The Greatest Snake Oil Salesman of All Time: The Story of Peruna

You’ve heard of snake oil salesmen before. They’re synonymous with quacks and peddlers of junk medicine. But that phrase, /snake oil/ dates back to the era of Patent Medicines, unregulated drugs that ultimately led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Trade Commission.
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☠️NONE OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE OR OPINION. IT IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT☠️
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[@PatKellyTeaches]

What would you call your patent medicine and what would it cure?

[@TexRenner]

Oleum Serpentis (panacea universalis)

[@VacentViscera]

Doctor Tam Vanus' Cure-All Liniment and Elixir (to Cure Inflictions of the Heart, Nose, Stomach and Liver).

[@Hippiechick11]

I know some of them were called baby killers.

[@ashleelarsen7765]

Vita-vita-vegimin and it would cure sadness - wait wait wait it cures funerals! kidding,,, I don't want that on my "record"

[@channelwhatchamacallit2614]

Fiona's Fantastic Fixer-Elixer! (Cures broken bones... somehow)

[@marcusludicrous2456]

The inventor of Peruna, Samuel Harman, is my great great uncle on my mother's side. It's weird to have such a notorious character in the family tree. Peruna was internationally known. Mark Twain drank the stuff and mentioned it in a couple of his stories. Andrew Carnegie also drank it. H. L. Mencken added it to some of his writings, and Irving Berlin added Peruna to the lyrics of a song he wrote titled, "Try it on your Piano". I have a Peruna bottle and other artifacts as keep sakes. It's very easy to find Peruna bottles and printed material since it was literally everywhere at the time.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

This is the coolest comment I've ever received. I'm thrilled to learn more about the guy through an actual relative!

[@thatguy1917]

No one ever speaks of the shady characters hiding among the boughs of their family tree. A lot of stuff stays buried. I’ve seen marriage dates “edited” in family Bibles to accommodate early birth dates. Someone in my former spouse’s family took one of those DNA spit tests. That blew the lid off all kinds of family secrets! No shade on you, cheers for owning it.

[@ajayKumarajayKumar-hr7sj]

That's interesting, sir/ma'am.

[@thegatorhator6822]

Damn I wish I could trace a fraud to my family for making some kind of money. I can only trace mine back to stealing bread in a famine and being deported. From then on it's nothing but poverty. I love hearing about my white privilege though from non-whites usually richer than me 😂

[@samallen9033]

"Peruna" means potato in my language (Finnish) so I was very confused at first

[@disgoop]

As a Finnish person I agree that potatoes are a wonder remedy.

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

As a Scot who lives in Finland, I'm not going to counter that.

[@mandrakethemadcoder]

I wonder if the name was a purposeful troll. 🤔

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

@@mandrakethemadcoder Not sure, but it'd be awesome if it was!

[@Evilnor7]

Thanks to summer language camp, this is the only Finnish word I know ❤ The camp had a whole song about it.

[@aarnilapsi9336]

Didn't we make an entire comedy movie out of it? I remember the press release.

[@zaggnutt]

"Cocaine is a hell of a drug." - Rick James "Say, 'No!' to snake oil, kids."- me

[@PatKellyTeaches]

hahahaha Brandon, that's a reference I haven't heard in a long time

[@blair2050]

I'm here from Mr. Beat's FDA video. You have surprisingly high production value for such a small channel!

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Nice to have you here 🤘🏻 I have a larger channel where I learned all this production skill. It’s a handful of good lights and a nice microphone

[@ElmerCat]

Popular musicians may have been hired to sing songs about Peruna, but it wouldn't have been on the radio. Voice transmission (and advertising) on radio did not begin until the 1920's. Before then, radio broadcasts were in Morse code.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Confirmed, the Peruna songs happened in the 1930s as mentioned at 10:22

[@trevinbeattie4888]

An excellent exposition of why I detest the advertising industry. This statement sums it up nicely: “Patent medicines weren’t popular because they were effective. They were popular because they were advertised everywhere.”

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Unfortunately it hasn't gotten much better. America and New Zealand are the only countries on earth that allow Pharma companies to advertise direct to consumer. It's whack.

[@StrongMed]

Another fantastic video! Interesting to see the parallels between how sham remedies were marketed 100 years ago and how snake oil is marketed today. Gotta be honest...sometimes it doesn't feel like the FDA and FTC have had as much positive impact on that problem as they should.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

I read an article in the NY Times a few months ago about how busy the FTC has been during the pandemic. They're constantly taking down companies for sham claims buuuuuut they're up against the entire internet. A daunting task even 10 years ago.

