and back, and, in combination with milk of sulphur, in ordinary scabies. Oleate of Zinc. An impalpable powder, of a light pearl color and an unctuous feel like that of powdered French chalk. It is applied by dusting it over the surface, and its uses in this form are numerous. It is said to be par excellence the remedy for excessive sweating (hyperidrosis) and osmidrosis. It is the most reliable remedy for eczema, and it may be employed in all cases where the oxide of zinc ointment has here- tofore been esteemed. It may be employed also in the form of an ointment, containing 25 per cent, of the oleate. Oleate of Silver. This, like the oleate of zinc, is offered in the form of a fine powder. When mixed with lard in the proportion of from io to 60 grains to the ounce, it forms a dark brown, soft and pliable ointment. It is useful in relieving itching about the meatus auditorius, the anus and the genitals; it is recommended as an appli- cation to prevent the spread of erysipelas, or, sufficiently diluted, to be applied to the inflamed surface. The pure oleate may be employed in the treatment of chronic ulcers, bed sores, etc., to bring about a more healthy condition of the parts. The following formulae, in use in the American Hospital for Skin Diseases in Philadelphia, will illustrate further the use of these preparations. THEIR ORIGIN, NATURE AND MEDICINAL USES. 3 In fissured eczema of the plantar and palmar surfaces: B Hydrargyri oleatis, 5 ss Olei cadini, 3 ss Cerati simplicis, ? ss. M. Sig. Rub well into the part, after macerating in hot water, night and morn- ing. In infantile eczema: B Unguent! plumbi oleatis, 3 ss Pulveris marantae, 3 j Cerati simplicis, ?ss Olei olivae, q. s., at ft. ung. moll. M. Sig. Apply lightly over the surface, and in case of much pustulation of the surface or a swelling glands, the addition of one-half to one-quarter of a drachm of the oleate of mercury to the above will be very advantageous. In rosacea, etc., the active inflammation of the blood vessels and tissues of the face may be checked by: Unguenti plumbi oleatis, Bismuthi oleatis, UU 3 j. M. Sig. Apply a very small piece night and morning. In eczema of tne anus with external piles great relief is afforded by: B Bismuthi oleatis, 3 ij Extracti opii, gr. x Extract! belladonnae, gr. x Cerati simplicis, 3ss. M. Sig Apply frequently. Oleate of Bismuth. The oleate of Bismuth is of an ointment-like consistency; it is emollient and slightly astringent, and is a most valuable remedy in nothing and relieving cutaneous irritation. In pustular eruptions, particularly in sycosis, this oleate, pen- cilled over the surface with a camel’s hair brush, will greatly relieve the engorge- ments of the parts; it will often abort the pustules, and relieve the pricking and itching which are so intolerable to the patient. It is also useful in superficial erysipelas, in sun- burn, as an application to cracked and sore nipples, and in the treatment (applied by a bougie) of subacute gonorrhoea and gleet. Oleate of Iron. This forms a reddish brown paste of a feebly styptic taste, readily soluble in fats. It exerts locally an astringent effect, but may also be employed with a view to its constitutional tonic action, since it is readily absorbed. Oleate of Copper. An ointment containing ten or twenty per cent, of the oleate may be used. It is very efficacious in the treatment of ringworm. It is useful also as an application to hard and horny warts, corns and bunions. Oleate of Aluminium. The ointment prepared from this oleate has a powerful astringent action. Its chief use, therefore, is in checking profuse secretion, as in some forms of eczema. 4 OLEATES. It may be employed as a dressing for foul ulcers, abscesses, sinuses, burns and scalds, etc. Oleates of Alkaloids. We prepare also solutions of the oleates of the more important alkaloids. Where the local effects of these agents are desired, or where they cannot be administered in the usual manner, these solutions of the oleates may be advantageously employed. These powerful agents exert their peculiar influence more energetically in this form of combination than in any other, since they are easily absorbed. PRICE LIST OF OLEATES OLEATES OF ALKALOIDS IN SOLUTION. PER OZ. Aconitine, containing of the alkaloid, in oz. vials $ 4 00 Atropine, containing 2# of the alkaloid 60 Morphine, containing 10$ of the pure alkaloid 75 Morphine and Mercury, containing 5$ of the pure alkaloid, and 2o£ of Mercuric Oxide 65 Quinine, containing 25 of the pure alkaloid 1 25 Strychnine, containing 2 of the alkaloid 35 Veratrine, containing 10 of the alkaloid 1 00 METALLIC OLEATES. PER OZ. Oleate of Aluminium $ 30 Oleate of Arsenic 30 Oleate of Bismuth 30 Oleate of Copper 30 Oleate of Iron 30 Oleate of Lead 30 Oleate of Mercury 35 Oleate of Silver in oz. vials. 