The pamphlet promoting Cerevisia Anglicana, also known as the English Herb Diet Drink, is a historical advertisement dating back to the early 19th century. This medicinal beverage was introduced by Dr. Joshua Webster, a physician and member of the Royal College of Surgeons, in 1742. The product was marketed by Edward Slee & Co., based in Piccadilly, London, and was endorsed by prominent medical practitioners of the time, including John Abernethy. The pamphlet itself is an embossed print, measuring 36 x 32 cm, and is considered a valuable piece of ephemera from the period.​

The primary claim of the Cerevisia Anglicana was its efficacy in treating a wide range of ailments. The pamphlet lists numerous conditions for which the drink was recommended, such as incipient consumption (early-stage tuberculosis), coughs, colds, nervous debility, liver and bowel diseases, dropsy (edema), cancers, scrofula (a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes), scurvy, and various skin diseases. It was also suggested for whooping cough, worm infestations, female obstructions, and general debility. The drink was promoted as a general renovator and purifier of the system, aiming to restore health and vitality.​

The pamphlet emphasizes the natural composition of the drink, highlighting its formulation from English herbs. This appeal to natural remedies reflects the 18th and 19th-century medical practices, where herbal concoctions were commonly used to treat various health issues. The endorsement by respected medical figures like John Abernethy lent credibility to the product, aligning it with contemporary medical endorsements of herbal treatments. Such endorsements were crucial in an era where scientific validation was less stringent, and personal reputation played a significant role in the acceptance of medical treatments.​

The pamphlet for Cerevisia Anglicana serves as a historical document that provides insight into the medical practices and advertising strategies of the early 19th century. It reflects the era’s reliance on herbal remedies and the importance of professional endorsements in promoting health products. Today, it stands as a testament to the evolving understanding of medicine and the ways in which health products were marketed to the public.