FOODS AND DIETARIES 261 



Conclusions. 1. Who are most susceptible to such adver- 

 tisements ? 



2. Show that there is truth in Barnum's statement that 

 "The American people like to be humbugged." 



3. Why do "miracle workers" usually not remain in one 

 place long at a time ? 



c. The Specialist Humbugs 



Note. "Specialist humbugs" diagnose by mail and send 

 doses by express. They " consult " by a series of ingenious 

 letter forms. 



Observations. 1. Look for such advertisements as "Don't 

 undergo an operation, come to me and spare yourself the tor- 

 ture of the knife," etc. 



2. Do any claim to " continue the treatment after a few- 

 months free of charge " ? 



3. Do any claim to cure by " absorption methods " ? 



4. Do any claim to be " editorially indorsed," or backed by 

 any " religious paper," or claim a " special interest " in your 

 case at " reduced rates " ? 



Note. If you come across any such statements as just 

 quoted, you may be sure they are quacks. 



5. Do they address you as "Dear Friend" or "Dear Mr. So- 

 and-so " or " My Dear Correspondent " in answer to any let- 

 ters ? If so, and you are determined to give them a trial, an- 

 swer that, since a promise is made to cure you, you will 

 deposit in a reputable bank the full price of the treatment, to 

 be paid as soon as the promises are fulfilled, and not before. 

 WTiat reply do you receive ? 



Conclusions. Write a paragraph on the methods of humbug 

 specialists and how to distinguish them. 



d. The Scavengers 



Note. By scavengers, we may perhaps rightfully designate 

 all who claim to cure various diseases, including the drink and 

 the drug habit, by mail. 



