The Great Patent Medicine Era or Without Benefit of Doctor

by Adelaide Hechtlinger

The Great Patent Medicine Or, Without Benefit of Doctor by Adelaide Hechtlinger.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

248 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I originally requested this, I pictured a fascinating non-fiction book where I was escorted through the past by Hechtlinger, a thoughtful tour guide helpfully pointing out the most unique, fascinating, or quirky bits of the historical era where cocaine and opium were found in cough syrup, and cancer could be cured by vegetable pills. I got a coffee table book. A slide show reproduction of the packaging, ads, and home remedy compendiums from the patent medicine era in book form. Still fascinating, just more of a self-guided tour and certainly not something you can tote along on the bus or tuck into a bag and pull out in spare moments. Equal parts riotous and cringe-worthy, history buffs and fans of medicine will find this a delightful addition to their collection.