Life, 1912-10-17 · page 2 of 44
Life — October 17, 1912 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **toothpaste advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes Pebeco Tooth Paste by Lehn & Fink, a real product from the early 20th century. The ad presents an "Acid Mouth" test using litmus paper—a legitimate (if now-outdated) marketing concept. The headline "Will the Test Paper turn pink?" refers to the paper changing color in acidic conditions. Consumers were invited to request free test papers and sample tubes. The advertisement claims Pebeco neutralizes mouth acid to prevent tooth decay, positioning it as scientifically advanced dentifrice. The emotional appeal suggests "decay" is an urgent problem most people face. This reflects early 20th-century advertising's use of pseudo-scientific claims and home testing kits to sell health products—a practice now heavily regulated.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Will the Test Paper turn Try this “Acid Mouth” Test S iND for free Acid Test Papers and sample tube of Pebeco. Do it now—delay means decay. Find out whether your mouth is acid, and how to overcome it by using this truly complete dentifrice. Tooth decay is caused by an excess of acid in the mouth. The great majority of people (nine out of every ten, authorities estimate) have unnaturally acid mouths. PEBECO TOOTH PASTE ‘these test papers will show whether your mouth is acid or not. Hold one of the papers on the tongue until saturated by the saliva. If the paper turns pink it gives positive proof of an acid mouth—the great cause of decay. After making this test, thoroughly cleanse the mouth, teeth and tongue with - . Then with a fresh test paper make another test in the same manner as with the first. remain blue in contrast to the reddish tints of the first paper, showing that the oflect ‘af PEBECO is to correct the acidity of the mouth and, by daily use, keep it in a natural condition, PEBECO Tooth Paste was specially made for this purpose from the formula of a great scientist. It is doubly preventive—it not only neutralizes the acids, but it destroys the germs of de does more than ordinary dentifrices because it preserves as well as cleanses. Send for 10-day trial tube and Acid Test Papers. See for yourself how Pebeco whitens the teeth, sweetens your breath, and leaves your whole mouth delightfully revitalized and refreshed. PEBECO Tooth Paste is the product of hysienic laboratories of P. Beiersdorf & Co., Hamburg, Germany, and is sold all ocer the world in large $0c tubes. Only a small quantity is needed at a time. LEHN & FINK, 108 | William Street Producers of Lebn & Fink's Riveris Talcum New York City comicbookeam