This ointment, stated to be manufactured by a limited company with an address in London, is sold in a pot containing half an ounce, and costing 1s. 1½d. It is described on the label as “An invaluable remedy for every Disease to which the Eye is subject.” In a circular wrapped round the pot it is called “Bostock’s Botanic Eye Ointment,” which
is strongly recommended as a valuable Restorative and Preserver of the Sight, removing Inflammation, Bloodshots, Scorbutic Humours, Shooting Pains, Dimness, Swelling in the Eyelids, and numerous other diseases to which the Eye is subject; it also preserves the Sight against the injuries arising from extreme Heat and Cold.
Analysis showed the presence of small quantities of ammoniated mercury (commonly known as white precipitate) and an insoluble compound of lead which appeared to be the oxide; a little glycerine was present, and a bitter, light-coloured substance of the nature of an extract; this contained no alkaloid, and gave no characteristic reactions indicating the drug or plant from which it was derived; a trace of a vegetable powder was also found, the quantity being so very small that it was probably only an accidental contamination of the extract; when examined microscopically it appeared to consist chiefly of the tissue of a seed. The basis of the ointment contained soft paraffin and spermaceti, and a third constituent agreeing in its characters with lard. Determination of the amounts of the respective ingredients indicated the following approximate formula:
| Ammoniated mercury | 0·88 | per cent. |
| Lead oxide (litharge) | 0·15 | ” |
| Glycerine | 2·25 | ” |
| Extractive | 3·32 | ” |
| Spermaceti | 31·0 | ” |
| Soft paraffin | 31·0 | ” |
| Lard | 31·4 | ” |
Neglecting the extractive, the estimated cost of the ingredients for half an ounce is under one halfpenny.
A NEW AND MARVELLOUS REMEDY
FOR THE EYES.
This substance, sold from an address in Wisbech at the price of 2s. 9d. for a packet containing 135 grains, was enclosed in a small envelope, on which was written, “Remedy for Eyes only”; there was no printed label except the revenue stamp. In the accompanying circular it was described in the following terms:
A Cure for Cataracts, Films, White Specks, &c. without Operation. The Remedy Cures and Improves the Sight when every other remedy and human skill fails. The Remedy within Twelve Months has proved itself to have no equal for removing Cataracts, Films, White Specks, &c., and is guaranteed the greatest and most marvellous Remedy in the world for such, and for all Eye Sufferers.
Directions for use were given in another circular, as follows, and seem worth quoting as an illustration of pretensions so preposterous that they seem calculated to defeat their own object even when addressed to the most credulous:
Divide the packet of powder into four parts; into an ordinary six ounce medicine bottle put one part out of the four, then fill up the bottle with pure water. Filter or strain the water before so doing, then let the Lotion stand all night after it is made, it is then ready for use. Keep the remainder of the powder in a dry place until required for use.