A Promotional Advertising Pamphlet for Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound Quack Medicines - Nostrums - Folk Remedies - Patent Medicines - Women's Complaints Advertising - Children's Games and Pastimes Recreation on back: The Road to Health PUBLISHED BY Lydia E. Pinkham Medicine Company Lynn, Massachusetts No Date [circa 1915] Showing the rear exterior Mrs. Lydia Pinkham was prompted by financial straits to start manufacturing her Vegetable Compound for sale. She had already had found her remedy to be popular amongst her friends and neighbors. It's purpose was the alleviation for women of physical ailments and pains connected with menopause and menstruation. Basically it was alcohol infused with a mixture of herbs (Pleurisy root, Life root, Fenugreek, Unicorn Root, Black Cohosh - and later, motherwort, licorish, gentian and Jamaican Dogwood) Each of these herbs had, and continue to have, claims to medicinal value. It was, however, probably the alcohol that gave the most immediate and telling effect. Pinkham was a brilliant marketer, and her Vegetable Compound took off like hot cakes. It is likely the most well-known herbal remedy ever marketed. Advertising appeared in many magazines - pamphlets and flyers were distributed. Lydia's name and face (her picture was on the product packaging) became known nationwide. One of her advertising techniques (not original with her) was to ask for testimonials from satisfied customers. They obliged and one sees these testimonials in each of the company's publications. Recreation is a game book for children - each page has, at the top a simple parlor game that could be played by a group of children. At the bottom of each page are details about the product or testimonials from customers. The last page features a form that customers could cut out and remit for a free manicure set. This form and the fact that the booklet was targeted at children worked toward the disappearance of this fragile booklet from the market. Who could be rougher on a small paperback than children? Actually the booklet was aimed at mothers and grandmothers, who would have gladly welcomed anything to help amuse the small ones and give them a few moments of respite. 32 pages; 4 1/2 " x 7"; pictorial wraps, stapled (illustrated paper covers) This is a rare specimen, rough in condition, with a few imperfections ... but considering the scarcity of the item on the market leniency in judgement is warranted. This is the original Lydia Pinkham Company promotional pamphlet, not a reprint or facsimile.