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71
Moreover, the Analyst may put forward standards of his
own, based upon his experience in the analysis of a number
of samples of a particular drug or preparation and may, of
course, quote any of the above works in support of his view.
Of six samples of iodine ointment analysed during the
year no less than five were condemned. Two were ointments
of a very different type, made from methyl salicylate
(oil of wintergreen) and petroleum jelly, with the addition
of a dark brown colouring matter to make them resemble
iodine ointment. In the remaining three instances traces
only of iodine or potassium iodide were present, whereas the
Pharmacopoeia of 1914 and the Pharmaceutical Codex of
1923 and 1934 require 4 per cent. of each.
There is no doubt that the sale of these preparations is to
the prejudice of the purchaser, inasmuch as iodine ointment
is used as an antiseptic dressing for minor injuries such as
cuts, abrasions, sprains and the like.
The virtue of the Pharmacopoeia preparation lies in the
free iodine present and it has been shown that for any antiseptic
action to be exhibited the iodine must be in the free
condition. Moreover, the potassium iodide is not less
essential, for its function is to prevent to a large extent the
combination of the iodine with the fatty base of the ointment.
All the five samples under discussion contained a
petroleum jelly base in place of the base of glycerin and prepared
lard required by the British Pharmacopoeia. This
substitution in the base is one to which exception would
probably not have been taken by your Analyst, inasmuch as
various preparations of iodine with a petroleum jelly base
have been on the market for some years, and, indeed, are
quoted in the Pharmaceutical Codex.
It is satisfactory to record that the Courts upheld the
contentions of the Council's Officers and legal representatives.
In three cases fines and costs totalling £76 19s. 0d.
were imposed.
At the time of writing this Beport it would seem that
the vendors are considering taking the case further.
In addition to samples submitted under the various Acta
and Regulations, one sample of water from the Swimming
Bath at Lime Grove was submitted by the Medical Officer
of Health for examination.