The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
“... Since then I tried Pam-ala on a number of cases without any
results whatever; in fact my patients seemed to get worse until
I resorted to the usual treatment of malaria, mercurial laxative
followed with quinin. I was too hasty in stating that Pam-ala cured
malaria. I now know and have known since August, 1912, that Pam-ala
will not cure malaria....”
The writer of the second testimonial is reported to have written that
he tried Pam-ala “on a most pronounced case of malarial spleen with
the most excellent results” and that he “also tried Pam-ala on a case
of Malarial Cystitis and Hematuria, with entire satisfaction.” In reply
to inquiry this physician admits that he was “very favorably impressed
with the preparation at the time.” He states that at that time he was
also trying out Sinkina and that after six months he “discontinued the
use of both as the results did not warrant further investigation.” He
concludes:
“With due allowance for the fact that certain cases will for a
time improve on any kind of treatment, new or old, I see no reason
for supplanting or even augmenting, the recognized treatment for
malarial conditions, with either Pam-ala or Sinkina.”
Incidentally it should be mentioned that this physician also noted the
general similarity of Sinkina and Pam-ala. He observes:
“The physical appearance and properties of the two preparations
seem to be identical, the advertising matter and literature are
surprisingly alike and the only marked difference seems to be that
one remedy is purported to be prepared from a ‘new’ South American
plant and the other from an equally fresh discovered addition to
Asiatic flora.”
WHAT IS PAM-ALA?
From a comparison of the statements regarding the composition which
are made for Sinkina and for Pam-ala, as well as from the physical
characteristics of the preparation, particularly the odor and taste, it
seems evident that the essential constituent is oil of cumin. Although
definite proof that oil of cumin forms the essential constituent
of Pam-ala would have shown the worthlessness of this nostrum for
the reason that the clinical investigation of Sinkina proved the
worthlessness of oil of cumin, it did not seem worth while to the
referee that this be demonstrated by chemical analysis. It seemed to
him that in such cases as these, the secrecy with which the identity of
the preparation is surrounded, as well as the extravagant and highly
improbable claims, should be sufficient to condemn it.--(_From The
Journal A. M. A., Feb. 28, 1914._)
PAPAYANS BELL[AF]
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
[AF] See also Bell-Ans (Papayans Bell), p. 282.
The following report of a subcommittee was submitted to, and adopted
by, the Council and its publication directed.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account