Object of the Day: A Trade Card for Nichol's Bark and Iron

I confess, I’ve studied this card over and over again and I can’t quite figure out why the product is called what it’s called.  I get the “iron” part, but the “bark” isn’t really clear.  I like the card.  I like it a lot.  The image on the front depicts a well-dressed lad who is playing a toy trumpet for his jingle-bell-wearing doggy.  The pup stands atop a box of the product being sold NICHOLS’ BARK AND IRON.  

The box reads “THE BEST REMEDY FOR INDIGESTION, DYSPEPSIA, GENERAL DEBILITY, HYPOCHONDRIA &c.”

Okay.  I can see something working on a stomach ache and, general blah-ness, but just how is a tonic going to help hypochondria? I suppose if you’ve imagined that you’re sick, taking this swill will make you think you’re better.

The tag-line on the front makes even greater claims:

AN IRON TONIC,

     A SPECIFIC FOR

AGUE and MALARIA,

   FEVERS, LOSS OF APPETITE, NERVOUS

PROSTRATION, HEADACHE, &c. &c.

In tiny, tiny print at the bottom of the image reads, “Trautmann, Bailey & Blampey,  N.Y.”

On the reverse, we see…

NICHOLS’

BARK AND IRON

IS AN INVALUABLE AND NEVER-FAILING

STIMULATING TONIC

Especially adapted for Clergymen, Counsellors, Journalists,

And persons of sedentary habits,

and all those who suffer from Lassitude, Loss of Appetite,

Low Spirits, a general feeling of Weakness and Exhaustion,

And a disinclination to exertion of any kind.

Those whose Nerves are Shattered and are subject to fits

of Depression, Melancholy, or Nervous Excitement, should

take this

TONIC AND NERVINE

WHICH HAS PROVED OF

Inestimable Benefit to Thousands.

Suited to Young or Old of either Sex.

It gives strength to the weak, and makes the healthy man

Stronger, giving him power to resist invasion of disease.

---------

BILLINGS, CLAPP & CO., Proprietors,

BOSTON, MASS.