J. W. Eighmy Notebook

Collection

Identifier: MS-0468

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This handwritten notebook was titled "Practical Notes and Formulae. By J. W. Eighmy, M. D." by its author, and dated October 10th, 1875. It is a collection of 77 recipes and formulae for treatments to numerous illnesses. Eighmy wrote these in a blank book of prescription forms from "J. H. Burnham, Druggist and Apothecary, Commercial Block, Sutter Street, Folsom, California."

Formulas are included for a variety of ailments, including: whooping cough, "bites of serpents and tarantulas," gangrene, tapeworm, scrofula, itch, cancer, croup, syphilis, epilepsy, gout, dysentery, gonorrhea, rheumatism, diphtheria, cholera, and granulated eyelids. Some formulas are multi-purpose cures for a variety of health problems, such as the recipe for "Mexican mustang liniment." The entries also give dosage and proper length of treatment. Eighmy seems to have used this book as a sort of commonplace or scrapbook, pasting in newspaper clippings and cuttings towards the end of the book. These cuttings include poetry, informative facts, and popular maxims in addition to recipes for various cures.

One newspaper clipping is an advertisement for the author's patent medicine: “Dr. Eighmy’s Magic Cure for Rattlesnake Bite." The advertisement, titled "A Wonderful Discovery," claims that this cure is "warranted to cure the bite of all venomous reptiles, hydrophobia, and the stings of poisonous insects in 20 minutes. Price $1 per bottle. Traveling agents wanted everywhere, to whom great inducements will be given. Prepared only by Dr. J. W. Eighmy, Brownsdale, Minn."

Dates

Creation: 1875-1875

Creator

Eighmy, J. W. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for access.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.

Biographical Note

J. W. Eighmy, M. D., was a physician in California during the 1880s, and had previously practiced in Brownsdale, Minnesota. According to the Medical and Surgical Directory of the United States of 1886, the nearest post office to his practice was that of Antioch, California. This volume identifies Dr. Eighmy as an eclectic physcian, or one specializing in the combination of natural remedies and pharmaceutical medicines. He was certified by the exam board in California.