To The Veteran.
Philadelphia: The Feister Press, Circa 1895. 7.75 x 5", beige illustrated wrappers, 32 pp, illustrations throughout from drawings. A scarce booklet published to sell patent medicines to Civil War veterans. The booklet was produced by Dr. Williams Medicine Co of Schenectedy, New York, the maker of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills. Begins with an introduction discussing the poor health of veterans relative to the rest of the population ("The facts are that, other things being equal, the average soldier's health breaks down ten years before his time"). This is followed by 29 pages of anecdotal stories (one dated 1895), supposedly taken from local newspapers, relating to veterans who benefited from Dr. Williams' Pink Pills. For instance, the first story, "A War Reminiscence" recounts the wartime service of one soldier before discussing how the pills helped ease a lingering war wound. Other anecdotes tell how the pills cured veterans of paralysis (for instance one titled "Frankford's Miracle. Samuel Hart, a Paralytic, Astonishes The People by Walking"), kidney disease, sun stroke, and more. Throughout are cartoon illustrations depicting camp life during the Civil War. The booklet concludes with a blank survey to be filled out by veterans, as well as three pages of promotional text by the company, including text promoting "Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Female Troubles." Bit of damp staining to covers, toning to pages. Item #10626
Price: $250.00