Syrup of Hydriodic Acid 
AND 
Its Uses. 
BY 
R. W. WILCOX, n. D., LL. D, 
NEW YOR^ 
A Reply Thereto. 
BY 
R. W. GARDNER, New York, 
AND 
SUBSEQUENT CORRESPONDENCE The following paper published. byqR. W. Wilcox, M. El/TLL. £>., of New York City 
and reply thereto by R. W. Gardner; with the subsequent correspondence, will explain 
itself. 
Having waited since July, 1893, and hearing no reply to my last communication, the 
whole correspondence is now placed before the profession. R. W. Gardner. 
The Syrup of Hydriodic Acid 
and Its Uses.* 
By Reynold W. Wilcox, fl. D., LL. D., 
Professor of Clinical Medicine at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and 
Hospital; Assistant Visiting Physician to Bellevue Hospital. 
The days of unpalatable remedies are past. Elegant 
pharmaceutical preparations will be adopted just as soon as 
it is shown that they are efficient and stable. To-day it is 
necessary that we should cure not only surely and quickly, 
but, as well, pleasantly. Were I to speak of the Syrup of Hy- 
driodic Acid merely as a palatable remedy, I would not occupy 
the time of this Society to-night; but when, in addition to its 
absence of disagreeable qualities, I can speak of it as a rem- 
edy that has a wider field of usefulness, presenting none of 
the disadvantages of the alkaline iodides, I am sure that this 
evening will be well spent. The Syrup of Hydriodic Acid is 
presented as a sure and safe relief from what has been termed 
by Field as the iodide of potash punishment. Hydriodic 
Acid is no new remedy. It was in 1855 that Murdock de- 
vised a thick syrup, because he found that all other solutions 
were unstable. Not until 1878 was an unalterable syrup 
placed in the market. Last year for the first time was there 
presented to the profession a permanent syrup of hydriodic 
* Read before the Clinical Society of the New York Post-Graduate Medical School 
and Hospital, Nov. 5, 1892, 4 
acid which was of suitable strength, containing 11.84 grains 
of hydrogen iodide to the ounce of syrup. Hydriodic acid, or 
hydrogen iodide, is prepared by passing sulphuretted hydro- 
gen, (hydrogen sulphide) into an aqueous solution of iodine. 
The reaction is 4l+2HsS=4HI-(-2S; the sulphur falls to the 
bottom as a powder. In the decomposition a small quantity 
of the iodine is changed into hydrogen iodide, which in turn 
dissolves more iodine, and also prevents the sulphur from in- 
terfering with the process. As a matter of fact, the process 
is somewhat more complicated as given in the United States 
Pharmacopoeia. The iodine is dissolved in alcohol with a very 
feeble heat, in a loosely-stoppered flask, and to this solution is 
added the syrup, previously mixed with distilled water. 
Through this mixture hydrosulphuric acid gas is passed until 
it acquires a pure yellowish color and ceases to turn brown on 
shaking. It is then filtered, to separate the sulphur, through 
white filtering paper, and the first portions returned until it 
passes clear. The filter is washed with distilled water, and 
both the filtrate and washings evaporated on a water-bath at a 
temperature not exceeding. 1310 F., being constantly stirred 
until all odor of hydrosulphuric acid has disappeared. When 
cool the spirit of orange and sugar is added, and when the so- 
lution is complete it is strained and placed in bottles, f 
The syrup as at present prepared from hydrogen iodide, 
contains no free iodine, nor is it unsightly like the tincture. 
At the same time, however, its proportion of iodine is very 
t Since this paper was prepared, my attention has been called to a brief but valuable 
paper by Dr. W. Gill Wylie, published in the New York Medical Record in 1879, in which he 
states that he has used, since 1872, hydriodic acid made from the following formula: Io- 
dide of potash one drachm, tartaric acid one and one-half drachms, water four ounces; 
one drachm of this mixture equaling in effect on bronchial mucous surfaces twenty grains 
of iodide of potash. This preparation, if mixed with syrup, remains without decompo- 
sition for several days. The Syrup of Hydriodic Acid was made for him by Mr. R. W. 
Gardner. R. W. W. 5 
great. Iodide of hydrogen contains 99.22 per cent, of iodine 
and 0.78 per cent, of hydrogen. The syrup prepared by Parke, 
Davis & Co., which has the advantages over the officinal syrup 
that it can be used in smaller dose and is of more agreeable 
taste, and which has been used by me during the past.year in 
my studies, contains two per cent, of absolute hydriodic acid. 
Hydrogen iodide itself is a colorless, irrespirable, non-inflam- 
mable gas. It has a slightly acid reaction in aqueous solution 
and a sour, styptic taste, but this peculiarity disappears in 
the syrup. 
The syrup is a straw-colored liquid of pleasant acidulous 
taste. If it is dark-brown, or reddish, or turbid—a condition 
which I have never found in the preparations which I have 
made use of—it should be rejected, for this departure from 
the normal, indicates the setting free of iodine. In point of 
permanency this preparation is far superior to those com- 
monly met in the market. It is so stable that starch does not 
bring out any blue color; however it should be kept cold and 
tightly corked. 
