Tiger Fat and Tonics: The Wild West of Patent Medicine

Explore the colorful, dubious world of early American patent medicines, focusing on flamboyant figures like "Tiger Fat Davis," and self-styled "emperors" of miracle cures. The presentation traces how the widespread marketing of unregulated panaceas-often making extravagant claims and containing dangerous or ineffective ingredients-sparked public health crises and scandals. These events fueled growing demands for consumer protection, ultimately leading to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the establishment of scientific standards for drug safety and efficacy.