Monthly Archives: March 2011
The Benefits of Phrenology
In honour of UK Census Day, here’s one way in which phrenology proved of great help in 1891: Source: The Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, 11 April 1891 . . Tweet
Tuna – a vegetable compound
There’s often something a bit fishy about patent remedies, but this one appeared before the advent of canned tuna and, for the average non-sea-going punter, the name did not have the piscatorial associations it has now. A company called Fels and Davis began promoting it in 1879, but by the following year Davis had quietly disappeared … Continue reading
Authors For Japan
In the aftermath of the horrific events in Japan, The Red Cross urgently needs funds to support its humanitarian efforts as it deploys mobile medical teams to assist the injured, and provides blankets and temporary shelter to those made homeless by the disaster. Author Keris Stainton has come up with a brilliant fundraising idea. The Authors … Continue reading
International Obscura Day – April 9 2011
Atlas Obscura, the online compendium of the world’s wonders, curiosities, and esoterica, is hosting its second annual International Obscura Day on April 9, 2011, in partnership with Hendrick’s Gin. Last year’s Obscura Day saw 4000 attendees at events in 80 cities, in 20 countries all over the world. Obscura Day is an ‘day of expeditions, … Continue reading
Mother’s Friend
In honour of the birth of The Quack Doctor’s new baby niece, who arrived early Saturday morning in the car park of Harlow Hospital, this post looks at a liniment that claimed to make labour a doddle. Mother’s Friend was on sale in the US and Canada by the mid-1880s, though some adverts said it … Continue reading
