Among the papers sent to an enquirer was a printed form which seems worthy of reproduction, since it illustrates a method of getting into touch with possible patients, which appears to be followed with variations by other companies that appeal to the sick:
R. B.
Have you Friends who need our Treatment?
If you know of anyone whom you think might derive benefit from the use of our Home Treatment, you will do them and us a great favour by noting hereon their names, addresses, and the trouble you believe them to be afflicted with. Upon receipt of the names we will send them information concerning our method of treatment, but will not mention your name unless you desire it.
| Name. | Address. | Ailment. |
Please return to The Weidhaas Hygienic Institute.
Some time ago a firm of pharmaceutical chemists in a provincial town received a postcard from a company which offered 5s. for the name of any patient suffering from diabetes, pointing out that “it is money easily earned.” The pharmaceutical chemists expressed indignation at the attempt to bribe them to commit a breach of confidence, but such a request might not be so regarded by a patient, more especially if the advertiser lays great stress upon his benevolent motives, and his anxiety to benefit as many persons as possible.
But although this letter-writing system with its paraphernalia of biographies of the discoverer, typewritten personal letters, free coupons and guarantee bonds is much in vogue, there are other nostrums advertised in the old-fashioned way and sold at the familiar price of 1s. 1½d. for a small bottle. Among these are some old preparations for coughs, for which more emphatic claims as remedies for consumption have been made of late years. The result of the analysis of two of these will first be given.
CONGREVE’S BALSAMIC ELIXIR.
This preparation, advertised from an address in London, is sold in bottles, price 1s. 1½d., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., 11s., and 22s. The 2s. 9d. bottle contained 1⅖ fluid ounces, the 4s. 6d. bottle contained 4 fluid ounces.