However, there are hints that the fortune actually came from patent medicine (snake oil), and that some of the family's customers suffered permanent injury or even death from its effects.
The promotion of patent medicines was one of the first major products highlighted by the advertising industry, and many advertising and sales techniques were pioneered by patent medicine promoters.
Patent medicine is a misnomer since in most cases, although products might be trademarked, they are not patented (the patent process requires proof that something new has been discovered).
This is all in addition to the more mundane tasks of testing household goods such as cosmetics, patent medicine, and wallpaper for toxic and potentially harmful additives.