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Radam's Microbe Killer
William Radam began selling his Microbe Killer elixir in America, claiming that the elixir was able to cure all diseases, however, in truth this product was useless and could be poisonous if consumed in large quantities. As seen in the above picture, Mr. Raddam had his claim imprinted on the glass bottles. Photo can be found at http://www.historyonthenet.com/authentichistory/1898-1913/2-progressivism/8-quackery/Microbe_Killer_Amber_BottleTN.jpg -
Beecham's pills
Snake oil salesmen use their energetic, animated sales pitches to sell what they claimed to be cure all medicines. One example is Beecham's Pills, seen here in this ad claiming them to be the "most marvelous antidote yet discovered". Photo found at http://www.historyonthenet.com/authentichistory/1898-1913/2-progressivism/8-quackery/Beechams_Pills-Scribners_189105TN.jpg, from Schribner's Magazine, May 1891. -
Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 is passed
This new regulation was an attempt to combat the salesmen that were taking advantage of so many desperate people. It made it so materials in all food and drug products were clearly listed. It also required the removal of any dangerous ingredients. This forced the "quack medicine" proprietors to stop making their more blatantly dishonest claims to their customers. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, http://history.house.gov/HistoricalHighlight/Detail/15032393280?ret=True -
Harrison Narcotic Tax Act is approved
The Harrison Narcotic Tax Act set limits on the amount of opium and cocaine allowed in products available to the public. It also made it so prescriptions from physicians were required for products exceeding the allowable limit. This controlled the sale and dispensing of drugs like morphine to the public. Photo originally published in American Druggist & Pharmaceutical Record v36 n6 March 25, 1900. https://nyamcenterforhistory.org/2014/12/17/fear-narcotic-drugs-the-passage-of-the-harrison-act/ -
The Sheppard-Towner Act is passed
The Sheppard-Towner Act is passed granting federal aid to mothers and newborns as well as assistance with prenatal care in mostly rural states. Even though the act expired in 1929 and was not renewed it is considered a land mark in the development of social welfare programs in the United States. Pictured is Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana who first sponsored the legislation in 1918. history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1901-1950/The-Sheppard–Towner-Maternity-and-Infancy-Act/ -
Prohibition prescription
During prohibition doctors received an extremely large increase of requests for prescriptions for whiskey. For many, alcohol was a medical necessity due to the severe post-prohibition withdrawal symptoms such as delirium, tremors, and vomiting. Attached is a photograph of a used prescription for whiskey dated May 6, 1929. It can be found at the following website www.historyonthenet.com/authentichistory/1921-1929/2-socialchange/1-prohibition/1-overview/Alcohol_Prescription_Used_version2TN.jpg
