closeicon

The JC Archive Blog No.25 – Can Sun-Beds Cure?

We wonder if some of the ads on our health pages today will be judged so harshly in 100 years' time?

articlemain
January 09, 2019 09:43

Frequenting your popular high street tanning studio today is thought to cure acne, psoriasis, and some skin diseases. Ask your doctor whether or not it might work for you – but in 1908, your doctor may have advised you to get tanned and cure anything from cancer to sciatica! This advertorial from January 1908 claims that their ‘light bath’ cures practically everything.

The astonishing and successful results that have attended electric light bath treatment has turned the attention of medical-men in this direction. The unanimous opinion is, that applied under proper conditions these electric light baths are extremely beneficial in cases of anaemia, rheumatism, Iumbago, sciatica, nervous debility, general weakness and skin troubles.

Unfortunately, the unnamed ‘medical men’ have long been disproved. The ad continues…

Although electric light bath treatment has. been known for its great curative, tonic and strengthening powers, the sphere of its application has been limited greatly, because of the lack of a reliable central Institution; and secondly, because the personal control of a specialist has been necessary. Now, however, these difficulties are overcome, for right in the heart of London, we have our central Institute, conducted by the well-known specialists in curative electric science, Messrs. Brandon Brothers.

Not just a tanning-studio, then.

The beautiful electric light baths, that are to be seen in this new home of curative science, are really triumphs of scientific, endeavour; the cures that have been effected by their use are remarkable, and must fill every sufferer with enthusiasm.

The specialists who preside at this home of electric light treatment, are always willing to explain to callers the value of this great curative system, and to show them how it is practically impossible for any of the illnesses mentioned to linger in the body after a course of treatment. You are placed under no obligation by calling to inspect, and all advice, as to the suitability of the treatment is given free.

So, free advice is given, though the chance of this treatment being unsuitable for you is, of-course, nil. And the actual treatment definitely costs.

Should you subsequently decide to place yourself under treatment, you can easily do so at little cost, for the charges are so moderate as to be well within the reach of those with limited means. We may say that electric light bath treatment is such that the weakest person may enjoy it, indeed, it is par excellence the treatment for the aged, who suffer from nervous disorders, rheumatism, gout, and such-like troubles.

Let me just give you their contact details. No email address, what’s that? It’s snail mail in 1908!

If you wish to call and inspect the baths, and learn all about treatment, you should write to Brandon Bros., Specialists, 101, Fleet Street, Ludgate Circus, London, E.C., for an appointment.

If you cannot call, full particulars will be sent, if you forward details of your case.

Finally, one last reminder that this ad is not from the 21st century – modesty is still treasured.

We will not fail to mention that Thursdays are set aside for ladies only, when an experienced lady will be in attendance.

Enjoy the tan!

January 09, 2019 09:43

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive