|
The word "quackery" derives
from the word quacksalve, a word that is defined as "someone
who boasts about his salves". According to the Collins English
Dictionary the modern day definition of a quack is "a pretender
to medical or other skill". The Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
defines quackery as "the promotion, for profit, of a medical
remedy known to be false or unproven."
 Quackery
may not be a conscious intent to mislead on the part of the product
seller. They may truly believe in their product. Rather than consciously
creating a demand for their product they may be merely taking advantage
of demand created by here say and rumor spread by other well intentioned
individuals.
Semi-quackery can occur. Legitimate doctors and other health care
professionals may give valid and accurate advice for most of the
time. Yet they may occasionally indulge in quackery claims for a
product, especially if they themselves gain material profit or perceive
an increase in their fame.
In science their needs to be a certain amount of research data
to support any medical claim. If a claim is made that a product
can regrow hair then there should be solid evidence from properly
designed scientific studies to back the claim. A product that does
not have such data is not necessarily a quack product. Unproven
products can be described as experimental, yet to be proven valid
with further research. However, no agent should consciously claim
a medical benefit for a product that is being sold to the general
public unless and until there is substantial supporting scientific
evidence for any health claim.
|
