Balm of America: Patent Medicine Collection

Balm of America Banner image, a collection of medicine

About the Collection
The Smithsonian Institution began to collect objects related to health and medicine in 1881. It first obtained examples of patent medicines in 1930, acquiring packages of Haarlem Oil (or Dutch Drops), Dr. John Hooper’s Female Pills, and Roche’s Herbal Embrocation. Since then the Smithsonian’s collection of patent medicines has expanded to over 4,000 products, dating from the 19th century to the present day.

About this Object Group
This group of objects features examples from this collection, found in the Division of Medicine and Science at the National Museum of American History. Each entry includes a photo of the object, the product’s name, maker’s name, place of manufacture, and a date range. Ingredients and therapeutic claims are included when indicated on the product packaging.

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Browse the collection by therapeutic category. You can also use the keyword search (at right) which searches all fields of information.

More Information
Learn more about patent medicine history and how this history is revealed in examples from our collection. Questions or comments? Contact us.

Topic: Laxatives

Wills English Formula Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For biliousness constipation and liver complaint.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For biliousness constipation and liver complaint.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Wells, Richardson and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.057
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.057

Brooks' Baby Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A soothing quiet remedy to regulate the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For teething troubles, summer complaint, diarrhea and constipation.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A soothing quiet remedy to regulate the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For teething troubles, summer complaint, diarrhea and constipation. A laxative, sedative, digestive, neutralizing, aromatic, and antiseptic. Equally effectual for diarrheas and bowel troubles in adults.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
William Brooks Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10414.05
catalog number
M-10414
accession number
246707

Mills Native Herbs

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mills Herb Company
ID Number
1980.0698.074
catalog number
1980.0698.074
accession number
1980.0698

William R. Warner & Co.'s Original Pill Cascara Cathartic (Dr. Hinkle)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For the relief of chronic and habitual constipation. Average Dose: 1 or 2 pillsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For the relief of chronic and habitual constipation. Average Dose: 1 or 2 pills
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
William R. Warner and Company
ID Number
MG.314016.122
catalog number
314016.122
accession number
314016

Dr. Kilmer's Prompt Parilla Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headache, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth, torpid liver, constipation, biliousness, nausea, flatulence, belching wind, sour stomach, distress after eating and poor appetiteCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headache, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth, torpid liver, constipation, biliousness, nausea, flatulence, belching wind, sour stomach, distress after eating and poor appetite
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dr. Kilmer and Company
Dr. Kilmer and Company
ID Number
1978.0883.076
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.076

4-Eez

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A laxative for constipation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A laxative for constipation.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Foursome Laboratories, Inc
ID Number
MG.313462.080
catalog number
313462.080
accession number
313462

Simmons Liver Purifier A Regulator

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation, fever, ague, biliousness, jaundies (sic), colic, and all diseases that arise from a torpid liverCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation, fever, ague, biliousness, jaundies (sic), colic, and all diseases that arise from a torpid liver
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Before 1906
maker
A. C. Simmons, Jr. Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.274347.266.C
catalog number
274347.266.C
M-12140
accession number
274347

Allenru Laxative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxative
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Alle-Rhume Company
ID Number
1985.0481.015
catalog number
1985.0481.015
accession number
1985.0481

Dr. W. B. Caldwell's Syrup Pepsin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation and conditions resulting from it.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation and conditions resulting from it. Owing to its mild action and pleasant taste the ideal laxative for children, women and old folks, and all those who cannot stand a harsh purgative.
A pleasant laxative compound composed of drugs known to be beneficial when an evacuant is indicated, acting gently on the bowels as a flushing agent to relieve conditions due to constipation. Disturbances arising from sluggish bowels may be helped by its use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Pepsin Syrup Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup38]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Dr. Kilmer's Prompt Parilla Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For headache, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth, torpid liver, constipation, biliousness, nausea, flatulence, belching of wind, sour stomach, distress after eating, poor appetite, the complexionCurrently not o
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For headache, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth, torpid liver, constipation, biliousness, nausea, flatulence, belching of wind, sour stomach, distress after eating, poor appetite, the complexion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Dr. Kilmer and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.02
catalog number
M-10413.02
accession number
246707

38 Special Laxative

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Stanback Company
ID Number
1978.0883.080.A
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.080.A

Alka-Tone

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: treatment of indigestion, either stomachic or intestinal, with sluggishness of the hepatic functions and constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: treatment of indigestion, either stomachic or intestinal, with sluggishness of the hepatic functions and constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1840-1870
maker
Bristol-Myers Company
ID Number
MG.M-07234
catalog number
M-07234
accession number
220009

Hollis' Fluid Extract Cardamon & Ginger

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A grateful stimulant and tonic; used freely in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, pain in the stomach, faintness, diarrhea, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A grateful stimulant and tonic; used freely in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, pain in the stomach, faintness, diarrhea, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890
maker
Thomas Hollis
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup17]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Calotabs

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for a laxative or a pugative; for the temporary relief of occassional constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for a laxative or a pugative; for the temporary relief of occassional constipation
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Calotabs Company, Inc.
ID Number
MG.313462.018.2
catalog number
313462.018.2
accession number
313462

Ma-Le-Na Stomach-Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Tonic-Laxative blood purifier for constipation, sick, headache, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Tonic-Laxative blood purifier for constipation, sick, headache, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
2009.0097.21
accession number
2009.0097
catalog number
2009.0097.21

Celery King Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A delicious and effective laxative. A compound for the bowels.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A delicious and effective laxative. A compound for the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1978.0235.289
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.289

Zinsep Compound Stomach and Ulcer Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stomach and ulcer remedy; Gas eliminant; Gentle Laxative; Intestinal disorders; Relief of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, sour stomach, gas in stomach and intestinesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stomach and ulcer remedy; Gas eliminant; Gentle Laxative; Intestinal disorders; Relief of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, sour stomach, gas in stomach and intestines
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Union Pharmacal Company
ID Number
MG.274347.191
catalog number
274347.191
accession number
274347

R.I.P.A.N.S

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the temporary relief of constipation associated with sour stomach, heartburn, flatulency, or headache (when due to constipation or excess acidity)Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the temporary relief of constipation associated with sour stomach, heartburn, flatulency, or headache (when due to constipation or excess acidity)
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1891
date made
ca 1891
maker
Ripans Company
ID Number
MG.313462.075
accession number
313462
catalog number
313462.075

Dr Herrick's Sugar Coated Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
L.W. Warner & Co., Inc.
ID Number
MG.M-10239.03
catalog number
M-10239.03
accession number
241520

Hood's Vegetable Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Small doses are a gentle laxative, larger doses an active cathartic.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Small doses are a gentle laxative, larger doses an active cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920s
trademark registration date
1888-04-01
maker
C. I. Hood Company
ID Number
MG.313462.062
catalog number
313462.062
accession number
313462

Rush's Pills Vegetable Purgative

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: PurgativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Purgative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850 - 1900
Maker
A. H. Flanders, M.D.
ID Number
1984.0782.172
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.172

Dr Garst's Cas-Grada Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Phenyo-Caffein Company
ID Number
1978.0883.103.B
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.103.B

Stuart's Laxative Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for use as a laxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for use as a laxative
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2002.0137.068
accession number
2002.0137
catalog number
2002.0137.068

Chippo

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Effective laxative for relief of flatulence, headache, biliousness, sour stomach, and coated tongue due to temporary constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Effective laxative for relief of flatulence, headache, biliousness, sour stomach, and coated tongue due to temporary constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
After 1906
maker
Erbru Roots and Herbs Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.274347.216
catalog number
274347.216
accession number
274347

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