[@StrongMed]

@@PatKellyTeaches I'm not remotely knowledgeable about this, but I suspect penalties for these people are too low to be an adequate deterrent. If a person's business model is based on selling demonstrably sham therapies for real diseases, they should see the inside of a jail cell.

[@AlexDainisPhD]

Yes, these parallels were what I was thinking of this whole video! Feels like there's so much of this still happening today, just with wellness influencers selling "detoxes" instead of snake oil salesmen selling opium!

[@Nikki-lodeon]

But they have the secrets to great health that your doctor doesn't want you to know!

[@rob5381]

Let's not forget about Devil Bill who was an snake oil salesman and is under the same family who created the flexner report that went under the rockefellers.

[@QuixoteX]

Advertising disguised as content? Nobody will fall for that! :D

[@bigpl412]

What are 80' cartoons? For a thousand Alex...

[@PatKellyTeaches]

No! They’d never!…. Totally unrelated, but this video was thought to you by Audible

[@Dick_Kickem69]

Fun 19th century snake oil fact: Samuel Colt (yes, that one) funded the development of his first commercial revolver in part by calling himself "Doctor" Colt and putting on a traveling medical show where he would basically just go on stage and get people high on laughing gas, and charge people to watch.

[@Tinil0]

"Hi, I'm a wandering vagabond with a trailer and I want you to gather everyone you know so I can administer a strange gas to one of ya'll and everyone can laugh as they lose their mind." "Gee, that sounds exciting, sure thing mister stranger"

[@stevengill1736]

Yup - same spirit today when people bring a nitrous tank to a fair or a concert and sell balloons...

[@TheGrinningViking]

You know, we get told about these "snake oil salesmen" all the time, but a bottle of alcohol and opium would work better than seeing some doctors in the US. Cheaper too.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

At the least, it sure makes for a more entertaining Friday night

[@bradleyjames1340]

How little things change. Reminds me a lot of all the ads from supposed health experts on KZbin.......

[@christianmartinez774]

Now I know why Vapo Rub is used to treat so many things lol.

[@Anonymous-pc3qk]

This guy knows knowing better and mr beat he surrounded by good people.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the biz!

[@iammrbeat]

This was a fascinating video. I'm so happy we got to collaborate. :D

[@PatKellyTeaches]

It was rad getting to work with a true pro like yourself 🤘🏻

[@gingerjohnson7071]

Thanks for sending us over! Nice to spend time on KZbin to learn something!

[@dominicg3311]

@@gingerjohnson7071 Yes! This is a well-produced video and I would love to see this channel flourish.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

@@gingerjohnson7071 y’all are making me blush, thank you

[@gingerjohnson7071]

Patrick Kelly Thank You! It’s so refreshing to have another great resource to spark topics not always talked about.

[@alicia1463]

Advertising made to look like actual articles? The more things change, the more they stay the same.

[@eedobee]

I love these videos. I had a few popsci genre medical history books as a teenager, and so I’ve known about a few of these stories for years, but also I’ve had many questions percolating since then. These videos answer questions and provide context for more questions than I had forgotten

[@JulianOShea]

What an excellent video - beautifully communicated. Want me some Peruna.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Thank Julian, I appreciate it. Maybe I can get them to sponsor an upcoming video

[@Alias_Anybody]

Ahh, delicious snake oil. Honestly, comparing popular bogus treatments from different countries would be quite interesting.

[@candinunya5211]

I haven't laughed so genuinely for a long time. Fabulous video

[@mattc825]

This was amazing. Nice job!!

[@Noughtta]

I was just recommended this video on my feed! First time watched here, love the content already!

[@higormeisterlol]

Been following this channel since 15k subscribers, now it's 31k and I have a feeling that it's going to explode, so I'm gonna repeat this comment on every video to boost up engagement and keep track of it's growth. Anyway, superb job, definetly one of my favorites!

[@mitschcrafter6766]

I like this video. I really question myself why it only has around 400 likes. I hope this gets picked up somehow. The editing is clean, the voice over is nice, the use of sound effects, there is no annoying music and the graphics, animations and art is really cool. Wish you all the best.

[@DrHero13]

Love Mr. Beat!

[@okay9574]

This might be weird but I appreciate that the captions imply the tone you’re using with backslashes, great video!

