PROPRIETARY MEDICINES.


Having the invalid's best interests in view, it will often happen that
we cannot prescribe better or cheaper remedies nor those which are more
effective or easily obtained, than some of our standard preparations,
which are sold by all druggists. We are aware that there is a popular,
and not altogether unfounded prejudice against "patent medicines," owing
to the small amount of merit which many of them possess. The term
"Patent Medicine" does not apply to Dr. Pierce's remedies, as no patent
has ever been asked or obtained for them, nor have they been urged upon
the public as "cure alls." They are simply favorite prescriptions,
which, in a very extensive practice, have proved their superior remedial
virtues in the cure of the diseases for which they are recommended.

From the time of Hippocrates down to the present day, physicians have
classified diseases according to their causes, character or symptoms. It
has been proved that diseases apparently different may often be cured by
the same remedy. The reason for this singular fact is obvious. A single
remedy may possess a variety of properties. Quinine, among other
properties has a tonic which suggests its use in cases of debility; an
antiperiodic, which renders it efficient in ague; and an anti-febrile
property, which renders it efficacious in cases of fever. The result
produced varies with the quantity given, the time of its administration,
and the circumstances under which it is employed. Every practicing
physician has his favorite remedies, which he oftenest recommends or
uses, because he has the greatest confidence in their virtues. The
patient does not know their composition. Even prescriptions are usually
written in a language unintelligible to anybody but the druggist. As