THE LENGTH OF A MAN'S DAYS IS, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, IN HIS OWN HANDS. [cover title]

[Bangor, ME?], 1885. Black lettered orange paper wraps, stapled. 22 cm. 32 pp. Some chipping to edges of wrappers; text printed on poor quality paper. A promotional pamphlet for Brown's Sarsaparilla, compounded from a formula developed by Dr. William Brown of Bangor, Maine. The pamphlet states that their product is not a "quack" preparation, nor a "patent medicine," but is a "scientific preparation, prepared for the Stomach, Liver and Kidney's, which are the fountain heads of nearly all the ills of mankind." Descriptions of the diseases it treats are accompanied by testimonials, including two dated 1885. One endorsement is from the Rev. Theodore Gerrish, pastor of the M.E. Church in Biddeford, Maine. Gerrish, whose image and brief biography are printed on the rear wrapper, was the author of several books, including one on his experiences during the Civil War. He assures the buying public that Brown's Sarsaparilla contains no alcohol in its preparations. A small printed ad for Brown's Sarsaparilla, "for sale to the trade by Smith, Kline & Co., French, Richards & Co., Roller & Shoemaker, and all jobbers, Philadelphia, Penn." appears in outer margin of the rear wrapper. OCLC lists three copies: NY State Lib.; Univ. of Rochester Med. Ctr.; National Lib. of Med.