The Quack Doctor

The Quack Doctor Substack delves into the eccentric and often overlooked corners of medical history, exploring the evolution of treatments, the impact of quackery, and the stories of individuals who navigated the complex landscape of health care. It scrutinizes historical events, personal narratives, and the intersection of medicine with social and legal issues.

Historical Medicine Quackery and Fraud Medical Treatments and Practices Infectious Diseases and Epidemics Substance Abuse and Addiction Legal and Ethical Issues in Medicine Medical Personalities and Pioneers Impact of Medicine on Society Medical Education and Reform Investigative Journalism in Healthcare

The hottest Substack posts of The Quack Doctor

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Eight years in cocaine hell

39 implied HN points • 03 May 24
💾 History Addiction Medicine Society Treatment Legislation
  1. A Chicago society lady's life took a drastic turn when she tried a patent medicine with cocaine, leading to addiction and a downward spiral.
  2. The memoir 'Eight Years in Cocaine Hell' shed light on the dangers of addictive drugs in patent medicines, sparking discussions and legislative actions.
  3. Despite tragic experiences, recovery is possible - highlighting the importance of addressing substance abuse disorders in society today.

Walking quietly with a can of snakes

19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
💾 History Local news Animal studies Public Perception
  1. Dr. Otto Bohl was an eccentric character known for his unusual habits and collection of animals and curiosities.
  2. Bohl faced legal troubles and conflicts with neighbors due to his unconventional lifestyle and behavior.
  3. Despite his eccentricities, Bohl's unique personality and interactions with his community make him a fascinating figure from the early 20th century.

Plague, peril and reform: John Howard's quarantine journey

39 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💾 History Quarantine Reform Investigation
  1. John Howard willingly experienced quarantine first-hand to understand and advocate for reform in the 18th century.
  2. His journey revealed the grim conditions in lazarettos and the hazards of infectious diseases during travel.
  3. Despite personal danger, Howard persisted in his mission, leaving a legacy that inspires compassionate responses to social issues.

A grave scandal: the sale of corpses in 1857

19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
💾 History Victorian Era
  1. The Anatomy Act of 1832 brought an end to the murky practice of using executed murderers for dissection, but the demand for cadavers for medical study remained. The act allowed for bodies to be offered for study under certain conditions, leading to an increased supply of cadavers.
  2. Despite the regulations, a scandal in 1857 revealed a scheme where corpses were illicitly sold for profit. The Newington Workhouse in London was involved in a system where bodies were sent for dissection without families' knowledge during fake funerals.
  3. Individuals like Alfred Feist and Robert Hogg exploited poor families by deceiving them about the funerals of their loved ones, demonstrating the vulnerability of marginalized communities facing inhumane treatment.

The human x-ray scientists

9 HN points • 12 Jul 24
💾 History Medicine Fraud Treatment Health Science
  1. Albert and William Grant claimed extraordinary abilities as 'Human X-Ray' scientists, including diagnosing diseases and growing new internal organs.
  2. Despite their claims, the brothers faced scrutiny and criticism after several deaths occurred under their unconventional treatments.
  3. The story sheds light on the desperation of patients seeking hope where traditional medicine offered little to no cure, showcasing the vulnerability and trust of those in the face of incurable diseases.
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A caesarean section in 18th-century Ireland

19 implied HN points • 17 May 24
💾 History Medical Practices Women's Health Ireland Surgery
  1. In 18th-century Ireland, midwife Mary Donally performed the first known successful caesarean section, saving a woman's life and her child's life.
  2. The story showcases the resilience and strength of women, like Mrs. O'Neal and the woman from Augher, who endured unimaginable hardships with courage and fortitude.
  3. Medical cases from history, like those described, highlight the remarkable toughness of the human body, particularly women's bodies, in facing challenges and continuing to persevere.

Arsenic and old faces

19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
💾 History Beauty Medicine Advertising Chemistry Legislation
  1. Arsenic was once thought to provide a youthful complexion, leading to the trend of advertising arsenic pills and soaps in the 1890s.
  2. Entrepreneurs in the 1890s marketed commercial arsenic products for complexion, openly promoting the poisonous ingredient as a benefit.
  3. Chemists faced legal trouble in the late 1800s for selling arsenic soap that did not actually contain arsenic, signaling a dangerous trend of mislabeling products.

