This broadside is probably not the traditional form as Kyle Schlesinger defines it in his essay. While it agrees with the OED definition ‘A sheet of paper printed on one side only, forming one large page” and also with John Carter’s definition; strictly to a whole, undivided sheet. It is a small broadside and by that definition could probably be considered a “handbill.” And while the page does appear to be an old   ad (the fact that the author of this advertisement cannot be found, speaks to the idea that it is an ephemeral piece of work, not meant as a everlasting work of art), it maintains a purpose by exposing us to a particular time in history and portraying an important ad campaign of that time: war bond promotions. During my first four reads of the broadside I was merely entertained by the name calling and eloquent vocabulary used in the text. After researching what it could mean and other broadsides I found that this broadside was probably not an ad speaking against real doctors administering cold medicine to children, but rather traveling carny doctors who claimed to have “elixirs of life” and oils that cure “neuralgia, gout, sprains and bruises.”

It appears that the broadside used letterpress to create the broadside or handbill. The fact that most of the text utilizes display type speaks for the character of the poster and deems it a legitimate broadside. The kerning between the letters varies between different display types, which allow readers’ eyes to remain engaged. The only type that isn’t display type is the short middle paragraph and a couple lines that appear to match old prescriptions. When these small, non-display texts are read they do not suggest much extra information or change the message of the ad, except to stroke the human ego a little. The negative space used around the list is helpful to keep the readers actively reading instead of just skipping over the whole broadside. The most eye-catching parts are the bold display types at the top and bottom of the page, and the words “Challenge Accepted” are sure to catch many eyes.