The declared composition of the preparation is unscientific, and the therapeutic claims are unwarranted.

EUPEPTIC HYPOPHOSPHITES

Nelson, Baker & Co., Detroit, Mich., who market Eupeptic Hypo­phosphites, call this preparation:

“A superior combination containing the Hypo­phosphites of Potassium, Calcium, Iron and Manganese, and the bitter tonics, Quinin and Strychnin, agreeably associated with natural digestive ferments of the pancreatic secretion. It is thus a general reconstructive tonic.... The remedy is of especial value in the treatment of mental and nervous affections.... It is indicated in pulmonary tuberculosis, in all wasting diseases, in debilitated conditions generally and in all exhaustion from over work.”

On the basis of the manufacturer’s statement, Eupeptic Hypo­phosphites must be regarded as a semisecret, unscientific, shotgun preparation, exploited through unwarranted therapeutic claims.

MCARTHUR’S SYRUP OF THE HYPOPHOSPHITES COMP. (LIME AND SODA)

So far as the recent literature and trade package are concerned, no information as to the composition of this product is furnished beyond what is conveyed in the name. The advertising for McArthur’s Syrup, like that for Fellows’ Syrup and Peters’ Syrupus Roborans, has been modified as time has passed. A few years ago it was advertised under such claims as the following:

“... Has Stood the Test during many years for unequaled efficacy in the treatment of Tuberculosis.... Indicated also as a Tonic and Tissue Builder in convalescence from Fevers, in Nervous Diseases, Rickets, Senile Debility and Bronchitis.”

“Its use is indicated in ... diseases of the chest, chronic cough, throat affections, general debility, brain exhaustion, cholera infantum and wasting diseases of children.”

At present no definite claims seem to be made for it; the manufacturers evidently find the magic name of hypo­phosphites sufficient to evoke the spell for which the advertisement writer’s aid was once sought. A testimonial contained in a circular which seems to be still used illustrates both the kind of aura which surrounds hypo­phosphites in the minds of physicians who are still living in the past, and the kind of logic which has made the reputation of this and many other equally worthless preparations.