One would think that the dictates of common humanity would protect the unfortunate epileptic from the machinations of the nostrum maker, especially from the exploitation of a remedy that has been tried and found wanting. A nostrum, however, merely has to measure up to one standard: Will it pay? Meeting this requirement nothing else matters.--(_From the Journal A. M. A., June 19, 1909._) HYMOSA W. A. Puckner and W. S. Hilpert Frequent requests for information regarding the composition of hymosa, manufactured by the Walker Pharmacal Co., St. Louis, and a perusal of the extensive and nostrum-like advertising the product is receiving, made a chemical examination of this preparation seem desirable. If the label is to be believed, hymosa has been of use in “acute and chronic muscular and articular rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago, pleurodynia and neuralgia, whether due to uric acid diathesis or not ...” The composition of hymosa as given by the proprietors is set forth in the following statement: “... Hymosa, in which the remedies Frangula, Actea Spicata, Stellaria Media, Franciscea Uniflora, Rhus Toxicodendron, Passiflora Incarnata, Phytolacca Decandra and Echinacea Angustifolia are combined in the proportions which experience has shown will obtain the quickest and best results without any of the stomach and heart complications so often following the administration of salicylic acid.” “Contains no Salicylic Acid.” Thus the explicit statement is made that hymosa contains certain vegetable drugs (most of them obsolete and valueless) and that it does not contain salicylic acid. By inference the claim repeatedly is made that the nostrum does not contain any salicylates. “... Hymosa has achieved most remarkable results in overcoming rheumatism in cases where salicylates have been tried in vain ...” “Salicylic acid was not successful in this case of rheumatism of the stomach.” “Negative results from salicylates--Hymosa cures.” “... the salicylates didn’t help? Then we must try Hymosa.” Still harping on the undesirability of salicylates and the value of hymosa the advertising pamphlets state: “Salicylic Acid Replaced. The Use of This Dangerous Agent in Rheumatism Obviated.” “It seems that the use of the dangerous and ineffective salicylic acid will soon be given up and hymosa take its place.” “Former methods of treating rheumatism ... have been very unsatisfactory ... because of the heart and stomach difficulties brought on by salicylates of which most rheumatism remedies are composed.” “Could not tolerate the salicylates.” Finally in a letter issued to physicians we are told: “... you will find hymosa to possess prompt and positive curative action with the additional advantage of avoiding the heart and stomach complications, which the salicylates too often cause.”