(Food - Confections) Beeman's Pepsin Gum, illustrated design on cover showing Portrait of Doctor E. E. Beeman, franked with 2¢ carmine tied by 1893 Cleveland, Ohio machine postmark, Extremely Fine. Estimate  $150 - 200. Back in the 19th century, Americans learned that the sap of the Marmalade Plum tree could be chewed. This tree is a native of Central America and natives chewed gum made from this sap which is chicle and is the basis of chewing gum. The gum has a flavor that was not pleasing to American tastes so it was necessary to add flavoring material to make it palatable. Doctor E. E. Beeman was one who made chewing gum that tasted good. $0 (Image)