In analysing complex mixtures, such as some of these nostrums are, it is, of course, not possible to attain the same precision as when dealing with medicines which consist chiefly of inorganic salts, as in the case of nostrums for epilepsy, dealt with in another chapter. A vegetable extract containing no definite active principle, such as, for instance, extract of taraxacum (dandelion), cannot be identified by any direct test; if such an extract is mixed with another, with a powdered drug, or an essential oil, its identification with perfect certainty may become almost impossible. The large variations, again, which may occur in the proportion of solid matter in a tincture or infusion, as well as the variations in the relative proportion of the different constituents of drugs, prevent the results of analysis being translated with certainty into the formula from which the mixture was compounded. These considerations apply to several of the articles described in this chapter. While the principal ingredient or ingredients in each case can be ascertained with little or no possibility of error, the subsidiary ingredients in some cases cannot be determined with the same confidence; we have endeavoured to indicate in each case the possibility of such minor errors. Full use has been made of check methods, by compounding mixtures according to the formulæ obtained by analysis and comparing them with the originals.
DOAN’S BACKACHE KIDNEY PILLS.
These pills, of American origin, which have been very extensively advertised for some years, are sold in boxes price 2s. 9d., containing 40 “kidney pills” and 4 “dinner pills.”
They were described on the wrapper of the package as a
Specific for kidney complaints and all diseases arising from disorder of the kidneys and bladder. Cure Backache, Weak Back, Rheumatism, Diabetes, Congestion of the Kidneys, Inflammation of the bladder, Gravel, Bright’s Disease, Scalding Urine, and all Urinary troubles.
A circular was enclosed with the box, in which a dissertation on “Diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder” was given, together with directions for taking the pills for various complaints. The following extracts are taken from the circular:
Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills are composed of rare and valuable medicinal agents in a combination best adapted to the speedy relief and cure of Kidney Disease, urinary and bladder affections, and all diseases resulting therefrom. They are purely vegetable, containing no ingredients of a deleterious nature, and may be taken by the most delicate person, with every confidence of their giving quick and permanent relief, without any after ill effects ... they are the only medicine known that quickly relieves and permanently cures.
This medicine has restored to health thousands of women. As a means of healing the kidneys, and as a tonic to the whole female constitution it is unequalled.
The last sentence of the next extract shows some ingenuity:
Chronic cases of long standing. These frequently come under our notice and we hear that the patient, after trying every known remedy and failed (sic) has despaired of ever getting relief. Now in all stages of Kidney Disease this is where Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills are the most needed, and, indeed, are the only remedy possible to give permanent relief. But it takes time. One cannot expect to be cured in a few weeks.... In some cases three or four boxes of Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills are sufficient; but in these cases of long standing, 8, 10, and even 20 or 30, are required to effect a cure. But they will cure in the end if the patient perseveres. We are emphatic on this point, because in kidney disease patients are so easily discouraged. It is one of the symptoms of the disease.