Secrets of the mummy factory

39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Archaeology Craftsmanship Deception Trade
  1. An artisan in Los Angeles made a fortune creating fake Egyptian mummies for exhibitions and museums, using intricate methods to deceive even experts.
  2. The mummy-making process involved using wood, excelsior, plaster, glue, bamboo, and human skeletons to create realistic-looking replicas sold for up to $1000.
  3. The artisan, Fisher, blurred the line between fraud and honesty, creating a large number of fake mummies and other curious artifacts for profit, then later transitioning to giving talks about his craft.

'Give the man his finger!'

19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History Medical History
  1. An amateur anatomist got into trouble for detaining an amputated finger after a bizarre accident involving a meat hook in 1824.
  2. Surgeon William Lawrence faced controversy in his career, including having one of his books ruled blasphemous, but he continued his medical practice successfully.
  3. The amusing legal battle between Selwood and Barnard over the ownership of the amputated finger reveals the humorous yet serious nature of the historical incident.

Hooked on a cure: a tale of tapeworm troubles

19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
💾 History Medical History Medical Practices
  1. In the 18th century, a man underwent extreme and bizarre methods to rid himself of tapeworm infestation, showing the dangerous lengths people may go to in desperation for a cure.
  2. The man endured multiple ineffective treatments prescribed by physicians before resorting to self-experimentation and ingesting home-made hooks to extract tapeworms, showcasing the challenges and risks of old-time medical practices.
  3. Ultimately, after a year of experimenting with various remedies, the man found a solution that successfully expelled a significant amount of tapeworms from his body, demonstrating the perseverance and determination of individuals in seeking relief from illness.

The teeth stuck out like so many tusks

19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History Victorian
  1. Dentistry in the Victorian era was often unregulated, leading to a mix of skilled practitioners and quacks offering dental services.
  2. Some individuals operating as dentists had little to no formal training or expertise, leading to cases of poorly made dentures and unsatisfied customers.
  3. Legal disputes over botched dental work were not uncommon, showcasing the challenges and risks of seeking dental care in that time period.

Nellie Bly in the mad-house

19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Investigative Journalism Women's Rights Mental health Social reform
  1. Nellie Bly's investigative journalism exposed the harsh reality of how women deemed insane were mistreated, leading to reforms in mental health treatment.
  2. Nellie Bly's daring undercover assignment at a lunatic asylum showcased the power of investigative journalism to drive societal change, especially for women reporters.
  3. The impact of Nellie Bly's work transcended mere reporting, sparking profound investigations into institutional practices and highlighting the significant role of journalism in advocating for marginalized individuals.

‘Making people well and making people laugh’

19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💾 History Victorian Era Medical Practices Career journey
  1. William Thomas' ambition to become a doctor was sparked by a jovial local doctor in his community.
  2. Thomas gained valuable experience in medicine through hands-on training, learning about bedside manner and patient interaction.
  3. Despite facing challenges and unexpected responsibilities in his early career, Thomas persevered and continued to grow as a medical professional.

Blowing smoke: how tobacco companies flattered the medical profession

19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Advertising Public Health
  1. Tobacco companies targeted the medical profession to promote smoking, using endorsements from doctors to sway public opinion.
  2. The tobacco industry used tactics like associating cigarettes with respected figures like physicians to boost sales, despite later evidence linking smoking to serious health issues like lung cancer.
  3. The rise of e-cigarettes created a new revenue stream for the tobacco industry, which continues to target emerging markets and adapt advertising strategies to fit current events like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Theriac: ancient miracle or modern mirage?

19 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💾 History Medicine Ancient
  1. Theriac, an ancient panacea, was once believed to be a miracle cure for various diseases, originating with Mithridates VI as a remedy for poison.
  2. Scepticism around theriac's effectiveness dates back centuries, with concerns about its elaborate recipe, potential for adverse effects, and inconsistent composition.
  3. Dr. William Heberden, an 18th-century physician, criticized theriac as ineffective and potentially dangerous, leading to its decline in popularity over time.

