+JP Rangaswami has a way with words, and especially when using history as a guide to the future. This post reminded me of my childhood- when the medication for almost all ills could be found without the need for a prescription:
Stomach ache? A spoonful of omum water. Sore throat? Gargle with warm salt water. Cough and cold? Vicks Vaporub, with or without head-under-covers steam session, depending on how chesty the cough was. Cough continues? Vasaka syrup. Really bad? Benadryl. Fever? Blankets and rest. Sweat it out.
This post is not about that though. JP cuts to the quintessence of the conversation that is called “market”, the need for generic rather than the brand.