Field has found that if the ordinary commercial syrup is 
exposed to a temperature of 320 or ioo° Fahrenheit, it changes 
its chemical constitution and possesses no deleterious proper- 
ties. Many years ago Duroy pointed out that iodine was an 
effectual antiseptic, having a direct action on pus and organ- 
ized ferments; that aqueous solutions would keep indefinitely; 
that its syrups do not ferment, and that in combination with 
syrup, while these syrups remain clear, it is no longer irritant 
or caustic. 
The system can be saturated with it up to the point of 
iodism; it is readily absorbed and acts promptly, and from an 
empty stomach, without change, it passes immediately into the 6 
circulation. In ten minutes even, iodine can be detected in 
the urine when this syrup has been administered upon an 
empty stomach, which is proof conclusive of its efficiency. It 
is even more active than the alkaline iodides, because it con- 
tains iodine in the best form for assimilation. It is non-irri- 
tant, because hydrogen in small quantities neutralizes the 
irritant effect of the iodine. 
We have in the past so frequently made use of the iodide 
of potash that we all know from unfortunate experience its un- 
pleasant effects, that it produces loss of appetite; that it pro- 
duces marked mental depression; that it irritates the fauces 
and the stomach; that it neutralizes the gastric fluids, and 
that it has a nauseating taste. We know that in the stomach 
it is changed into a carbonate of potash, which is hurtful to 
the organism, and especially irritant to the kidneys. . We 
know, further, that in the use of the alkaline iodides, frequently 
when we least expect it, we get the symptoms of iodism; al- 
though many of these cases can be laid to idiosyncrasy, yet we 
never can be sure that even a small dose may not give rise to 
these symptoms. Erlich has reported a case in which about 
three grains of iodide of potash gave marked symptoms of 
iodism. The swelling of the eyelids, the flow of tears, the 
flow of watery fluids from the cells of the frontal sinuses, the 
pain in the forehead, the increased secretion from the Schnei- 
derian membrane, the sleeplessness, the slight angina, the 
slight trismus, the neuralgias, particularly infra-maxillary or 
infra-orbital, are familiar to all of us. The irritation of the 
stomach, a much more constant symptom, may often be so 
great that we are obliged to omit the remedy. The oedema 
of the glottis, at times slight, at other times has been severe 
enough to terminate the life of the patient. Hallopeau has 7 
described the acne form eruptions, bullous eruptions, painful 
nodes in subcutaneous tissues, and his observations have been 
frequently confirmed. Severe, and even fatal, cases of iodism 
are frequently met with in the literature. I believe that it is 
possible to so saturate a patient with iodine by the adminis- 
tration of hydriodic acid that we can produce iodism, but I feel 
certain that this syrup is much more manageable; that by careful 
administration, iodism need not occur and, further, that a 
part of the symptoms of iodism are due to the influence of the 
alkaline bases with which iodine is combined. 
The syrup of hydriodic acid is absolutely incompatible 
with all alkalies, all metallic salts, all oxidizing agents, as 
permanganate and chlorate of potash, the latter converting 
the hydriodic into iodic acid, which is poisonous. Upon in- 
vestigation I have found that mixtures of many remedies with 
this syrup, which are suggested in the literature, are by no 
means compatible. 
As the first important point in the mode of administra- 
tion, I would emphasize the fact that it should not be given 
in combination. Secondly, the time of administration is im- 
portant. The stomach must be empty, so that it can be ab- 
sorbed without the change produced by food-stuffs, for the 
iodates produced are toxic. One-half hour before eating, the 
stomach is of neutral reaction. As a third point I would insist 
that it should be well diluted with water; that the dose should be 
dissolved in one-half wineglass, or preferably a full wineglass 
of water. The dosage varies according to the purpose for 
which we employ the syrup. Two or three drachms every 
two hours in acute rheumatism is an amount which should not 
be lessened until improvement takes place; and this dose 
ghould be continued for seven to ten days after the symp- 8 
toms have disappeared,to ensure recovery and prevent relapses. 
On the other hand, in acute bronchitis I am of the opinion 
that one-fourth to half a drachm, and this dose gradually 
increased and frequently repeated, will yield more brilliant 
results. But in syphilis I would begin with half an ounce and 
push it rapidly until the patient responds to the remedy. 
The cases in which I have used this remedy have been 
numerous and of considerable variety. In cases of pulmonary 
disease where the symptom asthma is prominent, with Knight I 
have had surprisingly satisfactory results,especially when these 
cases were complicated with chronic bronchitis. There always 
followed relief of the asthmatic conditions, rapid amelioration 
of cough, decreased expectoration when it had been profuse,the 
sputum has become less viscid and thinner, and the general 
health is likely to improve. As Wile* has pointed out, in long 
standing bronchitis, when the lung seems to take on a deeper- 
seated and less tractable form of the disease, I have found 
some brilliant results. Here small doses, frequently repeated, 
are to be advised. I have found, in cases that I have had, of 
fibrous hardening about tubercular deposits, that the deposit 
was favorably influenced. I have noticed in the bronchor- 
rhoea of old people that the quantity of expectoration was 
markedly improved. Aulde has used this remedy with success 
in those forms of bronchitis which predispose to phthisis. I 
can confirm his observations, and believe these cases to be 
those in which the previous endobronchial affection has now 
become peribronchial, so that the nutrition of the lung is in- 
terfered with. Partly due to its antiseptic properties, and 
probably also to the fact that it liquefies viscid bronchial se- 
cretion, is the somewhat limited use of the syrup in the treat- 
ment of whooping-cough. 
