Products to keep you healthy: then and now

When I watch television nowadays and see the choice of products advertised which are considered absolutely essential, I have to smile and wonder how we grew up without getting dishpan hands and leather-look skin!

It was possibly due to the medication we were given: daily doses of cod liver oil and malt in the winter, sulphur tablets in the spring for our blood and castor oil once a week. Goose-grease was rubbed in if chesty, and sometimes something called Russian tallow, which was like candle grease. This was spread on brown paper and applied with a warm iron for bronchitis. The use of strong smelling camphorated oil in a warm atmosphere guaranteed you a seat on your own!
Marjory Batchelor - A Life Behind Bars