The value of hydrastis in the treatment of the diseases and conditions mentioned is problematical at best, and the small amount present in Hydras is wholly useless. As for the other constituents, cramp bark (_Viburnum opulus_), helonias (false unicorn--_Chamælirium luteum_ or _Helonias dioica_) and scutellaria (skullcap--_Scutellaria lateriflora_) are drugs which are practically ignored by most writers on materia medica and therapeutics.[99] Dogwood (_Cornus florida_) is a mildly astringent aromatic bitter for the use of which there is no scientific evidence.[100] [99] See reports of the Council, J. A. M. A., Jan. 9, 1915, p. 165; Jan. 23, 1915, p. 359; Nov. 27, 1919, p. 1836; March 27, 1915, p. 1093. [100] See Reports Council Pharm. and Chem., 1912, p. 36. To sum up: Of the five ingredients of Hydras (aside from alcohol and aromatics), one (hydrastis), which apparently gives the preparation its name, is present in unimportant amounts; three (cramp bark, helonias and scutellaria) are therapeutically unimportant; the fifth (dogwood) has never been shown to have any specific action on the uterus. The potent constituent, therefore, appears to be the alcohol. But, even if every one of the several drugs said to be contained in Hydras were possessed of distinct therapeutic properties, and if each were present in known and therapeutically active amounts, still the combination in fixed proportion would be irrational. No one could foresee the joint effect of the five drugs in the several conditions for which the mixture is advertised. Hydras is evidently meant to appeal to the thoughtless and to be used at random; witness the suggestion made in the advertising that “Owing to its palatability, it is acceptable to patients with impaired digestion, and will serve as a stomachic tonic, promoting appetite and digestion.” A useless alcoholic nostrum “administered freely” to women and girls is as dangerous as the recommendation for such administration is reprehensible. This preparation is semisecret. The recommendations for its use in specified diseases which appear on the label and in the advertising accompanying the bottle are sure to lead to its ill-advised use by the public. The claims made for its curative properties are exaggerated and unwarranted. The name, in view of the small content of hydrastis, is misleading. Finally, the combination of five drugs, even if individually they were of therapeutic value, is irrational. Hydras, consequently, is inadmissible to New and Nonofficial Remedies for conflict with Rules 1, 4, 6, 8 and 10, and publication of this report is authorized.