“The Russell Emulsion” and “The Prepared Green Bone” were declared inadmissible to New and Nonofficial Remedies.
[Editorial Comment.—There are always those who are ready to exploit the unfortunate tuberculous. It is, unfortunately, a fact that many physicians accept as true, statements clothed with obscure and voluminous quasi-scientific verbiage. Such men would laugh at the bald claim that the moon is made of green cheese; when, however, one plausibly and with due solemnity, affirms that the nocturnal luminous earthly satellite is composed of an infinite aggregation of molecules of bewildering and awe-compelling complexity, built up from the recently discovered polypeptids, the whole being of a verdant tint, the person addressed looks impressed and opines that it sounds reasonable! The advertising for The Russell Emulsion and The Russell Prepared Green Bone is dangerous because it appeals to the thoughtless—layman and physician, alike.]—(From The Journal A. M. A., June 23, 1917.)
BROM-I-PHOS
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Brom-I-Phos (National Drug Company, Philadelphia) was submitted to the Council with a label bearing the following statement:
“ ‘ALCOHOL 25 PER CENT.’
COMPOSITION—Per Fluidounce
| Iodin | 1 | gr. |
| Bromin | 1 | gr. |
| Phosphorus | 8-100 | gr. |
| Aromatic Base | q. | s.” |
A request for further information in regard to the composition of Brom-I-Phos was sent to the National Drug Company. It was suggested that since the preparation cannot contain the stated amounts of free bromin, free iodin and free phosphorus, the form of combination in which these elements are present should be set forth. In reply, the firm said, first, that “Brom-I-Phos consists of Bromin, Iodin, Phosphorus, Glycerin, Wine, Water and Volatile Oils. The Iodin is rubbed up with a small percentage of Potassium Iodid and 95 per cent. Alcohol, which solution is mixed with a solution of Bromine and Spirits of Phosphorus which are combined with the base and aromatics.” The manufacturer also admitted that phosphorus reacts with bromin and iodin and that other reactions might occur, but maintained that it was “justified in assuming the greater part, if not all of these elements, are actually existent in the nascent state,” and asserted that its “printed formula complies with our working formula in point of quantities involved as well as existence of elements in an uncombined state.”