Home > Science Seminar > Fall 2004 Seminar Schedule > Quackery
The Science Seminar Series: September 9, 2004
Advancement Of Science And Technology Through Quackery
Dr. Linda Chamberlin, Department of BiologyValdosta State University
Valdosta, GA, 31698
Place: Powell Hall
Time: 4:00 -5:00pm
Dr. Ray Vaughn Pierce (1840-1914) was unarguably a complex and dynamic man. He moved to Buffalo, NY, to launch a successful and colorful medical career with his Golden Medical Discovery. In 1875 he published "The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English or Medicine Simplified". A side benefit of this marketing ploy was to inform common people about the latest medical developments through constantly updated editions. Dr. Pierce also had a lot of enthusiasm for all kinds of inventions and scientific gadgets and used them in his medical practice. He built Invalids Hotel, a luxury hotel for the ill. The Hotel and associated World's Dispensary employed steam engines to drive mechanical manipulators, printing presses, bottle washer, pharmacy equipment as well as an elevator. There were electric generators, ozone generator, and X-ray equipment. The hotel featured electric lighting and a fire sprinkler system. His use of this technology exposed many influential people to the possibilities of new technologies and science.