Life, 1918-01-17 · page 5 of 40
Life — January 17, 1918 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a straightforward **advertisement, not satire or political commentary**. The page promotes Nujol, a laxative product made by Standard Oil Company (New Jersey), based in Bayonne. The ad uses health anxiety as a sales pitch, claiming that winter's heavy food and sedentary habits cause constipation, leading to "blue days," headaches, and dizziness. Nujol promises to restore "healthy, adequate bowel functioning at regular intervals." The visual shows product bottles next to a clock, emphasizing regularity. Pricing information ($0.75 bulk, $0.50 for 9 oz.) and special mention of military shipping reflect the era's conventions. This represents vintage patent-medicine marketing—before modern FDA regulations limited health claims.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Avoid the Blue Days Heavy food and little exercise—winter diet and winter habits—pave the way to dull days, dull headaches, dizziness and discomfort which may develop serious diseases—all caused by constipation. Nujol will give you healthy, adequate bowel functioning at regular intervals—the healthiest habit in the world. You can avoid the blue days if you guard your health with Nujol. Nujol is never sold in bulk. Send 75c. and we will ship to soldiers or sailors anywhere. At all drug stores. Or new 9 oz. size will be sent on receipt of 50 cents. STANDARD OIL COMPANY (New Jersey) Bayonne New Jersey Regular as Clockwork comicbooks.com