“INDICATIONS.--Syphilitic, scrofulous and cutaneous diseases, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, leucorrhea, amenorrhea, impaired vitality, habitual abortion and general uterine debility.” Such recommendations are likely to lead to self-drugging in conditions that are not only dangerous to the individual but also a menace to the community. The preparation thus conflicts with Rule 4 of the Council. After admitting the need of efficient iodid medication in certain stages of syphilis and after exaggerating the frequence and severity of symptoms of iodism, an advertising circular entitled “Practical Therapeutics” asserts: “Iodia then is the preparation of iodid of potassium to be preferred whenever it requires to be administered in large doses or for prolonged periods of time... “Not only does the association of the iodid of potassium with the vegetable alteratives offer a measure of protection against iodism but the latter exert depurative effects on their own account ...” It is generally accepted that in certain stages of syphilis the only hope of success lies in efficient iodin medication. The exploiters of Iodia state that a dose of the nostrum contains 2-1/2 grains of potassium iodid; actually it contains only 1-1/2 grains. To urge physicians and the public to depend on this product for efficient iodid medication constitutes an unwarranted therapeutic exaggeration (Rule 6) which approaches criminality. The reason Iodia does not produce iodism is that, in the doses recommended, the iodin action is extremely feeble. Likening the human body to a factory and discussing the “break downs” which are likely to occur, a circular entitled “Always Trustworthy” says: “When administered in proper dosage, Iodia stimulates organic functions, promotes the elimination of waste products, and re-establishes metabolic activity. It increases the solvent properties of the blood, and arrests abnormal tissue metamorphosis. In other words, it lends material assistance to weakened cells and curbs those unduly active. Iodia, obviously, has a wide range of indications. It has been most generally and successfully employed, however, in Syphilitic, Scrofulous and Cutaneous Diseases, Rheumatic and Gouty Ailments, Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Leucorrhea, Amenorrhea, Impaired Vitality, Habitual Abortion and General Uterine Debility, and wherever a reliable altero-reconstructive is required.” These recommendations show that in addition to the objections already given, this nostrum is an unscientific shot-gun mixture. This brings it in conflict with Rule 10 (unscientific articles inimical to the medical profession and the public). It is recommended that Iodia be refused recognition.--(_From The Journal A. M. A., Nov. 21, 1914._) BURNHAM’S SOLUBLE IODINE[P] Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry [P] See also Burnham’s Soluble Iodine, p. 233.