The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
In its report on “The Therapeutic Value of the Glycerophosphates” (The
Journal, Sept. 30, 1916, p. 1033) the Council pointed out that the
therapeutic use of the glycerophosphates was based on the assumption
that the inorganic phosphates cannot supply the body’s needs of
phosphorus or that the use of organic compounds “spared” the system
the necessity of making such synthesis. The report presented evidence
to show that the glycerophosphates are not absorbed as such, but
that they are split into inorganic phosphates before absorption. The
Council showed that there was convincing evidence that the animal
organism synthesizes its complex organic phosphorus constituents from
inorganic phosphates, and that organic phosphorus is of no more value
as a food than inorganic. Despite this the Neuro Phosphates advertising
makes use of the fallacious assumption regarding the action of the
glycerophosphates.
Pleading for the particular mixture represented by the proprietary, it
is asserted that:
“Sodium glycerophosphate is of special value in neurasthenia,
Addison’s disease, phosphaturia and phthisis.”
and that calcium glycerophosphate “is employed in bone fracture,
rachitis, tuberculosis and various wasting diseases.”
The phosphorus content of 1/64 grain of strychnin glycerophosphate is
ridiculously small. Yet it is asserted that this strychnin salt is of
superior value because it combines the effects of strychnin with a
“food-like form of phosphorus.” Eskay’s Neuro Phosphates has an acid
reaction which is capitalized, thus:
“Experiments have shown that the acid glycerophosphates are more
rapidly absorbed and are more efficient than the neutral salts.”
And as a further illustration of extravagant claims:
“As a glycerophosphoric acid in the form of lecithin is
normally present in spermatozoids, it is but natural that the
glycerophosphates should exhibit aphrodisiac effects (as has been
observed), but this result does not seem to obtain in all cases.”
Is this a clumsy attempt to exploit this “nerve phosphate” as a “lost
manhood” cure?
The Council held Eskay’s Neuro Phosphates ineligible for New and
Nonofficial Remedies because unwarranted therapeutic claims are made
for it and because the administration of strychnin, calcium, phosphate
and alcohol is not conducive to rational therapeutics, particularly
when such a mixture is marketed under a name which indicates but one of
its constituents.--(_From The Journal A. M. A., Sept. 29, 1917._)
K-Y LUBRICATING JELLY
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Because of inquiries received, the Council has authorized publication
of the following report declaring K-Y Lubricating Jelly inadmissible to
New and Nonofficial Remedies.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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