32 ADULTERATED DRUGS AND CHEMICALS. 



by Stolnikow," that a modification of the chemical constitution of a 

 chemical compound materially changes its physiological action. For 

 example, the introduction of a methoxy group into morphine, convert- 

 ing it into codeine, materially diminishes its narcotic action. 



Salol was prepared by M. Nencki* and investigated therapeutically 

 by Dr. Sahli/ This chemical was fully covered by patents. 



in 1887 phenacetin, as an antipyretic, first made its public appear- 

 ance through communications by G. Kobler rf and E. Ghillany/ This 

 chemical was prepared by Hinsberg. No unfavorable after symptoms 

 were noticed in 50 cases that were treated. O. Hinsberg and A. 

 Kast^ reported that para-acetphenetidin (phenacetin) in doses of 3 

 grams acted like a strong poison, but in doses from 0.2 to 0.5 gram, 

 exhibited to feverish persons, it was an effective antipyretic. 



E. Utescher^ reported phenacetin as a very reliable antipyretic 

 and singularly free from secondary effects. He described it as an 

 odorless, tasteless, white (pinkish tint)^ crystalline body, having a 

 melting point of 132.5 C. When heated with sulphuric acid, ethyl 

 acetate is produced. On heating a mixture of phenacetin, potassium 

 hydroxid solution, and chloroform the isonitril odor is developed. 

 Phenacetin heated with a potassium hydroxid solution liberates ethyl 

 alcohol, which, on the addition of iodin, gives iodoform. This phenace- 

 tin was manufactured by F. Bayer & Co. 



The above historical review quite fully sets forth the state of the 

 art and knowledge prior to the application for the phenacetin patent, 

 June 29, 1888. The various methods of making acetanilid and its 

 physiological action were well known. Acetanilid produced unfavor- 

 able after results when given in repeated large doses. Some undesir- 

 able physiological actions had been removed or modified or mitigated 

 by the introduction of certain well-known groups. Phenacetin has 

 the same chemical constitution as acetanilid, excepting that one of the 

 atoms of h} r drogen of acetanilid has been substituted by an ethoxy 

 group. 



"Ztchr. f. 1'hyniol. Chein., 1884, S: L>:;:>. 



&Polytech. Xoti/bl., 18H<>, 41: 17H; through Chum. Central h., (3), 17:751. 



Therap. Monatsh. l',rrl., 1887, 1: 333. 



'/Ztsd.r. Ostrrr. Apoth. Vrr., 18S7, 2.V 823, 



'Ztechr. Osterr. Apoth. Ver., 1887, 2: 339; J. Soc. Chein. Intl., G: 676. 



/Centralb. Med. Wissensch., 1887, 25: 145. 



fir Apoth. Ztg., 1887, 2: 436; through J. Chem. Soc. Ind., 7: 227. 



