University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Archival Items
Pharmacy, General
Pharmacy
Home Health Care
Classification
Archival, Advertisements
Pharmacy, General
Pharmacy
Home Health Care
Accession Number
1977.12.201
Description
An original short single sheet of cream-coloured advertising paper pamphlet with black print; folds out with 8 double-sided panels; one side text written in English and other in French; images on 2 pages of Perry Davis.
An original short single sheet of cream-coloured advertising paper pamphlet with black print; folds out with 8 double-sided panels; one side text written in English and other in French; images on 2 pages of Perry Davis.
Printed on one cover is a photo of Perry Davis, followed by: "PERRY DAVIS // MODE D'EMPLOI DU // PAINKILLER // PERRY DAVIS // Cie Davis & Lawrence (Canada) Ltée // Pharmaciens manufacturiers // Montréal"; includes an index of uses, and each panel advises on the correct use; starting at the first fold: “To help Check Chills and Break up Common Colds, La Grippe and for Bronchitis”; "For Colic, Cramps in the Stomach and Bowels, and Diarrhoea”; “For Common Sore Throat and Children’s False Croup Attacks, Frost Bites and Chilblains”; “For Sprains, Bruises, Stiff Neck”; “As a Liniment for Muscular Cramps and as a Rubdown to relieve Strains after Violent Exercise”; “For Cuts and Scratches, Insect Bites and Stings, Toothaches”.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-G Academy of Medicine Pharmaceutical Advertising Binder A
Length
11.2 cm
Width
70.0 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Dimension Notes
Open flat
Condition Remarks
Shows wear around edges and folds; overall, paper yellowing
Copy Type
Original
Research Facts
Perry Davis’ Pain Killer, a combination of opium, alcohol, and other substances, was formulated in 1839 and marketed successfully worldwide within 4 decades as both an internal and external pain remedy. Perry Davis (1791–1862) was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Perry Davis began to manufacture his Vegetable Painkiller in 1839. His son Edmund carried on the business after Perry's death in 1862; product available up until 1958.
Perry Davis' Vegetable Pain Killer is reported to have been given to both soldiers and horses during the American Civil War. Davis trademarked the name "Pain Killer" and was at last a financial success.
This product is said to be one of the first directed specifically at pain management, rather than a particular disease or ailment. It was distributed worldwide by missionaries, and was considered a wonder drug.
In 1955, Canada Packers bought the Canadian patent of Davis & Co., Davis & Lawrence for many years.