In this weeks briefing notes, we have been sharing a fascinating image of a Postcard, Advertising “Dr Sheldon’s New Discovery for Coughs and Colds. Judy C (curatorial volunteer) uncovered some more information about this product.
“As far as I can determine, there was no ‘new discovery’ nor was there a Dr Sheldon. This was the name given to a pharmaceutical product extensively advertised from 1904. Various testamonials masquerading as letters to the syndicated newspapers promoted the product of which no ingredients were ever divulged. I hate to think what was actually in it as it was given to children with respiratory symptoms. Including alchohol perhaps to quieten then down?”
Read more about Dr Sheldon’s “new discovery”.