In spite of the mountains of prejudice to be overcome, I intend to prove that at last something has been discovered that will destroy the Tubercle Bacillus without being detrimental in any way to the human system; in fact, besides destroying this germ, it is a strong tonic, and will invigorate a healthy body as well as bring back to its normal condition a Consumptive one....
Now you must know that throughout the world our clever Scientists and most Prominent Specialists on Consumption have for ages past spent their lives trying to find something which will destroy the Tubercle Bacillus without injuring the human system. They have had everything at their command; the most up-to-date Sanatoria, the cleverest Nurses, and the pick of climates, yet they have failed, though every drug and remedy known, including every ingredient contained in any proprietary medicine or cough mixture ever heard of has been exhaustively tested in every shape and form. My treatment differs in this one great respect, that none of the ingredients have ever been used before by any Chemist or Doctor, and are an entirely original discovery....
I will give any Doctor its formula who requests it, and will supply him free of charge with all the treatment he needs for experimental purposes, and you must see that I can gain nothing by doing all this unless my treatment positively cures Consumption, as I claim it to do.
On the back of the printed letter quoted above appeared the following:
GUARANTEE BONDS.
The following are specimens of my guarantee Bonds. No. 1, I give to any sufferer who is considered by his Doctor to have at least six months to live in the ordinary course of matters. Terms of No. 2 Bond have to be mutually arranged. I do not accept any money under this Bond until all the conditions are fulfilled.
No. 1 Guarantee Bond.
To Mr. In consideration of you having paid me £2 12s. 6d. for a three months’ course of my treatment for consumption, I hereby guarantee that your health has, at the end of the three months, considerably improved to the satisfaction of yourself and also of your Doctor (who must be a practitioner registered in the British Isles) under a penalty of refunding the whole of the amount paid, viz., £2 12s. 6d.
(Signed) C. H. Stevens.
Broadway, Wimbledon.