[@mstandish]

I love the video and can't wait to see more content. Thanks!

[@PatKellyTeaches]

That's awesome to hear dude, thank you. New video in about a week

[@Sustainable_Me]

Brilliant video! Thanks so much.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@skankhunt-zw6gg]

Thank you Mr. Beat. Thank you Patrick for the information.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

My pleasure. This was a fun video to put together

[@mimanda]

I've been on KZbin for 10 years. How have only now just discovered this channel?!?!

[@Love1nOther]

Excellent. Well Crafted!

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Thanks for the kind words

[@thecrazycapn]

Solid video. Here's a comment so KZbin knows how engaging it is.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

I for one welcome our algorithm overlords

[@jaydonnelly5038]

Great video! Subscribed

[@PatKellyTeaches]

That's awfully nice of you, thank you!

[@kidmohair8151]

liked and subbed! (thank mr beat)

[@kidmohair8151]

and between the 2 videos, I'm sorry but, I couldn't help but think....what if today's party formerly known as republican had been in power instead of the Republican party of TR....whom the present lot would call a "socialist" for his approach to any number of issues of the day

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Welcome to my channel, happy to have ya!

[@kidmohair8151]

@@PatKellyTeaches ehhhhh don't get carried away...I'm kinda ornery...but thank you!

[@ipadair7345]

awesome video :)

[@ipadair7345]

was really informative

[@samuelcarlsen1442]

Dr. Thackerys rejuvenation liniment “Away moldy rogue away” My own would probably be called “Samuels super serum soup” and boy!!! it’s easier to list the things that it’s not going to cure...$$$ am I right

[@PatKellyTeaches]

It's funny you mention Thackery. I finally started watching The Knick and I love it so far

[@samuelcarlsen1442]

Patrick Kelly yes yes yes dude I love that show so much I’ve watched it multiple times you’re in for a treat maybe it would also be an idea for you to make some videos about it a review and or maybe some videos talking about the period appropriate things and the stuff that Are not Accurate I would definitely love to see that but I mean I am kind of biased since it is the show that got me into medical history in the first place after all ha ha But Anyway It’s always a good thing with more people watching The Knick I don’t think we can ever be too many ha ha

[@jeremiasrobinson]

"Peruna" is the word for "potato" in Finnish. It's just the first thing i thought when seeing the title of the video.

[@MrElliotc02]

Very good video...do patent medicines live on in the form of supplements?

[@hewitc]

Vitamin and mineral supplements, "gluten-free" health claims, CBD, cosmetics that claim "anti-aging" remedies, spas that make claims about ridding the body of "toxins". If you actually had any "toxins" in your body go immediately to a hospital emergency room, not a spa.

[@RC-nq7mg]

And nothing has changed...

[@Rene-uz3eb]

people back then were so media starved advertisement was like an experience. And everyone was free to believe in magical pills with abandon. Almost sorry that was taken away.

[@chesthoIe]

Oh please, please, do J. R. Brinkley. While he didn't change modern medicine at all, he certainly changed the laws catching quack doctors. And the laws about what you can and can't do on the radio.

[@aloysiusdevadanderabercrombie8]

My favorite patent medicine relics are cocktail bitters!

[@geoffreypiltz271]

Vick's VapoRub was originally Richardson's Croup and Pneumonia Cure Salve. The "Cure" bit had to go.

[@artofmagi]

I had no idea Kevin Spacey's career spanned that far back... 3:20

[@jfu5222]

Live fast, leave an interesting cadaver!

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

Things are still very similar even today. Real medication is expensive but herbal remedies and naturopathic medicines are less expensive and easier to get. Still heavily marketed.

[@Sunny-gt8zi]

Fyi, peruna is Finish for potatoe 😂

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

2:42 The US had a widespread opiate problem at the time. Sounds like today. Oh my, they spent well over $1 million back then for marketing purposes. Geez! Peruna, lol. Lies okay as testimonial? Okay. 😂🤣😂 Liars exposed! 😀😀😀 Mr. Beat brought me here. Subbed!

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Sure does sound like today, although the addiction problems were caused by slightly different reasons! I'm working on a video about the history of morphine and want to do that topic justice. Thanks for checking out my wee channel, I appreciate the nice words

[@eliasverschraegen6745]

Won't be long until this channel blows up I'd reckon. Engaging content that is very well brought.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you

[@rzpogi]

When I first heard of Catarrhals, I thought it was guitars. So diseases are caused by guitars. hahaha

[@Heyu7her3]

Alcohol? Sounds like Robitussin 🤪

[@jreding132]

Who would believe a congressman?

