MenuGuide to the David B. Shatzer medical battery sales account book, 1883 January-September
Abstract
David B. Shatzer was a salesman in Franklin Co, Penna. Census records indicate that Shatzer may have also been a shoemaker at this time. Possibly b. 1841 in St. Thomas (Franklin Co.), Penna.
Collection comprises a copy (48 pgs.) of "Pierce's Memorandum and Account Book designed for Farmers, Mechanics and all people" distributed by the World's Dispensary Medical Association. Half of the pages were printed with advertisements and testimonials for Pierce's pharmaceutical products, along with his articles on the diseases of women, men, liver, blood, and lungs. It also includes an advertisements for the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. The rest of the pages contain handwritten notes made by Shatzer regarding his sales of Downing's galvanic battery, which was likely an electronic device used to treat various ailments, including headaches, rheumatism, neuralgia, and joint pain. Shatzer primarily recorded testimonies about the effectiveness of the device, but a few notes provide his sales figures. In addition, some notes suggest that Shatzer also sold pictures, copies of the Lord's Prayer and other prayers, and a product in bottles. It is clear that all of his sales were in Franklin County.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Shatzer, David B.
- Title
- David B. Shatzer medical battery sales account book, 1883 January-September
- Language of Materials
- English
- Extent
- 1 item (0.2 lin. ft.)
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
Collection comprises a copy (48 pgs.) of "Pierce's Memorandum and Account Book designed for Farmers, Mechanics and all people" distributed by the World's Dispensary Medical Association. Half of the pages were printed with advertisements and testimonials for Pierce's pharmaceutical products, along with his articles on the diseases of women, men, liver, blood, and lungs. It also includes an advertisements for the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. The rest of the pages contain handwritten notes made by Shatzer regarding his sales of Downing's galvanic battery, which was likely an electronic device used to treat various ailments, including headaches, rheumatism, neuralgia, and joint pain. Shatzer primarily recorded testimonies about the effectiveness of the device, but a few notes provide his sales figures. In addition, some notes suggest that Shatzer also sold pictures, copies of the Lord's Prayer and other prayers, and a product in bottles. It is clear that all of his sales were in Franklin County.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllHistorical Note
David B. Shatzer was a salesman in Franklin Co, Penna. Census records indicate that Shatzer may have also been a shoemaker at this time. Possibly b. 1841 in St. Thomas (Franklin Co.), Penna.
Subject Headings
- Medical instruments and apparatus--United States--History--19th century.
- Electrotherapeutics--United States--History--19th century.
- Shatzer, David B.
- Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute (Buffalo, N.Y.)
- John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.
- World's Dispensary Medical Association.
- Franklin County (Pa.)--History.
- Account books.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], in the David B. Shatzer medical battery sales account book, 1883 January-September, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
Purchased, 2010
Processing Information
Processed by: Alice Poffinberger, November 2010
Encoded by: Alice Poffinberger, July 2011
Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 2010-0165
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.