Mistaken Impressions 
ABOUT 
Nasal Catarrh and its Treatment 
BY 
JOSEPH fl. WHITE, fl. ]VL, M- D„ 
RICHMOND, AZPC., 
Professor of Eye Diseases, and Associate Professor Ear, Throat and Nose Diseases 
in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Richmond, Va.; Senior Surgeon 
to the Richmond Eye, Ear, Throat and Nose Infirmary. 
REPRINTED FROM TRANSACTIONS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF VIRGINIA, 1891. 
Showing the value of 
SEILER'S ANTISEPTIC TABLETS (V. P. CO.) 
and "SUCCESS NASAL SYRINGE." 
(See Page 5 ) Seiler's Antiseptic Tablets. 
(V. F>. CO.) 
[Or. Carl Seiler's Formula.] 
These Tablets are made in accordance with the suggestion of Dr. Carl Seiler, 
published in Medical Record, February 18th, 1888, in which he recommends this 
preparation as being superior to Dobell's Solution and other non-irritating deodoriz- 
ers and antiseptics for dissolving and washing out the thickened secretions adhering 
to the Nasal Mucous Membranes. 
Sodii Bicarb, et Sodii Bibor aa 5 viij. 
Sodii Benzoate et Sodii Salicylate aa gr. xx. 
Eucalyptol et Thymol aa gr. x. 
Menthol gr. v. 
Ol. Gaultheria gtt. vj. 
Glycerine 5 viiiss. 
Alcohol 5 ij. 
Aqua q. s. 16 pints. 
DR. SEILER'S FORMULA IS AS FOLLOWS: 
When one of these tablets is dissolved in two fluid ounces of water, it will make 
a solution identical in effect with the solution made after the above formula. They 
are conveniently put up in bottles of 50 and 100, and may be obtained from all drug- 
gists or by writing direct to us. 
WILL DISSOLVE IMMEDIATELY, MAKING A 
PERFECTLY CLEAR SOLUTION. 
Per Screw Cap Bottle of 50 Tablets ; 30 cents. 
Per Screw Cap Bottle of 100 Tablets 50 cents. 
IN ORDERING OR PRESCRIBING. PLEASE SPECIFY " V. P. CO." 
THE VIRGINIA PHARMAGAL GO., 
Manufacturing Chemists, 
RICHMOND, VA. 
SUCCESS NASAL SYRINGE 
DESCRIPTION. 
Rubber Bulb, holding about 1 j oz.; soft, pliable rubber 
tube, with numerous tine perforations along 1 j inches of 
the end, permitting the fluid to flow in fine jets in all 
directions, thus reaching every depression and cavity 
where disease has burrowed. Perfectly safe in the bands 
of any person. 
Retail. $1 00. To Physicians by mail, 75 cents. 
'Phis Syringe was devised by a practical physician who 
has made Nasal Catarrh and kindred diseases a specialty 
for years. It is the only instrument that will thoroughly 
apply the remedy directly to the diseased part without 
danger or irritation to the patient. In this way, and 
only this way, are the foul and poisonous discharges in 
catarrh and other nasal troubles thoroughly washed 
away, and a speedy cure effected. With the douche, spray, etc., the application is 
uncertain; as the stream or spray follows the line directed or the air inhaled, it 
comes in contact only with the projections or parts in the way, while the poisonous 
disease matter lies concealed in the irregular honeycombed tissues, doing its fatal 
mischief undisturbed. Many a good physician has been discouraged, his medicine 
declared worthless, and himself abused, because catarrh or some other nasal trouble 
would not yield to treatment, when the sole trouble was inability thoroughly to 
apply the remedy, and not in any degree either his fault or the fault of the remedy. 
PURCELL, LADD & CO., Richmond, fa., Sole Agents for Sooliieru States. MISTAKEN IMPRESSIONS 
ABOUT 
Nasal Catarrh and its Treatment. 
By JOSEPH A. WHITE, A. M., M. D., of Richmond, Va., 
Professor of Ear Diseases, and Associate Professor Ear, Throat and Nose Diseases in the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons ; Senior Surgeon to the Richmond Eye, Ear, 
Throat, and Nose Infirmary. 
