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Snake Oil for Sale!

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I should have known better than to think the term “snake oil salesman” was just an expression. As it turns out, early twentieth century hucksters really did sell snake oil as a cure-all. In 1917, an advertisement for this product traveled all the way into Zion’s Landmark, a denominational journal of the Primitive Baptists published in Wilson, North Carolina. Containing only text, the advertisement proclaimed snake oil to be “a painkiller and antiseptic combined.” It could be applied topically or swallowed to produce salubrious effects. The ad promised that snake oil’s antiseptic and analgesic powers made it suitable for the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, lumbago, corns, bunions, swollen joins, cuts, burns, bruises, sore throats, diphtheria, and even tonsillitis. Not only that, but it “Will Limber You Up.” For all those who need a little limbering today, enjoy.

Snake Oil Advertisement, 1917

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