“Quantitative analysis indicated that the composition of the specimens examined was essentially as follows:

Sodium phosphate, anhydrous

 4.4 per cent.

Sodium sulphate, anhydrous

26.5 per cent.

Sodium tartrate, anhydrous

12.7 per cent.

Sodium bicarbonate

19.5 per cent.

Tartaric Acid, free

20.8 per cent.

Sodium chlorid

 8.9 per cent.

Lithium phosphate

 trace

Water of hydration (by difference)

 7.2 per cent.

“From the results of the analysis, it appears probable that the composition of the mixture before ‘granulation’ was approximately as follows:

Sodium phosphate

 4 per cent.

Sodium sulphate

25 per cent.

Sodium bicarbonate

30 per cent.

Tartaric Acid

30 per cent.

Sodium chlorid

 8 per cent.

Lithium phosphate

 trace

Water of hydration (by difference)

 3 per cent.

“Sal Hepatica, therefore, is essentially an effervescing mixture of dried sodium sulphate (Glauber’s salt) and sodium tartrate with a little dried sodium phosphate and table salt added. It is similar to the effervescent artificial Carlsbad Salt described in the National Formulary.

“In 1909 the Druggists Circular published the following analysis of Sal Hepatica:

Sodium phosphate29.80 parts
Sodium sulphate (Glauber’s salt)26.27 parts
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)18.00 parts
Sodium chlorid (salt)13.05 parts
Lithium phosphate 0.04 parts
Citric and tartaric acids (to make 100)12.84 parts

“A comparison of the recent analysis with the earlier one would seem to indicate that considerable changes have been made in the formula since the first examination. The proportions of sodium phosphate have been greatly reduced, while the sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid have been increased and the citric acid entirely eliminated.”

Sal Hepatica, then, is a simple effervescent saline laxative, essentially secret in composition and sold under claims that would be laughed at were the full formula of the product a matter of public knowledge.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Oct. 29, 1921.)