2 50 Oleate of Zinc 30 OINTMENTS OF METALLIC OLEATES. PER LB, Aluminium oleate, $2 00 Arsenic oleate, 5 2 00 Copper oleate, 20# 2 00 Iron (ferric) oleate, 2 00 Lead oleate, 50# 2 00 Mercuric oleate, 10# 2 00 Silver oleate, 2 00 Zinc oleate, 25# 2 OO PEPSIN. Having effected complete and very advantageous arrangements for the production of Pepsin on an extensive scale, we are enabled to offer this remedy in its purest pos- sible form and possessing extraordinary value as regards permanency and uniformity. We are confident that our product is unexcelled. Descriptive circulars, samples, and prices for quantity will be furnished on application. PARKE, DAVIS & CO., Detroit and New York. INTRODUCTORY. TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION : In early recognition of the personal worth and professional character of the late Dr. J. Marion Sims, and the high standing among its contemporaries of the British Medical Journal, we placed upon our list of fluid extracts our Alterative Compound, so strongly recommended by Dr. Sims as an alterative and antisyphilitic in an article in that journal, reproduced in the following pages. Other manufacturers (the reliability of whose products we do not care to decry,) have since come into the market and sought to obtain a monopoly in the sale of this formula by establishing a sort of proprietorship therein, bestowing upon it a mysterious, but by no means scientific name, and procuring the “exclusive sanction” of some one of the several original prescribers for its manufacture. In competition with these various preparations, known as “Succus Alterans,” “Mist. Smilacis Comp.,” etc., we desire to direct the attention of the medical pro- fession to the following claims for our Alterative Compound: The Identity of the Preparation.—On the strength of the recommendations contained in Dr. Sims’ article, our Alterative Compound is made from the recent root. In view of the impression sought to be created by a certain firm of manu- facturers, that they alone are in a position to supply a reliable preparation of this com- pound, we take the liberty of reproducing the following letter received by us from the late Dr. J. Marion Sims : 12 Place Vendome, Paris, March 18, 1883. Messrs. Parke, Davis Co., Detroit: I beg leave to call your attention to an article in the British Medical Journal of the 10th March, in which I give an account of the treatment of syphilis by Dr. Mc- Dade’s Compound Fluid Extract of Stillingia, &c. The article was published only a week ago, and enquiries by medical men show that it is attracting attention. The ingredients are all indigenous to our country (the Lappa Minor is common to both Europe and America) and cannot be procured here. If you will prepare the formula for the profession, I will take care to let them here know they can order it from you through their pharmacists. I hope you will see the importance of the subject as I do. We all know that if you would take it in hand we should always have a uniform a*4 reliable preparation. Please give me a line in reply, and oblige, yours, most truly, J. MARION SIMS. The Scientific and Ethical Basis Upon which our Preparation i» Issued.— We profess no exclusive ownership hi the same; have not sought to conceal the nature INTRODUCTORY. of its ingredients; and no directions or other printed matter are furnished in any way calculated to assist the patient to prescribe for himself, and thus dispense with the ser- vices of the physician. Price.—As is well known, we never advance the cheapness of a modicinal preparation as its sole or chief claim for patronage. We are also opposed to the creation of fictitious prices, whether based on the copyright, trade-mark and patent law, or any “corner” in a drug or preparation, suddenly created by an unex- pected demand therefor. We hold that the only proper basis of any list is the cost of material and manufacture, reference being had, of course, to a just margin of profit; and the prices of our preparations have always been as low as was consistent with their production by the best approved processes, from the finest quality of material attainable. In pursuance of this policy, we listed our Alterative Compound, in the first instance, at the comparatively low rate of $1.25 per pint, although we were perfectly aware of the fact that the extensive demand for this preparation would warrant a much higher price. Quality.