“Most Efficacious, Most Agreeable, Unequaled by anything in Fortifying, Strengthening, Refreshing.” WHY BLAME THE LAYMAN FOR USING NOSTRUMS? Can we blame the layman for using Peruna, Wine of Cardui, etc., simply because they are advertised, when there are physicians who, for the same reason, prescribe concoctions that are just as quackish and just as useless? And can editors of medical journals consistently find fault with newspapers for carrying advertisements of fraudulent “patent medicines” when they themselves admit to their pages advertisements of nostrums that are no less fraudulent and of no more value? MEMBER OF PROPRIETARY ASSOCIATION One word more: There is an organization known as the Proprietary Association of America, but it is usually referred to in common parlance as the “patent-medicine” men’s association. It will be remembered that last year we printed a list of the members of this body, among which was the Vin Mariani Company. It will be remembered also that in the list were the names of certain firms who were supplying medicines to physicians, but practically all these resigned from membership and their resignations were published by us. We have not had the pleasure of publishing the resignation of the Vin Mariani Company. On the contrary, we note that at the last annual meeting of the “patent-medicine” men’s association this firm was still an active member, Mr. A. L. Jaros, who stands for the Mariani Company in this country, being one of those registered at the meeting.--(_From The Journal A. M. A., Nov. 26, 1906._) VIROL Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry Virol, sold in the United States by the Etna Chemical Company, is put out by Virol, Ltd., London, England. It is said to be “A preparation of bone marrow, red bone marrow of medullary structure of ox rib and calf bones, eggs, malt extract, and lemon syrup made from fresh fruit.” “Marrow fat is emulsified with extract of malt, lemon syrup and eggs, it is further enriched with soluble phosphates of lime, iron and soda, and glycerine solution of red bone marrow.” Many of the therapeutic claims made for Virol the Council considered grossly exaggerated; among them are the following: “... a complete food for children.” “... a complete nutrient.” “The value of the Lime-Salts (representing the Egg Shells) contained in Virol is fully illustrated in its influence upon Rickets; whilst Struma, Chronic Bronchitis, Anaemia and Influenza are all combated by its use in a degree, which, we venture to say, has never been approached.” “The fat, as represented by the Marrow-bone and Egg Yolk, is so minutely divided that it admits of even far more rapid absorption by the _villi_ of the intestine than milk.” “It is an ideal form of food, readily digested and assimilated in the weakest of conditions.”