Editors of Portable Press - Strange Science

We begin by traveling back to a time before modern medicine, when these scientific remedies were recommended.

To prevent consumption (tuberculosis):

Let not your breast touch the table or desk on which you write, for leaning the breast hard against the edge of the table hath brought many young men into a consumption.

The Young Mans Companion(1775)

For alcoholism:

The prescription is simply an orange every morning a half hour before breakfast. Take that and you will neither want liquor nor medicine. The liquor will become repulsive.

Dr. Chases Recipes(1884)

To prevent influenza:

Children should be instructed to run with the mouth shut for the first block or two after going outdoors in cold weather.

The Guide Board to Health, Peace and Competence(1870)

To treat asthma:

A pipe of tobacco (or a cigar) has the power of relieving a fit of asthma, especially in those not accustomed to it.

Cassells Household Guide(1880)

To treat epilepsy:

It has been said that a black silk handkerchief, thrown over the face while the fit is on, will bring the person to instantly.

The Guide Board to Health,
Peace and Competence(1870)

To cure stuttering:

Let him who stammers, stamp his foot on the ground at the same time that he utters each syllable and stammering is impossible.

Fun Better than Physic(1877)

Nothing is better than ear-wax

to prevent the painful effects resulting from a wound by a nail, skewer, etc. It should be put on as soon as possible. Those who are troubled with cracked lips have found this remedy successful when others have failed.

The American Frugal Housewife(1832)