—In this respect we have simply pursued our custom of using the utmost care and the best material attainable in the manufacture of our Alterative Compound, and our facilities are such that we confidently invite a comparative test with any other brand in the market. To physicians desiring our preparation ssued on their prescriptions, we would respectfully suggest that they designate “Alterative Compound, P., D. & Co.,” and insist that there should be no substitution therefor. Our preparation may be procured of wholesale and retail druggists generally, but t© any physician who cannot readily supply himself from these sources, we will be pleased to send, securely packed, per express, one pint of Alterative Compound on receipt of the list price therefor ($1.25). Detroit, December 26, 1883. FORMULA FOR SYPHILIS As Recommended by the late J. Marion Sims. (reprint from an editorial in the therapeutic gazette, may, 1883, PAGE 2®3.) The article on the treatment of syphilis communicated by Dr. J. Marion Sims to the British Medical Journal of March ioth, and reproduced on page 164 of our last issue, is deserving of especial notice for several reasons, among which we shall note the fol- lowing: 1. The nature and source of the formula which it contains; 2. The fact of Dr. Sims’ communication of it to the profession; and 3, the medium of his communication. The formula was originally something of a hodge-podge and contained a number of inert ingredients. Taken by itself it would find little favor with the scientific phar- macist or the physiological therapeutist. Notwithstanding this fact its empirical employ- ment by the most ignorant of people, Indians and slaves, was followed by results which were strikingly beneficial, and in many instances, after educated physicians had failed to effect improvement. The tendency of the scientific therapeutist, so-called, is to ignore formulae thus employed, and to prescribe nothing to the therapeutic action of which physiological experiments have not paved the way. As a rule this is, doubtless, in the line of progress and conducive to the establishment of therapeutics as an exact science. The case before us is, however, but another instance admonishing us of the fact that the rule is not one to which there are no exceptions. The grand aim of medicine is to assist in restoring normal function. It is, unquestionably, best that it do so secundem artem, but the means should never be suffered to defeat the end. Rules are valuable as means; they defeat their purpose when they dominate. This must ever be the case until medicine becomes established as an exact science—a time quite indefinitely in the future. When he ignored rules, and recognized the fact that this formula cured syphilis, its introducer proved himself of the kind to whom medicine is most indebted for its advancement from its original condition of empiricism. Having observed the fact that syphilitics improved under the Creek Indian treatment, he determined, in the same spirit that Jenner inquired into the protective influence of cow-pox, to look into the matter. He found the formula in crude shape, and bringing to bear on it the knowledge of the schools, he reduced it to scientific shape by eliminating its inert constituents, and more effectually extracting the virtues of its active ingredients. Much, and some of the most important, of our knowledge of the therapeutic properties of drugs is of similar origin, the hint being derived from their empirical use, and the virtues being developed by intelligent experiment. Medicine is of very ancient origin, and its dawning was by no means in the physiological laboratory. For ages counter to which neither the memory of man nor his records run, empiricism was at work and many therapeutic truths thus became crystallized in the very being of the race. In the progress of time, they have in many instances become considerably distorted, and have come down to us even in the form of superstitions, but it is safe to assume that, in every instance, they are based on 4 FORMULA FOR SYPHILIS. a tolerably secure foundation. It is only the medical dilettante who ignores even the most superstitious belief in the virtue of any particular drug or therapeutical device. Those of his class would have put the Creek Indian formula aside, with a contemptuous sneer, for what possible benefit could there be in the salt, alum, iron slugs, etc., which entered into it? The keen observer, however, having noticed results, made closer scrutiny for the cause, and bringing to bear on the formula his scientific knowledge, he eliminated the inert and incompatible constituents and reduced it to proper form, and thus in this matter set an example worthy of emulation. The fact of Dr. Sims’ communication of this formula to the profession is note- worthy. Unfortunately, medical men are too much influenced by authorities. Valuable facts have not infrequently been known to fail of legitimate recognition for no better reason than that they have been announced by those whose names afforded them no backing. We are very much pleased to note the appearance of the article referred to in the columns of the British Medical Journal, the