The package contained ampules of thin, fragile, brown colored glass, containing approximately 21⁄2 c.c. of light, clear, amber colored, thick, sticky fluid, having a distinct caramel odor. Reaction pH = 5.0. A reducing substance (probably glucose) amounting to 7.4 per cent. was found by using Benedict’s method for estimating glucose quantitatively; after hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid, 55.5 per cent. glucose was found. There was no reaction for albumin. No attempt was made to identify the sugars, as it seemed probable that in the preparation caramel had been produced.
The circular which accompanied the package of Aphlegmatol contained the following information (spelling and composition as in original) about its use and effects:
To be emploied where a large bronchial secretion is present in the respiratory branches disease. The secretion will diminish and, in non complicated cases, it will completely disappear.
Fever, cough, hemottisis, night perspiration, vomiting and difficulty of breathing are, in the meantime, diminuished.
Aphlegmatol acts also as a riconstituent, being itself a nurrishing composition, improves the digestive function of the body and increases the arterial pressure.
5 c.c. (2 Phials) of Aphlegmatol per day must be injected intramuscularly in the Gluteus.
If the patient wishes two injections may be made, one at the right immediately followed by a second one at the left.
The cure must not be interrupted untill sometime after expectoration has disappeared, which result may be obtained only after fifty or sixty days, in the meantime the patient must be controlled by his home physician, especialy when thermal elevation of the body takes place.
Improvement will be manifested on or about the tenth day of the first injection.
In the advertising circular, which is apparently intended for general distribution, much the same information is given as in the sheet enclosed with the ampules, except that in the directions we find: “If the injections are painful—especially in cases where patients are very emaciated—physicians are advised to inject together with Aphlegmatol, as an anesthetic, a vial with 1 c.c. solution of Stovain at 3%.” The advertising for Aphlegmatol contains many misspelled words and appears to be the work of those ignorant of the English language.