*Dr. Wile used Gardner’s Syrup in the cases quoted. R. W. G. 9 
*Bentley, some years ago, [apparently cognizant of the ob- 
servations of DuroyJ treated thirty-one cases of small-pox in 
the suppurative and subsequent stages up to complete des- 
quamation, with the happiest results, all recovering speedily. 
Syphilis in the latter stages has been treated, by a large 
number of physicians, with this remedy. Here we note an ex- 
ception to the statement made above that we can combine it 
with bin-iodide oT mercury without fear of decomposition. 
The proto-iodide of mercury should not, however, be used with 
the syrup, as it is converted into the bin-iodide, and we are not 
certain of the amount of the dose that we administer. Aulde 
points out that the syrup of hydriodic acid renders yeoman 
service in removing waste products from the system, but un- 
fortunately lacks the peculiar property of arsenic which causes 
fatty degeneration of morbid tissue, yet has a field of useful- 
ness which the latter cannot occupy. 
fWile, with exceptional opportunities, has found always 
satisfactory and frequently surprising results in the use of 
this remedy in chronic lead poisoning; the additional thera- 
peutics being, insisting that the bowels be kept free, and using 
electricity, the faradic current; he has also treated arsenical 
poisoning with success. 
jBurrall suggested the use of this syrup in obesity, it pre- 
senting none of the disadvantages of the alkaline iodides. It 
steadily diminishes the amount of fat without disagreeable 
symptoms, nor, indeed, does it produce any interference with 
the general health. Among the somewhat unusual cases that 
are reported is one by Burrall, where he treated a patient suf- 
*Dr. Bentley used Gardner’s Syrup in these cases. R. W. G. 
+Dr. Wile used Gardner’s Syrup in the cases quoted. R. W. G. 
+Dr. Burrall used Gardner’s Syrup in eases quoted, and communicated his experience 
in a personal letter to me.. R. W. G. fering from amyloid liver and also from a fatty heart, with 
considerable success. So also Blackwoodf has claimed good 
results in the treatment of exophthalmic goitre. I believe, 
however, in the manifestations of what is clinically known as 
scrofula, such as scrofulous ophthalmia, sympathetic enlarge- 
ment of the glands in neck and groins, cold abscesses, indolent 
ulcers, chronic skin affections, especially when combined with 
cod liver oil, we can obtain surprisingly good results. *Shoe- 
maker has spoken of the value of this remedy in sciatica. fField 
has noted that it removes accumulations of serous fluids. 
I Blackwood extols it in lumbago. I have found in cases of en- 
docarditis, especially in cases of the fibrous variety, and in 
peri-arteritis, its long continued use is apt to be followed by 
improvement. 
While I have used this remedy with a great deal of satis- 
faction in many of the pathological conditions which I have 
here enumerated, I have been more especially interested in 
the results of the administration of the syrup of hydriodic 
acid in cases of rheumatism and in the diseases resembling it. 
§Craig treated sixteen cases of acute rheumatism, and at 
the time of the publication of his paper had yet to find a case 
where this remedy had been properly used and had failed to 
meet his expectations. It shortens the duration of the dis- 
ease, relieves pain; it reduces the temperature and leaves the 
patient without heart complications, preventing exudations 
and organization of plastic material. I would regard the 
chronic rheumatic and rheumatoid affections as offering a cru- 
cial test for the efficacy of this remedy, and particularly the 
10 
+Dr. Blackwood used Gardner’s Syrup in cases quoted. R. W. G. 
*Dr. Shoemaker used Gardner’s Syrup in cases quoted. R. W. G. 
+Dr. Field used Gardner’s Syrup in cases quoted. R. W. G. 
tDr. Blackwood used Gardner’s Syrup in cases quoted. R. W. G. 
§Dr. Craig used Gardner’s Syrip in cases quoted. R. W. G. 11 
chronic and intractable cases that a physician to our city charity 
hospitals meets with, as demonstrating, beyond a reasonable 
doubt the value of this remedy. If Syrup of Hydriodic Acid 
will relieve the chronic rheumatics that we meet with in these 
hospitals, there exists no further necessity for proving its use- 
fulness.” 
Here follows the history of four cases, treated in Bellevue 
Hospital, from notes taken by Dr. Cyrus J. Strong, of the resi- 
dent medical staff. 
“Arthritis Deformans. 
Subacute Rheumatism. 
Acute Articular Rheumatism. 
Gonorrhoeal Rheumatism. 
