The Artificial Intelligence tools (like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Meta, CoPilot and Claude) can provide much useful and nearly instant information about subjects in a concise format, especially when they have been pre-trained on a large volume of information about the subjects.
I wrote a genealogical sketch about my second great-grandfather, Devier James Lamphier Smith (1839-1894) several years ago - see 52 Ancestors Week 19: #26 Devier James Lamphier Smith (1839-1894). I also wrote a poem and song about him in "The Tale of Devier Smith" in AI-Created Rhyme and Song.
One of the interesting things about him was that he created a small business in the 1880s selling hair tonic and even ran advertisements in the McCook (Nebraska) Tribune newspaper dated 12 January 1894. Here is the ad:
I wondered if Artificial Intelligence could tell me about hair tonic, and could it create a fictional dialogue between Devier and his wife about this little business?
1) So I uploaded the genea-sketch as a PDF, and asked free ChatGPT4: Please create a dialogue between Devier and his wife about the hair tonic ad?
Abbie: [Glancing over her glasses] What’s that you’re working on so intently, Devier? Another grand scheme?
Devier: [Leaning back smugly] Oh, it’s no “scheme,” my dear. It’s genius. I’m creating an advertisement for my new product—Smith’s Superior Hair Tonic! Just two dollars a bottle, and it’ll make anyone’s hair grow thicker, shinier, and stronger.
Abbie: [Setting down her sewing, feigning concern] And just how many bald men are roaming McCook hoping you’ll solve their woes? Should I warn the neighbors to hide their husbands?
Devier: [Ignoring the jab, holding up the draft] Listen to this: “Reclaim your youthful vigor and astonish your friends! Smith’s Superior Hair Tonic brings out the best in your locks, guaranteed!” What do you think?
Abbie: [Chuckling softly] I think you’ve been spending too much time in the livery stable inhaling horse liniment fumes. And what exactly is in this magical tonic? Or should I not ask?
Devier: [Clearing his throat] A fine blend of… uh… oils and herbs. Trade secrets, you know.
Abbie: [Raising an eyebrow] Devier. You boiled down lard and threw in a handful of peppermint, didn’t you?
Devier: [Laughing] Well, there might be a little peppermint. It smells nice! But lard? Abbie, I’m a man of science. This is a formula for success.
Abbie: [Crossing her arms] Success for who? The customers or your pocketbook? And what if it doesn’t work?
Devier: [With mock indignation] Doesn’t work? Abbie, you’ve seen my hair—thick and luxurious at my age! A living testament to Smith’s Superior Hair Tonic.
Abbie: [Pointing a needle at him] You do realize it’s your hair, Devier. They’ll think it’s a con when they find out you’ve never had a problem growing hair in your life.
Devier: [Shrugging] Details. If they don’t believe me, I’ll get David to try it. His hair’s still coming in nicely. [Pausing] Actually, maybe I should slap his face on the ad—“Endorsed by the next generation of Smiths!” What do you think?
Abbie: [Shaking her head, trying not to laugh] I think you should save that money for your next big idea. Or better yet, use it to fix that squeaky wagon wheel that’s been driving me mad.
Devier: [Smirking] Oh, Abbie. A visionary is never appreciated in his own home.
Abbie: [Returning to her sewing with a grin] True, Devier. But at least I’ll have a husband with hair as thick as his ideas.
The sound of Abbie’s sewing needle tapping the fabric fills the room as Devier leans back in his chair, muttering about marketing strategies. The smell of peppermint faintly lingers.
2) You can probably guess my next Prompt: What do you think was in the hair tonic ?
And ChatGPT4 knows all about hair tonic in the 1890's time frame:
Based on the time period and Devier’s entrepreneurial tendencies, his hair tonic likely included a mix of common 19th-century "miracle" ingredients. Hair tonics of the era often contained cheap, accessible, and vaguely scientific-sounding substances. Here’s my humorous guess at what might have been in Smith’s Superior Hair Tonic:
Beef Tallow or Lard – A staple ingredient, often used as a base for tonics and salves. It would give the tonic a rich consistency (and maybe make your head smell like Sunday dinner).
