Trade Card for Ayer's Sarsaparilla, 1880-1900

James C. Ayer (1818-1878), a purveyor of patent medicines in the 19th century, claimed his treatments could cure colds, coughs, and other ailments, purify the blood, and invigorate the hair. Ayer--and later his company--successfully marketed his products by printing thousands of trade cards, almanacs, and newspaper and magazine ads. Ayer's company continued production well into the 20th century.