There are a lot of curiosities in the old newspapers we’re digitizing, but rarely do I come across any complete mysteries like this ad, which I found in the Fayetteville Observer from January 8, 1863. Do any of you know anything about Blue Mass?
Exploring the History, Literature, and Culture of the Tar Heel State
There are a lot of curiosities in the old newspapers we’re digitizing, but rarely do I come across any complete mysteries like this ad, which I found in the Fayetteville Observer from January 8, 1863. Do any of you know anything about Blue Mass?
This answer seems to comport with the clues in the add.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_mass
Blue Mass was also called Calomel. Used as a remedy for constipation, but also for diarrhea and dysentery. It was considered an all-round “bowel” cure. VERY frequently given to soldiers in the Civil War camps.