LH24-V. ELIXIRS, CURATIVES, AND CHARACTERS

Throughout their history, humans have sought remedies to ameliorate or cure ailments. Various potions were developed by different cultures using locally available materials and folklore. Some worked; many did not. This presentation will deal with some of these so-called “cures.” From soft drinks to other elixirs composed of exotic ingredients, all with supposed health benefits. It will also feature a few of the people who were part of this enterprise, including Franz Mesmer, James Graham, William Radam, Lydia Pinkham, Senator Dudley J. Le Blanc, and the Kellogg brothers.