| Title | 1959 Diet Chart |
| Date | 1959 |
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→| Description | A folded single-sheet document, constituting one of Armstrong's widely circulated "Satchmo Diet Charts," which he distributed enthusiastically to friends, fans, and acquaintances as a testament to his lifelong advocacy of Swiss Kriss herbal laxative. The reverse bears a green rubber-stamped return address reading "SATCHMO DIET CHARTS / C/O JOE GLASER / 745 5TH AVENUE / NEW YORK, N. Y., USA," identifying Joe Glaser, Armstrong's longtime manager, as the distribution point. Content is densely typed under the heading "SATCHMO SEZ...." and presents Armstrong's personal health philosophy in his characteristic vernacular voice. The text opens: "If you suffer with Gas-Ulcers-Cancer and - don't know what to Do Next - Just go to the nearest drug store and get some Swiss Kriss & Bis Ma Rex...." It continues with detailed instructions for taking Swiss Kriss "the Satchmo Way," advocating its use for gas, cancer, and ulcers, recommending it be taken religiously every night before bed. The text also promotes Bis Ma Rex tablets for nausea and gas pain, instructs the reader on gargling, and recounts Armstrong's personal experiences with the products, referencing Dr. Alexander Schiff, his Guinea Pig chart, his mother Mayann, and his sister Mama Lucy. The piece closes: "Satchmo's Slogan - Leave it all behind Ya ... Wow .... / Merry Swiss Kriss and Happy Bis Ma Rex..." and is signed in type "Louis Armstrong / Satchmo." Piece features a bold green ink autograph signature across the top middle portion of the sheet. |
