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Black and white photo of five figures dressed up, who stand atop a horse carriage. The carriage also holds supplies and a dog.
A traveling medicine show. (Photo: Mississippi Department of Archives and History)

First legislation attempting to control the spread of medical peddlers passed.

1772

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LLP
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A traveling medicine show. (Photo: Mississippi Department of Archives and History)

Peddlers move through the colonies, particularly in less-settled areas, with a range of "medicines." The legislation attempts to "protect" people from hucksters and those making unfounded claims about a "medicine's" power. The peddlers are often called "mountebanks," meaning people who intend to deceive.