I love old books, especially the weird ones. The Knox Guide to Better Health and Fortune is really a weird one. I first thought it was going to be about how Knox Gelatin could change your life, but it wasn’t. It is published by the Knox Company of Fort Erie North, Ontario. (They also say they have offices in London(England), Melbourne, Bombay and Johannesburg.) My version doesn’t have a publishing date but is the ninth edition. Research by my husband tells us it was published before 1947.
It is a little 36 page yellowed newsprint pamphlet full of ads for the same 10 Knox Company health products advertised over and over again along with some sage or not so sage advice about your fortune.
Near the end of the pamphlet is a small box with a special notice:
The features or news articles herein published are prepared for your interest, pleasure and amusement. However, the publishers give this notice that they assume no responsibility for any reader taking seriously the comments appearing in any article dealing with Occultism. Signed, The Editor
I would echo this message including the claims for cures and stain removal. Please take the advice I have shared here with a grain of salt and a dash of common sense.
The ads now seem very wordy with claims of dramatic cures, much like snake oil of the Victorian era. The ten Knox Company products are:
Cystex-treatment for kidney and bladder troubles acts as a diuretic, soothing the urinary tract and increasing kidney function
Diotex– a treatment for indigestion, gas and sour stomach
Chinaroid– applicator of balm cream to ease pile (hemorrhoid) pain and itching, shrink sore swollen tissues and help healing
Romind– tablets are a treatment for arthritis pain by removing body wastes and acids
Buroids– tablets are an iron and other extracts acts as cure for anemia causing skinniness, fatigue and lack of appetite
Kolade-powder to relieve stomach and bowel irritation that causes heartburn, gas, loss of energy and poor sleep by soothing and relaxing muscles and mucus membranes
Mendaco– tablets that fight asthma by thinning mucus
I-san– soothes, cleans and cools irritated eyes
Spantex-a cure for “head noises” and “catarrhal deafness” in a two part treatment of pills and ointment to rub behind the ears. (Catarrahal deafness is
loss of hearing due to inflammation of the ears, sinuses, tissues around the ears and eustachian tubes. )
Nixoderm– ointment that treats “bad skin” by soothing and healing pimples,
psoriasis, eczema and other rashes including athlete’s foot. Fun fact, something called Nixoderm is still sold by the Johnson company and is available on Amazon. I am not sure if it is the same formula, although the packaging looks very similar.
In every ad they stress how quickly and effectively the treatments work. A money-back guarantee is offered on everything.
Mixed in amongst the ads are articles for interpreting dreams, horoscopes, stain removal advice and first aid tips. It reminded me of old almanacs.
I know you will want to know some of the meaning of dreams, symbols and their meaning. They suggest that the future can be revealed in dreams. A guide to their meaning will help you understand them. I have only included a few and only the good things shown in dreams.
If you dream of:
boat– a friend will soon arrive
castle– success will come after a long effort
elephant– a friend will prove to be loyal
flour– riches are coming
gloves- you will have good luck soon
highway- riches will come from business
letter- awaited news is coming
nest- a happy marriage and family are ahead
painting- a sure sign of luck
safety pin- you will fall in love with a stranger
tombstone- an inheritance is coming
Laundry tips are always interesting. Their guide to Removing Spots and Stains is too. Here are a few:
Grass and Flowers- rub with hot soap suds and use bleach if the stain remains.
Grease or Tar- Rub with lard or kerosene then wash with hot soap suds- beware of the dangers of this one
Rust- apply oxalic acid and rinse thoroughly
Lipstick- launder in hot suds and bleach with hydrogen peroxide
Please note I did not include the ones suggesting the use of gasoline and dry cleaning fluids.
Hints for First Aid:
Burns- don’t apply oil or grease but gauze soaked in warm bicarbonate of soda mixture and see your doctor.
Animal bites- wash with antiseptic and apply ammonia and see your doctor.
Hiccups-try holding the breath as long as possible or slowly drinking a glass of cold water.
Poison Ivy- wash with strong soap and then alcohol until skin is clear of any oils and finally cover with a layer of vaseline.
Toothache- depending on the cause from infection or cavity heat or cold will give relief and see your dentist.
I had an epiphany when I read this Knox ad:
I have got to get myself some Cystex! They don’t make pamphlets like this anymore. There was a lot of entertainment in 36 pages.