These cases were selected from the record books as aver- 
age cases and average results from the use of the Syrup of 
Hydriodic Acid. The hours chosen for administration of the 
remedy are the usual hospital hours, and all are not suitable 
for a remedy like this. Still the results are very satisfactory 
when compared with those met with after the use of salicyl- 
ates, alkalies, and other preparations of iodine. Case one 
showed remarkable improvement. Case two is the average 
city hospital rheumatism, as a rule entirely rebellious to 
treatment by the usual remedies. Case three is a similar 
case which was transferred from another hospital on account 
of the acuteness of the attacks; here the value of the syrup in 
an acute exacerbation of a chronic rheumatism is seen. Case 
four illustrated the antiseptic value of hydriodic acid (Duroy). 
The result was an eminently satisfactory one, when one con- 
siders the tendency of the disease to become chronic in spite 
of all treatment. 
In looking over the records of the cases which have come 12 
under my observation and in which I have used the Syrup of 
Hydriodic Acid, I feel great satisfaction that I have obtained 
results equally as good as with the alkaline iodides, and far 
more pleasantly for the patient, and needing less watchful 
care on the part of the physician. The Syrup of Hydriodic 
Acid has never, in my hands, given rise to acne, coryza, nor 
indeed to any intolerance on the part of the stomach, although 
I have increased the dose until the necessary effect was ob- 
tained. On the other hand, these effects are quickly and 
surely reached. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
1. In Syrup of Hydriodic Acid we have a palatable and 
efficient method of administering iodine. 
2. The dosage is under control. We can saturate the 
patient with iodine, yet iodism can be avoided. 
3. The field of usefulness is greater than that of iodide 
of potash or any other alkaline iodide. 
4. The failure of administration in former times was due 
to the impossibility of making a high-class pnarmaceutical 
which should be of sufficient iodine strength and absolutely 
permanent; here the recent improvements in manufacture 
are of the greatest importance.” 
Extract from the New England Medical Monthly, April, 1893. 
“SYRUP OF HYDRIODIC ACID AND ITS USES.” 
A REPLY. 
By R. W. Gardner, New York. 
In an article professing to have been written by “Rey- 
nold W. Wilcox, M. D., LL. D., professor of Clinical Medicine 
at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hos- 
pital,” read before the “Clinical Society of the New York 13 
Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital,” November, 1892, 
and published in the “Post-Graduate” for February, 1893, upon 
“Syrup of Hydriodic Acid and its Uses,” the writer very prop- 
erly extols the value of this remedy, and in doing- so, draws 
very largely, verbatim et literatim, from my published litera- 
ature, without giving me a particle of credit for the same. 
In other instances where statements have been made by me, 
my language has been paraphrased. This would have been 
gratifying to me, and I should have been placed under obli- 
gations to the party (or parties) who prepared the paper, by 
the fact that he (or they) had considered matter originating 
with myself of sufficient importance to be embodied, or the 
ideas which it expressed, in whole paragraphs, in an original 
communication, were it not that he (or they) used these very 
arguments, which represent the result of considerable study 
and research of my own during the past fifteen years, as 
well as the published experience of many eminent physicians 
in the use of Gardner’s Syrup of Hydriodic Acid, for what 
appears to be the purpose of booming a preparation recently 
put upon the market in imitation of it. 
The writer does me the honor to attribute a portion of 
my language to Duroy (references to the antiseptic character 
of the remedy) which must have been a result of unconscious 
cerebration, for so far as I know, the language and the ideas 
which it expressed, were my own. 
The writer alludes to myself in a foot note, in which he 
remarks, that 1872 to 1879,1 had made a preparation of Hydri- 
odic Acid by double decomposition, for Dr. W. Gill Wylie, of 
New York. It is true that Dr. Gill Wylie, long previous to 
my introduction of this preparation in the form now known 
as Gardner’s Syrup of Hydriodic Acid, had suggested to me the desirability of preparing a more stable preparation of this 
remedy, and acting upon his suggestion, after many trials and 
a great deal of investigation by myself, the present Gardner’s 
Syrup was put upon the market, and Dr. Wylie published a 
paper upon it in the New York Medical Record, i8jg, Vol. xv. 
p. 454 (the paper alluded to), and has continued to use Gard- 
ner’s Syrup, from that day to this, with perfect satisfaction. 
As the foot note in the paper in the “Post-Graduate” article 
has been worded in such a manner as to convey the impression 
that Gardner’s Syrup is made by double decomposition, a 
crude method, in which secondary products form impurities, I 
would say that Gardner’s Syrup is not, and never has been 
made by double decomposition; upon reading the original 
paper of Dr. W. Gill Wylie, the unfair statement, or inference, 
will be apparent. 
This allusion to a past age, by the writer of the article, is 
peculiar, when taken in connection with the free use of my 
literature 0/1892, without crediting me with it. It is in fact 
remarkable that the author should have thought of me at all, 
and he doubtless would not have done so, had his mind not 
been refreshed by some kind friend, who “called his attention 
to the brief .but valuable” paper of Dr. Wylie, above re- 
ferred to. 
