Author: Wells, Richardson & Company
Title: Great Things, What They Are, Where They Are
Description: Burlington, VT, Wells, Richardson & Co. 1883. First Edition. First edition, n. d. (1883); 5 3/4 x 4 1/4; pp. 1-32; stapled, pictorial wraps in yellow and brown; illustrated with in-line drawings; light age-toning and creasing and a few minor spots to right margin; small loss of paper to lower corner of back wrap; in about very good condition. An advertisement for Paine's Celery Compound, the booklet was designed to bolster the sales of an already-popular quack remedy - the first ever celery-based product on the market. According to the "Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience," it was developed in the mid-1870s by the Wells, Richardson & Company in Burlington - a partnership between several Civil War veterans. Apart from celery, the recipe also contained hops, alcohol, and coca (cocaine) and purportedly offered permanent cure for all kinds of nervous diseases. Besides history and testimonials of the effectiveness of the compound, the booklet listed, and illustrated described the greatest crusades, the great wonders of America, the greatest ships and bridges, etc. Quite unusual, with OCLC showing only 4 holdings at institutions. Very good .

Keywords: Quackery, Remedy


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