Not content with recommending the promiscuous use of this already too complex mixture, the Dios Chemical Company advises physicians to combine it with iron, when chalybeate and tonic effects are to be combined with “a nervine,” with acetanilid for “irritable cough,” headache and neuralgia, with antipyrin in asthma and with Dioviburnia—​another Dios nostrum—​in all female ailments.

Dioviburnia[W]

Dioviburnia, another Dios nostrum, according to the label, has the following composition:

“Every fl. oz. contains 3-4 dr. each of the fl. extracts, Viburnum Prunifolium, Viburnum Opulus, Dioscorea Villosa, Aletris Farinosa, Helonias Dioica, Mitchellae [sic] Repens, Caulophyllum Thalictroides, Scutellaria Laterifolia.” [Lateriflora?—Ed.]

Further, according to the label, Dioviburnia contains 18 per cent. alcohol. If this statement is correct then the “formula” is false, for the fluid extracts named contain from 25 to 73 per cent. of alcohol. As—​according to the “formula”—​these fluid extracts constitute three-fourths of Dioviburnia, the average alcohol-content in the whole mixture must of necessity be much above 18 per cent.[59] According to the makers, Dioviburnia is “unexcelled” for:

“Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Leucorrhea, Puerperal Convulsions, Prolapsus Uteri, Menorrhagia, Threatened Abortion, Parturition, Subinvolution, Miscarriage, and a general relaxed condition of the uterus and appendages, together with the various aches and pains peculiar to women.”

Around the sample bottle of Dioviburnia is wrapped a booklet entitled “A Treatise on Uterine Diseases and Obstetrical Hints,” said to be “For the Profession Only.” The booklet has been prepared, physicians are told, to present “some very valuable suggestions” regarding the treatment of female disorders and the attention of the medical profession is “earnestly” called to the “very remarkable medicine,” Dioviburnia. Further, it is said that Dioviburnia was devised by the Dios Chemical Company because there was an “absolute necessity” for some really efficient internal treatment in female diseases. The company backs up its statements by such claims as:

“The most valuable preparation, therapeutically, ever offered.”

“[Contains] every essential for toning up the female organs of generation, and relieving pain.”