A graduate of the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Vaughn was a member of the New York State Senate (31st D.) in 1878 and 1879, and was elected as a Republican to the 46th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1879 to September 18, 1880, when he resigned. On the title page of this book, which was reprinted many times, Pierce styled himself "Counselor-in-chief of the Board of Physicians and Surgeons, at the World's Dispensary".  Pierce manufactured and sold of patent medicines, and established the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. His manufacturing business started with "Doctor Pierce's Favorite Prescription", which he followed with other medicines, including Smart Weed and Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets. Nearly one million bottles of Dr. Pierce's Smart Weed and other preparations shipped annually.