Tablet 18 (circular) was white; the coating was of similar composition to that of A. The decoated tablets weighed about 3·8 grains each; analysis showed the presence of about 1 grain of sodium benzoate in each, together with a small quantity of a greenish, moderately bitter resin which could not be identified, and a trace of oil of wintergreen. Faint indications were obtained of a trace of an alkaloid, but not enough to amount to positive evidence. No other medicinal substance could be found; the remainder was of “extractive” nature.
Tablet 45 (circular) was coloured externally with a pink dye; the coating was of similar composition to that of A. The decoated tablets weighed about 1·1 grain each; the chief constituent was aloes, and there was also present a very small quantity of ginger extract, and a small quantity of a resin, which was probably jalap or scammony resin; also a moderate trace of alkaloid, which was not the alkaloid of nux vomica, belladonna, or hyoscyamus, but was not present in quantity sufficient to be identified; the only other ingredient found was a little potato starch.
Tablet 7 (circular) was not coated. The average weight of these was 6·5 grains each, and they consisted principally of charcoal, with some sugar and a very little saccharin.
“These special remedies are very expensive!”
BURGESS’S LION OINTMENT.
The results of an examination of Burgess’s Lion Ointment may be given here inasmuch as it will be seen that it is recommended for the cure of a great number of disorders. It is supplied in boxes at 1s. 1½d., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., 11s., and jars at 22s.; the 1s. 1½d. box contains 1 oz., and the next size 3 oz.
A circular wrapped round the box was headed “Amputation avoided—the knife superseded,” and continued:
E. Burgess’s Lion Ointment and Pills Have deservedly become the popular remedies for curing all diseases of the Skin, Old Wounds, Ulcers, Abscesses, (including Tuberculous), Tumours, Polypuses, Piles, Fistulas, Shingles, Venerea Sores, Whitlows, Broken Breasts, Bad Legs, Boils, Scurvy, Scrofula (King’s Evil), Scorbutic Eruptions, Poisoned Wounds of all kinds, Stings, Venomous Bites, Scurf, Ringworm, Itch, Corns, Chilblains, Chapped Hands, Cracked Lips, Cuts, Burns, Scalds, Gatherings in the Ear, Toothache, Earache, Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, Sciatica, Quinsey, Bronchitis, Asthma, Deafness, etc.; also Ulcerous Affections of the Womb, for the treatment of which apply to the Proprietor, personally, or by letter, in all cases free. These invaluable medicines have not been introduced as remedies for any of the above complaints, or diseases, until they have in each case PRACTICALLY proved EFFECTUAL. To those who are suffering from diseases apparently rendering amputation necessary, they are especially recommended, as they entirely do away with the necessity for the same by drawing all the cause of the disease from the affected part, cleansing the blood, and restoring the system to a sound, healthy condition.
They are vegetable preparations, and the Ointment can be applied with perfect confidence to the most tender skin. It is entirely free from all poisonous ingredients, a great recommendation for the nursery—for which it is invaluable.
In spite of the ointment being a “vegetable preparation,” analysis showed the principal ingredient to be lead oleate (lead plaster); this is blended with resin, wax, and fatty ingredients; vegetable extracts and active principles were found to be absent. It is not possible to separate the ingredients of an ointment like this sharply one from another; and, since the ingredients are not themselves simple bodies but mixtures liable to rather wide variations, they can only be approximately determined, and, as regards the lard and oil, even identification cannot be placed beyond doubt nor can small quantities of some other fats be certainly stated to be absent. These, however, are matters of minor importance. The composition given below has been checked by varying the analytical methods, as well as by comparison of various ointments prepared according to formulæ suggested by analysis. As a result of the investigation, the following formula was arrived at, which gives an ointment similar to the “Lion” ointment: