This mysterious treatment was advertised in The Sphere in 1900. By 1904 this extraordinary but secret treatment was discussed in an article in ‘Weldon’s Ladies Journal’, entitled, ‘There is no power like the magnetism of curves’… well I should be pretty powerful as I have plenty, more than enough curves, although I have never known any magnetic power attached to or emanating from them! The article says ‘Beauty rules the world… in every circle there is a woman who is ruler – and there is also a secret of her power. The question is of vital interest to every girl or woman in England. When a little silent struggle takes place between two or three women for supremacy in their set, or the place of queen in the heart of some man, who wins? Always the woman of beautiful figure, of attractive curves – who realises her power… For those who lack the natural development of bust a new and remarkable treatment has been devised. It is called “Diano”… This treatment will quickly develop the bust six inches, and any woman can use it at home.”
Good grief!! What on earth did it do? Six inches? Six whole inches? Three bra sizes? The sad thing is that when it didn’t work, because of course it wouldn’t, which woman of meagre chest would ever dare to write and complain in those days? Who would say my bosom is so small and insignificant I tried to make it bigger and was ripped off by some scam which promised to make me beautiful?!
Lois Elsden 