Advertisement for Mente de Ricqles Showing Arctic Explorers

Paris, 1898. The caption on the front of the card reads "Cette caisse d'alcool de Menthe de Ricqles nous sera d'un precieux secours pour supporter les rigueurs de ce pays," which translates roughly as "This case of medicinal mint spirit by Ricqles will be an invaluable to us against the rigors of this country." Ricqlès Alcool de Menthe was a brand of peppermint water created in 1838 by the pharmacist Henri de Ricqlès. Like many products of its time, it had miracle qualities including as an antiseptic as well as for treating indigestion, bad breath, colds, flus, headaches, stomach pains, muscle ache, nausea and seasickness. It also was useful, apparently, while exploring the Arctic. The verso contains more information about the product and the many gold medals it had won for quality. Approx. 4 1/4 x 3 1/4"