In March, 1918, he became a member of the Chicago Medical Society and qualified for Fellowship in the American Medical Association, August, 1918.
In 1921, Ogden had a copyrighted mail-order course on the “Treatment of Rectal Diseases by Improved Method.” This “course” consisted of thirty-eight pages of foolscap printed on one side in imitation typewriting. The material abounded in typographical errors. Among the proprietary products recommended in this “course” as “essential” to those taking it, was “Mecca Ointment.” This nostrum, made by a Chicago concern, was declared misbranded in 1916 because of false and fraudulent claims made knowingly, recklessly and wantonly. The “course” was divided into ten parts, and with it, apparently, came ten consecutively numbered sealed envelops, and the purchaser was instructed to open these envelops, one at a time, as he completed the corresponding part in the “course.” He would there find questions which were to be answered and returned to Ogden. This, according to the description, was to enable Ogden to determine whether it was necessary to “enter more into detail upon that particular subject,” which, he stated, he would gladly do if necessary.
Photographic reproduction (reduced) of the first page of a booklet Ogden was sending out in the latter part of 1914.
Furthermore, the purchaser had the privilege of asking questions of Ogden relative to symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for a period of six months after the purchase of the “course.” Although, in Ogden’s opinion, “you should have the subject well understood long before that time.”
The charge for this course and “services as outlined” was $200, but in order to show his confidence in the ability of those who purchased it, Ogden was willing to take $100 down and the other $100 paid in “five per cent. of monies received from CURED patients” until the balance was paid.
Reverting to the present “post-graduate course” and “clinic”: Those who send in the postal card to “H. L. Roberts” receive a form-letter, signed “H. L. Roberts” in facsimile handwriting, stating that information was enclosed “regarding THE OGDEN METHODS” and stating that Dr. Ogden would be in Indianapolis or Cleveland or Pittsburgh, as the case might be, on a certain date and that the fee for the “clinic” would be $100. With this letter is an eight-page pamphlet entitled “Some Facts Concerning the Ogden Method of Treating Rectal Diseases.” The first page is headed in black-faced type: “About References and Endorsements.” It then states that the “usual references and endorsements are omitted from this booklet.” Further:
“As to Dr. Willard E. Ogden: The professional and social standing of Dr. Ogden is such that he does not need to offer any.
“As to ‘THE OGDEN METHOD’ and its value to you in your professional work: What others say or think has little if any weight. You are your own man. You do your own thinking. You decide for yourself—Do you not?”
