The label on the product reads:
“Firwein is pleasantly and effectively blended with salts of iodin and bromin, held in solution with 20 per cent. alcohol.”
The therapeutic claims made for Firwein and the mystery enshrouding its composition make it obvious that the product is intended to appeal to those who are either thoughtless or ignorant. This is emphasized by the suggestion that Firwein be combined with (1) cod liver oil (under the claim that it will “promote the efficiency of the oil”), with (2) whisky for the treatment of bronchorrhea of the aged, and with (3) syrup of hypophosphites for the treatment of persistent bronchitis.
As the composition of Firwein is secret, the therapeutic claims unwarranted, and its use irrational, the Council declared it inadmissible to New and Nonofficial Remedies.—(From Journal A. M. A., Feb. 17, 1917.)
FIROLYPTOL PLAIN AND FIROLYPTOL WITH KREOSOTE
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Firolyptol, another product of The Tilden Company, is, we are told, composed of eucalyptol 10 drops, cottonseed oil 1⁄2 ounce and Firwein enough to make 1 ounce. As the composition of Firwein is secret, it is evident that the composition of Firolyptol is also unknown, except to the manufacturers. “Firolyptol with Kreosote” is said to contain, in addition to whatever may be the component parts of Firolyptol, 10 minims of creosote to each ounce. According to an advertisement, Firolyptol with Kreosote is “antituberculous, antistrumous” and “contains all the desired features of cod liver oil and is readily assimilated.”
The advertisements of “Firolyptol Plain” and “Firolyptol with Kreosote” seem to have for their key-note the assertion that cottonseed oil is a particularly valuable nutriment and that when combined with constituents of Firolyptol and Firolyptol with Kreosote becomes particularly valuable to the tuberculous. To quote from an advertising circular: