1930 - Medicine

Medicine

Tuberculosis immunization efforts suffer a setback when 249 infants at Lübeck, Germany, receive the BCG vaccine introduced 8 years ago (see 1922); 73 of the vaccinated babies have died by fall, criminal proceedings are instituted against the people responsible for administering the vaccine, but it will be determined that the vaccine was contaminated and that BCG itself was not to blame. Further trials will show that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Tincture of merthiolate gains widespread popularity for painting cuts and scratches. Introduced by Eli Lilly, it had no commercial success until given a little alcohol to make it sting and some vegetable dye to make it show on the skin.

Tums antacid tablets are introduced by the St. Louis firm Lewis Howe Co. Local pharmacist James Howe formulated the mint-flavored product in his basement laboratory 2 years ago, using calcium carbonate from crushed limestone to relieve his wife's indigestion; he kept a supply in an old Mason jar, the couple took it along on an ocean voyage, and when other passengers had upset stomachs Howe let some of them have his tablets, which will later be used also as a source of dietary calcium.

The U.S. Veterans Administration created by Congress through the efforts of the 11-year-old American Legion will administer hospitals and other facilities.