19th century

The Continued Adventures of Baron Spolasco

In the last post, we left Baron Spolasco recovering from a traumatic two nights on a storm-battered rock after a shipwreck claimed the life of his eight-year old son. . After writing his Narrative of the Wreck of the Steamer Killarney, the Baron at last made it to Bristol, where he only intended to stay […]

Baron Spolasco and the Wreck of the Killarney

On 19 January 1838, the steamer Killarney set sail from Cork, bound for Bristol. On board were 37 people and 600 pigs, and ahead of them was the most violent storm in more than half a century. The steamer was forced to turn back, and anchored at Cove for a few hours, until the Captain […]

Tucker’s Asthma Specific

I was an asthmatic child in the 1980s, and although there was the advantage of being able to get out of PE sometimes, my asthma could be difficult to manage. Most potentially fun occasions ended up with me wheezing away in a corner, and frequent chest infections left me either in hospital or lying on […]

The tragic story of Ching’s Worm Lozenges

.. What is any self-respecting quack to do in the face of criticism? The answer in 1804 was exactly the same as it is now – turn nasty and threaten to sue the arse off everyone. The name ‘Ching’s Worm Lozenges’ might suggest that this will be an icky-parasite post, but in a way […]

Omega Oil

The Omega Oil company, which had London and US branches, had its work cut out to get the product noticed among pages of attractive pictorial adverts. But get noticed they did. The constant flow of new designs together with the unique selling point – It’s green – helped create a long-lasting brand. And there […]

Whitehead’s Essence of Mustard

WHITEHEAD’S ESSENCE OF MUSTARD. —– CHILBLAINS are prevented from breaking, and their tormenting itching instantly removed, by WHITEHEAD’s ESSENCE of MUSTARD, universally esteemed for its extraordinary efficacy in Rheumatisms, Palsies, Gouty Affections, and Complaints of the Stomach; but where this certain remedy has been unknown or neglected, and the Chilblains have actually suppurated, or broke, […]

The Bloom of Ninon

DELICACY of Complexion.—The incomparable BLOOM of NINON DE L’ENCLOS, superior to any thing yet discovered for rendering the skin soft, smooth, and beautiful in the extreme. Its wonderful effects in removing freckles, morphews, worms, &c. justly entitle it to that preference so long bestowed on it by the most elegant beauties in this kingdom. It […]

McAlister’s All-Healing Ointment

McALISTER’S ALL-HEALING OINTMENT OR WORLDS SALVE Has been an old family nurse for the past twenty years, and known all around the world as the most soothing and healing ointment in existence. McALISTER’S ALL-HEALING OINTMENT Never Fails to Cure. Salt Rheum, Scrofula, Ulcers, Small Pox, Sore Nipples, Mercurial Sores, Erysipelas, Carbuncles, Corns, Bunions, and all […]

Lardner’s Prepared Charcoal for the Teeth

FOR Beautifying and Preserving the TEETH.—LARDNER’s superior prepared CHARCOAL, so much recommended by the Faculty for its safe and antiseptic properties, for cleaning, preserving, and making the teeth beautifully white, in boxes at 2s. and 2s. 9d. each; and Mouth Solution, for curing the scurvy, bracing the gums, preventing the tooth ach, and unpleasant breath, […]

Ede’s Patent American Eye Liquid

EDE’S PATENT AMERICAN EYE LIQUID CURES Eyes! which Ache with tears that’s shed, Eyes! which Bloodshot overspread; Eyes! which Cataracts oppress, Eyes! which Dimness too distress; Eyes! which Evening fogs soon blight, Eyes! which Fever weakens quite; Eyes! which Great depression gives Eyes! which Health enfeebled leaves; Eyes! which Inflammation show, Eyes! which Jaundice spoils […]