The Bizarre Careers of John R. Brinkley

The Bizarre Careers of John R. Brinkley
Author: R. Alton Lee
Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2002-12-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780813170374

Tells the story of the infamous “Goat Gland Doctor”—controversial medical charlatan, groundbreaking radio impresario, and prescient political campaigner—and recounts his amazing rags to riches to rags career. A popular joke of the 1920s posed the question, “What’s the fastest thing on four legs?” The punch line? “A goat passing Dr. Brinkley’s hospital!” It seems that John R. Brinkley’s virility rejuvenation cure—transplanting goat gonads into aging men—had taken the nation by storm. Never mind that “Doc” Brinkley’s medical credentials were shaky at best and that he prescribed medication over the airwaves via his high-power radio stations. The man built an empire. The Kansas Medical Board combined with the Federal Radio Commission to revoke Brinkley’s medical and radio licenses, which various courts upheld. Not to be stopped, Brinkley started a write-in campaign for Governor. He received more votes than any other candidate but lost due to invalidated and “misplaced” ballots. Brinkley’s tactics, particularly the use of his radio station and personal airplane, changed political campaigning forever. Brinkley then moved his radio medical practice to Del Rio, Texas, and began operating a “border blaster” on the Mexico side of the Rio Grande. His rogue stations, XER and its successor XERA, eventually broadcast at an antenna-shattering 1,000,000 watts and were not only a haven for Brinkley’s lucrative quackery, but also hosted an unprecedented number of then-unknown country musicians and other guests.

Social Security

Social Security
Author: Larry W. DeWitt
Publisher: CQ Press
Total Pages: 584
Release: 2008
Genre: Political Science
ISBN:

A Documentary History tells the story of the creation and development of the U.S. Social Security program through primary source documents, from its antecendents and founding in 1935, to the controversial issues of the present. This unique reference presents the complex history of Social Security in an accessible volume that highlights the program's major moments and events.

Women in Congress, 1917-2006

Women in Congress, 1917-2006
Author: Matthew Andrew Wasniewski
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1020
Release: 2006
Genre: Women legislators
ISBN:

Contains profiles, contextual essays, historical images, and appendices that provide information about the 229 women who have served in Congress from 1917 through 2006.

Official Congressional Directory

Official Congressional Directory
Author: United States. Congress
Publisher: Joint Committee on Printing
Total Pages: 1258
Release: 2012-01-18
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN:

Contains biographies of Senators, members of Congress, and the Judiciary. Also includes committee assignments, maps of Congressional districts, a directory of officials of executive agencies, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, web addresses, and other information.