Punch,  47 (1864), 255.

Song of the Advertising Quack

Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Commerce, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, Crime


    Begins by boasting of his position as a quack, an 'infamous trade' that allows him and his fellow tradesmen to make a 'large income' by the 'vilest of plunder' and extortion from dupes. The chorus toasts 'success to the trade, / By which dirty hands are made' and identifies the singer as the chief of the 'filthy scoundrels'. The last verse describes quacks' dubious credentials, including the 'sham' diploma and lack of 'medical skill' or knowledge of 'drugs', and notes that the author thrives by lying to his frightened patients about their diseases, and by 'advertisements daily'.



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