S. T.
Answer.—1. The composition of “K-Y Lubricating Jelly” has not been divulged. Examination of the advertising matter reveals only meaningless statements, such as: “This is a judicious combination of vegetable products ... Combined in well balanced proportions with non-irritating antiseptics...,” “It incorporates a sufficient quantity of mild antiseptics (of the Thymol class) ...” and “... contains NO formaldehyde.”
2. Probably a simple tragacanth jelly, which can be made cheaply, will produce the same effects as those of the proprietary preparation. The following formula was published by Mr. J. K. Thum, apothecary at the German Hospital, Philadelphia (Druggists Circular, September, 1915, p. 586):
LUBRICATING JELLY
| Tragacanth, whole | 3 | gm. |
| Glycerin | 25 | c.c. |
| Phenol | 1.5 | gm. |
Distilled water, a sufficient quantity to make 300 c.c. The tragacanth is broken in small pieces, and put into a wide-mouthed bottle; the other ingredients are added and the bottle frequently shaken.
In regard to this formula, Mr. Thum writes:
It has been used in our gynecologic department for years.... For the last six years we have been dispensing it in collapsible tubes throughout the hospital for general work.—(Correspondence in The Journal A. M. A., May 12, 1917.)