Secret remedies, what they cost and what they contain, based on analyses made for the British Medical Association.

  • British Medical Association.
Date:
1909
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Secret remedies, what they cost and what they contain, based on analyses made for the British Medical Association. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    26/208 (page 18)
    The average weight of the lozenges was 16^ grains; analysis showed that they contained morphine, alkaloids of ipecacuanha, extract of liquorice, sugar (partly as invert sugar), and gum; some evidence was also obtained of the presence of extract of squill and tolu, but positive proof of the identity of these was not obtainable. The proportions of the various ingredients found corresponded to : Morphine 0-007 grain. Ipecacuanha 0-07 „ Extract of liquorice 2 -1 graios. Sugars •••• X3 ^ in one lozenge. BEECHAM'S COUGH PILLS- These cough pills, sold from a town in Lancashire, cost Is, l^d. per box, containing 56 pills. The following extracts are from a circular enclosed with the box : Persons suflering from Cough and kindred troubles should reh'eve their minds of the idea that nothing will benefit them imless it be in the form of a lozenge, or taken as liquid. Let them try Beecham's Covgh Pills, and they will never regret it. The Cough Pills do not contain opium; they do not constipate; they do not upset the stomach. On the first symptoms of a Cold or Chill, a timely dose of Beecham's Cough Pllla will invariably ward off all dangerous features. For years many families have used no other Winter Medicine. Householders and travellers should avail themselves of this good, safe, and simple remedy for Coughs in general, Asthma, Bronchial Affections, Hoarseness, Shortness of Breath, Tightness and Oppression of the Chest, Wheezing, etc. The doses may be from three to six pills morning, noon, and night. The pills had an average weight of 1-4 grains. In spite of the statement that they do not contain opium, analysis showed morphine to be present, together with powdered squill, powdered aniseed, extract of liquorice, and a resinous substance agreeing in character with the resin of ammoniacum. Approximate determina- tion of the proportions of the ingredients is alone possible in such a mixture ; the results obtained pointed to the following formula : Morphine 0 • 0035 grain. Powdered squill 0-1 „ Powdered aniseed 0-3 Ammoniacum .... .... 0-3 Extract of liquorice 0-4 in one pilL