What mistaken ideas are prevalent about nasal catarrh ! What 
a horrible thing it is considered by the general public ! What a 
nuisance it is thought to be by the profession ! Most persons look 
upon it as something to be concealed, to be ashamed of; as some- 
thing loathsome, bringing unknown miseries in its train. The 
profession at large regard it as a practically incurable disease, 
and hardly make an effort to combat it. 
Why these mistaken ideas, when the truth is that nine cases 
out of ten can be cured absolutely, and in very few cases of 
catarrh is there anything loathsome or offensive-nauseating se- 
cretions and unpleasant odors existing only in a small minority. 
The answer is two fold : The education of the public in regard 
to catarrh comes principally from newspaper advertisements of 
some bogus catarrh cure, bolstered up by a number of affidavits 
frequently from clergymen and other apparently prominent per- 
sons ; and medical practitioners are careless or indifferent about 
correcting the impressions thus formed. It is a singular fact 
that nearly all quack remedies have any number of affidavits 
from clergymen of their efficacy, frequently in a multitude of 
troubles so different that, even if one were true, the others could 
not be. 2 
How these good gentlemen are so credulous as to be imposed 
on in this way is strange, but it is nevertheless true, as can be 
seen by referring to the advertisements-as, for example, of the 
Royal Germateur. 
The imagination of people who read these advertisements and 
circulars about catarrh, which are so widely distributed, are so 
inflamed by the terrible pictures presented of neglecting this in- 
sidious enemy of their health and peace of mind, that many 
think they are already in the grasp of the fiend, and at once look 
for relief to the specific vaunted in the advertisements. If some- 
thing is not done,"consumption,"or some equally serious ailment 
may be an early consequence of the neglect. 
Frequently, a very slight nasal affection, which would recover 
under the simplest rules of cleanliness, is aggravated by the so- 
called specific. When failure to cure results, the party consults a 
physician, who, in many cases, tells him that he can do very little 
for him, and that catarrh is a practically incurable disease. I 
have had letters from doctors again and again, asking what to do 
for cases of catarrh of the nose, throat, or ear, and saying they 
would send the patient on, if the prospect of relief would warrant 
the expense, but they did not think it would. 
If the general profession would pay a little more attention to 
this matter, and inform their patients of a few simple facts in 
regard to nasal and throat troubles, quack doctors and quack 
remedies would not flourish as they do. 
What is so-called nasal catarrh, in its popular acceptation? 
The term seems to cover a multiplicity of nasal and post-nasal 
troubles-applicants for treatment laying stress on many differ- 
ent symptoms, and referring them to catarrh. One says he is 
annoyed by a discharge from one or both nostrils; another by a 
constant tendency to clear the throat; another by inability to 
breathe freely through the nose; another by a feeling of oppres- 
sion about the nose,and headaches; another by a tickling in the 
throat; another by a cough-although his doctor says his lungs 
are sound ; another by recurring attacks of hoarseness; another 
by a feeling of fullness and noises in the ears; another by a dis- 
agreeable odor of the breath; and so on, ad infinitum. 
Now, are all these manifestations due to so-called nasal LIQUOR UTERANS. 
V. P. Co. 
117 E DESIRE to call the attention of Physicians to this preparation as a 
W superior UTERO-OVARIAN SEDATIVE AND ANODYNE. 
EACH FLUIDOUNCE REPRESENTS: 
Black Haw, - * - - - - - 55 Grains. 
Blue Cohosh, • - - - - - - 28 Grains. 
GOLDEN-SEAL (Represented by the White Alkaloid), - 55 GRAINS. 
Jamaica Dogwood, - - - 25 Grains. 
The disagreeable taste of the drugs has been masked with Aromatics, and 
it will be found a valuable remedy where a Uterine Tonic and Anodyne Seda- 
tive is indicated. 
Eminent practitioners contend that the present habits of life tend to pro- 
duce Uterine and Ovarian disorders of various kinds. 
The majority of these cases, if attended to promptly, do not require 
surgical attention or mechanical appliances, but will respond promptly to a 
treatment with LIQUOR UTERANS. 
