Williams Dictionary of the English Language and Calendar" -- Patent Medicine Advertising Booklet

Schenectady, New York: The Dr. Williams Medicine Co, 1897. Very good. Light toning, spotting, a couple short tears.. An advertising booklet promoting patent medicines, including "Dr. Williams Pink Pills for Pale People" and "Hanson's Magic Corn Salve". The bulk of the booklet is taken up by a dictionary of "over 10,000 words and definitions, carefully compiled from Webster, Worcester and Johnson". Also includes a calendar for the year 1898, and stories and testimonials from happy customers/patients, with small in-text line drawings throughout to illustrate the stories. Afflictions cured include everything from dyspepsia to sleeplessness and illnesses "peculiar" to the "female sex". It is clear that the company is marketing its products to housewives and families, as it contains sentimental and feel-good stories of afflicted children, mothers, and a girl in her teens being cured. A nice example of the kind of advertising ephemera one might pick up from the pharmacy or in the mail at this time. Single vol. (9" by 6"), pp. 32, illus., in original illus. wrps with line drawing of young girl reading with Father Time, surrounded by images of famous lexicographer.