Every constituent of the “formula” was discussed in The Journal and the absurdities and impossibilities of each dwelt on. Did the manufacturers of Alleotone feel downcast over the exposure of their humbug? Not to judge by their advertising, for they write to physicians that “since the A. M. A. analyzed Alleotone it has made great strides”--direction not specified. But the choicest piece of impudence, and one that but for its dishonesty would be laughable, is found in this portion of their advertising pamphlet: [Illustration] In the original, the words “With amendments suggested in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Feb. 1, 1908,” and also “(Cholesterin.)” and “(Malic Acid.),” which we have underscored in the illustration, are printed in red and have been added to the original “formula.” Such are the uses of adversity. What claim, if any, the exploiter of this nostrum--B. F. Copeland--has to medical or pharmaceutical knowledge, we do not know. In fact, to be consistent with the “ethics” of the nostrum business he need have none. Such knowledge, indeed, tends to hamper that free play of the imagination so necessary in this work. We understand that he has at different times been in charge of a stave factory and connected with a brokerage firm, which may exert some subtle influence in developing the ability to relieve suffering humanity, though the connection is not quite clear. One would imagine, however, that the keen business instinct, untrammeled by any considerations of conscience, which is exhibited in the exploitation of Alleotone, would in purely commercial pursuits have long since assured a competence.--(_From The Journal A. M. A., Oct. 17, 1908._) BAUME ANALGESIQUE BENGUE A physician writes asking for the formula of Baume Analgésique Bengué. This product is another of the “patent-medicine”–“ethical-proprietary” type of nostrums. In Great Britain, it is advertised to the public as “A Wonderful Remedy for Rheumatism, Gout, Neuralgia.” In this country, the exploiters find that space in cheap medical journals, reinforced by the aid of undiscriminating physicians, is a cheaper method of getting the stuff to the public. According to the statements of the manufacturers, Bengué’s Analgesic Balm contains “menthol, salicylate of methyl and lanolin.” When analyzed by the chemists of the British Medical Association, it was reported to have the following composition: Menthol 18 per cent. Methyl salicylate 20 per cent. Lanolin, anhydrous 54 per cent. A fat, apparently lard 8 per cent.