The preparations sold under this name are, or were, very widely advertised by a company giving an address in London. They are offered without previous payment, as indicated by the following extracts from an advertisement:
To every person who sends us the coupon below at once, we will send—Free to try—our complete new threefold absorption cure for Piles, Ulcer, Fissure, Prolapse, Tumours, Constipation, and all rectal troubles. If you are fully satisfied with the benefits received, send us 4s. 6d. If not, we take your word, and it costs you nothing; you decide after a thorough trial.
Our valuable new Pile Book (in colours) comes free with the approval treatment all in plain package. Send no money—just the coupon—to Dr. Van Vleck Co.
The “new Pile Book,” a pamphlet of 40 pages, entitled “The Rational Treatment of Rectal Diseases,” included a description of the rectum, with eleven illustrations—several of them coloured—with descriptions of various kinds of piles and treatments, and of the Van Vleck remedies. A few extracts only can be given:
Unless you are beyond every chance of recovery, this wonderful threefold Absorption treatment will cure you....
The Absorption Cure is Threefold because there are three avenues of approach to the seat of the ailment. To neglect one of these avenues means to leave an open gateway for the return of the malady. Dr. Van Vleck struck at the well spring of the disease, as well as at the visible effect of it. Once cured by our treatment the disease is cured to stay cured. There is no pain, no confinement, no heavy doctor’s or surgeon’s bill, no operation. The cost is placed within the reach of all, and the treatment is accompanied by a positive guarantee of cure. The treatment embraces:
- 1. Dr. Van Vleck’s Absorptive Plasma.
- 2. Dr. Van Vleck’s Muco-food Cones.
- 3. Dr. Van Vleck’s Pile Pills (and System Regulator).
The “positive guarantee” is given inside the back cover of the pamphlet, as follows:
GUARANTEE.
The Dr. Van Vleck Co.... Hereby positively agrees that Dr. Van Vleck’s Absorption Cure for Piles, when taken and used in accordance with our simple instructions and directions, will cure any case of Piles, and in the event of its failure to cure,