organ of the British Medical Association, and unsurpassed for all the essentials of a leading medical journal. It augurs well to have a periodical of its standing thus become the medium of conveying to the profession information of this nature. Our leading medical journals are too prone to regard as unworthy of notice empirical facts or therapeutic knowledge which is not based on phy- siological or chemical observations. There are rich storehouses of experience on which these journals might draw with inestimable benefit, particularly to therapeutics. It is, we take it, by no means infra dig. to discover, if we may, what of value there is in the hodge-podge of the Indian medicine man, or in the compound of the proverbial old woman. The Treatment of Syphilis. (REPRINT OF AN ARTICLE BY DR. J. MARION SIMS, IN THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, MARCH IO, 1883.) More than forty years ago, I practiced medicine in Montgomery County, Alabama, near the Creek nation of Indians. Syphilis was then very prevalent among them, and their medicine-men had the reputation of speedily curing it. Their remedies were, of course, decoctions of native herbs. It was generally known that queen’s delight (Stillingia sylvatica) was one of their principal agents. I had supposed that, when this tribe were removed west of the Mississippi in 1837, their secret of curing syphilis had gone with them; but, when I was in Alabama last year, I learned from my brother- in-law, Dr. B. Rush Jones, of Montgomery, the following facts touching this question: There were, he said, seven or eight years before our civil war, several obstinate cases of secondary syphilis in and around Montgomery, which resisted the usual remedies in the hands of our best physicians. They went the round of the doctors, and could not be cured. At last, one of these was advised to consult a colored man, Lawson, belonging to Mr. N. D. Barnett, a cotton-planter residing in Montgomery County. In a state of despair, he went to see Lawson, put himself under his treatment, and in a few weeks he was perfectly cured. He returned to town rejoicing at his recovery, and soon others of his fellow-sufferers followed his example, went to consult the colored man, Lawson, and were likewise cured. These cures by an obscure negro man, a slave, when the highest representatives of science had failed, were much spoken of in both town and country, and attracted the attention of Dr. George W. McDade, a very intelli- gent and accomplished physician whom I have known since his early boyhood. Dr. McDade, feeling the greatest interest in the subject, went to see Lawson, who had made the marvelous cures, and obtained from him the formula he had been using so suc- cessfully. Soon after this McDade happened to meet Dr. James Freeny, who gave him the following history of the so-called Indian method of treating syphilis: Horace King, a mulatto slave, resided among the Creek Indians for several years before they were removed west of the Mississippi river (1837), and had learned from them their method of treating syphilis. While Horace was engaged in building a bridge at Tallassee, about twenty-five miles from Montgomery, in 1852, he heard that there were many cases of syphilis on Mr. Gipson’s plantation near by, and that Drs. Freeny and Banks were the attending physicians; and he called on Dr. Freeny, and told him that he had learned a method of treating syphilis from the Creek Indians, which was universally successful, and that he would like to show it to him. And for this purpose he proposed to take the worst cases on the Gipson plantation for the experiment. Drs. Freeny and Banks selected a certain number of very bad cases, and turned them over to Horace, and they watched from day to day his method, while they continued their own plan with the other cases. Horace’s selected bad cases recovered more rapidly than Dr. Freeny’s milder ones, and then Dr. Freeny adopted the Indian method in the other cases on the Gipson plantation, and has not pursued any other plan since. So thoroughly convinced was Dr. Freeny of the superiority of the Indian remedy, that he wrote to Dr. Warren Stone, Professor of Surgery in the University of Louisiana, urging him to give it a trial in the wards of the great Charity Hospital of that city. 6 FORMULA FOR SYPHILIS. Dr. Freeny failed to enlist the interest of Prof. Warren Stone in the matter, and he made no further effort to bring it before the profession, except by speaking of it to his brethren in his immediate neighborhood. After Horace’s success on the plantation of Mr. Gipson, and the adoption of his method by the two well known physicians, Drs. Freeny and Banks, Mr. Nicholas D. Barnett, a large cotton-planter, sent his servant Lawson, a very intelligent man (before alluded