For years physicians have realized that the methods of exploitation of Pa-pay-ans (Bell) have been such as to make the medical profession a vast free advertising agency for the nostrum. So far as we know Pa-pay-ans (Bell) has never been advertised in lay journals—newspapers, etc. Certain medical journals, however, have, for a long time, carried the advertisements of Pa-pay-ans (Bell)—and later of Bell-ans—while Bell & Co. has been lavish in its distribution of free samples, blotters and other advertising paraphernalia direct to the medical profession.
Miniature facsimile of a letter received by a layman. It was accompanied by a small box of Bell-ans. Two points are worth noting: “... one hundred thousand physicians are now prescribing it”; “any druggist will tell you” that it is perfectly harmless!
Now it seems Bell and Company are going direct to the public by means of vest-pocket samples and letters. The letter, a miniature facsimile of which we reproduce, is one addressed to laymen and accompanies a vest-pocket box of the nostrum.
Here are some of the things that Bell and Company claim Bell-ans will do:
“It removes flatulence, vertigo, weakness and other symptoms of indigestion quickly and pleasantly.”
“It relieves vomiting in pregnancy, alcoholism, seasickness and cholera morbus....”
“To promote appetite, digestion and the elimination of toxic and waste material prescribe the Bell-ans....”
“... prevent eruptions, nausea, vertigo, pain, etc. ...”
“... remove distention, pain, weakness, depression, etc. ...”