The sulphids are practically ignored in modern textbooks. There is a rather extensive clinical literature on the subject, particularly in connection with sulphur waters; this, however, offers no good evidence for the therapeutic value of sulphids. Probably the tradition in their favor is largely due to the old popular idea that a disagreeable taste or odor is a mark of a good remedy.[95]

When hydrogen sulphid is introduced into the body, the small amounts that appear in the expired air are insufficient for quantitative demonstration and it is highly improbable that the amount thus excreted has any germicidal action, or that enough is excreted in the lungs to cause irritation and a reaction. The claim that Sulfuryl Monal is “a perfect protective agent against contagious diseases” is unwarranted; the recommendation for its use in “simple and infectious pneumonia, and in the first stage of pulmonary tuberculosis” is dangerous and vicious. The Council declared Sulfuryl Monal ineligible for New and Non­official Remedies and authorized publication of this report.

[Editorial Note..—With one exception, this product does not appear to be advertised in medical journals. We find, however, in the gallery of nostrums that grace the advertising pages of the International Journal of Surgery, that Sulfuryl Monal has its place. According to an advertisement that has been running some months in this publication, “affections of the throat and respiratory organs respond promptly” to Sulfuryl Monal whose “effects are rapid and certain” even in “incipient tuberculosis.” This pre­posterous pro­nounce­ment is no worse than many others appearing in the same journal, but it is bad enough to indicate how uncritical must be the physicians who support—by sub­scrip­tion or con­tri­bu­tion—pub­li­ca­tions that are still debasing scientific medicine.]—(From The Journal A. M A., Sept. 16, 1916.)

MARK WHITE GOITER SERUM AND MARK WHITE IODINIZED OIL

Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry

The “Mark White Goiter Serum Laboratories” of Chicago asked the Council to consider its products “Mark White Goiter Serum” and “Mark White Iodinized Oil.” The “serum” was claimed to be an “antibody blood serum from a goat with thyroidosis” while the “Iodinized Oil” was said to contain “about 4 grains of iodin” to “each c.c.” The therapeutic indications for the treatment were given as:

“Simple or Exophthalmic Goiter, Hyperthyroidism-dosis, Thyrosis, Thyroidosis, Thyrotoxicosis, Dementia.”

An ampule (2 c.c.) of the “serum” is to be injected into the thyroid to be followed one week later by an ampule (2 c.c.) of the “Iodinized Oil.” Repetition of this “treatment” once or twice a month is advised.