“... all cases of Inflammation and Congestion, such as Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Croup, Boils, Carbuncles, Rheumatism, Swollen Glands, Peritonitis, Ovaritis, as a Surgical Dressing, Mamitis [Mastitis (?)] Vaginitis and Metritis (on cotton tampon to deplete these parts), Septic Wounds, Old Ulcers, Chilblain, Eczema, Neuralgia, Inflammation of the Eyes and Ears, Alveolar Inflammation, Burns, Scalds, Etc.”
According to the information sent to the Council by the Mystic Chemical Company, Olio-Phlogosis has the following composition per gallon:
Ol. Eucalyptus Gaultheria | drs. | 8 | |
Ol. Abies Canadensis | drs. | 8 | |
Ol. Abies Canadensis | drs. | 2 | |
Ol. Thyme (white) | drs. | 2 | |
Resublimated Iodin crystals | grs. | 32 | |
Resorcin | drs. | 1 | |
Acid Boracic C. P. | drs. | 2 | |
Quinine Bisulphate | drs. | 4 | |
Sodium Thiosulphate | drs. | 31⁄2 | |
Glycerin C. P. | q. s. ad | gal. 1 | |
A nonquantitative formula which appears on the label of a sample bottle sent to a physician enumerates the same ingredients except the sodium thiosulphate.
The A. M. A. Chemical Laboratory reports that no free iodin could be detected in the preparation.
Apparently, then, Olio-Phlogosis is essentially a skin irritant applied by means of cotton; it can be expected to be just about as effective as the old-fashioned cotton pneumonia jacket, used in conjunction with an aromatic skin irritant, such as camphorated oil or wintergreen or menthol ointment. The odor may have some psychic effect, and it is possible that some of the oily matter may be absorbed by the skin. That such small amounts, even if absorbed, can produce any considerable systemic effect, however, is highly improbable, and the advice that this preparation be relied on in pneumonia, pleurisy, peritonitis, etc., is pernicious. In the few cases of pneumonia in which heat is indicated, the plain cotton pad will usually be found sufficient. If the physician consider the addition of a skin irritant desirable, it is easy to select one from the official preparations. It will be far more rational to do so than to invoke the aid of a mystic name and a complex formula to which the patient and his family, at least, will be led to give unmerited credit.
The claims made for Olio-Phlogosis are unwarranted; its composition is complex and irrational, and the nondescriptive but therapeutically suggestive name is likely to lead to uncritical use. The Council voted that the product be refused recognition for conflict with Rules 6, 8 and 10, and that this report be published.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Aug. 19, 1916.)