Plague in Suffolk, 1910

19 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💾 History Medicine Hygiene Disease
  1. Plague, a feared disease in history, unexpectedly invaded Suffolk in 1910, spreading rapidly and causing tragic deaths.
  2. The outbreak highlighted the importance of sanitary measures, including eradicating rats to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.
  3. Efforts to contain the outbreak involved isolating patients, quarantining contacts, and implementing strict hygiene practices to protect the community.

Perkins' Tractors: a fashionable remedy put to the test

19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
💾 History Medical Devices Clinical Trials Placebo effect Medical History
  1. Perkins' Metallic Tractors were an 18th-century medical device believed to relieve pain by attracting fluid away from the body using metal prongs, based on the concept of 'Perkinean Electricity'.
  2. Dr. John Haygarth conducted an early clinical trial on Perkins' Tractors, revealing placebo responses that influenced disease perception through imagination, showcasing the importance of evidence in medical treatments.
  3. Haygarth's experiments demonstrated the significance of comparing new treatments against controls, emphasizing the ongoing process of making clinical research as objective as possible.

Tales of the medical macabre

19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
💾 History Victorian Supernatural Medical Practices Doctors
  1. The past is filled with morbid medical-themed stories involving supernatural encounters, like a 7-foot-tall corpse standing upright in a dissecting room.
  2. Even physicians, like an unnamed doctor in New York, have encountered eerie incidents, such as being led to a patient by a deceased child.
  3. Victorian medical students' antics, like assembling and playing pranks with a bleached skeleton, sometimes crossed into the realm of the supernatural, leading to life-altering experiences.

'Greater depths of depravity': Dr S R Chamley (part 2)

19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
💾 History Crime Medicine Events Culture Society
  1. Dr. Chamley used fraudulent cancer-cure businesses using aggressive tactics and ineffective treatments that had no real impact against cancer.
  2. He pressured patients to buy his cure through threatening letters, showing a lack of moral integrity and poor customer service.
  3. Chamley's personal life revealed cruelty and control over his wives, with reports of threatening behavior and manipulation, demonstrating his unpleasant nature.

A distinguished bloodline: the medicinal leech

19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Natural remedies Medicine History Surgery
  1. Leeches have been used in healthcare for thousands of years, appearing in medical texts dating back to ancient civilizations like the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
  2. In the 19th century, leech therapy was not just about balancing humors but also about reducing inflammation and maintaining pulse, showcasing the gentle and practical nature of medicinal leeches.
  3. The use of leeches in modern medicine has shifted towards their anticoagulant properties, making them valuable in cases like reconstructive surgery to prevent venous congestion.

'A sinister parasite on the community': Dr S R Chamley (part 1)

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💾 History
  1. Dr. S R Chamley was an audacious and ruthless 'cancer quack' who scammed vulnerable patients, even causing deaths through improper treatments.
  2. Chamley used fear tactics in advertisements to lure patients, diagnosed almost every case as cancer, and charged exorbitant amounts for treatments, often with no real medical benefit.
  3. Despite facing charges and losing his medical license, Chamley continued to expand his fraudulent medical practices, exploiting his qualifications and financial resources to evade consequences.

Scattering diamonds: mercury and the pox

19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💾 History Medicine Treatment Disease
  1. The 18th-century treatment for syphilis involved using mercury in various forms, like internal medicine, skin rubbing, or fumes, which often had dramatic effects on patients.
  2. Patients undergoing mercury treatment experienced severe side effects like violent diarrhea, excessive saliva production, and mouth sores, making it difficult to hide the nature of their illness from others.
  3. Daniel Turner, a surgeon from that era, also used cinnabar fumigation for syphilitic sores, involving inhaling potentially lethal mercury vapors, which was preferred by patients over long courses of calomel treatment.

The evolution of The Quack Doctor

19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Medicine Writing Community Podcast
  1. Started as a blog sharing fascination with history of medical advertising and led to non-fiction book commissions.
  2. Struggled with feeling repetitive in blog posts without a PhD, but moved to Substack to explore broader topics like health and crime.
  3. Transitioning blog to formal encyclopedia of patent medicine and planning to introduce a podcast on Substack.

