Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Original Snake Oil Salesman
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Feb 14, 2024 Discover the colorful origins of snake oil, once a legitimate remedy used in ancient China. Learn about Clark Stanley, the notorious salesman who turned it into a symbol of deceitful marketing. The discussion peels back the layers of how patent medicines misled the public, with tales of rattlesnake oil's far-fetched claims. Explore the intriguing cultural shift where snake oil transformed from a respected cure to a cautionary tale of fraud, illustrating the dark side of medicinal history.
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Snake Oil's Origins
- Chinese immigrants, including indentured railroad workers, brought snake oil to the US in the 19th century.
- It was used to treat sore muscles and inflammation, gaining popularity as a curative.
Clark Stanley and Snake Oil
- Clark Stanley, a cowboy turned patent medicine salesman, capitalized on snake oil's popularity.
- He claimed to have learned its creation from a Hopi medicine man and his own rattlesnake bites, selling it for 50 cents (equivalent to $18 today).
Patent Medicine's Downfall
- Patent medicines gained a bad reputation due to their misleading nature.
- Their "proprietary" formulas allowed sellers to hide ineffective ingredients, preying on unsuspecting customers.