The Humbugs of the World · Chapter
XXIX explained
Barnum exposes a series of medical quacks and impostors, including a Williamsburg clergyman selling a fake consumptive remedy, Dr.
What happens
Barnum exposes a series of medical quacks and impostors, including a Williamsburg clergyman selling a fake consumptive remedy, Dr. E. Andrews who peddles hashish candy with forged endorsements, and the astrological charlatan C. W. Roback, who claims to cure everything from consumption to lying. Barnum criticizes the gullibility of the public and the authorities' failure to stop such deceptions.
Themes in this chapter
Science, Medicine, and Quackery
The chapter details multiple medical frauds, including a consumptive remedy, hashish candy, and astrological cures, highlighting the prevalence of quackery.
Gullibility and Human Nature
Barnum marvels at how such base impostures can draw a steady revenue from a supposedly cultured and intelligent nation.
Advertising and Showmanship
The quacks use forged references, boastful claims, and elaborate almanacs to promote their products, illustrating deceptive advertising techniques.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Roback
Exposed as an astrological quack who sells almanacs, cures diseases, and claims to stop lying, but Barnum sarcastically notes his avoidance of direct vice.
- Consumptive Remedy Quack
A Williamsburg clergyman who sells a fake consumptive remedy and avoids personal interviews.
- Mr. Barnum
The author and narrator who investigates and condemns the various impostors.
Key passages
“It is a wonder that the Bank of Commerce can keep any securities in its vaults—of course!”
Barnum sarcastically suggests that if the quack's invisible removal methods worked, no bank would be safe.
Highlights the absurdity of the quack's claims.
“No one must be born without his birthright being born with him.”
Dr. Andrews argues that everyone should have an inherent right to land and opportunity from birth.
Barnum mocks the grammatical and logical confusion in the doctor's writing.
“What an uproar the incantation of the great Roback would make, if set fairly to work among the politicians, for instance!”
Barnum imagines the chaos if Roback's truth-telling magic were applied to politicians.
Satirizes both the quack and political dishonesty.