to), to Horace King to learn his remedies, and the method of preparing and using them. Horace readily imparted the desired information, and Lawson returned home, and put the treatment to the test among the "negroes on his master’s plantation. It was as successful in the hands of Lawson as it had been in those of Horace King. After a while, other planters in Mr. Barnett’s neighborhood followed his example, and set apart confidential servants to take charge of syphilitic cases, and treat them with the Indian decoction. And thus several adjoining plantations had each its negro doctor, all using the same method with equal success. This was in a rich section of Montgomery county, where there were many large cotton plantations in juxtaposition; some of one thousand acres, some of two thousand and more, having from one to two or three hundred slaves on each, while there were others of less size with fewer slaves. On some plantations—notably on Mr. Barnett’s—the syphilitic cases, male and female, were sent to a hospital specially set apart for the purpose, and there quarantined till they were cured. They were, during the period of treatment, wholly cut off from all communication with the other negroes on the plantation. This was in the time of slavery, when the intelligent and humane master had the right to protect his people against infectious diseases of all sorts. Syphilis was thus controlled, and small-pox effectually stamped out, because the sanitary state of the plantation was intrusted to medical men of the highest intelligence, who were authorized by the master to do all that was necessary for the health of the community. Dr. McDade says: “It is very remarkable how few cases of secondary syphilis, scrofula, and consumption existed in those days among the negroes; but since emancipa- tion they are very common.” “Is secondary syphilis the parent of scrofula and consumption? Certainly, these were rarely seen among the negroes while in slavery; whereas they are now encountered every day. Secondary syphilis was then less frequent among them than now, because their masters took every precaution for their early treatment and cure. But now the negro is free to contract this loathsome disease, and to scatter it as he may. You may ask, why are they not treated? I answer, many never apply for treatment. Physicians, always the conservators of the public health, never here refuse to treat a case of syphilis be- cause the subject of it is a freedman, poor and improvident.” Professor Samuel D. Gross read an exhaustive paper on the connection be- tween syphilis and scrofula and consumption, before the American Medical Association in 1875, advocating the view that the two latter were the offspring of syphilis, and it would now appear that the history of these in the negro, in slavery and in freedom, goes far to establish the correctness of the views so forcibly set forth by my distinguished countryman. Dr. McDade says that “the remedies used by Lawson on Mr. Barnett’s planta- tion, were the same as those used by Horace King. They consisted of ten or a dozen indigenous roots, a handful of each, with a certain quantity of salt, alum, and iron slugs put into three gallons of water, and boiled down to one gallon. Of this the patient took a half pint three times a day. There was also a decoction of roots for washing the syphilitic sores. After obtaining these prescriptions, it was a long time before I made any trial of their virtues. I was deterred by the fact that it would be difficult for any patient to drink and retain half a pint, three times a day, of such a vile decoction. The horrors of syphilis could alone inspire a man with courage to take it. However, I saw that those who did were invariably relieved, whether in the first, second, or third stage of the disease.” “Instead of adopting the so called Indian remedy as I found it, I began by elimi- nating the alum, salt, iron nails and slugs, and all the roots and herbs that I knew must be absolutely inert. I selected the few among them known to possess medicinal prop- erties ; and, instead of making a decoction as had been done before, and which had to be made in large quantities every day or two, I had them prepared in the form of fluid extracts, which places the remedy on a scientific basis, and insures uniformity of action. The following is the formula that I and my medical friends have been using for many years”: FORMULA FOR SYPHILIS. 