RESOR-BISNOL
Resor-Bisnol was considered by the Council and refused recognition. The following formula for Resor-Bisnol was at one time given in advertisements in a number of medical journals:
“A scientific combination, in nicely balanced proportions of Bismuth Salts of antiseptic acids of the aromatic series, and Resorcin.
“Each 100 parts contains 20 parts Resorcin, and 52 parts Bismuth Oxid, combined with antiseptic acids.”
Besides this formula other “formulas” equally indefinite, vague and misleading have been given in lieu of an actual statement of composition, thus:
“—— is a mixture of resorcin and bismuth salts of phenic acids such as salicylates, etc., and an aromatic alcoholate. Its composition is as follows.
| Bismuth salts of phenic acids | 60 | per cent. |
| Aromatic alcoholate of bismuth | 20 | per cent. |
| Resorcin | 20 | per cent.” |
The product was recently analyzed in our chemical laboratory. The chemists report as follows:
“A specimen of Resor-Bisnol examined by us consisted of a light brown powder possessing a characteristic odor and a taste at first sweetish and then bitter. It was found to be only partially soluble in water. The examination indicates that Resor-Bisnol is probably a mixture consisting essentially of a basic bismuth salicylate (bismuth subsalicylate), a basic gallate of bismuth (bismuth subgallate), a basic compound of beta-naphthol (bismuth betanaphtholate) and resorcinol (resorcin).”
It thus appears that Resor-Bisnol is probably a simple mixture of well-known substances. In other words, the Resor-Bisnol advertising and literature are typical of that issued by various nostrum houses: it conceals the truth in a mass of semi-scientific verbiage, and while not frankly false, it deceives by what is left unsaid rather than by what is said.—(From The Journal A. M. A., June 1, 1912.)