Peppermint Oil – As Abbie jokingly guessed in the dialogue, this was a common addition for fragrance and the tingling sensation it created, making customers feel like “something” was happening.
Alcohol – Likely a key ingredient to act as a solvent and give the tonic a quick-drying quality. It also doubled as an antiseptic, which was highly valued, even if the connection to hair growth was dubious.
Castor Oil – A traditional ingredient for hair health, often touted as a remedy for everything from dryness to baldness.
Bay Rum – A mix of alcohol, bay leaf oil, and spices, this was a popular men’s grooming product that often found its way into hair tonics for its distinctively pleasant smell.
Sulfur or Coal Tar – Some tonics claimed to “stimulate the scalp” with sulfur or coal tar, known for their slightly medicinal odor. This could add a convincing touch of “chemistry.”
Mysterious Herbs – A mix of whatever herbs Devier had on hand—probably chamomile, rosemary, or nettle, since these were often associated with hair health.
Kerosene or Lamp Oil (Optional, but Dubious) – Yes, believe it or not, some 19th-century tonics included a splash of kerosene, believed to promote hair growth by improving blood circulation. Risky, but it was the Wild West of beauty products.
Devier’s hair tonic likely prioritized affordability over actual efficacy. But who knows? Maybe his customers left with minty-fresh scalps and dreams of luscious locks.
Note that I didn't upload the actual advertisement to ChatGPT4. I realized after asking the above prompts that I shjould have. In another prompt, it even imagined Devier as an 1890s infomercial host as entertainment.
3) Since I have unlimited blog space here, I uploaded the advertisement as a JPG file and asked it to create a 30-second infomercial. Here is the result:
[Scene: A bustling 1880s barbershop. Devier J. Smith stands confidently, holding a bottle of his hair tonic. A bald man looks hopeful in the background.]
Narrator (excited voice):
“Attention, friends! Are you tired of your bald head making all the wrong impressions? Don’t worry! D.J. Smith of McCook, Nebraska, has the answer you’ve been waiting for—Smith’s Superior Hair Tonic!”
[Cut to Devier gesturing dramatically toward the audience.]
Devier:
“With my guaranteed formula, I can grow hair on bald heads—even if you’ve been bald for 30 years! For just $30, you’ll get the secret to new hair growth, complete with full instructions. Or, for the truly committed, I offer premium consultations starting at $50!”
[Cut to a montage of smiling customers rubbing their heads, admiring the “progress” in their mirrors.]
Narrator:
“It’s the Wonderful Wonder of the World! Bald heads are transforming everywhere—taking on nice, thick coats of hair! Don’t miss your chance to climb the ladder of success with a full head of hair.”
[Cut back to Devier, grinning as he holds up the bottle.]
Devier:
“Call on D.J. Smith in McCook, Nebraska, for your confidential consultation. Your scalp deserves the best—because confidence starts at the top!”
[Screen fades out with upbeat music, the tagline appearing on the screen:]
Narrator:
“Smith’s Superior Hair Tonic—where your future is hair-raising!”
It appears that ChatGPT4 has a great sense of humor, a wealth of knowledge (even about hair tonic), and also the evening banter between husband and wife chatting about their day, their work and their dreams.
This example opens a wealth of possibilities to create realistic dialogue between family members that could be used in genealogical sketches or stories.
This was really FUN!!! I need to think of more things to ask ChatGPT4 about my ancestors and their lives. Hmmm, I could use my photo of Devier Smith and do a MyHeritage DeepStory with the infomercial! Stay tuned!
What family dialogues would you like to create for your ancestors?
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1 comment:
Your future is hair-raising! A real sense of humor.
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