The bromids calculated from the sodium and potassium determinations were found to be 0.0630 gm. sodium bromid and 0.1261 gm. potassium bromid per c.c., the equivalent of 0.3139 gm. silver bromid. The total silver bromid obtained was 0.3146 gm., showing practical agreement with the total bromids calculated from the sodium and potassium determinations.
The preparation contained then 6.30 gm. sodium bromid and 12.61 gm. potassium bromid per 100 c.c., or 9.73 grains of potassium bromid and 4.86 grains sodium bromid, a bromid content equal to 15.35 grains potassium bromid per fluid dram.
ZYMOTOID
A Fraud of the Liquozone-Oxytonic-Septicide Type
Dr. Arnold’s Zymotoid, a nostrum manufactured by Arnold’s Zymotoid Company, Rockford, Ill., is claimed to be an “antiseptic, germicide and antiphlogistic” which “has absolutely no peer in medicine.” According to the statements of the manufacturer, Zymotoid is “successfully employed not only as an external dressing on all wounded and diseased surfaces, but in all zymotic conditions wherein a reliable antiseptic and germicide is needed internally.” And in telling physicians of the great value of Zymotoid the company says:
“We assured them that if they would simply place Zymotoid ‘next’ to any wounded surface—and nothing else—they would have no inflammation, no suppuration, no infection or blood poison. Its prompt use in all cases where such trouble arises gives immediate and certain relief.”
This is a large contract to be undertaken by Zymotoid—or any other preparation—which, as will be shown, consists principally of boric acid and water. The company also appends to its announcement concerning Zymotoid a number of the usual testimonials and a lot of alleged “case reports.”
Zymotoid seems to be exploited principally by circulars addressed to physicians and by agents who attempt to sell it to physicians. They also try to work factories and other large employers of labor. In their circular to physicians they claim that “Zymotoid is strictly ethical.” And “we publish its composition.” The composition given is: “sulphur, niter, cinnamon and boric acid in gaseous solution.” It is also claimed to be “a chemical compound—not a mixture—which is wholly non-toxic and can be used as freely as desired internally absolutely without harm to the smallest child.” On the label of the Zymotoid package is the following: