Queer Birds With Queer Habits Malena Booklet

Malena Stomach-Liver Pills Company, Warriorsmark, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., 1890s-1900s

Preserved by Walter Havighurst Special Collections, The University Archives, Miami University, Oxford, OH U.S.A.

12.5cm X 15.6cm

This was a booklet handed out by sales-people for Malena stomach-liver pills to advertise their pills. It includes reviews from satisfied customers and a long list of ailments, particularly constipation, headaches, and foul stomach.

The booklet also includes information on multiple “queer” birds from around the world and their unusual habits. The birds include the ostrich, adjutant, cassowary, penguin, and flamingo.

This booklet is a part of a series produced by Malena to increase interest in their product. Other booklets included classic childhood stories, such as Jack the Giant Killer. These booklets were the start of how the United States advertise medicine, by creating a close, personal connection to each potential client. By using familiar stories, intriguing information, bright and expressive artwork, and being handed out to every person brought a lot of attention to Malena and it's product.