"Doctor, I have an earache."

2000 B.C.: "Here, eat this root."

1000 B.C.: "That root is heathen, say this prayer."

1850 A.D.: "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."

1940 A.D.: "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."

1985 A.D.: "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."

2000 A.D.: "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root!"

Author Unknown
Found in Bits & Pieces
Economics Press