The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-06-15
IN THE SPRING THE OLD TIMERS
 FANCY

April 26 was the opening date this year. On 1 that day the first inquiry arrived Minnesota | reader asked me to advise him of spring | tonic with the use of sulphur and just how to l mix and take it. tt l This the proportion of such inquiries | in the mail was distinctly less than it has been timers are gradually relinquishing their vcner- l able traditions Ho-hum. what q dull world l this will be when all those fine old romantic l notions have gone a-glimmerfng.
 Sulphur is a laxative. It has no appreciable effect other than that. Probably sulphur is not absorbed into the blood at all when taken as sulphur, but only when 1t is present In natural chemical compounds in such foods as eggs. beans, meat, cheese, fish, milk, peas wheat flour, oatmeal and potatoes. There Is compar- ativey little sulphur in the human body, about one-fourth as much sulphur as phosporous. for example, and about one-eighth as much sulphur as calcium (ime).
 The only effect of sulphur taken in medicinal dose is laxative. A favorite old spring tonic" mixture equal quantities of sulphur and molasses, and the odtimers took from tea spoon to a tablespoonful of this once or twice daily for few weeks in the spring when the ice went out and they were once more able to visit the grocery. Molasses is mildly Iaxa- tive too, and some of the awful stuff that IS sold under the fair name of molasses nowadays 1t to the old Nicks table, should think. The sulphur in this diabolic fluid known as mo- lasscs to-day Is contribution made In the form of suphurous acid used in the manufac-
 
 New Orleans" molasses was the product of the manufacture of sugar in the old fashioned way, in the open kettle and without vacuum pans. centrifugal separation and chemicals. This fine palatable old fashioned molasses is now hard to obtain. but fortunately may still be had, and it beats modern mixed syrups table deli cacy for popping up the kids bread and butter.
 Sulphur is prescribed as laxative in cases where soft, mushy effects are required. Pow dered sulphur mixed with powdered senna leaves and powdered licorice constitutes the familiar compound lcorice powder which is still used as laxative following childbirth and hemorrhoid operations.
 Washed sulphur is the only kind suitable for internal
 sublimed or preciptated sulphur is for ex- ternal use.
 Sulphur in the form of & well made ointment Gin which the sulphur is quite extinguished that is, particle can be felt between the fin- gers) is still the best remedy we have for dand- ruff and for scabies Gold fashioned itch). So far as we know. however, sulphur Is without value as remedy for other conditions than scabies where itching happens to be symp- tom. (Scabies is parasitic infestation of the skin, and the sulphur kills the parasites itch mites, which burrow under the cutice.) have concluded that 1t Is impossible to instruct people how to employ sulphur as a remedy for scabies. without personal supervision by the physician. mean that the doctors att tendance Is essential for successful results. So don't waste your time and postage asking me for further instructions. Ask your doctor.