It is unknown whether it was a liquid, a powder or a pill or if it came in a bottle or a box. We are also unsure of its curative properties to restore life to the lifeless, pep to lethargic and proper bile function to sluggish livers. But we do its name: Monnett’s KAN-DO-ITS, and it was produced by the Monnett Medicine Company of 3701 North Illinois Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana sometime between 1900 and 1936.

Sold primarily at Haag's Drug Store in Indianapolis ("The Cut-Rate Drug Store"), A container of Monnett's Kan-Do-Its retailed for the sum of $1 in 1924.¹

The man behind the Monnett Medicine Company was none other than Madison (Matt) Welsh Monnett, the ninth eldest child of Abraham and Catherine Monnett and how he came to easing constipation (among other things) in the general populace is unknown.

Whatever KAN-DO-ITS was, it seems to have been harmless by the standards established by the Pure Food and Drug Act – production of the concoction continued up until Madison Welsh’s death in September, 1936.