he old story about a powerful
remedy discovered by accident and thus unknown to the medical profession
deceives only the ignorant or credulous; with our present knowledge of
chemistry and physiology powerful remedies are not discovered in that
way.

Even to these comparatively harmless patent preparations there are two
serious objections. One is the loss of time, during which the patient
may grow worse. The other is that money is obtained under false
pretenses; fraud is a common element in the success of patent remedies.
One of the least harmful, a substance called "Murine" may be taken as an
example[2]. This substance was widely advertised at one time as a
"positive cure for sore eyes." Analysis showed it to be a solution of
borax, which cost about five cents a gallon to prepare. It sold for one
dollar an ounce, or at the rate of $128.00 a gallon. Although it could
not bring about the wonderful cures advertised, it was practically
harmless, and buyers of "Murine" must have been injured chiefly in
pocket. But with "cancer cures" and "consumption cures" it is a
different story. Early treatment of these diseases is essential to
recovery; delay in many cases means robbing the sufferer of his only
chance of life. No drugs are now known that will cure these diseases,
and it seems incredible that anyone should be willing to practise such
cruel deception upon ignorant people merely for the sake of making
money.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE.--Medicines may be introduced into the body
in a number of ways. In the majority of cases they are swallowed and
finally carried to the tissues by the blood just as digested food is
carried.

Except in rare emergencies no medicine should be given to a sick person
without the doctor's order. The prescribed dose should be accurately
measured in a medicine glass having a scale to show the number of
teaspoonfuls. When measuring medicine, think only of what you are doing;
neither talk nor listen to conversation. First read the label on the
bottle. Next, shake the bottle, if the medicine is liquid, in order to
mix the contents thoroughly. Then remove the cork with the second and
third fingers, and hold it between them while pouring, thus keeping the
cork clean and protecting the contents of the bottle. Hold the medicine
glass on a level with the eyes, and in the other hand hold the bottle,
with the side bearing the label uppermost to avoid soiling it; pour out
the dose, measuring exactly, wipe