COD-LIVER CREAM. 
G33 
It is clearly apparent, I think, that “ A Provincial ” having framed a theory 
as to the composition of this medicine, is anxious to make everything square to 
it. To what else can we attribute his remark that the prussic acid is “ at least 
indifferent, even if it be not positively an impertinent intrusion,” etc. etc. ? 
TV hat evidence does it bring to show that its effects in clilorodyne are “ transient,” 
and if they are, how does this prove that it is “ quite superfluous,” etc. ? Is 
not this a mere assumption to support a preconceived theory ? There is, indeed, 
no question (so far as I am concerned) that this compound contains morphia, 
but it is by no means yet proved, I think, that u the effects produced by normal 
doses of chlorodyne are due exclusively to it.” Nor is it likely that, if this were 
so, practitioners would long have been deceived by “ a happily chosen name,” or 
a “ disguised solution ” of an old remedy. Morphia in clilorodyne would have 
produced no other or better effects than morphia “unadorned •” it is because 
there is something in this preparation besides morphia, that it has been given in 
“ thousands of cases with the happiest results.” The makers and takers, as well 
as the sellers of chlorodyne, are no doubt greatly indebted to “A Provincial ” 
for aiming to put chlorodyne “on its right footing and in its right place,” and 
“ by laying bare the truth to dissipate delusions,” etc. But I cannot say I think 
he has succeeded. Is he quite sure of his own footing in this matter? Any¬ 
how this is rather “ tall ” writing, as the Americans phrase it, and though I do 
not defend Dr. Browne’s grammar or his “ warnings,” yet if, as “ A Provin¬ 
cial ” says, “ the learned Doctor doth protest too much,” surely his critic boasts 
too loudly and too soon. 
In the above remarks I have regarded chlorodyne entirely from a scientific 
and medical point of view. There is, however, another aspect in which it may be 
looked at, suggested by “A Provincial ” and other correspondents, of consider¬ 
able importance to the medical profession, the trade, and the public, viz. the 
commercial and pharmacological, which I must reserve for future consideration. 
COD-LIVER CREAM. 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL. 
Sir,—The following is worthy of mention in your 1 Journal,’ as an admirable 
recipe for a preparation that is somewhat extensively vended in several parts of 
the country under the alluring title of “ Cod-liver Cream.” 
A quarter of an ounce of elect gum tragacanth, steeped in sixteen ounces of 
cold water for twenty-four hours—during which time it should be stirred occa¬ 
sionally—yields a fine, gelatinous mucilage, which, when mixed in auy propor¬ 
tion with Cod-liver Oil and simply shaken with it, permanently diffuses the 
oil into particles, which in vain struggle for reunion. 
It is usual to mix the mucilage and oil in equal parts, and it is further only 
required to sweeten, and add, as a preservative and savourer, to each ounce of 
the mixture one drachm of spirit of wine, to which has been added a drop of 
essence of lemon, the same quantity of essence of almonds, and a trifle of oil of 
cassia. 
Thus is the melange completed, and of so agreeable a flavour is the result, 
that to most palates it would be found to acquit itself creditably in comparison 
with an average custard. Emulsio. 
2 T 
TOL. XI. 