Physicians who have directed special attention to the subject have com- 
mended Black Haw (Virburnum Prunifolium) for correcting Uterine irregu- 
larities ; Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides) for its peculiar value as 
a Uterine Nervine and its especial influence on the Uterus; Golden Seal 
(Hydrastis Canadensis) specially indicated for Uterine Catarrhal disorders, 
and Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia Erythina). for its established value as an 
Anodyne-Sedative. To secure for the profession the benefit of the combined 
virtues of these drugs, we have prepared a palatable combination, as per 
above formula, under the name of LIQUOR UTERANS. We are confident 
that it will be found a convenient, palatable and valuable remedial agent 
in the treatment of Amenorrhoea, Leucorrhoea, Dysmenorrhcea, and any irri- 
tability or irregularity of the Utero-Ovarian organs, as well as a safe and 
reasonably sure remedy in all cases of Hypersemia of the female reproduc- 
tive system, and frequently in cases of Anjemia of those organs. 
SAMPLES isIILL BB CHEERFULLY MAILED TO 
PHYSICIANS ON APPLICATION. 
Correspondence and reports of cases invited. 
» 
DOSE :-One-Half to One Teaspoonful. 
(gompapy, 
Manufacturing Chemists, 
RICHMOND, VA., U. S. A. 3 
catarrh ? Certainly, if simple rhinitis, inflammation of the post- 
nasal space, enlargement of the nasal tissues, glandular develop- 
ments at the vault of the throat; thickenings, outgrowths and 
deviations of the partition of the nostrils, and abnormal growths 
in the nasal chambers-all of which cause more or less flow of 
secretion from the nose or throat-are to be classed under the 
generic name of "nasal catarrh," as the public and most of the 
profession seem to think. The trouble seems to be in the mis- 
application of a term which we all use, and which was a misno- 
mer from the first. All that it means is that there is some abnor- 
mality or disease of the nasal chambers; and it can be applied 
to any number of troubles of the nose, and of the upper part of 
the throat, behind the nose and palate. 
Even in this rather broad interpretation of the term, I can 
safely say that no class of diseases is more amenable to treatment 
than this, and none gives more satisfactory results. At least 90 
per cent, can be radically cured. 
Let doctors give the attention to this subject that they give to 
many others, or at least learn to examine the post-nasal space, 
which can be easily done by using my palate retractor; for no 
physician can give intelligent advice, in a case of so-called 
catarrh, without a thorough examination of this space. Because 
they do give advice without doing this, and consequently with- 
out seeing what the trouble is, with an absolutely negative result 
to the patient, the latter, in despair, turns to quack remedies for 
the relief he wants. 
Nearly all cases of discharge from the nose or upper throat 
depend upon the presence of some enlargement or growth, or 
projection, or deformity of the tissue, in the nasal spaces (except 
those advanced and neglected cases where shrinkage of the tis- 
sues has resulted), and its cure depends on the restoration of 
these spaces to their proper condition by the removal of these 
abnormalities; and,in my experience, if this is judiciously done, 
the cure is sure and radical. 
Among the commonest causes of nasal catarrh is adenoid tissue 
at the vault of the throat behind the nasal openings-an enlarge- 
ment of the glands of the mucous membrane of the vault, the 
so-called third tonsil. It assumes various shapes, and is some- 4 
times soft, and sometimes quite dense and tough. In children 
with the snuffles, and with obstructed nasal respiration, we nearly 
always find adenoids. Their removal invariably cures the nasal 
affection, and the deafness also, when present; or prevents the 
ear complication from supervening, as it so often does, if the 
growths are not removed. Sprays, salves, washes, powders, etc., 
are all of no avail until this tissue is taken away. They are use- 
ful for cleansing and disinfecting purposes; but, as remedial 
agents, they are a failure, until the parts are restored to the con- 
dition suitable for normal drainage and ventilation. 
Nearly all children, with enlarged tonsils, or with a tendency to 
recurrent inflammation of the tonsils, have adenoids at the vault. 
