“Ambrine” has been sold in America under two names: “Hyperthermine,” as exploited to physicians, and “Thermozine,” as advertised to the public. Physical comparison alone shows that Ambrine as now sold differs from “Hyperthermine” of a few years ago; the probable reason is that “Ambrine” has changed its formula. This is borne out by Matas,[167] who states that de Sandfort “admitted that Ambrine was a compound of paraffin, oil of sesame and resins, but was not at liberty to divulge its exact composition, as the formula and manufacture of this substance was now the property of a private corporation, which was exploiting it as a proprietary and secret remedy.” The later formula differs from the original.
Besides the foregoing paraffin preparations, two others have recently been placed on the American market, “Parresine” (nonsecret) and “Mulene” (secret).
ANALYSIS OF AMBRINE
“Ambrine” comes in rectangular cakes, about 11⁄2 inches wide, 6 inches long and 1⁄2 inch thick. It is moderately soft, but somewhat brittle at ordinary room temperature. A black substance is present, which evidently settles out during the compounding, as in one side of the cake these particles can be clearly discerned by holding it up to the light; in the other side there are no suspended particles. When melted, the solution is not clear, and a sediment forms. The melting point (U. S. P. method; see later) is 48.4 C. The plasticity and ductility[168] are 27 and 30.5, respectively. It is pliable and strong at body temperature. The saponification number and acid number are both very low, but a fatty oil is present. Tests indicated oil of sesame. Ninety-eight per cent. of “Ambrine” is soluble in ether; this soluble portion may be treated with low-boiling ligroin (petroleum ether), out of which, on standing, a black asphalt-like substance separates. Of the ether-insoluble substance, 65 per cent. is soluble in chloroform. The remaining insoluble substance contains a small amount of silica and vegetable fiber. The paraffin obtained from “Ambrine” melted at 48.6 C. As a result of various experiments, it appears that the composition of “Ambrine” is essentially as follows:
| Paraffin (M. P. 48.6 C.) | 97.0 per cent. |
| Fatty oil (sesame?) | 1.5 per cent. |
| Asphalt-like body | 0.5 per cent. |
| Coloring matter, and undetermined | 1.0 per cent. |
| —— | |
| 100.0 |
OTHER PROPRIETARY FILMS
A cursory examination of “Mulene,” manufactured by the Mulene Company, Pittsburgh, was also made. This appears to contain paraffin, beeswax, a fat-soluble red dye and considerable rosin. When heated carefully in a beaker, the rosin “sticks” to the bottom, and does not go into solution readily.[169]
“Paresine,”[170] according to the manufactures, is a mixture composed of paraffin, 94 to 96 per cent.; gum elemi, 0.20 to 0.25 per cent.; Japan wax, 0.40 to 0.50 per cent.; asphalt, 0.20 to 0.25 per cent., and eucalyptol, 2 per cent., the whole being colored with alkannin and gentian violet.[171]