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Laxin – laxative and social criticism

As early as 1900, Laxin (from the Latin laxare, “to loosen”) was considered a kind of miracle cure for digestive problems. In 1926, Duwdiwani scoffed at the fact that Laxin was treated almost as confectionery. Women were supposed to maintain a slim figure and meet other social expectations. The cartoonist alludes to Kurt Tucholsky (1890–1935), who in 1921 attacked those critical of changes in the position of women in society, writing in the Weltbühne that those “with such criticisms take Laxin for their own constipation.”

Laxin – laxative and social criticism

As early as 1900, Laxin (from the Latin laxare, “to loosen”) was considered a kind of miracle cure for digestive problems. In 1926, Duwdiwani scoffed at the fact that Laxin was treated almost as confectionery. Women were supposed to maintain a slim figure and meet other social expectations. The cartoonist alludes to Kurt Tucholsky (1890–1935), who in 1921 attacked those critical of changes in the position of women in society, writing in the Weltbühne that those “with such criticisms take Laxin for their own constipation.”

ULK, vol. 55 / n. 35, 3.9.1926, p. 267
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“That’s also one of mom’s faults: she always leaves her Laxin confectionery lying around. This is the second time I’ve had a mishap with it.”
Box: Blechemballagenfabrik Jena. © Deutsches-Hygiene Museum Dresden
“Laxin” Confection. Tasty, mild agent to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation in adults and children.
Pubblicità del 1910, illustrazione nello Jugendstil di F. Hogl, Collezione privata
“Laxin Confection. Ideal tasty laxative with a mild and consistent effect on adults and children. Absolutely harmless even with continual use.∼Medically recommended.∼”

Sir Galahad [Pseudonym Bertha Eckstein-Diener]: Die Kegelschnitte Gottes. 1. Aufl. München 1921 (2. Aufl. 1926, 3. Aufl. 1932)
Online: https://www.projekt-gutenberg.org/diener/kegelsch/kegelsch.html

Silvia Planer: Die FeuilletonistInnen des ›Neuen Wiener Tagblatts‹. Eine kollektivbiographische Studie mit besonderer Berücksichtigung des Zeitraumes 1938–1945. Magisterarbeit Universität Wien 2010.
Online: http://othes.univie.ac.at/10076/1/2010-03-27_0127292.pdf

Ignaz Wrobel (Pseudonym Kurt Tucholskys): Die Kegelschnitte Gottes. In: Die Weltbühne, 26.07.1923, Nr. 30, S. 79.
Online: https://www.textlog.de/tucholsky-kegelschnitte.html