The composition of this “wine”—some bitter drugs, a laxative and a tannin-containing, constipating red wine—and advertising propaganda all tend to the continued use of this alcoholic stimulant and thus to the unconscious formation of a desire for alcoholic stimulation. As the medical journal advertisements may lead physicians to prescribe this secret and irrational preparation and thus unconsciously lead to alcoholism, the Council authorized publication of this report.—(From The Journal A. M. A., July 14, 1917.)
TRIMETHOL
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Trimethol is the trade name for a substance said to be trimethyl-methoxy-phenol of the formula C6H(CH3)3(OCH3).OH—1:2:4:5:6, originated by J. T. Ainslie Walker. It is sold as a nontoxic germicide, having a Rideal-Walker phenol-coefficient of 40, even in the intestinal canal. It is described as insoluble in water and not to be decomposed in the alimentary tract, and to be excreted unchanged in the feces.
Trimethol itself is not obtainable. Pharmaceutical preparations—Trimethol Syrup, Trimethol Capsules and Trimethol Tablets, said to contain Trimethol—are prepared by The Walker-Leeming Laboratories and sold by Thos. Leeming and Co., New York.
Trimethol preparations are advertised for use in all conditions dependent on intestinal putrefaction. The advertising claims made are very extensive and some of them give to “Trimethol” the scope of a panacea. For example:
“Physicians are constantly reporting cases where Trimethol has been especially efficient, and describing conditions (until recently not associated with intestinal infection) which have been distinctly benefited by its use. This would seem to bear out the contentions of Charcot and Metchnikoff that 90% of all human ailments have their origin in intestinal infection.
“The careful practitioner, when in doubt, will bear this in mind, now that we have a really efficient and non-toxic intestinal germicide—not a mere antiseptic.”