Dame Nature has giv'n her a Doctor's Degree

0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
💾 History Medical Practices Social life
  1. Bone-setters were community healers who treated fractures and musculoskeletal issues without formal training, relying on experience and intuition.
  2. Sarah Mapp, a bone-setter in 1736, achieved fame for her ability to treat injuries, attracting a wide range of patients from rich to poor, showcasing her strength and tenacity.
  3. While Sarah Mapp's success was celebrated during her time, her celebrity was short-lived, and she died in poverty, highlighting the changing perceptions and fleeting nature of fame.

The anatomist next door

0 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
💾 History Anatomy Medical education
  1. The study of anatomy in Victorian London evolved from grave-robbing to a more regulated system with cadavers sourced from workhouses and teaching hospitals.
  2. Dr. Thomas Cooke's School of Anatomy faced challenges due to its location in a densely populated area causing complaints from neighbors about the unpleasant odors and disturbances from dissecting activities.
  3. Despite facing setbacks, Dr. Cooke was known for his innovative teaching methods and contributions to medical literature, emphasizing practical work in anatomy and advocating for hands-on dissection.

Healers' wheels: Victorian doctors and their bicycles

0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💾 History Victorian Medicine Transportation Clothing Leisure
  1. Victorian country doctors embraced bicycles for efficient travel, especially after the introduction of the safety bicycle and pneumatic tires.
  2. Doctors adopting bicycles needed to consider practical aspects like owning two bikes for emergencies, preventing theft, and choosing comfortable saddles.
  3. Bicycles provided country doctors with not just a mode of transport, but also leisure and respite from their demanding careers.

The sad tale of the Talking Fish

0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Entertainment Animal Welfare
  1. In 1859, the 'Talking Fish' exhibition in London turned out to be a seal trained to do tricks, not actually talking.
  2. Despite skepticism, the seal named Jenny had admirers and was cared for by her keeper, Joshua Benshimol.
  3. The unfortunate reality was that the seal, unable to thrive in captivity, passed away in 1859, highlighting the ethical concerns of keeping marine mammals in small tanks.

Chemical warfare against the common cold

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Medicine History Therapy Research
  1. US Chemical Warfare Service experimented with chlorine for treating respiratory infections, like colds, and saw promising results in the 1920s
  2. Chlorine treatment gained initial popularity post-World War I but faced criticism for lack of control groups and evidence of effectiveness
  3. Commercial products like the 'Kilacold Chlorine Bomb' were promoted for treating various illnesses but eventually dwindled in use due to shifting priorities and lack of scientific support

Thankful Taylor and the serpent within

0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
💾 History Legends Medicine Folklore Research
  1. The legend of the 'bosom serpent' blurs the line between folklore and medicine, with stories of creatures living inside humans causing torment and sparking disbelief in communities.
  2. In the case of Thankful Taylor in the 1870s, a real snake was extracted from her, shedding light on an unusual medical phenomenon.
  3. The tale of internal creatures reflects the fears and beliefs of different eras and cultures, serving as a way to explain physical or emotional pain despite lacking definitive scientific explanations.

The Quack Doctor - now on Substack

0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
💾 History Medicine Victorian Era Research Health Disease
  1. The Quack Doctor newsletter on Substack explores medicine's intriguing history, delving into various themes beyond just fraudsters and marketers.
  2. Expect posts on health, disease, crime, macabre events, historical figures, and book reviews from The Quack Doctor.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe for updates and support the work of The Quack Doctor.

'I am the dead body'

0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
💾 History Medical Crime Deception Identity Life events
  1. A former medical student attempted to fake his own death certificate in 1901 to start fresh and deceive his family
  2. The fake corpse he created was discovered by the doctor, leading to his arrest and later conviction for obtaining the death certificate under false pretenses
  3. The man had a history of deception, had previous run-ins with the law, and eventually died under mysterious circumstances many years later

Expelling the enemies of nature: antimonial cups

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💾 History Medicine Cultural Practices Health Europe
  1. Antimonial cups in the 17th century were used for purging the body of diseases, albeit violently, showcasing the notion of enduring discomfort for a perceived cure.
  2. The use of antimony in medicine goes back to ancient times, with antimonial cups being a popular method of taking antimony-infused wine despite being banned in France, showcasing how popularity can grow even when something is prohibited.
  3. John Evans, a colorful character from the 17th century, sold antimonial cups in London and faced criticism for his promotion of the cups as a cure-all medicine, despite concerns about the dangerous nature of antimony.

