Читать книгу Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology - Robert Weis - Страница 113

Today, the term “snake oil” is used to describe any dubious medical treatment that has limited evidence supporting its effectiveness (Image 3.1). In the 19th century, however, snake oil was widely used by immigrants working to build a railroad system across the United States. For centuries, snake oil was used in traditional Chinese medicine as a topical ointment to treat arthritis, joint pain, and mild skin irritation. It contained the fat of Chinese water snakes, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is known to reduce inflammation. Chinese laborers would apply the ointment after a hard day of work to soothe their aching muscles (Anderson, 2016).

Businessman Clark Stanley began marketing snake oil to American workers. Because Chinese water snakes do not live in the United States, he used the fat of rattlesnakes to make his concoction. Stanley claimed that he learned about snake oil from Hopi Indians. He traveled the country demonstrating the healing powers of his elixir. At the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair he applied his tonic to several onlookers who marveled at its effects.

There were two problems with Stanley’s snake oil. First, American rattlesnakes contain much less omega-3 fatty acids than Chinese water snakes. Second, Stanley’s ointment did not contain any snake oil at all. An analysis showed that it consisted of mineral oil, beef fat, chili pepper, turpentine, and camphor. The US government fined Stanley $20 for “misbranding” his product. Stanley never disputed the charges.