Search

Letter addressed to “Sister” Caroline regarding her case being examined by a “Band of Spirit Doctors." Addressing Smith’s issues as a woman having a “severe time passing through the change of life” (potentially referencing menopause). Backside of letter includes information procured by slate writing regarding her health and the Band’s belief that she can be cured via magnetic healing. Includes analysis of her hair, liver, womb, kidneys, stomach, nervous system, bowels, and various symptoms. Written on long folded sheet of paper with illustrated letterhead with an illustration of an outstretched hand reading “Dr. A. B. Dobson Magnetic Healer and Independent Slate Writing Medium.” Enclosing advertisements and testimonials for the “glorious work” of Dobson and his Spirit Band. "The Sick Arise and Walk and Bask in the Golden Sunshine of Perfect Health." Envelope with Dobson’s stamped address included.

Describes trip from Chicago to Arkansas, noting Arkansas forests, sawmills, log huts, and African American residents and impoverished white residents, using epithets for both. Participating in heated water baths for his health, but with little impact on his sore arms, shoulders, and back. Refers to African American attendants and other patients "in all stages of disease." Discusses various prescriptions and their side-effects and his discouragement.

Advertisement for a performance by magician John Goldberg entitled "The Gipsey Camp," produced by Goldberg while committed to the Bloomingdale Asylum for the Insane. "The Main object of Goldberg being, to give to the World a true Religion not exactly a true Religion because we already have one but A new and original way of presenting Truth to the Young Generation. I shall call myself the Coming Messiah." Intends to circulate books, pamphlets, plays, and entertainments to youth about gambling, drinking, and tobacco: "in the same manner the Republicans and Democrats & Congressional Committees circulate free & broadcast all over the country their Campaign documents." Includes another sheet with various thoughts Goldberg had while in Bloomingdale Asylum, referencing "balanced heads" and women causing men to commit suicide. "Bismark & Goldberg Best balanced Heads in the World. Napoleon was not evenly balanced nor Frederick the Great but Shakespeare was." With newspaper clipping, "Vanderbilt's Magician. He Goes Mad on the Subject of Checks and is Arrested."

Seeking Kentucky Geological Survey publications. Inquiring due to information contained in Samuel Garman's On the Reptiles and Batrachians of North America.

Responding to request from mutual acquaintance, Mr. Berry, to reach out to Seitz. Berry had seen an exhibition put on by the company and after examining the medical devices attempted to connect Seitz and the company. Seitz had not yet responded to circulars sent to him by the company, so they are reaching out yet again to inform him that they have been working to improve the instrument. "We now feel confident enough to guarantee it [the battery] for one year." On printed letterhead reading "The Electric Aurophone Co. Owners and Manufacturers of Ehrlich’s Patent Electric Aurophone, An Aid to Hearing and an Electrical Treatment for the Permanent Relief of Deafness."

Mailed, empty envelope, with Orlando postmark, bearing two parallel lines of evenly spaced vertical nail holes and discolorations, indicating it was fumigated in response to yellow fever outbreak. Per Florida Times Union newspaper of August 20, 1888: "... A little mallet, the end of which is fill with sharp spikes, is used to perforate the mail matter so as to admit the purifying fumes. A large tin boiler is filled with sulfur... lighted, and the door tightly closed... The letters remain in the fumes for about six hours."

Responding to an order of Planisphere sets. Highlights the high-power telescope that is being offered for $50, referring to it as “first class in every particular.” Written on printed stationery for the “Office of Wm. T. Cooper, Executor of the Estate of Henry Whitall, Astronomer. Inventor and Manufacturer of Whitall’s Planispheres, Etc.” Enclosing a circular advertising “A Directory of the Starry Heavens, Being a KEY to Unlock the Mysteries in the Changing Firmament.” Includes an illustration of a moveable planisphere. Circular states that “To Schools or Classes that will use the PLANISPHERE, the Author will explain it freely and fully without additional costs” and includes recommendations and contact information to place an order.

Enclosing his introductory circular and card recommending the services in his Exercise Department (both included). "While you may not need it especially as a curative, you will find in a half hour's invigorating exercise at my rooms, a pleasant way to make a restful, hygienic punctuation mark in the mental labor or sedentary confinement of the busy day." Circular advertises the office of Dr. L. J. Cherrington, Hygienic Physician offering services like "Swedish Movement Cure, Massage, Electricity, Electric Massage (original), Dr. Butler's System of Invigorating Exercise, the Roman Bath and Mental Treatment." Includes descriptions of the services.

Third page of a series of notes regarding gynecology, with mention of uterine dropsy, discharge, and labor pains. Written on the verso of a circular from E. P. Noll & Co., "Map Publishers and Mounters" of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on illustrated letterhead depicting a globe, atlases, and a pull-down wall map.

Receipt for the arrival of medicines to be sold on consignment for the Morley Bros. Medicines ordered include “Two-Bit” Cough Syrup, “T-X-S” Liver Pills, and “Dr. Kay’s Kentucky Kondition Powder” for a total of $9. Includes a stipulation regarding reselling these medicines being permitted without the consent of Morley Bros. Articles available for purchase but not bought by Karstedt include hair dyes, “Universal Blackberry Balsam,” “Elixir of Ginger,” and Sarsaparilla.