It is interesting to note that the writer in the “Post-Grad- 
uate” article gives credit in his communication to Drs. Wylie, 
Knight, Shoemaker, Wile, Field, Bently, Burrall, and Craig, 
for language which is freely quoted, used by these gentlemen 
in commendation of Gardner's Syrup of Hydriodic Acid, and 
not only fails to mention this last fact, but refuses to credit me 
with the matter extracted from my literature, which seems to 
form the basis of this original paper. 
14 15 
The demoralization of the present age is well exemplified, 
when an honored and respected “Clinical Professor in the New 
York Post-Graduate Medical School” can descend to copy 
without credit, and appropriate as his own, language used by 
another, and not only that, but attempt to use the ideas so 
obtained against their originator, who rescued Hydriodic Acid 
from oblivion after it had been expunged from the Pharma- 
copoeia as an impractical and worthless remedy, and through 
whose efforts and sacrifices of time and money, it has been 
made available, and its usefulness to the medical profession 
and humanity, demonstrated. 
If the honor of the medical profession is to be preserved 
and its high character maintained, it will not be by such 
methods as are here enumerated. 
Possibly, the author was not sufficiently cautious in revis- 
ing matter furnished him for this paper, which might be a 
mitigating circumstance. 
In commenting on the preparation, in the interest of 
which the paper was evidently written, the author, after ad- 
mitting that a permanent Syrup was made in 1878, and omit- 
ting to mention the manufacturer’s name, says: “Last }’ear 
for the first time was there presented to the medical profession 
a permanent Syrup of Hydriodic Acid which was of suitable 
strength, containing 11.84 grains of hydrogen iodide to the 
ounce of Syrup.” 
As to what constitutes a suitable strength, is a matter of 
opinion. The results of treatment which the author has so 
largely quoted from the experience of the above mentioned 
physicians, were obtained by the use of Gardner’s Syrup, 
which contains 6.72 grains of hydrogen iodide to the fluid 
ounce. The more concentrated the strength, the more liability 16 
is there that the Syrup will decompose. The strength of 
Gardner’s Syrup has always been found to be sufficient to 
produce the most prompt and decided action; in fact the repu- 
tation of Hydriodic Acid has been built up by the favorable 
results achieved by the use of Gardner’s Syrup during the 
past fifteen years; consequently what necessity exists for a 
greater strength? During the fifteen years’ use of Gardner’s 
Syrup, no one has complained of the necessity of a syrup of 
greater strength, except the writer of the “Post-Graduate” 
paper, and the firm who say they make such a preparation. 
The present writer believes that a greater strength would be, 
not only of no advantage, but a positive defect. 
The chemical instability of Hydriodic Acid, it must be 
remembered, had always prevented its use as a medicine, until 
1878, when Gardner’s Syrup was introduced; up to that time 
no proper test had been made of its therapeutic value, as de- 
composition occurred almost as soon as it was prepared. This 
forbade its use. Consequently, in determining the question 
of strength, it is necessary to take into consideration the lack 
of chemical affinity which causes the decomposition, and 
which is an inherent quality of the combined elements. All 
other questions must be subordinated to that of a reasonable 
degree of permanence and efficiency in action; both of these 
requisites have been proven to be possessed by Gardner’s 
Syrup. 
One of the reasons for the increased physiological action 
of Hydriodic Acid over the alkaline iodides, may lie in the 
very fact of this same feeble affinity, which possibly fits it for 
more thorough alterative effect in the organism. This view 
seems to accord with that of Dr. A. Rose, of Lebanon, Ky., 
who says that unless Syrup of Hydriodic Acid is readily acted 17 
upon by exposure to heat, that he would not consider it suita- 
ble to use, though after such decomposition it woiild, of course, 
be unfit to administer. There may be some so-called “Syrups 
of Hydriodic Acid,” which besides a proportion of Hydriodic 
Acid, contain some other basic combination than Hydrogen, 
in which the preparation would be mis-named, and would be 
merely an iodide, with some free Hydriodic Acid present. In 
such case, decomposition might be retarded, but the prepara- 
tion would not be Syrup of Hydriodic Acid, and consequently 
would not produce the therapeutic effects of the remedy; such 
preparations would not, of course, show the presence of free 
iodine with the starch test, as the iodine would be all in chem- 
ical combination, but containihg an alkaline iodide, would 
prove irritating, and would be no improvement over iodide 
of potassium. 
In conclusion, the statements made in the paper under 
consideration regarding the efficacy of Syrup of Hydriodic 
Acid, are simply well known truths; the very evidence which 
he brings forward to prove this fact, is the strongest argu- 
ment he could possibly produce in favor of Gardner’s Syrup 
of Hydriodic Acid. 
Extract from the New England Medical Monthly, June, 1893, 
P- 4-53- 
SYRUP OF HYDRIODIC ACID; THE FACTS. 
In the April number of the New England Medical Monthly 
is the first contribution to medical literature by Mr. R. W. 
Gardner that I have ever seen. In response to a request that 
he would inform me where I could find any paper by him on 
Hydriodic Acid, he writes me that he published an article 
entitled “Depurative Agents” in the Doctors' Weekly, October 18 
i, 1892, a journal of whose existence I was ignorant. I very- 
much doubt if any one searching the literature for Hydriodic 
Acid would have found this article on account of its title and 
also from the fact that if his so-called article is not an adver- 
tisement it very closely resembles one. 
