Editorially speaking…
Last week’s post on patent medicines drew several responses.
Two readers pointed out, too late, as I’d realized upon reading it myself in the cold light of day, did I remember that I meant to bring the story up to date with a reference to over-the-counter cold medications, specifically, decongestants.
—americanhistory.si.edu
In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared oral phenylephrine, a major ingredient of these medications that are sold under various household names, “safe but ineffective at standard or even higher doses”.
Meaning, in effect, that they’re little better than most of the patent medicines of old—beneficial only, rarely, as placebos but otherwise a waste of money?
Almost everyone who comes down with the sniffles buys these popular antihistamines so we’re talking millions and millions and millions of dollars in recent years.
Gord Miller wrote: “Tom. Your recent article/post on patent medicines, reminded me about the newspaper ads that promoted these products.
“Back in the late 1960's, I spent months with my head in the teepee microfilm reader (Recordak reader) studying the politics of Alberta during the 1896-1905 period. One of the unexpected pleasures of viewing page after page of newspapers was the opportunity to view the various ads.
“My favorite was for "pink pills for pale people". I attach an article from syracuse.com that considers some of these ads.”
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW THE FULL AD
From Maureen: “I really enjoy your articles. So many, like this one, make me realize that history really does keep repeating. I would sure there are even more ‘cure-all medications’ today than in the past and people are just as gullible.”
From Larry: “You forgot to mention Cold FX!!!”
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Gord’s reference to the micro-film reader brings back less than fond memories for me. How many hours did I spent, hunched forward while trying to read purple print on an illuminated green screen, straining my eyesight, while researching stories in old newspapers in the Victoria Colonist morgue.
Then again, many years later, in the Nanaimo Public Library, poring over reels of the Free Press. The only wonder for me is that I didn’t need glasses until I was into my 60s.