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Antique 1927 Medical Supplies AdChicago History Picture ADBound Brook New Jersey Picture AD History (1929) AdvertisementPetrolagerChicago, IllinoisApproximate AD Size Ad - 6 1/2\" Wide x 9\" Tall
Includes Clear Plastic Protective Sleeve
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Petrolagar (frequently misspelled Petrolager) was one of the most famous and widely prescribed pharmaceutical treatments for chronic constipation in America during the early-to-mid 20th century. Manufactured by Petrolagar Laboratories, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, it represents a major era in gastrointestinal medicine and early health marketing.
1. The Medicine and Formula
Before modern synthetic laxatives, doctors relied heavily on mechanical lubrication to treat intestinal issues. Petrolagar was officially marketed as an \"Emulsion for Constipation.\"
The Active Ingredients: The formula consisted of 65% (by volume) pure medicinal mineral oil emulsified with agar-agar (a gelatinous substance derived from algae).
The Medical Advantage: Plain mineral oil was notorious for \"leakage\" and separating in the digestive tract. By emulsifying it with agar-agar, Petrolagar Laboratories created a smooth, palatable liquid that mixed intimately with intestinal content. It effectively softened food residue and lubricated the bowel without the unpleasant side effects of raw oil.
The \"Habit Time\" Campaign: The company launched a massive public health and marketing campaign centered around the concept of \"Bowel Habit Time.\" The medication was designed not as a harsh, immediate purge, but as a gentle regulator to restore a patient\'s natural, daily clockwork rhythm.
2. The 1933 Chicago World\'s Fair Phenomenon
Petrolagar cemented its place in American pop culture through its legendary exhibit at the 1933–1934 Century of Progress International Exposition (The Chicago World\'s Fair).
Located in the Hall of Science, the Petrolagar Exhibit featured a massive, life-sized, 3D \"sculpticolor\" diorama of Sir Luke Fildes\' famous 1891 painting, The Doctor (which depicts a compassionate physician watching over a sick child in a humble cottage).
The display was an absolute sensation. By linking their laxative brand to the ultimate symbol of the caring, dedicated \"Family Doctor\" and the \"human touch,\" Petrolagar became a household name across the United States.
3. Corporate Legacy and Collectibility
As the company grew into a pharmaceutical powerhouse, it regularly produced professional medical films and anatomical booklets on the digestive tract for medical schools, often collaborating with physicians from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. In 1943, the company was acquired by corporate giant Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
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