Medical Ephemera

Buffalo, NY: Charles A. Drefs, 1915. Original. not bound. Very Good. In part: " . Gradually Eruption Disappears---The Skin made Clean, Pure and Healthy. Have You A Bad Leg with Wounds that Discharge or do not Heal! . There is a poison under the skin . Perhaps your knees or ankles are swollen . ulcerated . discolored . Some may have told you that your case is hopeless, or that amputation was necessary. Drefs' Family Ointment, used in connection with Drefs' Pills, will cure such wounds and sores . Quick results will always follow the use of these two remedies . 40 cents for the Ointment and 65 cents for the Pills." Illustration of an ulcerated leg. 10.5" x 11". more information

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NY Adolphine nd [1930s]., 1930. 1st Edition. Old fold marks, else in very good condition. 8.75" x 5.5" (4)pp Adolphine, born in Germany in 1902, here tells of her life since emerging in her teen years as half boy, half girl. She discusses the anomalies of her anatomy, tells why she travels mostly in men's clothing, etc. "I have been on exhibition for many years, and after traveling all over Europe, where I had been showing for various authorities and celebrities, I was persuaded to tour the United States, where I also exhibited in leading vaudeville houses, museums, The Dreamland Circus Side Show in Coney Island, and many others." The four photographs include: a head-and-shoulders portrait of Adolphine; a full-length portrait of her in women's evening clothes; and two full-length semi-nude portraits intended to demonstrate that she is an hermaphrodite. Illustrated by four illus from photographs. First Edition. Binding is leaflet. more information

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Cincinnati, Ohio American Medical College 1854., 1854. 1st Edition. Lacking paper covers, else in good condition. 9" x 6" 40pp Contains Prof. L.E. Jones's rejoinder to the "malignant and defamatory attack of Dr. J.R. Buchanan," first annual report, &c. First Edition. Binding is stitched spine. more information

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Yonkers, NY: Arlington Chem, 1918. First Edition. Original Wraps. Very Good. 16pp. Attached, as issued, is a bookmark with Faught's Scale on one side and Woley's Scale on the other. Designed for physicians. 8.25" x 5.5". more information

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Mokelumne Hill, CA: Health Research, 1969. Second Edition. Original wraps. Very Good. 48pp, index; illus from photographs and drawings. This reprint of a rare 1917 pamphlet by a Salt Lake City physician advocates "zone therapy" to treat a variety of ailments. 8.25" x 5.5". more information

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NY: Beecham's Pills, 1923. First Edition. Original wraps. Very Good. 16pp. This pocket compendium of useful data has a young scholar's signature on the paper cover. 5.5" x 4". more information

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NY: Borden Co., 1930. First Edition. Original wraps. Fine. 63pp. Has chapters on nutrition, snacking, school lunches, foods for winter & summer, menus for pre-schoolers, recipes, etc. 7.25" x 4.5". more information

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Newark, NJ: Prudential Insurance, 1920. First Edition. Pictorial wraps. Very Good. 16pp; vignettes. Brown explains the principles of nutrition, especially for those of middle and advanced age. 6.5" x 4.25". more information

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NY: Church & Dwight, 1922. First Edition. Pictorial wraps. Good. Covers neatly repaired. 32pp, index. The cover shows a woman administering Cow Brand Baking Soda to a little girl; on the back is a product picture. This booklet presents a wide array of household and medicinal uses for Cow Brand Soda, all "tested and approved by leading physicians." The uses range from combatting "that relentless enemy of dainty women--excessive armpit perspiration," to treating ivy poison and insect bites, to aiding in the cure of leucorrhoea and influenza, to cooling a "shiny, red, hot-weather complexion." 5.5" x 3.5". more information

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Missouri: Knox Company, 1937. Original wraps. Good. 32pp; illus from photographs and drawings. Includes horoscopes, health secrets of famous people such as Ramon Novarro, dream interpretation, trivia, etc. 8.75" x 5.5". more information

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Buffalo, NY: Charles A. Drefs, 1906. Original edition. Near Fine. Druggist's envelope for pills, unused, 3.5" x 6.5". The text on the front is repeated in German on the back. Drefs was a wholesale and retail druggist in Buffalo at the turn of the last century. more information

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NY: Fellows Co., 1912. First Edition. Original wraps. Very Good. Corner chipped from cover. (16)pp. This brochure of "cautionary aphorisms" for doctors aims to refresh them on points "which are apt to be overlooked." Topics include: appendicitis; rectal and uterine cancers; cardiac, gastric, and genito-urinary matters. Also advises on the use of Salversan and Neosalversan in treating syphilis. Contains three pages of testimonials from physicians. 7.75" x 4.5". more information

