New Year's resolution

Things were different in 1939. Back then, a New Year's resolution was to smoke a specific brand of cigarettes, not to quit smoking altogether.

"New Year's", 1939

Think of all those resolutions that would end up in your death!

Happy 2011 from the Mad Ad Men team, and we will see you next year.

X-Ray vision

Two ads for similar "inventions", in the same science magazine of 1965. Is the market for these things that big?

"Amazing X-Ray", 1965

The line art of the ads says a lot about the business and marketing ideals of the companies that sell them - the one above is a bit of an amusement, whilst the one below has got an ominous, perverted tone to it.

"X-Ray Specs", 1965

The most lifelike arm ever invented

Try inserting this ad in a modern magazine.

"Armless", 1924

You will be sued to death by everyone out there! But it does have a catchy heading, doesn't it?

Before air-con was invented...

There was the "Casco Windshield Fan" - with three genuine rubber blades, it was the perfect gift for the auto enthusiast.

Now, whether it is an effective ice remover, the ad does not say - it would have to run for hours to get the ice off the windshield on a winter's day. But the art is very cool.

Stretch out

How about gaining a few extra inches in height?

This medieval-looking gadget promises to "remake and rejuvenate" your body, improve your circulation, and give you a "normal spine".

And it's the "most important health invention of the century". Unbelievable!

"Your spine", 1917
-click to enlarge-