Images(2)

Testimonial for Red Water Cure

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

Date5 July 1877

Object NameTestimonial

Mediumpaper

ClassificationsMedicine and Healthcare

Dimensions17.8 x 10.5cm

AcquisitionThe George Shepherd Pharmaceutical Collection.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS081358

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 this letter and many other 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.

We believe some of these letters were solicited as "testimonials" by Davidson & Kay for use in advertising. For example, this writer says:

"You are at perfect liberty to make what use you please of this communication and also of my name as approving of your valuable medicine. If any gentlemen wishes to refer to me I shall be most happy to give him any information in my power."

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