50 
THE DESIGNATION OF MEDICINES. 
•offered us of known composition. If it could be shown that the medicine pre¬ 
pared by any one of the published formulae is identical in composition or equal 
in efficacy with the chlorodyne the reputation of which has been established T 
scarcely a question could exist as to the proper course to be adopted, but it 
cannot be said that this point has yet been determined. Among the formulae 
published for the preparation of chlorodyne, probably the best known is that 
given by Air. Squire, in which morphia is named as one of the ingredients; but 
the proportion of morphia given in this formula is so small (only a quarter of 
a grain to an ounce) that it can hardly be conceived the sedative effects of the 
medicine are due to this ingredient. Another formula has been published or¬ 
dering four grains of morphia to the ounce, and thus two preparations, both 
purporting to represent the true chlorodyne, differ in strength to this great ex¬ 
tent. In the correspondence to which we have alluded. Dr. Collis Browne 
warns the profession against patronizing the published formulae, or any of the 
medicines called chlorodyne other than his own. It appears that in a case of 
poisoning with chlorodyne containing four grains of morphia in an ounce, and 
made from a formula published in the 4 Canada Lancet,’ the pupils of the eyes 
were contracted, indicating the action of morphia, and with reference to this, 
Dr. Collis Browne says that his chlorodyne never contracts the pupil. This is a 
point deserving of notice in connection with the investigation of the subject. 
Dr. Browne denies that Mr. Squire’s formula represents his chlorodyne. He 
says, 44 Liq. chloroformi comp. is one thing ; chlorodyne is totally distinct.'' On 
the other hand Mr. Squire states, in a letter addressed to the medical journals, 
that 44 Liq. chloroformi comp.,” for which the formula is given in his 4 Compa¬ 
nion to the British Pharmacopoeia,’ 44 approaches very closely in composition the 
compost sold as chlorodyne, and enables medical men to prescribe a medicine 
they know the composition of.” 
We have received the following communication on this subject from Dr. 
Kidd:— 
Chloroform and Chlorodyne. 
StickciUe Street , July 20th. 
Sir,—Mr. Squire, of Oxford Street, advocates a somewhat fixed and recognized for¬ 
mula for the medicine so generally known under the name of chlorodyne. I very much 
agree with him, as three deaths have already been ascribed to the unskilful administra¬ 
tion of this uncertain remedy ; and a discussion has arisen in the medical journals as to 
what, under such circumstances, would be the proper antidote when dangerous symp¬ 
toms should have set in. A somewhat fixed formula would not, of course, interfere 
much with the pharmaceutical skill required to prepare and mix the theriac, morphia, 
hydrocyanic acid, chloroform, zingiber, ether, etc., for it is really a very valuable medi¬ 
cine. It is unfair to visit its accidents, however, on chloroform alone. 
I am, etc., 
Charles Kidd* M.D. 
We agree with Dr. Kidd in thinking that chlorodyne is a valuable medicine, 
and although, with the imperfect knowledge we at present possess of the proper 
method of preparing it, we may not be justified in using any of the mixtures 
of known composition, bearing the name of chlorodyne, in dispensing medicines, 
yet we think good service is rendered by submitting formulae for the preparation 
of this medicine, which may assist in furthering the investigation of the subject 
and the adoption of a form which may be worthy of official recognition. 
