DR. J.H. MCLEAN’S VOLCANIC OIL LINIMENT
Four-page pamphlet offered in English and five other languages for Dr. J.H. McLean’s Volcanic Oil Liniment, a patent medicine pain reliever claiming to “penetrate to the very bone” and heal ulcers, necrosis of the bone, the foulest sores, pimply eruptions, skin worms, and more. According to the brochure, it could also be used on horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and dogs.
The liniment was produced and marketed by James Henry McLean (1829–86) who apprenticed with a mining camp physician and worked in a drug store before partnering in 1849 to distribute George A. Westbrook's "Mexican Mustang Liniment”. Just a few years later, in 1851, McLean launched his own liniment putting him in direct competition with his former partner.
McLean graduated in 1863 from St. Louis Medical College and continued to expand his patent medicine business. He employed an international sales force and operated fleets of wagons, ships, and railroad cars to facilitate distribution. McLean was elected U.S. Representative for Missouri to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Thomas Allen. He served from December 15, 1882, to March 3, 1883.
At the time, patent medicines like this were gaining in popularity but had no regulation. They often contained alcohol or stronger fortifications such as opium, cocaine, or morphine. But with the backing of President Theodore Roosevelt, a Pure Food and Drug Act was passed by Congress in 1906, paving the way for public health action against unlabeled or unsafe ingredients, misleading advertising, the practice of quackery, and similar rackets.
As testament to McLean’s shrewd marketing efforts, this brochure is printed in English, German, French, Spanish, “Bohemian”, and Swedish/Norwegian. It is printed on tissue thin 11” x 14” newsprint paper in black ink with illustrations, folded in half to comprise four pages. The scarce circular is lightly stained with some minor edgewear. No copies are found in the marketplace or OCLC. Holdings of McLean’s Almanac and recipe booklet can be found at the Library of Congress and the American Antiquarian Society. Item #78811
Price: $300.00