Quackery In Medicine in the 1930’s
To say that the field of medicine has come a long way would be a DRASTIC understatement. I am always interested in the so called “miracle cures” and as we go back in history there are a lot of them. Recently I was reading an article about an oddly named street here in California, and it lead me to the gentleman who the street was named after.
The street is “XXYZX Road” in San Bernandino, and the origins are that of a Curtis Howe Springer who was an old-time radio evangelist at the turn of the century. As his life path unfolded he became a doctor in his own head, and spent many hours convincing others of this fact. Deciding to move west, he got over 12,000 acres of desert to build a hot springs, 60-room hotel, spa, mineral baths, a radio studio, and a church. Well, long story short, he began using this show to sell cures and Springer himself was convicted for selling junk “cures”.
This got me reading about other flim flammers in medical history so I thought I would share a couple gems with you:
Coho Drink Cure: Cure drunkenness and made from a weak alcoholic colution, and flavored with essential oils with a distinct caraway and cinnamon odor upon smelling.
Cosa Powder: Cure drunkenness and made from a 90% baking soda, 5% powdered cinnamon, 5% cumin mix.
St. Anne Morphine Cure: Cure morphine addiction. This was made of 1 grain (64mg) and 1-8 grains (64mg to 512mg) of caffeine.
Starnes Drug Habit Cure: Cure drug habit. This was made of morphine and was declared mis-branded. The creators plead guilty and were fined.
Dr. Harters Lung Balm: Cure the common cough. Made of 60% sugar, 3.65% alcohol, chloroform, cinnamic acid and plant extract. The creators were fined $200.00 ($3400.00 in 2016 dollars).
Watkins Female Remedy: Used as a remedy for “women’s complaints” from cramps to menstruation, and after child birth. Made of 19% alcohol, some vegetable extracts with laxatives qualities. The creators were found to be false and fraudulent and the company was fined.
If you are interested in learning more, check out Nostrums & Quackery Vol. 2
Have you ever been the victim of medical quackery? Tell me below!