[@a.k8069]

Little known fact, “Lean” is so popular recreational now because all of your favourite rappers are sponsored by Johnson and Johnson. I said it on the internet, so it must be true!

[@PatKellyTeaches]

I’m waiting for the day when that video essay gets made: “how rappers are the patent medicine influencers of the 21st century”

[@GambinoTheGoat]

whos here from the fabulous mr beat!!{!

[@bigpl412]

Mr Beat brought me here... Dope content 👍 (Pin intended, lol.)

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Pun game strong 💪🏻

[@scoon2117]

Hidden marketing in this video.

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Ohh absolutely, that's the KZbinr way. like comment subscribe hit that bell and support me on Patreon

[@chibinyra]

SMU's mascot it why I clicked the video.... =oD

[@stevengill1736]

I guess Pepto-Bismol is another patent med that survived.....

[@44hawk28]

Nobody, nobody at all was singing songs on the radio in 1905. Tesla had not even invented any more than the concept was capable at the time. And yes Tesla was the one who invented the radio. Marconi actually stole ideas from at least seven different patents from Tesla in order to build his radio. That case was eventually settled but it was shortly after Tesla's death. And yes 7Up came from a product called lithiated water. Actually the psychologist and psychiatrist of the day decided they didn't like 7-Up because it was actually helping people with their mood disorders. And as for Coca-Cola actually having cocaine in it. That is an old wives tale. A byproduct of cocaine was used in Coke, but it was not cocaine as we know it. That certain product was used in others up to just a couple of decades ago, but it never had any narcotic effect. The thing that you might want to be surprised about is the most popular patent medicine on shelves today is ketchup. It started out as a patent medicine. A way to make the ingestion of the requisite 1 or 2 oz of cider vinegar on a daily basis more palatable. It became popular at using as a condiment and that's how it's used today. But it started out, as a patent medicine. One that actually was of value because you would be healthier if you ingested an ounce or so of on a daily basis. Just like your health is actually a little bit better if you drank one or 2 oz of alcohol a day. Alcohol in small amounts, can be helpful.

[@allenhanford]

You make great videos (I can't stop watching) but I'm not finding any evidence of "she'll be comin' round the mountain" being associated with patent medicine.

[@alicehammond7622]

SMUs fight song is to the tune of comin round the mountain and they say “she’ll be loaded with Peruna when she comes”. The original song isn’t about patent medicines as far as I’m aware.

[@waldemarsilas6675]

Peruna = potato (finnish)

[@j.s.4074]

Peruna is Finnish for Potato

[@sentientNukaColabottlecap]

I just want Teddy back....

[@tj-co9go]

FYI: Peruna means "potato" in Finnish No relation to video subject, no usefulness, just want you to know

[@OldieBugger]

This sounds doubly silly to me, as the word "peruna" means potato in my mothertongue.

[@Skoopyghost]

I went to a psychiatrist for many years. The guy put me on legal drugs so I didn't have to buy illegal drugs and I told him that I had to spend a year off deadlifting and benching to doing yoga and cardio to regain my health back. I went to AA and got better. The guy said. "You didn't look unhealthy." I'm not saying all psychiatrists are like that guy, but a lot are. I even tasted by mentioning symptoms and the dudes give diagnoses based off that. Not even a second thought came that I was lying. I only took the benzo because I'd get into street drugs if I didn't take my benzo drugs. Psychiatrists ae snake oil salesmen to me.

[@King-qr1ck]

Idk man John marston used snake oil and he survived gunshot and bear attacks

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Sounds like a hell of a testimonial 😉

[@tomashoekstra8011]

I'd trust them more than actual pharmaceutical companies.

[@afterlife697]

You missed pronounced quinine Here is the phonetic ˈkwīˌnīn

[@PatKellyTeaches]

Ahh, I understand why you say that. Americans pronounce it one way, Britons pronounce it another. Either is correct.

[@afterlife697]

@@PatKellyTeaches Who won the American revolution? That’s right we did. So let me put this in terms you can understand it’s pronounced kwī,nīn you knob.

[@afterlife697]

@@PatKellyTeaches please be aware that I am only joking. And as I myself being of English dissent fully understand the England spells and uses words differently. Just felt like making a joke. Hope you have a great day👋