“Sodium 24, Boric Acid 4, Benzoin 4, Acid Salicylic 0.33, Eucalyptol 0.33, Thymoline 0.17, Betula Lenta 0.08, Menthol 0.08, Pini Pumilionis 0.17, Glycerin and solvents, q.s.” Another formula, which appeared about the same time, was: “Benzo-Salicyl. Sod. 33.33, Eucalyptol 0.33, Thymol 0.17, Salicylate of Methyl from Betula Lenta 0.16, Pini Pumilionis 0.17, Glycerin and solvents q.s.” A later formula was like the second except that it included “Menthol, 0.08.” Analysis in the chemical laboratory of the American Medical Association showed that Glyco-Thymoline contained borax, but no boric acid; sodium salicylate, but no salicylic acid; sodium benzoate, but no benzoin; the compound benzo-salicyl. sod. could not be determined, but a mixture of sodium benzoate and sodium salicylate was demonstrable.[50] Later Puckner pointed out[51] that while such a combination as benzo-salicylate of sodium is known, it could not possibly be present in Glyco-Thymoline because the alkalinity of this mixture would decompose the compound. As the manufacturers evidently recognize that false formulas can no longer be made plausible, only vague statements as to the composition are now offered. [50] The Formula for Glyco-Thymoline, Pharmacology Department, The Journal A. M. A., Jan. 9, 1909, p. 147. [51] Puckner, W. A.: Rep. Chem. Lab., A. M. A., 1910, iii, 7. Two points should be noted in this connection: 1. Glyco-Thymoline conflicts with Rule 1 of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, which declares that no article shall be accepted for inclusion with New and Nonofficial Remedies unless its composition be furnished. 2. No matter which published formula be accepted as correct, it is at best a weak antiseptic. The antiseptic ingredients present cannot act as germicides in the strength in which they are used, or in the alkaline solution on the unique virtues of which the circular lays so much stress (“the one antiseptic solution based on the alkalinity and saline strength of normal blood”). As shown by Verhoeff and Ellis,[52] undiluted Glyco-Thymoline does not kill _Staphylococcus aureus_ in four hours. It evidently, they say, “could have but little if any greater therapeutic value than sterile salt solution.” [52] Verhoeff, F. H., and Ellis, Edward Keith: The Bactericidal Values of Some Widely Advertised Antiseptics, The Journal A. M. A., June 29, 1907, p. 2175. DANGEROUS RECOMMENDATIONS _In Diphtheria_: “Case-reports” in the advertising pamphlet describe the treatment of diphtheria with Glyco-Thymoline. It is surely unnecessary to point out that, whatever the possible merits of Glyco-Thymoline or its ingredients, they are utterly irrelevant here. But let a “case-report” be quoted: