Magic Butt Plugs: Quack Medicine

After years of being fascinated with Dr. Young's advertisement, I finally decided to look it up. Quite a feat for an ad that is over a hundred years old. Guess I'm not the only one, it has it's own Wikipedia page.

In the late nineteenth century, homosexuality and sodomy were still illegal, one Dr. Young patented his Ideal Rectal Dilators. The device not only cured constipation but also headaches and acne. Despite all those health benefits, the US government stepped in and banned the magic butt plugs around 1940.

The good Doctor also claimed his invention cured insanity. "Three-fourths of all the howling maniacs of the world" were curable "in a few weeks' time by the application of orificial methods". Unfortunately some patients panicked at the sight of the devices. Not exactly ideal if you are crazy.

Nobody knows if Dr. Young was a real doctor but he certainly was a marketing genius. "Sold to the profession" not only hinted at respectability but also suggested the device was actually working.

In another ad it said “may be used by any intelligent person.” How's that for putting perverts to shame. Despite all the marketing brouha no doubt some of Dr. Youngs medical devices were mis-used for non-medical use.

The instruments - only sold in sets - came in a set of four "torpedolike" hard-rubber (later, plastic) sizes, varying in diameter from ​1⁄2 to 1 inch and in length from 3 to 4 inches.

Some final advice from Dr. Quack: "Do not neglect to use your Dilators ... It is advisable to use [them] occasionally as a precautionary measure. You need have no fear of using them too much".

Better advice a hundred years on is perhaps to buy them as a Christmast present for the mistress who has everything. Imagine how a vintage pair of Dr. Young's rectal dilators will become the highlight of her awesome dungeon. Merry Christmas (shopping)!

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