In the formula the most expensive ingredient is the phytolaccin, which is also the least certain, both as to identity and quantity. Taking the formula here given, the estimated cost of the ingredients for 50 tablets is 8d.
Gloria Pills, price 1s. 1½d. per box, containing 40 pills, in addition to being supplied as part of the “treatment” for rheumatism, were recommended as a general laxative. It was stated in the circular enclosed with them that “Gloria Laxative Pills will cure Constipation, Torpid Liver, Piles, Headache, Dizziness, Sour Eructation, Heartburn, Bloating, Flatulence, Nausea, Sleeplessness, Mental Depression, Palpitation of the Heart, Nervousness, Kidney Trouble, and all other conditions resulting from Dyspepsia and Indigestion.”
The pills were coated with talc, coloured to a chocolate colour with oxide of iron. After removal of the coating, the average weight was 1·1 grains. Analysis showed the constituents to be chiefly extracts and resins. The two samples of pills examined—namely, the gratis sample of eight pills first supplied, and the full box afterwards obtained—differed materially in composition; the former contained about 25 per cent. of powdered liquorice, 6 or 8 per cent. of powdered rhubarb, and 6 or 8 per cent. of wheat flour, while the latter contained neither liquorice nor rhubarb, and proportionately more of the soluble constituents, which appeared to consist in both cases of extracts of aloes and cascara sagrada with jalap resin. The various constituents were estimated quantitatively, but in such a mixture exact results are of course unattainable, and even the qualitative results must be given with a certain reservation. The formula indicated for the pills in the 1s. 1½d. box was:
| Extract of | cascara sagrada | 0·3 | grain. |
| ” | Socotrine aloes | 0·5 | ” |
| Jalap resin | 0·07 | ” | |
| Flour |  | q.s. | |
| Excipient |
in one pill.
Estimated cost of ingredients for 40 pills, ½d.
BARING GOULD’S ANTI-RHEUMATIC PEARLS.
This article is introduced to the public by an advertisement headed:
“Rheumatism speedily cured.” The advertisement states that Mr. Baring Gould, of an address at a provincial watering place, “very strongly recommends Marvellous Cheap Remedy for Chronic Rheumatism, Gout, etc. Free Information for addressed envelope.”
Application for information with regard to the remedy brought a box of the “Pearls” with an intimation that the price was 5s., or 3s. 9d. for prompt cash. In the enclosed circulars the proprietor was described as “W. Baring Gould, Rheumatic Specialist and Scientist in Chemistry,” and the “Pearls” were referred to in the following terms: