Medicine show
A medicine show is a traveling horse and buggy team, most common in 19th century United States, which peddles miracle medications and other products between various entertainment acts. The most common product associated with medicine shows is an elixir which is touted to cure diseases, smooth facial wrinkles, remove stains in clothing, prolong life, or solve any number of common ailments (Also known as Snake Oil). Entertainment often includes a freak show, a flea circus, musical acts, magic tricks, jokes, and story telling.
Several modern musical acts have named themselves after this old time phenomenon, including Old Crow Medicine Show and Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show.
See also
Categories: United States-related stubs