Glands: A Treatise on their Importance in the Human Machine and their Scientific Hygiene. By Walter Van Henry, D.Ph. -- M.A.
Chicago: Health Books Publishing Company, (1924). First edition. Original printed self-wrappers, 5.88 x 3.75 inches, v, 42, [1] [i.e., 48] pages. Title page stained. Cheap paper toned, somewhat worn, a little tattered and soiled; in good condition. Item #20336
"Years ago it was the custom for physicians to prescribe certain drugs for 'female irregularity' and menstrual disorders. Today they prescribe ovarian gland extracts. So, years ago, they prescribed iron and various drugs for rebuilding and vigor restoration. Today they prescribe Gonad (sex gland) extracts." A curious ephemeral piece of popular medical education, a detailed look at "Organotherapy," the whole tending to promote the therapeutic use of hormones. (One can easily discern amid the enthusiasms and implicit promises of sexual rejuvenation of this work a presentiment of Dr. John R. Brinkley.) Despite the author attribution on the title page, copyright records attribute this title to Lewis J. Ruskin (1903-1977), making this certainly an early work from this London-born, Chicago-area resident who would eventually make his fortune in pharmaceuticals and chain drug stores; Ruskin also helped found the Weizmann Institute in Palestine. (See Ruskin’s obituary in the 21 August 1981 Arizona Daily Star.) OCLC (9/2021) notes a single copy at the NLM (under Van Henry), and this title appears evidently to be the only imprint published by the Health Books Publishing Co. of Chicago—presumably something of an address of convenience for Ruskin as he here begins a career of pharmaceutical self-promotion.
Price: $125.00