Testimonial for Red Water Cure

AssociatedAssociated with Davidson & Kay (Aberdeen, Scotland, founded c.1834)

Date1870s

Object NameTestimonial

Mediumpaper

ClassificationsMedicine and Healthcare

Dimensions18 x 11.4cm

AcquisitionThe George Shepherd Pharmaceutical Collection.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS081339

Keywords

About MeDavidson's "Red Water Cure" was a mixture sold to cure Babesiosis or Red Water in cattle. This disease is spread by parasites like ticks and can affect productivity and fertility.

We do not currently know what was in the Cure, but many letters in the collection show it was considered effective. It seems to have been particularly popular in the west of Ireland, with many requests for Davidson & Kay to send it from Aberdeen.

The brevity of this letter and the fact that is does not include an order for more (like most the other letters) suggests that Davidson & Kay may have attempted to solicit some testimonials. It reads:

"Gentlemen I have tried your Red Water Cure. It is a sure and affectual rememdy for the Red Water in Cattle. Every case that I have tried has proved successful and I have recommended it to my neighbours.
Yours Respectfully
Arthur O'Connor"

Davidson & Kay Limited was an Aberdeen pharmacy business with a history reaching back to the 1834, and possibly earlier.