Historical information

"James Doan was a doctor who lived in a town called Kingsville, in Canada, in North America. Sick people took journeys of many days to go to see him, and to get his medicine. He was a doctor who excelled in his neighborhood, because he prepared his medicine with his own hands, so he knew it was well prepared, and good. He used to make it with shrubs, and roots, and herbs, which he gathered in the woods and veld near his home. He made many kinds of medicine; but the most excellent is that which is called Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills." (info. from raycityhistory website)

Significance

This magazine reflects the popularity of over the counter remedial medications in the early 20th century.

Physical description

A small magazine advertising medicines. It is titled, "Doan's Birthday Book". On the front cover is an illustration of an older lady, a cat on her lap and holding a walking stick, reading to two young girls.