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Hazleton, PA: First Aid Syrup, 1900. not bound. Fine. Small broadside. Includes the recipe for making Kola for medicinal purposes. Coca Cola was invented in 1886 and other cola products followed. 5.25" x 8.25". more information

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Savannah: Georgia Medical Society, 1949. First Edition. Soft cover. Very Good. Printed paper covers. 48pp. Contains histories of the Medical Assn of Georgia (1849-1880), the Georgia Medical Society (1804-1949), Savannah hospitals, &c. 9" x 6". more information

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NY: MacFadden Publications, 1927. 2nd printing. Hardcover. Very Good. Gilt-stamped binding. pp: v, 151. Updates and expands Bernarr MacFadden's use of food science to maintain health and to prevent or cure disease. 7.5" x 4.75". more information

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Boston: Watson's Print, 1850. First Edition. not bound. Fine. Broadside, letterpress-printed in bold type on bright, orange-coated stock, with elaborate, decorative border. Matted and shrink-wrapped. A striking display piece for Hollis's cough candy, "For Sale Here." 10.25" x 8". more information

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Lowell, MA: C.I. Hood, 1891. Original. not bound. Very Good. Consists of 34 pieces; tips of two pieces scuffed. This attractive item, ready for display in a vintage frame and two-sided glass, is among the earliest advertising puzzles. Side One is a full-color view of a dapper salesman in a two-horse carriage which is labeled "Hood's Sarsaparilla/Pure Blood - 100 Doses, One Dollar." A kindly gent with umbrella waves as the carriage passes, uttering "That's the Medicine I Take." In the background is a view of a large, brick structure with a roof sign: "Hood's Sarsaparilla Laboratory, C.I. Hood & Co., Proprietors." A barn is painted in yellow letters: "Get Hood's and Only Hood's." The other side of the jigsaw puzzle is a scene in blue on white. At left, a hot-air balloon ascends: "100 Doses - One Dollar" is painted in giant letters on the balloon. At right, a family gazes at the balloon while exclaiming: "Look! Look! There is a Balloon Telling about Hood's Sarsaparilla." Painted on the sides of a barn: "Be Sure to get Hood's" and "Hood's Sarsaparilla Makes the Weak Strong." In the foreground, a crude sign proclaims: "For That Tired Feeling Take Hood's Sarsaparilla - Peculiar to Itself - 100 Doses, One Dollar." At upper right is a scroll: "As up we raise Our wandering gaze, 'Twixt earth and sky Goes floating by The great balloon; Its motto tells How cheaply sells Man's greatest boon-- Hood's Sarsaparilla." 10.5" x 15". more information

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1920. not bound. Very Good. Broadside, printed in green ink. YOU FEEL IT TAKE HOLD! YOU FEEL THE RELIEF IN MINUTES! Some slight age-toning. 7.25" x 17". more information

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Tokyo Japanese Red Cross Society March 1933., 1933. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Little faint spotting to cover, else in very good condition. 9.5" x 5" 6 panels Begins with the origin of the Society, established 1877 as "The Hakuaisha" to care for sick and wounded during the Civil War. The rest of the text includes: The Patronage of the Imperial Family; The Relief Service in Time of War; The Training of Nurses and Male-Attendants; Relief Service for the Prisoners of War; Anti-Tuberculosis Campaign; Free Treatment; etc. Illustrated by 5 photo-illus in text. First Edition. Binding is brochure. more information

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Cincinnati: Andrew Jergens Co., 1911. First Edition. Pictorial boards. Good. Henry Hutt. Pictorial white covers soiled as usual. 67pp; complete with 11 plates. Chapters include: scientific facts about the skin; descriptions and directions for use of Jergens products, with prices; hair care; beauty treatments for different seasons; problem complexions; baths; etc. The plates are from artwork, evocative of the period. 8.75" x 5.5". more information

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Philadelphia: H.D. Justi & Son, 1920. First Edition. not bound. Very Good. Small broadside, one page, printed in color on heavy card stock. Apparently meant to accompany a set of porcelain teeth, this card tells the buyer to return defective teeth to the factory. 7.25" x 5". more information

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NY: Metropolitan Life, 1930. First Edition. Pictorial wraps. Good. Some signs of use. 32pp; illus of exercises. Has chapters on diet, the dangers of drugs, food values, menus, and 10 reducing exercises. Height/weight table laid in. 7.75" x 5.25". more information

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NY: Metropolitan Life, 1930. First Edition. Self-wraps. Good. 8pp. Offers advice on prevention of respiratory illness and on caring for patients at home. 7.75" x 5.25". more information