After some difficulty a few days ago I found the paper at 
the Academy of Medicine, although the journal is not now 
published. He claims that much of the matter contained in 
this article is reprinted in one of his advertising pamphlets of 
which he was kind enough to send me several. On reading 
the abstract it is apparent that the real subject of the paper 
is the antiseptic properties of iodine, substantially the view 
which was advanced by Duroy in 1853,* a quarter of a century 
before Mr. Gardner ever manufactured the Syrup of Hydri- 
odic Acid, and as it was Duroy’s work I gave him the credit. 
So much for Mr. Gardner’s claims for his literature. 
I have read over Mr. Gardner’s advertisements, and they 
are the first that I have ever seen, for the journal files of 
English, French and German therapeutical literature demand 
all the time that I can devote to that subject, and as I read 
the original papers only, I have no occasion to rely upon 
advertisements for information. If these advertising pam- 
phlets are claimed as literature it is for the first time in the 
history of medicine this claim is advanced that advertising 
matter constitutes the literature of the profession. How 
ignorant we all have been when we have discarded the 
advertisements when our journal files have been bound up 
and how wilfully stupid have been the librarians in that they 
*(Mr. J. L. P. Duroy. in 1853 presented to the Paris Academy of Medicine a memoir on 
the antiseptic properties of iodine. Apparently the “literature of 1892” of Mr. Gardner, 
is really quite old. See also the work of Lugol, Boinet. Velpeau, Magendie, Bevaine, 
Wemitz, and Julan de la Croix), 19 
have not kept bound copies of advertisements but have chosen 
the literature instead. It is singularly ingenious to claim all 
the literature of a drug as the property of a manufacturer of 
a particular preparation of that drug when the said literature 
dates back twenty-six years before Mr. Gardner ever heard 
of the drug, and not only that, but papers have been published 
giving the results of the use of other manufacturers’ pro- 
ducts; does he claim these as well? Does he claim that 
because he has had extracts made for him from the records 
of what he is pleased to term a “past age” that no one else is 
at liberty to study the original papers ? 
A third novel proposition is the learned disquisition con- 
cerning the amount of hydriodic acid to the ounce in Syrup, 
ending with the statement “that a greater strength (than of 
his preparations) would be not only of no advantage, but a 
positive defect.” It is needless to say that this is perfectly 
true from a manufacturer’s standpoint. 
A fourth proposition is that chemical instability is not an 
undesirable quality in a remedy “for (according to Dr. A. 
Rose,) if Syrup of Hydriodic Acid is not readily acted upon 
by heat it is not suitable to use.” Hydriodic Acid has been 
used since the days of Buchanan in 1852, and had Mr. Gardner 
never known of it, its use would still be persisted in. Any 
pharmacist can make an extemporaneous preparation that 
will keep sufficiently long for use. 
The real question at issue is what Mr. Gardner wishes to 
have believed concerning his preparation. In 1893 he states 
that his preparation “is not and never has been made by 
double decomposition,” that is, from the formula given by Dr. 
W. Gill Wylie in the Medical Record of 1879. If that state- 
ment is true why then did he print Dr. Wylie’s name upon 20 
the labels of the bottles in which he at that time sold the 
Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. Shall we believe his statement of 
1879, or that of 1893 ? Both cannot be true. Dr. Wylie never 
claimed to have originated the preparation, why then should 
Mr. Gardner? So much for his claims as an “originator.” If 
Mr. Gardner will use in the future such language as is proper 
for a manufacturing chemist to the physicians from whom 
he receives his support, I am sure the defense of such novel 
propositions will create so much interest that the propriety 
of an attack by a manufacturer upon a physician, for trying 
to find out the truth of a matter, will be entirely lost sight of. 
New York. Prof. Reynold W. Wilcox, M. D., LL. D. 
Extract from the New England Medical Monthly, July, 1893. 
SYRUP OF HYDRIODIC ACID; THE FACTS. 
In the June number of the New England Medical Monthly 
Dr. R. W. Wilcox, New York, replies to my letter published 
in that journal for April, 1893. 
He remarks that this communication of mine, “is the first 
contribution to medical literature by R. W. Gardner, that I 
(he) had ever seen.” “There are those who have eyes and 
see not.” On April 19, 1893, he found it necessary to write 
me to find any literature that I had ever written upon 
Hydriodic Acid; in answer to which I referred him to an 
article published in The Doctor's Weekly of October 1,1892. 
This is the paper from which, by some process which he 
has not yet explained, a considerable amount of my original 
matter was reproduced in his paper, read just thirty-five days 
afterward, viz.: November 5, 1892, before the New York 
Post-Graduate Clinical Society. 21 
The matter taken almost verbatim from my article, was 
attributed to Duroy. 
He refers to my paper as having the appearance of an 
‘‘advertisement.” 
The doctor exercises a nice discrimination in classifying 
between advertisements and literature; his own paper, read 
before the New York Post-Graduate Clinical Society, and 
subsequently published in the Post-Graduate Journal recom- 
mending and lauding a particular manufacturer’s Syrup of 
Hydriodic Acid, and appropriating my thoughts and language 
to assist him in his effort, was I presume, not an advertise- 
ment, but literature. 
