Skip to main content

The timeline can be navigated by dragging the pointer on the timeline bar, located at the bottom of the screen on the desktop version and on the left of the screen on mobile. To filter by a specific topic, make a selection on the dropdown “Filters” menu or click “Search” to do a keyword search. To learn more, click “Read More” below.

Read More

Origin of the term "snake oil" medicine is linked to Chinese immigration.

1849

TFCM
IM
MED

As Chinese immigrants arrive in the United States to work on the railroads, some bring a traditional medicine made of snake oil used to soothe sore muscles with them. The traditional medicine has high anti-inflammatory properties. The specific kind of snake used in this medicine is not found in the United States. Non-Chinese Americans begin to create medicines that they call "snake oil medicine" as a way to promote and sell it. Over time, the term will begin to be used for any dubious medicine.