During the final decades of the 19th century and early decades of the 20th century, “patent medicines” enjoyed widespread popularity in the United States while also generating significant wealth for a few, including Willis T. Hanson Sr. of Schenectady and Niskayuna. He manufactured and distributed “Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People.”

A “patent medicine” was a nonprescription medicinal product commonly distributed by a trade name; few were actually patented. Generally, these products were self-prescribed — i.e., not prescribed by a physician. Ingredients were seldom fully disclosed, but aggressive advertising and publicity touted the product’s effectiveness across a wide range of medical conditions.

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