Two separate packages of the tablets were obtained for analysis at an interval of several weeks; in the first supply the tablets were of a dirty white colour and contained no dye, but in the second they were bright yellow, and contained a yellow dye, which appeared to be one of the coal-tar colours; the other ingredients were the same as those found on the first occasion. The average weight of one tablet was 0·9 grain, and they were found to contain 87 per cent. of sugar, 2·4 per cent. of moisture, and O·5 per cent. of ash; about three-quarters of the remainder was starch, principally potato starch, but with a little maize. The residual 2 or 3 per cent. was a gelatinous substance which showed no marked reactions or characters, and exhibited only traces of cell tissue when examined microscopically. Analysis of the ash showed it to contain sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium chloride, sulphate, and phosphate; these are the constant constituents of the ash of extract of Fucus vesiculosus; an aqueous extract of the tablets contained a small quantity of mucilage similar to that yielded by the same drug. By taking some Fucus vesiculosus in the wet state, pounding it to a pulp and boiling it, a material was obtained agreeing with the gelatinous substance from the tablets, and there appeared no ground for doubting the identity of the two. Careful search was made for alkaloids and other substances in small quantity, but without any being found. The formula thus became:
| Fucus vesiculosus, in pulp | 3 | per cent. | (dry weight). |
| Starch | 7 | ” | |
| Sugar | 87 | ” | |
| Water | 3 | ” | |
| Yellow dye | q.s. |
The estimated cost of the ingredients (66 tablets) is one-fortieth of a penny.
HARGREAVE’S REDUCING WAFERS.
This preparation is supplied from an address in London in boxes price 1s. 1½d., containing 21.
The following extracts are taken from a circular enclosed with the box; the circular contained also a number of testimonials, with directions, etc.
Purely vegetable. Contain nothing harmful. Can be taken at any time with perfect safety. Dose: Three wafers daily. One after Breakfast, Dinner and Supper. If Supper is not taken, one after Tea instead. May be dissolved on the tongue or taken as pills. No change in diet necessary.
The supply sent herewith lasts one week, in which time the Fat commences to get less. In most cases, however, to complete a cure takes about seven weeks, therefore clients should now send for the further six weeks’ treatment.
The “wafers” were really compressed tablets of the ordinary shape, coated with French chalk, and coloured pink externally with eosin. After removing the coating the average weight of the tablets was 2·4 grains; they consisted of substances of “extract” nature, with about 10 per cent. of powdered liquorice. Analysis of the ash showed all the constituents of the ash of extract of Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack), and other tests indicated that this extract formed about one-half of the tablet; the other constituent (or constituents) also of “extract” nature, showed no reactions or properties by which it could be identified, and it was probably present merely as excipient.