In reply to the doctor’s personal letter to me asking for 
literature, I also mailed him several copies of the pamphlet 
which I issue every year to the medical profession; these the 
doctor said he had never previously seen; I had underlined 
certain passages, which had been reproduced in.his original 
paper, thinking it might be interesting to him to note the 
remarkable fact, that two persons should happen to express 
themselves in language so absolutely identical. 
Whatever interest the doctor might have taken in this 
matter, is, unfortunately lost, owing to the fact that he classifies 
them as advertisements, which, it is to be regretted, he has 
no time to read. 
In my article (I beg pardon, I should have said “adver- 
tisement,”) the statement is made that “iodine has long been 
known as an effectual antiseptic;” by this it will be seen that 
I have not claimed to have been the discoverer of the antiseptic 
properties of iodine; I merely call attention to it as a fact 
well known, and then proceed to demonstrate the advantages 
of Syrup of Hydriodic Acid, over Iodine, as an internal anti- 
septic; a fact that I had never seen pointed out. 
The formula given by Dr. W. Gill Wylie, in his paper in 
the Medical Record, 1879, was the only, available one for 22 
extemporaneous preparation; I was requested to improve 
upon it; Dr. Wylie admits that I did so, in his paper of 1879, 
by saying that I “had succeeded in making a preparation 
which keeps perfectly;” I quoted Dr. Wylie in my writings 
at the time, to give him the credit that was due him. 
There is no contradiction between my statements of 1879 
and 1893. 
But Dr. Wilcox in his last communication, does not meet 
the charges that I make against him, viz.: That he has repro- 
duced my original matter, word for word, in many places; 
and in others he has paraphrased or transposed it; he has 
appropriated my words and thoughts, and represented them 
as his own. He has put the wording in such shape and suc- 
cession, that it is impossible to conceive of the possibility, by 
any coincidence, that he could have chosen the words and 
sequence of ideas by chance and arranged them in the same 
manner as I had previously done. 
The best illustration of this, will be to show the matter, 
his and mine, side by side, in parallel columns. 
I will state here, that matter published by myself upon 
Hydriodic Acid, either in my pamphlets (advertisements? for 
according to Dr. Wilcox, all matter not appearing in medical 
journals must be advertisements,) or elsewhere in medical 
journals, (literature? as no communication appearing in the 
reading columns of a medical journal can possibly be called 
an advertisement,) have not been drawn from the writings of 
Duroy, Lugol, Boinet, Velpeau, Magendie, Davaine, Wernitz, 
J. De La Croix, or from any outside source whatever, unless 
quoted. If I quote an authority, I give the credit that is due; 
the work of a man’s brain is as much his property as his 
pocketbook. 
The italicized passages will enable the reader, at a glance 
to perceive the identity of language in the two papers. 
The Parallel. 23 
From GARDNER’S PAMPHLET. 
9th Edition, Published January, 1892. 
“Hydrogen Iodide consists of 99.22-100 
parts of Iodine, and 78-100 of one part Hy- 
drogen. Hydriodic Acid is more active than 
the alkaline iodides, contains iodine in the 
best form for assimilative action, is absolutely 
non irritant if in good condition, and is so 
very much superior to iodide of potassium 
as an assimilant, that it only requires to be 
known to be fully appreciated. 
SYRUP OF HYDRIODIC ACID AND 
ITS USES. 
BY R. W. WILCOX, M. D., NEW YORK. 
Read before the New York Post-Graduate, 
Clinical Society, November 5, 1892, and 
published in the Post-Graduate Journal. 
February, 1893. 
The following are selected extracts from 
the above paper, to show identity of 
language. 
* * * “But when, in addition to its 
absence of disagreeable qualities, I can 
speak of it as,a remedy that has a wider 
field of usefulness, presenting none of the 
disadvantages of the alkaline iodides, I 
am sure that this evening will be well 
spent.” * * * 
“It is even more active than the alkaline 
iodides, bemuse it contains iodine in the best 
form for assimilation." 
“We have in the past so frequently made 
use of the iodide of potash that we all know 
from unfortunate experience its unpleasant 
effects; that it produces loss of appetite; that 
it produces marked mental depression; that 
it irritates the fauces and the stomach; 
that it neutralizes the gastricjluids, and that 
it has a nauseating taste." * * * 
If we compare the chemical constituents 
of iodide of potassium and hydriodie acid, 
it will be seen that the loss of appetite and 
consequent depression, the irritation to the 
fauces and mucous surfaces of the stomach, 
and loss of digestive power, are all pro- 
duced by the base potassium. This neutral- 
izes the hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice, 
and not only stops digestion, but acts as an 
irritant to all trie mucous surfaces with 
which it comes in contact.” * * * 
“Hydrogen, a natural element, and a 
large constituent of all the natural secre- 
tions of the body takes the place of the 
potassium as a carrier of the iodine. It 
has an acid reaction, and does not inter- 
fere in the least with digestion, or cause 
loss of appetite; consequently no depression 
follows its use. 
