Dear Reader,

The history of over-the-counter and prescription drugs is a dangerous drunk drive into the past.

I’m always up for riding shotgun on such drives (figuratively, of course) — because as you might guess, I love tales of the strange, off-beat, unusual and downright creepy. And you’ll always find me exploring some of this in these Necropolitan Life features.

Just when you think the past might be some golden age of wisdom and style and virtuous living…here come the cocaine drops! I’ve got a bit of tooth pain right now — maybe I should just skip the dentist and try this old-fashioned, time-honored remedy.

Asthma cigarettes? Check!

Quaaludes for a great night’s rest? Check!

And don’t forget some meth to keep your spirits up.

One of my favorites is the Bayer Aspirin and Heroin ad. That’s a combo that knocks those  coughs and headaches right out of your skull. And then some.

Check out all the old drug ads that got great-grandma and Little Lord Fauntleroy through those tough, tough days of yore.

Best,

Douglas Clegg