However, scientific experiments as to the efficacy of fetal therapeutics have been made from time to time with varying results.
Gusserow of Strasbourg tested for iodin, chloroform, and salicylic acid in the blood and secretions of the fetus after maternal administration just before death.

In 14 cases in which iodin had been administered, he examined the fetal urine of 11 cases; in 5, iodin was present, and in the others, absent.

He made some similar experiments on the lower animals.

Benicke reports having given salicylic acid just before birth in 25 cases, and in each case finding it in the urine of the child shortly after birth.
At a discussion held in New York some years ago as to the real effect on the fetus of giving narcotics to the mother, Dr.Gaillard Thomas was almost alone in advocating that the effect was quite visible.

Fordyce Barker was strongly on the negative side.