World War I 100 Years Ago: Aug. 8-15

From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, August 13, 1914: Indianapolis druggists and physicians predicted yesterday that within a few days it will be impossible, on account of the war, to obtain the anti-syphilitic drug salvarsan, commonly known as “606,” that is manufactured exclusively in Germany. One of the city’s largest retail drug firms announced that its supply could not last more than ten days.  According to Dr. Frank A. Brayton there are more than 150 regular patients receiving treatments of “606” at the City Dispensary and many others who take occasional treatments who will be affected. Local wholesale druggist A. Kiefer Drug Co expects to receive about 25% of its original order from New York importers. Prices on all imported drugs including glycerin, opium, and carbolic acid have increased by about 25%.