Rough on Patent Medicine

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 55, 27 October 1892, Page 3

Rough on Patent Medicine

A good deal of liitht was thrown on the competition of patent medicines in a case which was before the Appeal Court at Wellington recently. It. is evident that faith and capsicum combined with the bitter but effective aloe piny an important' part in helping to cure many of the erils which 'flesh is heir to.' It appearß that a certain class of pills, known as ' Mother Seigel's, and sold as a patent medicine, are largely or principally composed of capsicum, aloes. senna, and ginger. Such goods can be bought in London at 4s per Ib, and considering that they are sold here at Is 6d a boi, containing a dozen, it would be worth the while of some inquisitive person to count how many of these globules would be in » pound, and what the profit would be to the importer. A witness in Auckland, where the case was originally heard, said he was prepared to take »n order for a ton of such goods, and the question naturally arises what effect a ton of senna, aloes, and capsicum would have indirectly on the wealth and temper of the community. We would suggest toschool examiners the following little sum in profit and loss, as one which might be put to some of the rising generation :— If lib of pills cost 4s in bulk in London, and if the said pound will fill about 30 boxes, which will sell at Is 6d each in the Colony, what will be the gam pec cent to the importer, after allowing him a fair margin for freight, putting up, and duty.— New Zealand Times.