28694. Misbranding of French Pcssairc Womb Supporter.    U. S. v. 67 Packages
of • French Pessaire Womb Supporter (and 2 similar seizure actions). 
Default decree of condemnation and destruction. (P. & D. Nos. 41773. 
41830, 41831.   Sample Nos. 2562-D, 2563-D, 3025-D, 8366-D.)
The labeling of this product bore false and fraudulent curative or therapeutic 
claims and other misrepresentations.
On February 21, March 2, and March 3, 1938, the United States attorneys for 
the Northern District of California, the Northern District of Illinois, and the 
Western District of Missouri, acting upon reports by the Secretary of Agricul- 
ture, filed in their respective district courts 3 libels praying seizure and con- 
demnation of 246 packages of French Pessaire Womb Supporters in various 
lots at San Francisco, Calif.; Chicago, Ill.; and Kansas City, Mo., alleging that 
the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about April 29, 1937, 
and January 4 and 24, and February 4, 1938, by Robert J. Pierce, Inc., from 
New York, N. Y., and charging misbranding in violation of the Food and Drugs 
Act as amended.
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that the following statements in 
the labeling were false and misleading since the article was not what it was 
represented to be: (Carton) "Womb Supporter * * *"; (circular) "Womb 
Supporter * * * The French Womb Supporter is constructed on a common 
sense principle, and strictly in accordance with the anatomy of the female or- 
ganization * * * is not injurious in any way, * * * no apprehension 
of its going too far or doing the slightest harm need be felt."
It was alleged to be misbranded further in that the following statements in 
the circular regarding its curative or therapeutic effects were false and fraudu- 
lent : "A Blessing To Womankind * * * It affords a convenient and prompt 
means of cure to those afflicted with prolapsus (falling of the womb), leucorr- 
hoea (whites), and in the ready cure of the ulceration of the mouth and neck 
of the womb, so commonly the living torment of delicate women. In treatment of 
cancer of the womb, it is a most admirable instrument. The ordinary treatment 
of female diseases by injections is uncertain, slow, tedious, disgusting and ex- 
pensive. In the use of local medication, by the means of the Womb Supporter, the 
cure is directly applied to the seat of the disease, and can be retained any 
length of time with ease, comfort and success. By this valuable means, old 
chronic female affections, seldom curable by former modes of treatment, now 
yield readily."
On March 17, April 21, and May 24, 1938, no claimant having appeared, judg- 
ments of condemnation were entered and the product was ordered destroyed.
W. R. GREGG, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.