From myth to misery: the tragic story of the Pig-Faced Lady

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture History Folklore Exploitation Entertainment
  1. The tragic exploitation of humans and animals in the name of entertainment throughout history.
  2. The story of the Pig-Faced Lady, from myths to real-life exploitation, sheds light on the exploitation and cruelty often hidden behind show business.
  3. The evolution of the Pig-Faced Lady character from fairground folklore to heartbreaking real-life exploitation represents a dark aspect of entertainment history.

A vortex of suspicion: the 1927 Channel swimming hoax

0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
💾 History Medical Ethics
  1. In 1927, Dr. Dorothy Logan falsely claimed to have swum the English Channel, leading to a reveal of the hoax and repercussions.
  2. The lack of governing bodies for Channel swimming allowed for deception in claiming successful crossings, highlighting the need for regulation and verification.
  3. Dr. Logan's attempt to expose the ease of faking Channel swims backfired, resulting in legal consequences and threats to her medical career.

Profiting by deceit: a treatment for alcoholism in Edwardian London

0 implied HN points • 31 May 24
💾 History Medical Alcoholism Treatment
  1. Businessman Arthur Lewis Pointing profited from deceit by selling fake products like 'A. D. Invisible Elevators' that falsely claimed to increase height.
  2. Pointing's 'Antidipso' product preyed on the families of alcoholics, offering false hope and claiming to cure alcoholism with covert powders for the drinker's coffee.
  3. The scandalous nature of Antidipso, revealed through deceptive marketing and ineffective ingredients, eventually led to Pointing's downfall, highlighting the unethical nature of profiting from deceit.

The woman who turned to charcoal

0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
💾 History Medical Deception 19th century
  1. A woman named Miss Perry in 1860s New York presented a unique medical condition where she appeared to excrete waste through her skin, even coughing up substances resembling charcoal.
  2. Dr. Sayre suspected deception in Miss Perry's case and found evidence of a hoax involving fake coatings and stories of charcoal extraction from her body.
  3. Miss Perry's case raises questions about her motivations, whether seeking compassion, wielding power, avoiding reality, or dealing with psychological distress through fabricated symptoms.

Defeating the death microbe

0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💾 History Medicine Science Culture Art Literature
  1. In 1895, there was a belief in a 'Death Microbe' that threatened human mortality, leading to speculation about immortality.
  2. Advertisements and stories around the Death Microbe highlighted societal and moral implications of potential immortality.
  3. The concept of the Death Microbe was likely a hoax perpetuated through newspapers, sparking creative works but not impacting real medicine.

'The knowledge of things': Jane Sharp's art of midwifery

0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💾 History Medicine Gender Education
  1. Jane Sharp's 'The Midwives Book' was a pioneering midwifery manual written in English by a woman. It aimed to educate midwives on anatomy and help women understand pregnancy and childbirth.
  2. Sharp's work highlighted the importance of practical experience and anatomical knowledge for midwives, emphasizing the need for women to have access to education in the field.
  3. The book not only served as a guide for midwives but also empowered women by providing information and reassurance about pregnancy and childbirth, promoting a sense of agency over their reproductive health.

The champion malingerer

0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💾 History
  1. A man in late Victorian England named Abraham Henry Carter became known as 'The Champion Malingerer' for feigning illnesses to stay in hospitals for free. He charmed people with his personality, conversation skills, and artistic talent to manipulate his way into extended care.
  2. Carter used various disguises and aliases to avoid work and exploit workhouses for free accommodation and food, showcasing his knack for deception and manipulation.
  3. As Carter's fraudulent idleness finally met a hurdle with genuine illness leading to his demise, his story highlights the consequences of a life spent on deceit and exploitation instead of using his intelligence and talent constructively.

'Fopperous pisse-maximes': the art of urine-casting

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💾 History Medicine Science Art
  1. Physicians in history believed they could diagnose diseases solely from urine samples, but it was not an accurate method.
  2. Urine inspection has a long history in medicine, but ancient physicians saw it as part of a more comprehensive examination, unlike medieval European doctors who often relied solely on urine for diagnoses.
  3. Doctors in the past used 'uroscopy' to interpret urine colors and traits to determine different diseases, but the approach was lacking in scientific accuracy and often relied on deception.