Nasal discharges, irritable throats, tendency to colds, stuffy 
voice, headaches, coughs, noises in the ear, dullness of hearing, 
drowsiness, inflamed eyes, mouth-breathing, and a stupid ap- 
pearance, are all sequences of this condition when overlooked 
or neglected. Children are never too young, and adults never 
too old, to have adenoid tissue, in whatever form it presents 
itself, removed; whether by cutting, scraping, burning by cautery 
or acid, makes no difference, if it is done with that judgment 
and skill that is necessary for all surgical work. Under cocaine 
the operations are practically painless. I have never seen a case 
of nasal catarrh cured where adenoid tissue was present unless 
it was first taken away; and I have seen cases that had been 
treated for years before I performed the operation which resulted 
in its perfect relief. The same may be said of all forms of nasal 
obstructions, whether due to thickenings of the tissues, growths, 
or to deformities of the partition between the nostrils, for they 
are equally productive of so-called nasal catarrh when present. 
Especially is this so of the alterations of the septum or par- 
tition wall between the nostrils. It is absolutely essential that 
this partition be restored to its proper shape and position by sur- 
gical methods. 
This, of course, should be done with judgment, and it makes 
no difference by what means it is accomplished, provided the 
passages are restored to their natural calibre. I am no advocate 
of any special method of operation, and think all have their 
uses in different cases. I am not writing a paper on nasal 5 
catarrh, but simply making a plea for a more rational method 
of treating such cases by the profession at large, so that they will 
not fall into the hands of quacks, or place their only hope on 
quack medicines. 
When it is not practicable to have the proper surgical proce- 
dure instituted at once, antiseptics and cleansing methods should 
be used until this can be done; and after the nasal chambers are 
restored to their symmetry, the same measures become still more 
valuable, and their continuance will result in a cure. 
We wash our faces, hands and persons; we brush our teeth; 
why not wash our noses?-especially if there is occasion for it. 
Specialists are somewhat at variance as to what are the best 
cleansing applications, but nearly all are agreed upon some anti- 
septic wash. The wash that I use most frequently is made with 
Seiler's Antiseptic Tablets (as manufactured by The Virginia 
Pharmacal Company, of Richmond, Va.) and when they are not 
at hand, lukewarm water and bicarbonate of soda. These 
washes are used with what is known as the "Success Nasal 
Syringe,"* a modification of "Shoemaker's Nasal Syringe." The 
bulb is filled, the elastic tube is passed through the nostrils into 
the post-nasal space, and by squeezing the bulb the parts are 
thoroughly cleansed. It should be used in both nasal passages, 
and repeated until no discharge comes away. 
It is much more efficacious than an atomizer, quite as effective as a 
nasal douche without its risks, and can be carried in the pocket. Even 
children soon get expert with it, and by its use the nose and post- 
nasal space is kept free from secretions, and the mucous lining 
cleaned for the application of any remedial agents. A weak 
solution of bi-chloride of mercury, 1 to 4,000 or 5,000; or per- 
oxide of hydrogen, may be substituted for above washes in cases 
suitable for these latter remedies. In some cases, after the 
cleansing, an application of eucalyptol in vaseline, or a powder 
of aristol and subnitrate of bismuth can be used according to 
the condition of the parts-the former blown in with a glass 
tube, the latter, with a piece of rubber tube. The whole thing 
can be done in ten minutes, and the patient does it himself-all 
of his appliances, except water, being carried in his pocket, if he so 
*Sold by Purcell, Ladd & Co., Richmond, Va. 6 
desires. Clumsy apparatus, douches, atomizers, vaporizers, etc., 
etc., can be reserved for absolutely necessary office work, and the 
patient is not worn out in his efforts to get well by spending so 
much time and money as to be disheartened. Here let me say 
that the practice of keeping patients coming to the office day 
after day, and week after week to have their noses sprayed, is a 
good thing for the doctor, but rather hard on the patient, who 
can save his monev, and do all for himself the doctor can, ex- 
cept the surgical work. There is no doubt that such treatment 
is beneficial by its cleansing effect, but it is a question if any 
case of so-called nasal catarrh is ever cured in this way. As 
soon as the treatment stops, the apparent improvement dis- 
appears. 
How long does it take to do what is necessary in a case of 
catarrh, so that the patient can continue the treatment without 
medical advice-is a question often asked. This depends on 
the amount of surgical work to be performed, and the ability of 
the patiqnt to submit to it. In some cases it can be done in ten 
days or two weeks; in others, it may take many weeks, as an 
operation can be done only once in five or six days, because of 
soreness or irritation set up. Each case may require different 
operations, and may take a varying length of time; and no one 
case is a guide for another. 
