Eichorn, P. A.
Bolton; Claflin, Warren; Daylor, Frank L.; Dunn, William L., Jr.; Mcmath, H.K.; Meyer, Lawrence; Osdene, Thomas S.; Osmalov, Jerry S.; Rainer, N.B.; Resnik, Frank E.; Seligman, Robert B.; Spielberg, Howard L.; Thomson, Richard N.; Wakeham, Helmut R. R., Ph.D.
This document was first discovered by the Massachusetts Product Design Project.
This 1971 Philip Morris (PM) memo discusses new product concepts that could be worthy of pursuit by the cigarette company. Meeting attendees included key employees of PM's departments of science and technology, and research and development (Helmut Wakeham, Frank Resnick, Robert Seligman and Thomas Osdene).
Some of the new product ideas listed were:
"Old Sage Herbal Smoke: Scented cigaret made from natural ingredients providing mild, sweet-burning smoke. Could be oriented to improving ones 'karma' or health.' P.M. noted that smokers seek nicotine in cigarets but product could be potential for youth market..."
"...Cigaret with mouth deodorant for 'lovers.' "
"...Dr. Bill's Medicated Herb Smoke: Cigaret containing health giving herbs, conceptually in line with health promoted food items. Possibly formulate and promote products for coughs, asthma, headache, etc."
"Heads Up: Nose drop containing stimulant as a susbstitute product for the stimulant effect of cigaret smoking."
"Stimulant Gum"
"Promote Pipe and Cigar Smoking: Possibly promote use through women, as vehicle for getting to men, in order to teach people not to inhale cigarets."
"Specific Appetite Inducers: Incorporate special herbs or medications in a cigaret form as appetite stimulants or possible for tension release. Especially for people who live alone (elderly) or business men to stimulate appetite. Alternate product to contain appetite suppressant ingredient."
"Inhalable capsule: Capsule with chemical ingredients to intensify effects of wine, liquor, etc."
" 'Up Front'-Methadone Maintenance Program: An inhaler containing nicotine to provide sensory response similar to that from cigarets."
Eight out of 25 ideas on the list were "starred" for further study.
Whether or not Philip Morris actually developed any of these ideas, the memo gives insight into the type of goals a cigarette company dreams of achieving with its products, and demonstrates how this particuar cigarette company viewed its overall place in the world of drugs and drug-taking.