The estimated cost of the drugs (27 grains) in a package is ¼d. KAPUTINE. This preparation, put up by an English Company, is stated to cure in ten minutes headache, neuralgia, and all nerve pains. In view of the similarity in composition of these articles, the claims to uniqueness are amusing. In this case the wrapper bore the words “Nothing as good. Nothing similar,” while on the circular enclosed in the package it was stated that “Kaputine is composed of several approved ingredients. That is, unlike the white headache powders, which consist solely of one crude drug, and which have frequently been condemned as dangerous by the Medical Press—Kaputine is most carefully prepared from several ingredients which have the absolute confidence of the Medical Profession.” The price of 18 powders is 1s. 1½d. The average weight of one powder was 6·6 grains; the weight of individual powders in a package varied from 5·7 to 7·5 grains. Analysis showed the composition of the powder to be: Acetanilide 6·30 grains. Ferric oxide 0·05 ” Sugar 0·21 ” That is, the acetanilide was tinted pink with what is practically the saccharated carbonate of iron of the _British Pharmacopœia_. The dose was given as one powder: “If not completely cured in two hours, the dose may be repeated. Half a powder for children under 12.” The estimated cost of the drugs (119 grains) in a packet is just over ¼d. HOFFMAN’S HARMLESS HEADACHE POWDERS. These powders are prepared by a New York Drug Company, but the package also bears the name of another company, presumably the English agents. The powders are described as “a simple and effective cure for all headaches.” Ten powders were sold for 1s. 1½d. The average weight of one powder was 10·5 grains; nine out of ten weighed from 9·3 to 10·5 grains, the tenth weighing 15·3 grains. Analysis showed the composition of the powder to be: Acetanilide 5·02 grains. Cocoa 4·02 ” Sodium bicarbonate 1·01 ” The dose was given as one powder, to be repeated in half an hour if not relieved. Estimated cost of drugs (105 grains), one-third of a penny. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SPECIALITIES. In addition to the above proprietary articles, large numbers of headache powders are supplied singly by retailers, and are commonly bought for this purpose ready packed from a wholesale house. It was, therefore, thought worth while to examine a sample of such powders; the one taken for the purpose is known as the “Good as Gold” headache powder; three dozen were attached to a card for exhibition, and the powders are retailed at 1d. each. The average weight was found to be 2·8 grains, six individual powders ranging from 2·7 to 2·9 grains. The powders consisted of acetanilide only. The estimated cost of the drug for three dozen powders is ¼d. There is reason to believe that practically all the others sold in this way are of the same composition. CHAPTER V. BLOOD PURIFIERS.