Life, 1886-12-30 · page 18 of 19
Life — December 30, 1886 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is not satire—it's a genuine 1886 advertisement in *Life* magazine. Though presented without irony, it's darkly comic to modern readers because the product contains **arsenic**, a poison. The ad claims the wafers cure complexion problems, freckles, and pimples, while also treating dyspepsia, malaria, rheumatism, and nervous disorders. The ad includes fake testimonial letters from satisfied "society" women praising results. The centerpiece is a portrait of a woman with mysteriously darkened features—whether this represents "before" or "after" is unclear and somewhat absurd. By 1886, arsenic's toxicity was known but remained common in "patent medicines" and beauty products marketed to women. The ad's breathless tone and extravagant health claims, combined with its dangerous ingredient, exemplify the unregulated, snake-oil medicine era preceding the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE: [DEC.'30, 1886, A CLEAR AND FRESH COMPLEXION IS INSURED TO EVERY ONE USING ‘Dr. Campbell’s Arsenic Complexion Wafers. ‘THE only real béautifier of the complexion, skin and form, Face Lotions, Powder Enamel, so-called “Blood-purifiers,” | etc., etc., are a delusion and a snare. hese Waférs are specially compounded by an experienced physician and chemist, perfectly safe if used as directed, and magical in effect. Freckles, moth, black-heads, pimples, vulgar redness, rough, yellow or “muddy” skins, and other facial disfigurements, are permanently removed, and a deliciously clear complexion and “rounding up” of angular forms insured. : “1! OWE MY COMPLEXION TO” What “Society” Says of Them. . : t : rs | “Cnajaty? No. — Lexington Ave., { = ; What ‘Society Says of Nov. 17, 1886. : ‘ : ; Them. In grateful acknowledge- : 3 Saal . Bennington St., Boston, mend cr thes really 2 ’ ‘i ) i Mase. dad wiles: sa fae inary benefit have e ’ ‘ use ie six boxes of Dr. ceived from the use of Dr. chee i : Campbell's Arsenic Com- Campbell’s Arsenic Com- : : plexion Wafers sent some plexion Wafers, not only in j see > time since. I am very greatly enhancing the d BY : much pleased with them, cacy of texture of my ski: gS 3 ¥ hs and realize a great change and clearing my complexion Fy Be for the better. Please send (both of which now speak : mevele. mere boxestas'osta for themselves), but also ey fa ae as you can, and oblige.” through their use being : ‘ most unexpectedly en- tirely cured of chronic ailments, which for years had baffled the earnest en- deavors of the most eminent si f | physicians, I voluntarily, a os : Three thousand letters cheerfully and gratefully ifs ; certifying to benefits re- accord to Dr. Campbell is full permission to refer ceived, and that Dr, Camp- all who may experience any 3 > z i bell’s Arsenic Complexion hesitancy as to the perfect Pesta Vis : Wafers accomplished all | Bae, coc genemey of bis he : ie that it is claimed for them | at my residence, the number can be seen: at office, of which and my full name can be learned from Dr. = z Campbell. : Mey? — : : + + For the removal of the above imperfehtions the | w afers were specially and exclusively intended ; but marvelous to relate, hundreds of perso! so using them have most nexpectedly found them to be also an absolute specific in Dyspepsia, Habitual Constipation, Malaria, Neuralgia; Rheumatism, Loss of Aapetite, Mi ervousness, Failing Sight, Impaired Digestion, Lack-Lustre Eyes, Low Spirits, Want of Vitalit) Mal-Assimilation of Fo Headache, Hay Fever, etc., etc., thereby conclusively demonstrating the extraordinary virtues of arsenic as a remedit agent when UNDERSTANDINGLY and APPROPRIATELY administered. Over 1,000 testimonials as to efficiency and perfect safety at office. FREE CO! SULTATION DAILY TO 6 P.M. 50c. and $1.00 per box. Sent by,M. ito Any Address. Samples, 25c. Silvas PREPARED ONLY BY JAS. P. CAMPBELL, M. D., 146 W. 16th St., N.