In accordance with this recommendation (report of Referee 2) the Council authorized the publication of the reports of both the first and second referees.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Report of First Referee on Proteogens
“Proteogens,” according to the William S. Merrell Co., are “Polyvalent Proteins of Non-Toxic Plant Origin.” The subject of Proteogens can best be approached by recalling the history of “Autolysin,” an alleged remedy for cancer, originated by A. S. Horowitz, Ph.D. This was exploited some years ago, and was finally shown to be worthless. Proteogens are said to be prepared “under the personal supervision of the originator, Dr. A. S. Horowitz.” The composition of the different Proteogens is essentially secret. The assertion was made at one time, but is not found in the present advertising matter, that Plantex—now called “Proteogen No. 1”—is similar to Autolysin. Now the Proteogens are said to be “prepared by a special process employing various combinations of plants.” Further:
The biologic principles present are chlorophyll, chromoplast, lipoids and vitamines; these are ferments or enzymes. The vegetable acids, metalloids and metals present in all plants in colloid form act biochemically. Among the metalloids are hydrogen, carbon, manganese, oxygen, sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine; the heavy metals are iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and copper. These biochemic principles are always present in plants as colloids.”
It is claimed by the Merrell Company that:
“Proteogens stimulate the cytogenic mechanism to higher activity; therefore, indirectly cleave the invading microorganism and eliminate their special toxins. Proteogens swing the disturbed metabolism back to normal and, by natural processes, build up effective defenses against recurrent bacterial attacks.”
Proteogen No. 1 was first introduced as “Plantex,” and at that time the Merrell Company referred to a preparation that was the result of “a series of studies” carried out by a “noted biologist” with a view of “evolving a Cancer remedy” that was “to be autolytic in character,” and announced:
“The House of Merrell always interested in the progress of plant therapy, began pharmacological experimentations to reproduce this same substance. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the substance as used in New York having been published simplified matters. A somewhat similar remedy has now been prepared. It consists of the following substances—Menyanthes trifoliata [Buckbean], Melilotus officinalis [Yellow sweet clover], Mentha crispa [Curled mint], Brassica alba [White mustard], Anemone hepatica [Liver leaf], Viola tricolor [Pansy], Anthemis [Roman chamomile], Fructus colocynthidis [Colocynth], Lignum quassiæ [Quassia], Urtica dioica [Nettle], Radix rhei [Rhubarb root], Hedge hyssop. These substances are in approximately equal proportions with the exception of the mustard which forms 20 per cent. of the mixture, and the colocynth fruit which is 5 per cent.”
With respect also to the other Proteogens listed above, study of medical literature revealed no evidence establishing their therapeutic value; in fact, no evidence was found other than that appearing in the advertising matter of the manufacturer. The range of diseases in which Proteogens are recommended is so wide as to make obvious the lack of scientific judgment which characterizes their exploitation. A circular letter, received January, 1919, reminded the physician that about a year ago his attention had been directed to Proteogen No. 1 for cancer, that later developments enabled the firm to recommend for his consideration “a series of Proteogens (Nos. 2 to 9),” and that now “In response to an insistent demand, Dr. A. S. Horowitz has prepared two new Proteogens—No. 10 for Syphilis and No. 11 for Gonorrhea.” A postscript to this circular letter announced another preparation, “Proteogen No. 12 for Influenza and Pneumonia,” a “development out of the present influenza epidemic,” and admitted that “It has not had the clinical experimentation that precedes our introduction of a new product.”