Chapter
The History of Snake Oil Salesmen
31:47 - 36:24 (04:37)
Snake oil salesmen would use elaborate performances to convince people to buy their fake products. Branding was also an important aspect of their business as they had to establish themselves as the one that works.
Clips
Snake oil was a legitimate remedy made from the oil of the Chinese water snake, but it was often substituted with cheaper, less effective oils.
31:47 - 34:04 (02:17)
Summary
Snake oil was a legitimate remedy made from the oil of the Chinese water snake, but it was often substituted with cheaper, less effective oils. This led to a decline in popularity and the origins of the "snake oil salesman" stereotype.
ChapterThe History of Snake Oil Salesmen
EpisodeSnake Oil
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The history of American snake oil and how it was just mineral oil and red pepper used to make it appear potent.
34:04 - 35:36 (01:32)
Summary
The history of American snake oil and how it was just mineral oil and red pepper used to make it appear potent.
ChapterThe History of Snake Oil Salesmen
EpisodeSnake Oil
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The term “snake oil salesman” originated from a fraudulent practice of selling counterfeit snake oil as medicine.
35:36 - 36:24 (00:48)
Summary
The term “snake oil salesman” originated from a fraudulent practice of selling counterfeit snake oil as medicine. However, real snake oil was actually effective for pain relief due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, which was discovered by scientists in 1989.