So let us get rid of the smoke by putting out the fire, and purify our blood and system with Mother Seigel’s Syrup, which will sweep away the poisons and make us healthy and strong.

Mother Seigel’s Syrup is a highly concentrated, purely vegetable compound, having a specific action on the stomach, liver, and kidneys.

Analysis showed the presence of free hydrochloric acid, which is not usually classified as a vegetable compound, tincture of capsicum, a bitter substance agreeing in its properties with aloes, and sugar (partly as invert sugar); the colouring and flavouring substances also present indicated that the sugar had been added in the form of treacle. Quantitative determination of those ingredients capable of it, and estimation of the others by comparison with known mixtures, indicated the following formula:

Dilute hydrochloric acid (B.P.)  10 partsby measure.
Tincture of capsicum1·7””
Aloes2 parts.
Treacle60 ”
Water to100 partsby measure.

The estimated cost of the ingredients for 3 fluid ounces is one-third of a penny.

THE ILLS OF HUMANITY.

Several examples have been encountered in previous chapters of the system of getting into personal communication with a possible customer, and addressing to him a series of letters warning him of the dire consequences should he fail to purchase the advertiser’s “treatment.” Over and beyond the chance of frightening the customer, the system, which seems to have originated in the United States of America, has the advantages that a profession can be made of adapting the treatment to the individual case, that the price may be lowered if the charge first made is considered too high and that possibly, in return for this concession, testimonials and the names of other sufferers may be obtained. A letter-writing system of this kind is found at work behind the advertisement from which the following paragraphs are extracted:

Free! Free!

To the Sick and Ailing Everywhere.

The Cure for your Disease—Delivered Free—Free for the Asking—Free to You.