200 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, Va. 
ANTISEPTIZE - 
A Pleasant and Agreeable Antiseptic, Disinfectant, 
Deodorant and Prophylactic. 
ANTISEPTINE is unequalled in the treatment of Catarrhal Conditions of 
the Mucous Membrane, and application to Ulcers, Wounds and Abscesses, or as 
an Inhalant, Mouth Wash or Gargle. 
It destroys promptly all odors emanating from Diseased Gums and Teeth, 
and is of Great Value when taken internally to counteract the fermentative 
eructations of Dyspepsia. 
It is invaluable as a General Disinfectant and Deodorizer, in securing and 
maintaining Surgical Cleanliness in the treatment of all parts of the human 
body, and is of especial value as a Preventive Remedy. 
ANTISEPTINE is composed of Thymol, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Baptisin, 
Oil of Gaultheria and Benzoic Acid and Boric Acid. 
Samples will be mailed physicians on application. 
In ordering or prescribing please SPECIFY " V. P. CO." 
The Virginia Pharmacal Co., 
Manufacturing Chemists, - RICHMOND, VA. Pan eropep tin e. 
(V. P. Co.) 
FOR INDIGESTION AND MAL-ASSIMILATION. 
Pepsin, : - - 10 parts. 
Pancreatine, - - - - - - 5 " 
Acid Lactophosphate of Lime (Soluble), - 5 " 
Exsiccated Extract of Malt, - - - 10 " 
This Preparation combines the digestive and assimilative properties of Pepsin and 
Pancreatine with the nutritive properties of Extract of Malt and the brain and nerve 
strengthening qualities of Acid Lacto-Phosphate of Lime. 
We present it to the medical profession, feeling confident that they will find it a 
remedy in those enfeebled conditions of digestion and want of assimilation which are 
so often met with in their practice. 
DOSE:-10 to 20 Grains Dissolved in Milk or a little water. 
WE ALSO PREPARE AN 
Elixir of Pancropeptine. 
(V. P. Co.) 
This Elixir is very pleasant and agreeable, presenting an elegant form of adminis- 
tering Pancropeptine. Each fluid-drachm contains ten grains of Pancropeptine. 
DOSE:-One to Two Fluid Drachms. 
SAMPLES OF ANY OF OUR PREPARATIONS WILL BE MAILED 
TO PHYSICIANS ON APPLICATION. 
jgggTln ordering or prescribing, PLEASE SPECIFY "V. P. CO." 
The Virginia Pharmacal Co. 
Manufacturing Chemists and Pharmacists, 
RICHMOND, VM. FLUID EXTRACT 
Cascara Sagrada 
Rhamnus Purshiana), 
TASTELESS. 
(V. P. Co.) 
CASCARA SAGRAD A, while of proven worth to our Materia Medica as one of the 
most valuable Vegetable Cathartics, has been objectionable to many, and its use limited 
owing to its extreme bitterness. 
We are pleased to announce to our friends of the Medical Profession, that we are 
able to offer them a reliable, efficacious and eminently satisfactory Fluid Extract Cas- 
cara Sagrada, Tasteless, with the inherent bitterness of the drug removed. 
In cases of habitual constipation it produces a permanent influence over the intes- 
tinal tract, causing the glandular and peristaltic actions to become of themselves suffi- 
ciently active. 
We are sure progressive physicians will at once recognize the importance and advan- 
tage of a practically tasteless preparation of this desirable remedial agent. 
Our success must result in enhancing the value and greatly increasing the use of 
Cascara Sagrada. 
Samples will be sent physicians upon application, and correspondence solicited. 
Fluid Extract of Ergot 
(V. P. Co.) 
FROM CAREFULLY SELECTED SPANISH CRAIN. 
Our Preparation has been before the Medical Profession for a long time, and its 
use attended with such unvaried success, that we consider further than passing com- 
ment upon its merits unnecessary. 
Positive and prompt action and uniformity is ensured by our manner of manufac- 
ture, and it can always be depended upon as of officinal strength. 
