Prof. John King introduced tinctures derived from Prickly Ash berries and bark to the profession in Cincinnati, in 1849. In the College Journal for 1856 (p. 86), he writes: "I have used this tincture for some years past, and had the pleasure to introduce it to the profession in this city during the year 1849. It was much employed by our physicians in Cincinnati, and with great success.” Dr. John King’s claims: “Its value in several pathological conditions of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, or nerves, characterized by discomfort and disability, is very likely due to its ability to eliminate pain. It is best adapted to cases of transient and fugitive forms of muscular rheumatism. Pains down the anterior portions of the thighs, as well as after-pains, accompanied with dorsal or sacral pain, are relieved by it. It is an excellent application to indolent ulcers and wounds for cleansing, stimulating, drying up and healing the wounds.”
Research: Dr. Edward Staples (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1829, p. 163), J. U. Lloyd (ibid.,1876, p. 226) Witte (Dissert., 1876; see Jahresb. der Pliarm., 1877, p. 178), George H. Colton (ibid, 1880, p. 191), E. T. Moffit (ibid, 1886, p. 417), G. Eberhardt (ibid, 1890, p. 231) and J. U. Lloyd (ibid, 1890, p. 229).