Notwithstanding this, we are told later on in the same pamphlet that it:

“... facilitates, hastens and assists the processes of digestion and assimilation.” ... “is a most efficacious remedy in Pulmonary Tuberculosis because it not only maintains normal nutrition, but also exerts a well-defined specific palliative influence upon the cough and other symptoms of the disease.”

Evidently the advertisement is written in the hope that in one paragraph a claim based on the proved properties of petroleum products may be substantiated, while in another a totally different and inconsistent claim may be glibly insinuated in vague phrases designed to lull thought and thus perform the remarkable feat of securing credence for two contradictory statements.

UNWARRANTED AND MISLEADING CLAIMS

Further evidence that Angier’s Emulsion is at present exploited both to the medical profession and to the public under claims that are unwarranted and misleading, if not as palpably untrue as the claims made in the past, is found on the wrapper of a trade package purchased in 1914 and in the circular accompanying it. Note the following:

“Indicated in Diseases of the Throat and Lungs and of the Digestive Apparatus. Useful in General Debility and Wasting Diseases, Especially when due to Faulty Nutrition. The antiseptic properties of the Emulsion particularly adapt it to the treatment of diseases of septic or bacterial origin.”

“Angier’s Petroleum Emulsion is indicated in affections of the throat, lungs and intestinal tract—​both subacute and chronic. In diseases of the digestive apparatus due to catarrhal, ulcerative or tuberculous conditions, its peculiar soothing, healing and aseptic properties make its use especially beneficial. Wasting diseases, particularly when due to faulty nutrition, are greatly benefited by its use, one of the most noticeable effects being a prompt and decided increase in weight.”

It is, of course, unnecessary to point out that, since petroleum is non-absorbable, Angier’s Emulsion contains no ingredient capable of affecting the respiratory mucous membrane except by local application, for which, indeed, this preparation is evidently not intended.

COMPOSITION AND FORMULAS

According to a circular which was contained in a trade package recently purchased