OUR FLUID EXTRACT OF ERGOT is confidently recommended by leading 
Obstetricians as possessing in a superior degree all the therapeutic virtues of the drug. 
Testimonials from leading practitioners sent when desired. Write us for sample, 
and always specify " V. P. Co." 
The Virginia Pharmacal Co, 
Manufacturing Chemists and Pharmacists, 
RICHMOND, XZH. " WINE OF COCA 
Is put up in Eight Ounce Bottles. 
ALWAYS SPECIFY V. P. CO. WHEN ORDERING. 
THIS CUT REPRESENTS EXACT STYLE 
WE ALSO PREPARE 
Wine of Coca with Beef @ 1 ron 
PUT UP IN SAME STYLE AND SIZE. WINE OF COCA 
" V. P. Co." 
Per Dozen, Net, $4.00- 
WINE OF COCA is a diffusible tonic-stimulating and 
awakening the retarded functions of every organ, and impart- 
ing an exhilarating effect to the whole system. It is invaluable 
for weak and delicate women and overworked men. 
In Anaemia, Physical or Mental Overwork, or exhaustion 
from any cause; to convalescents who have been subjected to a 
protracted illness, Wine of Coca may be given with very 
happy results. It is of great service in the treatment of the 
Laryngeal Mucous Membranes, or air passages; as a voice tonic, 
and many other cases which will suggest themselves to the 
physician. 
Wine of Coca, "V. p.co.- 
Is not made from Alkaloid Cocaine (which should be con- 
demned), but from selected Coca Leaves, and a very superior 
Imported Bordeaux Wine. 
IT MAY BE RELIED UPON, 
As being always the same in strength and effect, and we confi- 
dently recommend it as being superior to any Wine of Coca 
now offered the Medical Profession. 
WE ALSO PREPARE - 
Wine of Coca 
WITH BEEF AND IRON 
Each fluid ounce containing a half fluid ounce of Wine of 
Coca, with a half fluid ounce of Beef, Wine and Ikon. 
Both put up in square, swell-neck, amber half-pint bottles. 
PRICE, $4.00 per dozen, net. 
See previous page for cut of actual size and style. 
*MRDE BYl(- 
THE VIRGINIA PHARMAGAL COMPANY, 
Manufacturing (Thcmisls, 
RICHMOND,VA. LIQUOR 
UTERAN5 
Uterine Tonic and Anodyne Sedative. 
BlacR HaW, - - 55 grs. 
. Blue Cohost], - - 28 grs. 
V Golden Seal (represented 
by the white alkaloid) 55 grs. 
* Jainaica Dogwood, 25 grs. 
®) feTT 
Conqbiried Witt} arornatics. 
DOSE.-One-half to One teaspoonful. 
MANUFACTURED BY' 
The Virginia Pharmacal Company, 
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. 
We desire to call the attention of physicians to Liquor Uterans as a Superior 
Uterine Sedative and Anodyne. This Preparation is highly recommended in the 
treatment of Diseases of the Female Reproductive Organs. 
Ayres' Hernia Truss. 
THE AYRES' TRUSS 
Is the best I have ever seen for Hernia in its 
various forms, and I heartily recommend it to 
the profession. 
Hunter McGuire, M. I)., 
Prof. Surgery, Col. Phys, and Surg., Richmond, Va. 
Address for Descriptive Circular and Price-List. 
FURCELL, LADD & CO., RICHMOND, VA. 
The Inventor referred, by special permission, to- 
Stanford E. Chaille, A. M., M. D., Professor of Physiology, University of 
Louisiana. 
Frank H. Hamilton, M. I)., LL. 1)., late Professor of Surgery, Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College, New York. 
J. L. Cabell, M. J)., Professor of Physiology and Surgery, University of Va. 
Isaiah H. White, M. D., late Demonstrator of Anatomy, Medical College of Va. 
James B. McCaw, M. I)., late Prof. Practice of Medicine, Medical College of Va. 
J. S. Wellford, M. I)., Emeritus Prof. Diseases of Women and Children, Medical 
College of Va. 
Hunter McGuire, M. 1)., Prof. Surgery, Col. Phys, and Surg., Richmond, Va. 
LandonJB. Edwards, M. I)., Editor Virginia Medical Monthly, Richmond, Va.