7 “Fluid extract of Smilax sarsaparilla, fluid extract of stillingia sylvatica (queen’s delight), fluid extract of lappa minor (burdock), fluid extract of phytolacca decandra (poke root), aa § ij, tincture of xanthoxylum carolinianum (prickly ash), § j. Take a teaspoonful in water three times a day before meals, and gradually increase to tablespoonful doses. “In making the fluid extracts there is some risk of getting a remedy less efficient than the original Indian decoction, because the manufacturer may use roots that have been kept too long, and lost some of their active principles, while the decoction used on the plantations was always made of fresh roots just gathered from the woods. In making the fluid extracts, we should therefore be careful to have them made from roots recently gathered.” While Dr. McDade makes fluid extracts of four of his ingredients, he makes a tincture of the fifth. I do not understand why he did not order a fluid extract of that also. I simply give the prescription as it was given to me by Dr. McDade and Dr. Rush Jones. Stillingia sylvatica has long been used in the Southern States as an antisyphilitic remedy by both the profession and the laity. Professor Thomas Y. Simons, of Charles- ton, was the first to call our attention to it (American Medical Recorder, 1828). His favorable report was subsequently confirmed by Professor Henry R. Frost, of Charles- ton, and by Dr. A. Lopez, of Mobile, Alabama (New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, 1846). Dr. Frost thinks the active principle of the Stillingia is somewhat volatile, and says that the root loses much of its activity when kept long. I know that the odor of the recent root is much stronger than the dried. I presume the stillingia sylvatica and the smilax sarsaparilla are efficient agents in McDade’s compound fluid extract. Dr. McDade says: “I could detail many cases illustrating the wonderful antisyphilitic powers of this remedy, but I will give you only two: 1. A young negress contracted syphilis from her husband, who resided on a neighboring plantation and visited his wife generally about twice a week. This was long before the war (1851). They were both treated by the late Dr. Alfred McDonald, and they were apparently cured. But they had several children subsequent, and in rapid succession, all of whom died of syphilis soon after birth. The husband and wife were then treated by the Indian decoction, and we re perma- nently cured, as shown by the fact that they had several healthy children afterwards at full term, who grew to manhood and to womanhood. None of them ever showed any signs of syphilis, nor have any of their children. Those of them who have died, died of other diseases of a climatic character.” “2. A negro girl, twenty years old, belonging to Mr. Cobb, had syphilitic iritis. This case had resisted all treatment by the best physicians of the country. She was nearly blind. She was taken in charge by Mr. Barnett’s colored man, Lawson, who gave her the Indian remedy, and she was perfectly and permanently cured, as she never afterwards showed any symptom of the disease. These cases occurred more than twenty- five years ago, and have been under my observation ever since, so you will see that the cures are permanent.” “Mr. Barnett has pursued the same method on his plantation since emancipation that he did during slavery. His man Lawson uses the same compound decoction now that he did in olden times, and cures many cases every year on Mr. Barnett’s plantation, and on those adjoining.” Dr. McDade has used his compound as an alterative with great success in scrofula, and he thinks it would be worth trying in some forms of cancer. Dr. Rush Jones, residing in the city of Montgomery, has a larger field of obser- vation than Dr. McDade, residing in the country, and has really had a larger experience with McDade’s antisyphilitic fluid extract than anyone else; and he speaks most favor- ably of it. He hps been treating syphilis for more than forty years, and he says he now has but little dread of undertaking the worst cases, since he has adopted the use of McDade’s formula. He repudiates mercury and the iodide of potassium entirely, and says they are unnecessary when McDade’s formula is used. Dr. Rush Jones says: “It is a remarkable fact that I do not see more than one case of syphilis in women to fifty cases in the male. I have inquired of a number of physicians in regard to this fact, and their experience coincides with mine. How can this be accounted for ?” I am not familiar with the literature of syphilis, and do not know if the fact alluded to by Dr. Rush Jones has been observed in other parts of the world. If so, it seems to me to have an important bearing on the practical application of the Contagious Diseases Act. And so would the complete history of the working of the quarantine and isolation of infected negroes on the several ootton plantations in Montgomery county. 