The taste of iodide of potassium is nauseat- 
ing to most patients, and is taken with much 
difficulty, particularly after extensive use; 
thus while the patient still requires the thera- 
peutic action of wdine, the physician is obliged 
to stop its use, because of the injurious ac- 
tion of the base with which it is combined. 
* * * “Hydriodie Add should not be pre- 
scribed in combination with alkalies, metallic 
salts, or oxidizing agents, uihich latter would 
convert the Hydriodie into iodic add, which 
possesses toxic properties. 
In syphilitic diseases it may be combined 
with the bin-iodide of mercury, but if the 
proto-iodide be used, allowance must be made 
for its conversion into bin iodide which is a 
very much more active mercurial, and if not 
understood, might produce dangerous results. 
“ The irritation of the stomach, a much 
more constant symptom, may often be so 
great that we are obliged to omit theremedy." 
“ The syrup of Hydriodic Acid is absolutely 
incompatible with all alkalies, all metallic 
salts, all oxidizing agents, as permanganate 
and chlorate of potash, the latter converting 
the hydriodic into iodic acid, which is poison- 
ous." * * * 
“ One-half hour before eating, the stomach 
is of neutral reaction. As a third point I 
would insist that it should be well diluted 
in water; that the dose should be dissolved 
in one-half wineglass, or preferably a full 
wineglass of water.” * * * 
‘•Syphilis in the latter stages has been 
treated by a large number of physicians, 
with this remedy. Here we note an exception 
to the statement made above, that we can 
combine it with the bin-iodide of mercury 
without fear of decomposition. The proto- 
iodide of mercury should not, however, be 24 
pamphlet. 
R. W. WILCOX, M. D. 
used with the syrup, as it is converted into the 
bin-iodide, and we are not, certain of the 
amount of the dose that we administer. 
“ The system can be saturated with it up to 
the point of krdism; it is readily absorbed 
and acts prmnptly, and from an empty 
stomach, without change, it passes immedi- 
ately into the circulation. 
“As the first important point in the mode 
of administration, I would emphasize the 
fact that it should not be given in com- 
bination. 
“Secondly, the time of administration is 
important. 
“ The stomach must be empty, so that it can 
be absorbed without the change produced by 
foodstuffs, for the iodates produced are 
toxic.” (?) 
'■'■It is non irritant, because hydrogen in 
small quantities neutralizes the irritant effect 
of the iodine." 
Hydriodic Acid probably passes into the cir- 
culation without change, particularly, if 
taken upon an empty stomach, and this is the 
proper time to exhibit the remedy, as no de- 
composition of the add is apt to occur, owing 
to the absence of food products. 
The proportionate arrangement of the 
elements constituting Hydriodic Acid is re- 
markable, the Acid being in fact, almost 
wholly iodine. 
The very small proportion of hydrogen, 
being the true equivalent, suffices to entirely 
remove the irritant quality from iodine, by 
converting it into a non-irritant compound, 
from which, however, the full therapeutic 
action of iodine is not only obtained, but 
in a marvellously effective and agreeable 
manner. 
Syrup of Hydriodic Acid should be kept in 
as cool a place as possible, in a refrigerator if 
convenient, during warm wreather, and 
tightly corked. 
From a paper contributed to the Doctor's 
Weekly, New York, Oct. 1, 1892. 
BY R. W. GARDNER. 
* * * “Iodine has long been known as an 
effectual antiseptic; no micro-organisms can 
find lodgement, or exist in its presence: 
fermentive action never occurs in its prepara- 
aqueous solutions of iodine keep in- 
definitely; syrups containing it never ferment. 
But these cannot be used internally in suffi- 
cient quantity to produce complete, or even 
partial depurative and germicidal effects, 
owing to the irritant and caustic action of 
free iodine. But in the combination iodide 
of Hydrogen, (Hydriodic Acid,) while the 
iodine retains all its antiseptic and germ- 
icidal qualities, it has entirely lost its irri - 
tant properties, and is easily, even pleasantly 
borne, by infants and delicate females, 
and by its use the system may be saturated up 
to the point ofiodism, with no inconvenience 
to the patient. 
Its promptness of action is so great that 
iodine may be detected in the unne in ten 
minutes after its administration upon an 
empty stomach. 
Passing at once into the circulation, it is 
carried to all parts of the body, and exer- 
cises its powerful influence as a depurative 
and germicide.” 
'•‘•However it should be kept cold and tightly 
corked." * * * 
“Many years ago Duroy pointed out that 
Iodine, was an effectual antiseptic, having a 
direct action on pus and organized fer- 
ments; that aqueous solutions would keep 
indefinitely; that its syrups do not ferment, 
and that in combination with syrup, while 
these syrups remain clear, it is no longer 
irritant or caustic.” (?) 
“We have in the past so frequently made 
use of the iodide of potash that we all know 
from unfortunate experience its unpleasant 
effects. 
11 In ten minutes even, iodine can be detected 
in the urine when this syrup has been admin- 
istered upon an empty stomach, which is 
proof conclusive of its efficacy.” 
R. W. Gardner,