As a “true indication of the value which the medical profession is placing on Dionol” the Dionol Company has published the names of some physicians who, it is alleged, have used the preparation.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Feb. 7, 1920.)
THE ELI PRODUCTS OF ELI H. DUNN
Physicians are receiving some miscellaneous advertising matter from a concern that seems to operate under various names such as “E. H. Dunn & Co.,” “Eli H. Dunn,” “Eli Laboratory,” etc. The concern is located at 3820 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. One Journal reader, who is evidently not greatly impressed by this material, forwards the stuff to us with the laconic request: “Will you please give me your opinion on this junk?”
The “junk” referred to comprised, in part, an advertising leaflet on “Eli 606 Capsules,” another leaflet on “Eli Vaginal Capsules,” still another on “Eli ‘Vim’ Restorative;” then there was reference to the inevitable nostrum for intravenous use: “Ampoules Eli Venhydrarsen.” A four-page leaflet, headed in large and very black letters “Confidential Guide to Live Wire Physicians Only,” expressed its key-note in the opening paragraph:
“How to make MONEY as well as REPUTATION in the treatment of all CHRONIC AILMENTS and all types, forms and sequella of VENEREAL diseases.”
The “Eli ‘Vim’ Restorative” is said to be a “tonic aphrodisiac.” The “action” of the product is to “Arouse Sexual Ardor and Desire. Influx blood supply to the genital organs.” A postscript to the “Guide” urges physicians:
“If you do not already use Intravenous Serums, by all means get an outfit, if for no other reason than to meet the popular DEMAND.”
A “Special Note” in the “Confidential Guide” advises physicians who “have to deal with Hysteria” to “write the Author of this Guide, who will explain by personal letter a method of cooperation by which such Convulsions may be At Once and forever stopped.... There will be $100 for You from every case treated.” One physician wrote to the “Author of this Guide”—Eli H. Dunn, M.D.—asking for further information on this treatment for hysteria. He received in reply two letters both signed Eli H. Dunn; one was to be shown to the patient, the other was for the doctor’s own information. The letter for the patient to see described the marvelous effects of “Dunn’s Intravenous and Restorative Treatment” in hysteria and recommended it “with the utmost confidence in every case able to pay you the fee commensurate with the service you render.” Then followed these two paragraphs:
“The cost of the treatment when administered by yourself is $300 CASH WITH ORDERS which includes one complete outfit and technique for administering.