8 FORMULA FOR SYPHILIS. Alabama, during the time of slavery and since emancipation, if we could obtain minute and reliable reports on the subject. I am no authority on the subject of syphilis; and, if any apology were necessary for this communication, it is this: I was at the meeting of the London Medical Society on November 26th last and heard the discussion on the papers of Dr. Drysdale and Dr. Routh on syphilis. From this, it appeared that we now differ as widely on the subject of its treatment, as we did fifty years ago. Permanganate of Potash and Binoxide of Manganese. NEW REMEDIES IN AMENORRHCEA. In response to the suggestions of many of our patrons, we herewith present reprints of the several articles which have, within the past twelve months, served to demonstrate the value of permanganate of potash and binoxide of manganese in amenorrhoea and kindred affections, and we take the liberty in this connection to call the attention of the medical profession to our pills of these salts, as per the following Per bottle Per bottle of ioo. of 500. Pil Potassium Permanganate, 1 gr. Sugar coated only $1.00 $4.85 Pil Manganese Binoxide, 1 gr. Sugar coated only 1.00 4.85 The permanganate of potash, as is well known, is extremely liable to deoxvdation in the presence of organic matter. This fact has rendered it necessary that none of the excipients usually employed in making pills should be made use of in making pills of this salt. In our manufacture of these pills an inorganic excipient is exclusively em- ployed. which fact, together with the nature of the coating which we apply, makes our brand of permanganate of potash pills perfectly stable. Therefore, in ordering perman- ganate of potash or binoxide of manganese pills, please specify P., D. Co., and thus secure a preparation free from the liability to deoxydizt. fjW' From the numerous inquiries which we have received for “ Permanganate of Potash and Binoxide of Manganese Pills,” there seems to be an impression that these pills are manufactured in combination, whereas they can only be furnished in accordance with the above list. We respectfully solicit a trial of these pills, and especially a critical comparison with any other brand on the market. PRICE LIST : ®®rR dapkoi—flesh: TtSTtvoo—I digest. RUDSCH’S EXTRACT OF PEPTONIZED BEEF. We desire to state to the medical profession that we have assumed the agency for the sale of the above important preparation, and that we have on hand for distribu- tion, gratis, a limited number of samples which we shall be pleased to furnish to physi- cians who may favor us with their addresses. This preparation perfectly meets the modern idea of an artificially digested food, as well as that of an extract of meat, being rich in nitrogenous matter in the form of peptones derived from the albumen of the meat. “SARCO-PEPTONES” contains not only all the extractive substances, organic and inorganic salts of the beef, but also most of its albuminous portion converted into a sol- uble and easily assimilable form, known in Physiology as peptones. SARCO-PEPTONES cannot be compared either with beef-tea or with the com- mercial beef extracts after Liebig’s formula, for whilst this preparation is a food in the same sense as beef is, the best authorities, including Baron Liebig himself, have demonstrated that Liebig’s Extract is only a stimulant. One part of SARCO-PEPTONES corresponds in nutritive value to eight parts of fresh beef. All the objectionable features of artificially digested meats heretofore offered to the profession and the public have been overcome in SARCO-PEPTONES, owing to the special method of preparing the same. The superiority of SARCO-PEPTONES consists in: I. The Large Percentage of Peptones which it Contains.—There are 35 per cent, of Peptones, beside other nitrogenous substances. II. Its Absolute Purity.—It is diluted with no foreign matter whatsoever, but contains only such as is derived from the meat itself. For this reason it is one of the cheapest products of its kind ever put on the market. III. Its Uniformity.—The method of preparing this product is such as at all times guarantees its uniformity. IV. Its Palatability.—The taste of this preparation is such as to be accept- able to the most fastidious patient. V. Its Perfect Solubility in Water.—Sarco-Peptones will dissolve at once in boiling water; and in a comparatively short space of time, in cold water. The process of digestion has been partially accomplished in the preparation of this article, hence the weakest stomach will be able to assimilate it. Therefore, Sarco- Peptones may be employed as a remedy in Anaemia, Exhaustion, Indigestion, Fevers, etc., and in all cases of convalescence as well as by the healthy. Send for reprints of articles on the relative value of the ordinary meat extracts and Sarco-Peptones, written by eminent physiologists, and published in various medical journals of high standing. PARKE, DAVIS & CO., Man’f’g Chemists. 60 Maiden Lane, SI Liberty Street. NEW YORK CITY. DETROIT, MICHIGAN.