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Ekkhart, IN: Dr. Miles Laboratories, 1933. First Edition. Pictorial wraps. Very Good. Illus from Photographs. The spine ends are a bit chipped. 34pp; photo-illus throughout text. Color-pictorial covers. The usual weather and zodiac data are secondary to the adverts for patent medicines. Includes three full-page ads for Alka-Seltzer and a number more for Nervine and Dr. Miles Anti-Pain Pills. 9.5" x 6". more information

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Chicago: National Dairy Council, 1952. 2nd printing. Original wraps. Very Good. 23pp; vignettes. Tells how women can improve their lives and personalities and acquire "that sparkle" by getting enough rest, careful eating, playing outdoors, socializing ("dates are necessary only for dancing"), working on a hobby, cleanliness, etc. 5.25" x 3.5". more information

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Maywood, IL: National Herb, 1950. First Edition. Original wraps. Good. pp: 44, (2); 24pp illus of herbs. Covers the efficacy of natural herbs, the treatment of illness (colitis, gallbladder, jaundice) with teas and tablets, etc. 8.5" x 5.5". more information

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Various Places: not published, 1920. Originals. not bound. Very Good. Six items, measuring 1"x2" to 3.5"x6": blotter with photo of woman, child and horse, from Dion Drug Co. of Somersworth, N.H., Pure Drugs, Patent Medicines, Toilet Articles, Prescriptions Carefully Compounded; Curtis Bay Pharmacy of Baltimore, MD, C.B.P. Pure Olive Oil.; W.E. Chapman, Pharmacist, of Fairlee, Vermont, Soda Mint Tablets with dosage; Toiletine Co. of Greenfield, MA, Colodine Antiseptic and Healing Liquid Court Plaster, "Sterilizes the wound then seals it up"; Suffield Pharmacy of Suffield, CT, Sweet Spirit of Nitre, contents and dosage; Curtis Bay Pharmacy of Baltimore, Borax label. various sizes. more information

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Buffalo, NY World's Dispensary Med Assn nd [ca. 1900]., 1900. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Pictorial paper covers and contents tanned, else very good. 5.5" x 3.25" 48pp Picture inside cover: "Condensation Couch for Auto-Induction Treatment as used at Dr. Pierce's Invalids' Hotel." The text describes the Invalids' Hotel as well as various remedies ascribed to Dr. Pierce, a few "Dainty Dishes for the Invalid," etc. Data on dream interpretation are scattered through the text. Illustrated by text illus from photographs. First Edition. Binding is original wraps. more information

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Buffalo, NY: World's Dispensary Med. Assn, 1904. First Edition. Original wraps. Very Good. Illus from Photographs. 15pp + blank leaves for notes, which are partly filled in with handwritten memoranda on the writer's farm activities. The calendar for 1905 is interleaved with ads and testimonials for Dr. Pierce's patent medicines, said to: cure "women's troubles" such as "obnoxious examinations" (the medicine obviates them) and falling womb. Furthermore, Pierce's medicines act as "mother's friend.to make childbirth easy"; they ease menstrual problems and menopause; they cure ovarian tumors; &c. Included is an ad for Invalids' Hotel & Surgical Institute at Buffalo, NY: "Weak Women Made Strong, Sick Women Made Well." 5.5" x 3.25". more information

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Buffalo, NY: World's Dispensary Medical Assn, 1932. First Edition. Pictorial wraps. Very Good. (48)pp; illus from photographs. Comprises a calendar and diary (unused) for 1932 along with myriad testimonials for Pierce's medicines and Invalids Hotel. 5.5" x 3.25". more information

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Buffalo, NY: World's Dispensary Med. Assn, 1904. First Edition. Soft Cover. Good. Pictorial cover bit rubbed. 32pp; portraits, text illus. The blank leaves for notes are filled with notes re carpentry measurements: "cealling twelve feat long plank.," &c., &c. The calendar for 1905 is interleaved with ads and testimonials for Dr. Pierce's patent medicines, said to: cure "women's troubles" such as "obnoxious examinations" (the medicine obviates them) and falling womb; act as "mother's friend.to make childbirth easy"; ease menstrual problems and menopause; cure ovarian tumors; &c. Included is an advert for Invalids' Hotel & Surgical Institute at Buffalo, NY. "Weak Women Made Strong, Sick Women Made Well." 5.25" x 3.25". more information

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Buffalo, NY: World's Dispensary Med. Assn, 1913. First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good. Color-pictorial cover. 32pp; text illus, portraits. The blank leaves for notes are unused. The calendar for 1913 is interleaved with ads and testimonials for Dr. Pierce's patent medicines, said to: cure "women's troubles" such as "obnoxious examinations" (the medicine obviates them) and falling womb; act as "mother's friend.to make childbirth easy"; ease menstrual problems and menopause; cure ovarian tumors; &c. Included is an advert for Invalids' Hotel & Surgical Institute at Buffalo, NY. "Weak Women Made Strong, Sick Women Made Well." 5.25" x 3.25". more information

