Bookmark Collectors Virtual Convention

The Antikamnia Chemical Company made its appearance around 1890 in Saint Louis, Missouri. (They remained fairly active until the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.) Antikamnia was described as a coal-tar derivitave, but it was half or more acetanilid, a somewhat dangerous and habit-forming compound. The company also offered it mixed with codeine, which is addictive, quinine, and several other items either singly or in combination--which no doubt did something for "women's ills and men's worries. They were also a junk mail pioneer, sending ads and samples everywhere. Submitted by Lauren Roberts