I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so Clark House research will have to wait. Fortunately, I’ve had my shots, so it looks like the usual advice of bed rest, fluids, and such should be all I need. If not, perhaps a swig of a potion like Dr. C. V. Girard’s Ginger Brandy will do the trick.

Dr. C.Y. Girard’s ginger brandy, for sale here / lith. of Robertson, Seibert & Shearman, 93 Fulton St. New York. , ca. 1860. New York: Robertson, Seibert & Shearman, 93 Fulton St. Library of Congress. Click to open larger image in new window.

After all, it’s “A Certain Cure for Cholera Colic Cramps Dysentery, Chills & Fever” and “is a delightful and healthy beverage.” Ya can’t beat that!

Of course, if Dr. Girard’s Ginger Brandy doesn’t help, there were so many other elixirs to choose from during the pre-Pure Food and Drug Act era, such as…

Shephard’s Wahoo Bitters

Shepard’s Wahoo Bitters., 1870. New York: Mayer Ferdinand & Sons. Library of Congress. Click to open larger image in new window.

As the advertisement assures us, Shepard’s Compound Wahoo Bitters was “A Universal Tonic for Everybody” a curative for “Jaundice, Fever & Ache, General Debility, Dyspepsia & Liver Complaint,” and was “only 50 cents a Bottle.” What a deal!

Either way, it looks like I’ll be on the mend shortly. Furthermore, I’m happy to report that I don’t need…

Pierce’s Pleasant Purgative Pellets

aka “The Little Giant Cathartic.” These tiny pellets (see poster for “actual size”) were “Tasteless Coated Concentrated Root and Herbal Juice, Anti-Bilious Granules,” and good for what ails you, if you know what I mean.

Dr. Pierce’s pleasant purgative pellets, the little giant cathartic., 1872. [Buffalo: Publisher Not Transcribed] Library of Congress. Click to open larger image in new window.

Multum in parvo — “Much in little” — indeed!

I’ll be back soon with more Clark House history. Have a great weekend.