It is hardly necessary to point out that it is a therapeutic exaggeration to claim that Three Chlorides is of particular value in the treatment of tertiary syphilis, that in eczema it is “the most effective remedy,” that in any form of constipation it is “the remedy par excellence,” or that “After arresting malarial attacks with quinine, the combination of iron, arsenic and mercury with calisaya is an essential requisite.” “Whenever gastric troubles and digestive disturbances furnish a contra-indication to iron, this contra-indication disappears when the iron is combined with arsenic.” “The simultaneous exhibition of small doses of arsenic and bichloride of mercury, besides augmenting the effect of iron upon the red blood-cells, completely obviates the tendency to vascular congestion and hemorrhage.” Finally, the suggestion that by the use of Three Chlorides iodids may be prevented from causing iodism is absurd. In short, whatever may be the advisability of prescribing iron, arsenic or mercury in any given case, it is irrational to prescribe them in fixed proportions. A physician who is induced by the exaggerated advertising claims to prescribe these drugs in a proprietary mixture, under a non-informative name, does grave injustice to his patients. Maizo-Lithium Maizo-Lithium (Henry Pharmacal Co., St. Louis) is one of the many proprietary lithium preparations based on the disproved theory that lithium dissolves uric acid deposits in the body. The label on a trade package states that: “Maizo-Lithium promptly facilitates the elimination of the uric and phosphatic deposits from the system.” As might be expected, the promoter of Maizo-Lithium ascribes a long list of ills to “uric and phosphatic deposits,” and argues that, therefore, Maizo-Lithium is the proper treatment: “In lithemia, hematuria, incipient diabetes, cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis and ALL inflamed conditions requiring a non-irritating diuretic.” “Inflamed conditions,” naturally, include almost all of the real or imaginary ills of kidney, bladder, etc. Maizo-Lithium is distinguished from its congeners chiefly by the claim that it contains a mythical or problematical compound, maizenate of lithium. LABORATORY REPORT The following report on the composition of Maizo-Lithium has been submitted by the Chemical Laboratory of the American Medical Association: The promoter of Maizo-Lithium makes the following statement on the label concerning the composition of the preparation: “Each fluid drachm contains two grains maizenate of lithium.” The following is also found in a circular which is enclosed with the trade package of Maizo-Lithium: