ALLEOTONE
The formula of this preparation, given in the literature, reads as follows:
| Alcoholici (Monatomic) | gr. | 1⁄1000 |
| Quininæ Sulphatis | gr. | 1⁄384 |
| Ac. Sulph. Dil. (10 per cent.) | gtt. | 21⁄2 |
| Ac. Nitrici Dil. (10 per cent.) | gtt. | 1⁄77 |
| Ac. Butanol-Dioic | gr. | 1⁄3 |
| Tr. Ferri Chloridi | gtt. | 1⁄26 |
| Aquæ | gtt. | xx |
The formula is worthless. It can only mislead and mystify and the greater part of the literature is a mere jumble of inaccurate and mystifying statements. The various constituents of the preparation are taken up as follows. The advertising literature states:
“Monatomic Alcohol is one of the constituents of all nerve tissue: It is a product of the replacement of one atom of hydrogen of the hydrocarbons by their hydroxyl group H.O.”
This information does not inform, since there is a vast number of monatomic alcohols and of every description. The assertion that the preparation “contains a salt” would be perfectly analogous and just as enlightening. Of “Ferri Chlo” the literature says:
“Ferri Chlo is found with all proteids and nucleins and herein acts as magnetic iron, aiding the play of the electrical travel.”
The first assertion is untrue, for iron does not exist as chlorid in the cells of the body, but as some organic iron compound; neither is it found in all proteids, but principally in nucleo-albumins; and not all proteids contain nucleo-albumins. The assertion that the iron chlorid “acts as magnetic iron aiding the play of the electric travel” is nonsensical and on a par with the electric belt method of exploitation, and suggests forcibly the class to which Alleotone belongs. The literature further states:
“Sulphuric and nitric acids act in removing hydrogen atoms and substitute atoms of the radical NO2; that is, as hydrogen tranquilizes the speed of burning or oxidation, its action is substituted by the atom nitrogen which is energy itself, nitrogen being the base of all explosives.”
Sulphuric acid is certainly an oxidizing agent and in virtue thereof removes hydrogen; but not in a solution whose concentration with respect to sulphuric acid is approximately only 0.82 per cent. The statement that nitrogen is the “base of all explosives” is another example of the methods of the promoters. As it is a well-known fact, however, that nitrogen itself is one of the least reactive of gaseous elements, little confidence can be placed in such remarks as “Nitrogen which is energy itself.” Another mystifying term used in the formula is “Ac. Butanol-Dioic,” which is a true chemical name, certainly, but it is one by which few physicians will recognize simple malic acid, an ordinary vegetable acid widely distributed in ripe fruits, such as apples and pears, and possessing the properties simply of a relatively weak organic acid. To describe it as exercising any potent influence “in the oxidation of the phosphorus as lecithin in the cell”—especially in the extremely low concentration in which it is stated to exist in Alleotone—is simply an absurd juggling with words. It is not much to be wondered at that the public should be taken in by pseudoscientific “literature”; but it is not only strange, it is discreditable to our profession, that among its members should be found any to accept such rubbish as the above quoted “literature” as information worth acting on—yet such there are, judging from the testimonials.—(Abstracted from The Journal A. M. A., Feb. 1, 1908.)
The Commercial Value of Adverse Criticism
For skilful attempts to convert a “knock” into a “boost,” commend us to the discredited nostrum exploiter. The federal Food and Drugs Act did much to bring out this amiable quality—possibly developed it. While somewhat ancient history, it is well to call to mind what happened when the excise authorities insisted either that the “patent medicine” booze, Peruna, have some medicine put in it, or else that its manufacturers should go into the saloon business. Hartman at once got out a new label stating that “for a number of years a multitude of grateful friends” had urged “that Peruna be given a slight laxative quality.” Thenceforth the innocents and near-innocents could get their perunaese jag only at the risk of a “bad quarter of an hour.”
One of the latest attempts to wriggle out of an uncomfortable position, and at the same time make capital out of the wriggling, is seen in the advertising of Alleotone, a nostrum of the pseudoscientific type, which was shown up in The Journal of Feb. 1, 1908. The “formula” furnished is for the most part a jargon of misleading and mystifying nonsense and fulfils the same purpose as the voluble “patter” of the gentleman who is manipulating three shells and a pea at the county fair.
Every constituent of the “formula” was discussed in The Journal and the absurdities and impossibilities of each dwelt on. Did the manufacturers of Alleotone feel downcast over the exposure of their humbug? Not to judge by their advertising, for they write to physicians that “since the A. M. A. analyzed Alleotone it has made great strides”—direction not specified. But the choicest piece of impudence, and one that but for its dishonesty would be laughable, is found in this portion of their advertising pamphlet:
In the original, the words “With amendments suggested in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Feb. 1, 1908,” and also “(Cholesterin.)” and “(Malic Acid.),” which we have underscored in the illustration, are printed in red and have been added to the original “formula.” Such are the uses of adversity.
What claim, if any, the exploiter of this nostrum—B. F. Copeland—has to medical or pharmaceutical knowledge, we do not know. In fact, to be consistent with the “ethics” of the nostrum business he need have none. Such knowledge, indeed, tends to hamper that free play of the imagination so necessary in this work. We understand that he has at different times been in charge of a stave factory and connected with a brokerage firm, which may exert some subtle influence in developing the ability to relieve suffering humanity, though the connection is not quite clear. One would imagine, however, that the keen business instinct, untrammeled by any considerations of conscience, which is exhibited in the exploitation of Alleotone, would in purely commercial pursuits have long since assured a competence.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Oct. 17, 1908.)