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Lynn, MA: Lydia E. Pinkham Medicine, 1910. First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good. Pictorial covers. 32pp. Contains advice regarding "female troubles" with testimonials to Pinkham's Medicines, and a few recipes and cooking tips. 7" x 4.5". more information

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Neffsville, PA: Geo. W. Briggs, 1920. not bound. Very Good. Printed in black on tan paper. ". List of Briggs' Remedies [lists remedies and prices] . Pain Killer . Lotions . Salve . List of Dr. Burkhart's Remedies . Goiter Lotion . Anima Lotions ." 9.25" x 6". more information

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Newark, NJ: Prudential Insurance, 1937. Revised Edition. Pictorial wraps. Very Good. 17pp; illus in text. Advice for children on breathing, sleeping, dressing, bathing, eating, body-building, singing and whistling for health, etc. 6" x 4". more information

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Chicago Reviva Chemical Co. nd [ca. 1890s]., 1890. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Overall in very good condition. 6" x 18" open 12 6x3" panels Gives directions for bringing back youthful, wrinkle-free skin by applying Reviva Cream and then using the patented "Revivicator" (a cup-and-bulb contraption), which massages the face while it "kneads in and rolls out the Cream.". Illustrated by 6 illus from photographs. First Edition. Binding is brochure. more information

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Wheaton, IL: Sword of the Lord, 1948. 6th printing. Pictorial wraps. Very Good. 24pp. Rice, an evangelist, approaches the subject by asking first, "Would Jesus use it?" 8" x 5.25 more information

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Columbus, OH: School and College Service, 1954. First Edition. Original wraps. Fine. 32pp. Laid into this copy are six leaflets by various authors re "the sordid side of beverage alcohol." 7.5" x 5.25". more information

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Newville, NY: Wm. C. Bryant, Printer, 18 Nassau St., NY, Circa 1850. Original edition. not bound. Near Fine. The Red Cedar has long been regarded as one of the most efficacious and certain Worm Medicines known to Cedar districts....Should always be given to children instead of Castor Oil...prevents many of the long catalogue of diseases in children....It also proves to be one of the most efficacious remedies in Dyspepsia and Habitual Costiveness....Retailing for only 25 cents a Bottle....[Gives detailed directions for use.]....All orders and communications to...Dr. A. Snyder, Newville, Herkimer County, N.Y." 8" x 4.75 more information

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Philadelphia: M.E. Millard, 1910. First Edition. Original wraps. Very Good. 48pp; portrait. This unused memo book contains Dr. Treible's medical advice on diseases of the sexual organs, impotence, etc.--an extended sales pitch for his National Medical Institute at Philadelphia, featuring "treatment by correspondence" and testimonials for the medicines produced "in our medical laboratory." 5" x 3". more information

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Jackson, MI: Dr. Van Vleck, 1914. First Edition. Soft Cover. Good. Lower corners dogeared. 44pp; illus in color and b&w. Dr. Vleck's device and method were said to cure piles without surgery. This booklet begins with a look into the causes of piles, the pain they cause, etc. Next comes a section on anatomy of the rectum and traditional methods of treatment. Dr. Van Vleck's method, "The Modern Way," is then described in detail. It includes his Absorptive Plasma, Muco Cones, Pile Pills, and--free with every treatment--Dr. Van Vleck's Rectal Pipe. A long section of testimonials rounds out the text. 6.75" x 5". more information

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Baltimore, MD: J. Harrison Whitehurst, 1900. First Edition. Self-wraps. Very Good. Three of the four pages are devoted to a description of and testimonials to Juniper Tar. On page one is a complicated five-line rebus puzzle and a list of prizes offered to anyone who solves the puzzle. Prizes range from a lady's or gentleman's gold hunting-case watch or a horse-timer watch to a silver gravy ladle and silver tea spoons. Juniper Tar, we are told, is "unlike all other medicines.costs only 25 cents for 75 doses.cures inflammation .contains no harmful drug.," &c. 9.25" x 6". more information

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Wheaton, IL: Youth for Christ International, 1969. First Edition. Pictorial wraps. Very Good. 24pp. Aimed at Christian parents, this pamphlet describes how teens abuse various drugs and recommends preventatives & treatments. 9" x 3.5". more information

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Adams, PA: Zulich & Adams, 1890. First Edition. not bound. Very Good. Palm card; small chip from one corner. o/w in very good condition. On the back is a sales pitch for both products. 3" x 5". more information

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