Trade Card for Hood's Sarsaparilla, C.I. Hood & Co., circa 1885

In the late 19th century, trade cards were a major means for advertising goods and services. Patent medicine producer, C.I. Hood & Co., had its own advertising department, creating cookbooks, calendars, and, most abundantly, trade cards. Hood's Sarsaparilla became the company's most popular product and trade cards, like this one, promoted its medicinal qualities as a blood purifier.