18698. Misbranding of Llgrnol soap.    U. S. v. 17 Bars of Llsrnol Soap.    De 
fault decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction.     (F. &
D. No. 26363.    I. S. No. 16062.    S. No. 4662.)
Examination of samples of Lignol soap from the shipment herein described 
having shown that the article was represented to be antiseptic and germicidal, 
whereas it was not, also that the labeling represented that it possessed curative
and therapeutic properties which it did not possess, the Secretary of Agriculture 
reported the matter to the United States attorney for the District of Maryland. 
On May 18, 1931, the United States .attorney filed in the District Court of the 
United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and condemnation 
of 17 bars of Lignol soap, remaining in the original unbroken packages at Balti- 
more, Md., alleging that the article had been shipped by the Girard Pharmacal 
Co., from Philadelphia, Pa., on or about February 21, 1931, and had been trans- 
ported from the State of Pennsylvania into the State of Maryland, and charging 
misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this department showed that it con- 
sisted essentially of soap, containing a tarry oil. Bacteriological examination 
showed that the article was not antiseptic.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was adulterated in that it fell be- 
low the professed standard of " antiseptic " and " germicidal" under which it 
was sold.
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the following statements appear- 
ing in the circular accompanying the said article were false and misleading: 
" Is an antiseptic * * * soap * * * Lignol Soap contains 5 per cent 
pure Lignol. The latter is one of the most powerful antiseptics, possessing no 
caustic or poisonous qualities even when administered internally * * * It 
is a fact that Lignol Soap is antiseptic and germicidal." Misbranding was 
alleged for)the further reason that the following statements appearing in the 
labeling, regarding the curative or therapeutic effects of the article, were false 
and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients 
capable of producing the effects claimed: (Circular) "Nature's Skin Purifier 
* * * That its antiseptic and curative qualities are carried through the 
skin to the deep tissues * * * That it is pre-eminently the Soap for use in 
the treatment of skin diseases * * * For the teeth * * * destroying 
the germs which cause decay * * * is useful in conditions such as * * * 
Inflammations, Erysipelas, Eczema, Pimples * * * Dandruff * * * 
Ulcers, Scrofula, Hemorrhoids, Diseases of Women, Pruritis; " (imprint on bar 
of soap) "Cures & Prevents Skin Diseases; " (carton) "Value to both'healthy 
and diseased skin * * * it is invaluable for dandruff, it stimulates the 
growth of the hair."
On June 18, 1931, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment of 
condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court that 
the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
AKTHXJB M. HYDE, Becretwry of Agriculture.