32 Kansas Academy of Science. 



new things, and the only invention about them is that of their 

 names. When it is taken into consideration that no one except 

 their manufacturers knows the true composition of these nostrums, 

 the absurdity of claiming that the names given them are trade- 

 marks used for the purpose of distinguishing between brands of 

 well-known prescriptions is apparent. Again, as the claims made 

 for these nostrums regarding their therapeutic value are not gen- 

 erally justified by the facts, it is evident that their manufacturers 

 when they make false representations in regard to these prescrip- 

 tions, can not come into court with clean hands to defend their 

 alleged trademarks. The burden of proof must needs fall upon 

 the advertisers of such claims, and proof can not be forthcoming 

 unless the true composition of their medicines is made known. 



The analysis of a very large number of these patent medicines 

 or nostrums have been made in the drug laboratory of the Uni- 

 versity, and it has been found that almost universally they are 

 composed of agents which are not only not new to medical science, 

 but compounded by the use of simple, well-known medicinal ar- 

 ticles. It is fair to say that on the average they are practically 

 harmless, but a few have been found to be even dangerous when 

 used with impunity, especially in the treatment of diseases of chil- 

 dren. Since the law forbids the use of habit-producing drugs 

 without a declaration on the label of such ingredients, the number 

 of the harmful medicines of this class of '"patent medicines" has 

 been greatly reduced. The Board of Health Bulletins have from 

 month to month reported upon the constitution of those sent in to 

 the laboratory by inspectors. Some of these are interesting. For 

 example, in the last report there is published the analysis of Fruit- 

 ola, a comparatively new member of this class. Quoting from the 

 report, it states about as follows: 



Another interesting remedy which has been of considerable interest is 

 known as Fruitola and Traxo. This compound is "a system cleanser, re- 

 moves gall stones, and positively cures all stomach trouble," and is put up 

 by the Pinos Medical Company, Los Angeles, Cal. Their pamphlet assures 

 the reader that there is such a thing as a positive cure in remedial agents. 

 The Fruitola, which they advertise, consists of a four-ounce bottle of olive 

 oil, with a mixture of an agreeable volatile oil, and with this liquid are 

 three Seidlitz powders. Accompanying Fruitola is a dark-colored liquid 

 known as Traxo, which consists of a solution of vegetable extractives, the 

 major part of which seems to be, thus far examined, Taraxacum. 



In conclusion, this industry in nostrums seems to be growing, 

 and is largely due to the developments in the art of advertising, 

 and, as has been stated before, the worst feature of this business is 



