RT Journal
A1 Garrett PR
T1 TIme stood still
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1979
FD January 12
VO 241
IS 2
SP 135
OP 135
DO 10.1001/jama.1979.03290280017015
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1979.03290280017015
AB To the Editor.— 
    A brief note in MEDICAL NEWS (240:1218, 1978) suggests that the turn-of-the-century concoction for epilepsy based on the after-birth of a woman was devised by physicians of the day who were testing their creativity. On the contrary, in 1676 Salmon1 (undoubtedly not the originator) discussed the medicinal use of "the secundine and the navel string" as follows:A Drop or two of the Blood of the Navel String... prevents the Falling-sickness, Convulsions, and all other Fits... The Secundine calcin'd, and given in Southernwood Water... every Day half an Ounce, while the Moon decreases in Light (and if possible in Motion too) wonderfully cures Struma's, or the Kings-Evil, and the Falling-sickness [epilepsy].More than 225 years without a single, randomized, clinical study with an adequate control?