From the first it would seem that the manufacturers of this mixture had for their objective point that period when, thanks to the use of the nostrum by physicians, it would be widely purchased by the public. Lavish advertising was done in medical journals and Tyree’s Antiseptic Powder gained admission to the pages of even those journals which required the publication of a “formula”—for a formula was forthcoming. The Journal itself, until seven years ago, carried the advertisements with a “formula” until chemical examination proved the falsity of the formula, and of the therapeutic claims made for the product. The medical profession in its turn prescribed the nostrum and the “original package” scheme did the rest.
Advertisement from Medical Journal—Tyree’s Powder as a Highly Respectable “Ethical Proprietary.”
Now, it seems, Tyree considers his preparation so well known that he can be independent either of the assistance of the physician or of his good-will. For Tyree’s powder now goes to the public direct and newspaper readers find it advertised as:
“Ideal for douche.”
“Unequalled as a douche.”
“Best preventative known.”
“Unequalled as a preventative.”
“Has no equal as a preventative.”