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Problem-agitate-solve

An account of that most excellent medicine the cordial balm of Gilead [and other patent medicines] / [Samuel Solomon].

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The pattern

This still is filed under Problem-agitate-solve.

Define

Name the problem, make the cost of leaving it felt, then present the way out as relief.

Mechanism

Tension then release. The offer is not an interruption. It is the only door once the cost of staying is clear.

Verdict

The problem is known but not yet urgent

Read the pattern

Why it works

It uses vague but frightening language ('nervous weakness', 'early imprudence') to target people with embarrassing or chronic ailments, offering a cure-all with the promise of strict secrecy (allowing ordering under pseudonyms). Testimonials provide evidence for a wide variety of successful cures.

Steal this when

Selling a discrete solution to an embarrassing or sensitive problem.

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