There was a time, perhaps a generation ago, when physiologists taught that fats were absorbed into the blood in the form of a fine emulsion. This theory has been definitely disproved and it is now known that fats enter the blood only after a chemical splitting into glycerol and fatty acids, the latter being, to a large extent, combined with alkalies in the form of soaps.
“Sevetol,” another Wyeth preparation, is presented to the profession under the claim that it is a very fine emulsion of fats, every portion of which “is readily absorbed through the intestinal wall.” To quote:
“The administration of Sevetol, therefore, does not tax the digestive power of the patient, for it is absorbed with very little effort on the part of the digestive apparatus; and even if the organs of digestion be involved, neither the weakness of the patient nor the severity of the symptoms necessarily contra-indicates its use. The amount ingested is limited only by the power of assimilation exhibited in the tissues, and it may be given in large doses for a continued period of time, or until symptoms of overfeeding are produced, such as coated tongue, anorexia, constipation, headache and lassitude. When these symptoms appear, the administration of Sevetol should be temporarily discontinued and a mild but effective laxative given for several days, after which its use may be resumed.”
While the language just quoted is a little more exalted and dignified than that found in typical “patent medicine” advertisements, the thought it expresses qualifies it for a place in the “Lydia Pinkham” or “Peruna” class. Every sophomore medical student knows, if he gives the matter any thought, that Sevetol must undergo the same process of digestion as any other fat. It must be broken up into a fatty acid and glycerol, and saponified before it can be absorbed. It is plainly evident that the amount of Sevetol which can be taken is limited not only by the power of assimilation, but also by the power of digestion. The symptoms mentioned in the advertisement and ascribed to overfeeding, are the symptoms, not of a system saturated with absorbed fat, but of digestive organs rebelling against an unusual diet.
The exploitation of Sevetol is but one more case of turning to commercial account an exploded theory. Isn’t it about time that our profession demanded that the purveyors of medicinal products tell the truth? And isn’t it time, too, that we cease taking our pharmacology and therapeutics from proprietary manufacturers?—(From The Journal A. M. A., July 4, 1914.)
SALACETIN
Some time ago we wrote to Messrs. Bell & Co., calling their attention to the fact that we had made an examination[121] of their product, salacetin, and that as a result of such examination it was found to be a mixture, which did not coincide exactly with their description of it. They replied: “Our description of salacetin is correct and we have nothing more to impart except that anyone publishing any different formula from that given in our circulars will be held responsible by us.”
The description they give is as follows:
Prepared by the interaction, with heat, of salicylic acid, glacial acetic acid, and purified phenylamine.