Description
The manuscript ledger of Dr. Charles Lancaster (1808-1903), a physician, lawyer, and author in Newark, New Jersey, documents
his recipes for and trade in medical remedies, and as an "electro-medical specialist". The ledger begins with a "list of medicines
in Nathan Harper's Box", alongside recipes for "Electric Fluid", "for suppression of menses", and "for Rheumatism". This is
followed by lists of purchases: "Account of Stock, September 1st, 1855" (books); "Stationery", and "Draining and painting
materials". Beginning September 1855, Lancaster begins a long record of purchases and charges for services rendered (visits
and examinations, syringes, compresses, etc.), then the sale of medical remedies including Keswick's cough syrup, Queen liniment,
Catarrh Remedy, and rheumatism medicine. A printed advertisement, laid in, identifies "Catarrh Remedy" and "Prescription for
the Blood" as two of the "Lancaster Remedies" prepared solely by him, for sale at the principal showroom in Newark and his
residence in East Orange. Patients hailing from throughout New Jersey, as well as Staten Island and Pennsylvania, are identified
by name throughout the journal. Lancaster's biggest seller for a number of years is "Vital Tonic", often abbreviated "V.T.",
presumably from a formula of his own making; Vital Tonic also is sold in large quantities to numerous buyers, including some
pharmacists. His own purchases include multiple entries for ammonia and sulfuric acid--presumably for use in the preparation
of remedies--as well as some items for personal and household consumption. Battery-related entries appear more regularly as
the journal progresses. A handwritten slip, partially cut-away, appears to be the draft of a handbill or advertisement promoting
himself as an "Electro-Medical Specialist" and offering his services to treat insanity "(the patient being in condition to
receive my treatment), free of charge, till cured." The latter part of the journal includes entries for inserting advertisements
in local New Jersey publications such as the "Newark Journal" and "Elizabeth Journal". Also present are dealings with the
William M. Townley Drug Co. of Newark; McKesson and Robbins; and hospitals.
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