Neither one of these statements gives any information as to the actual composition of the product. Inquiry addressed to the manufacturers elicited the reply that:
“Venarsen contains in each 5 c.c. 0.6 Gm. Sodium Dimethyl Arsenate, .0016 grams of Mercuric Iodide, .0048 grams of Sodium Iodide in solution in a suitable vehicle for intravenous administration.”
The following report of the examination of Venarsen is submitted by the Association’s Chemical Laboratory:
LABORATORY REPORT
Three ampules of Venarsen were examined. The first ampule was labeled
“A comparatively non-toxic organic arsenic compound, representing 247 Mg. (33⁄4 grs.) of metallic arsenic in chemical combination. 5 c.c.—0.6 Gm.”
Practically the same statement appeared in an advertising circular wrapped around the ampule. The second and third ampules bore labels identical with the first. The circulars differed from that accompanying the first ampule in that the presence of mercury is also announced, thus:
“Venarsen is a comparatively non-toxic organic arsenic compound, 0.6 Gm., representing 247 Mg. (33⁄4 grains) of metallic arsenic and .78 Mg. (3⁄250 grain) metallic mercury in chemical combination and is so prepared and enhanced as to present the ingredients to the blood in their most acceptable form.”
Thus, although the potent elements said to be contained in Venarsen are named, its chemical character (the combination in which the elements occur) is not disclosed.