Archive
Rawleighs Almanac
With doctors many miles away, settlers had to be self-sufficient in the face of illness or injury even prior to the Spanish Flu pandemic. The pandemic, however, revealed a public…
Peptonizing Tablets
It was claimed that Peptonizing or “Pep” tablets would cure influenza. They contained pepsin, an enzyme used as a remedy for digestive troubles. This bottle of “Pep” came from Elmer…
Fruitatives
Fruitatives, a laxative described as a “fruit liver tablet,” purported to give people the power to resist influenza. WDM-1978-S-3562
Pastilles
“Menthol and Eucalyptus Pastilles” (cough drops) provided temporary relief for sore throats and coughs, and helped to clear nasal passages. WDM-1973-NB-8636
Blackberry Brandy
Alcohol, long considered a cure-all for many ailments, was by far the most popular remedy for the Spanish Flu. With prohibition in effect since 1915, however, alcohol was available only…
Invalid Cup
This Red Cross “invalid cup” was used to nurse a young Saskatchewan woman Adelaide McDougall back to health during the 1918 pandemic. The drinking cup is white porcelain with gold…
Bronko Rub
“Bron-ko-Rub” was rubbed on the throat and chest to soothe respiratory infections. It contained camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, wormwood, thyme, and turpentine. This jar was made by Western Wholesale Drug Ltd….
Vapo Cresoline
This “Vapo Cresolene” lamp was used as a vaporizer as early as the 1880s for the relief of head and chest congestion, claiming to produce antiseptic properties. Cresolene, a byproduct…
Eucalyptus Oil
Rubbing Eucalyptus oil into the skin or inhaling the vapours of a few drops in boiling water was regarded as a good treatment for influenza. The Eucalyptus oil was made…
