Edmund Scientifics

[jeffq]

:confused: I'm a little confused. The March 2 Swift (http://www.randi.org/jr/2007-03/030207harpo.html#i3) properly called attention to the unproven claim that Edmund Scientifics' "Microcomputer Therapy Apparatus" could "diagnose and cure a range of acute and minor illnesses" using "Chinese Medicine". JREF readers complained, and David Miles of ES responded by sending an apparent apology posted in the March 16 Swift (http://www.randi.org/jr/2007-03/031607bowl.html#i4):

The product description for this particular item has recently been changed on our website (last night we thought). We simply used the description that the manufacturer provided us and pasted it on our website. We received such a negative backlash (such as yours) that we agreed that the description was very much misrepresenting the product. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions at any time.


Well, I have a question. Why does the ES "Microcomputer Therapy Apparatus" page (http://www.scientificfun.com/details.php?pid=586766833) still make this claim? I see no meaningful change at all. Is Mr. Smith merely trying to fend off a backlash by providing a meaningless mea culpa, or is ES actually going to demonstrate it has some remanent of scientific integrity?

[Beanbag]

I remember when Edmund came out with its first "Scientific Living" catalog. Among the items it listed was a complete French Maid's costume, one size fits all. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how this applied to Scientific Living. If I remember correctly, I think they also sold personal lubricant in a pump jar in that catalog as well.

Beanbag

[ChaoticLimbs]

These claims amount to advertising fraud. This device, is NOT useful in curing any disease, will NOT cure diarrhea, and absolutely is incapable of doing any of the things attributed to it. Edmund "Scientifics" is defrauding people by allowing the claims this device makes to be printed without verifying that they can be documented to be true.

[ChaoticLimbs]

Description
Chinese Medicine and Modern Microelectronics Technology -- Diagnose and cure a range of acute and minor illnesses with this revolutionary instrument. This apparatus incorporates the six traditional Chinese medical functions of hammering, acupuncture, naprapathy, cupping, scraping, and massage. -- Integrated prescription modes will lower blood pressure, shape portions of the body, reduce stress on body organs, and relieve soreness in muscles. The electric current acts directly on acupuncture pressure points, and through low frequency stimulation, restrains nerves, promotes blood circulation, and stimulates body tissues. -- Helpful in curing everything from diarrhea to arthritis, this instrument is much better than a house call.

[SirPhilip]

I remember when Edmund came out with its first "Scientific Living" catalog. Among the items it listed was a complete French Maid's costume, one size fits all. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how this applied to Scientific Living. If I remember correctly, I think they also sold personal lubricant in a pump jar in that catalog as well.

Perhaps they've seen Skepchick.org?

[tracer]

Chinese Medicine and Modern Microelectronics Technology -- Diagnose and cure a range of acute and minor illnesses with this revolutionary instrument.



That's more than just advertising fraud. In the U.S., "diagnose" and "cure" have specific legal meanings. Such claims have to be backed up with approval for medical use by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. Those quacks clearly don't have FDA approval -- and could be prosecuted for such.

I'd suggest somebody report them to the FDA, or take them to court for violating Federal law. This route is likely to be more fruitful than claiming advertising fraud. In a fraud case, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove that the item DOESN'T do what its makers claim it can do. In a medical-use case, the burden of proof is on the defendant to prove that the item DOES diagnose or cure illnesses if the defeendant made claims that it does.

[Orangutan]

http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3081383

Is the Edmund scientific page that does have a disclaimer.
I have reported the other site to the FDA.
I'll let you know if I hear anything.

[kookbreaker]

I remember when Edmund came out with its first "Scientific Living" catalog. Among the items it listed was a complete French Maid's costume, one size fits all. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how this applied to Scientific Living. If I remember correctly, I think they also sold personal lubricant in a pump jar in that catalog as well.

Beanbag

The company (the original one, not the present managers of the Scientifics line) considers that series of catalogs to be an embarassment and would like to pretend it never existed.

The problem was that at that time they were facing bankruptcy and were trying to find an identity for their catalog. Mistakes were made, big mistakes.

[Beanbag]

Well, they're still in business, so I guess they sold more than a few maid's outfits.

Beanbag

[my_wan]

This site was mentioned here;
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=77101

Edmund Scientific change their site but because they have resellers many sites still have the old text. Still seems like a crap product to sell.

[kookbreaker]

Well, they're still in business, so I guess they sold more than a few maid's outfits.

Beanbag

Nah. Those catalogs bombed. When they started increasing the optics components line is when things came around.

But also led to the way the company is split up these days.