Quack doctors and Philanthropists
amyleighchandler’s ARTEFACT SPOTLIGHT is – Portrait of Joshua Ward (1686 – 1761) by Agostino Carlini displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London.
The rise of quack medicine in the eighteenth century and poor public health and hygiene caused many fake cures to arrive on the market that were far cheaper (and dangerous) than many medicines prescribed by physicians.
Joshua Ward
Joshua Ward was a well-known quack doctor in 1733, who developed the popular and successful Friar’s Balsams, Ward’s Pills and Ward’s Drops, which caused harmful side effects, such as violent sweating.
Ward’s credibility became secured when King George II sprained his thumb and called upon Ward for the “purpose of setting his majesty’s sprained thumb”. It is uncertain whether Ward’s medicines were effective, but while he was attending to King George II, the King recovered, and this secured Ward’s reputation as a doctor and he contrinued to treat wealthy patients.
Ward’s legacy as a successful doctor overshadows the truth behind his fake cures with generally lethal side effects, but he is also noted for his philanthropic nature, such as building hospitals for the poor and generous financial donations. A lack of medical understanding, knowledge and availability of cheap and effective medicine allowed men like Ward to corner the market and profit on the fears and vulnerability of many impoverished people.
Museum objects like this statue are vital when understanding the confusing, violent and strange history that has contributed to the world we live in today. This statue is not just a piece of work that emulates Joshua Ward’s likeness, but is representative on the people like Ward who lived. For better or worse, Ward contributed to medicine – hindered or improved is difficult to say, but represents that humans are susceptible to fake cures out of desperation and fear. History offers knowledge and warnings for future generations to not make the same mistakes twice or at least learn from what has happened. Ward’s work highlights how education is the key to understanding the world and ourselves before accepting products with magical properties.
Want to learn more about quack medicine?
Amy has written a history article exploring the rise of quack medicine in the eighteenth century and how the COVID-19 pandemic emulated the desperation for a cure, prevention and explanation. Read the article HERE.
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