BEECHAM’S PILLS.

A box of these pills, advertised to be worth a guinea, is sold for 1s. 1½d., and the prime cost of the ingredients of the 56 pills it contains is about half a farthing.

In a circular wrapped round the box it is stated that “these renowned pills are composed entirely of Medicinal Herbs,” and cure Constipation, Headache, Dizziness or Swimming in the Head, Wind, Pain, and Spasms at the Stomach, Pains in the Back, Restlessness, Insomnia, Indigestion, Want of Appetite, Fullness after Meals, Vomitings, Sickness of the Stomach, Bilious or Liver Complaints, Sick Headaches, Cold Chills, Flushings of Heat, Lowness of Spirits, and all Nervous Affections, Scurvy and Scorbutic Affections, Pimples and Blotches on the Skin, Bad Legs, Ulcers, Wounds, Maladies of Indiscretion, Kidney and Urinary Disorders, and Menstrual Derangements.

The pills had an average weight of 1¼ grains, and analysis showed them to consist of aloes, ginger, and soap; no other medicinal ingredient was found. The quantities were approximately as follows:

Aloes0·5 grain.
Powdered ginger  0·55”
Powdered soap0·18”
In one pill.