The Origin of 'Snake Oil Salesman', From Cure-Alls to Con Men

The video explores the origins and history of the term 'snake oil', tracing it back to Chinese immigrants who used it for joint pain relief. Clark Stanley capitalized on its popularity, marketing it as a cure-all. However, skepticism grew, leading to an investigation by Samuel Hopkins Adams, which revealed the fraudulent nature of the product. The Pure Food and Drug Act eventually ended the quack medicine industry, though Stanley faced minimal consequences.

What led to the investigation of the snake oil industry by Samuel Hopkins Adams?

What was the outcome of the federal government's analysis of Clark Stanley's snake oil?