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

Place: Missouri

Lynn's Ex-Ze-Em Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To aid in the temporary relief of the discomfort of burning and itching accompanying eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To aid in the temporary relief of the discomfort of burning and itching accompanying eczema
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
Lynn Chemical Company
ID Number
1980.0698.028
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.028

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

Lallemand Rheumatism, Gout & Neuralgia Treatment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Prickly Ash Bitters Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.16
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Varlex Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A treatment for the liquor and tobacco habit.Directions: A teaspoonful should be given 3 times a day at meal time until the patient quits drinking or the use of tobacco in every form.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A treatment for the liquor and tobacco habit.
Directions: A teaspoonful should be given 3 times a day at meal time until the patient quits drinking or the use of tobacco in every form. 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoonful at a dose if under 18 years.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Varlex Mfg. Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.128
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.128

Warner's Original Compound Lithia Water Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Diuretic. Antacid. Recommended by many practitioners in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, gravel and lithaemia.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Diuretic. Antacid. Recommended by many practitioners in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, gravel and lithaemia.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1916
ID Number
1979.0798.064
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.64

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

Babee Pediatric Nose Drops

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For temporary relief of nasal stuffiness and congestion in COLDS, HAY FEVERCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For temporary relief of nasal stuffiness and congestion in COLDS, HAY FEVER
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pfeiffer Company
ID Number
1985.0475.361
catalog number
1985.0475.361
accession number
1985.0475

Bewino

Blood builder and purifier. DigestionCurrently not on view
Description
Blood builder and purifier. Digestion
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938
maker
Erard
Erbru Roots and Herbs Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.274347.162
catalog number
274347.162
M-12141
accession number
274347

Hobson's Poison Ivy Lotion

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A soothing and protective lotion for the relief of the discomfort of irritation by Posion Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumach, and other irritations of the skin such as Sunburn and Prickly Heat not caused by
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A soothing and protective lotion for the relief of the discomfort of irritation by Posion Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumach, and other irritations of the skin such as Sunburn and Prickly Heat not caused by a diseased condition of the system.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1940
ID Number
1978.0235.080
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.80

B.B.B. Purgative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: A mild and pleasant purgative for constipation, biliousness, sick headache, torpid liverCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: A mild and pleasant purgative for constipation, biliousness, sick headache, torpid liver
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1912
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
Blood Balm Company
ID Number
1980.0698.036
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.036

Allan's Caromint Antacid Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to aid in relieving the discomfort of "sour" stomach, heartburn and flatulence due to excessive acidity in the stomachCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to aid in relieving the discomfort of "sour" stomach, heartburn and flatulence due to excessive acidity in the stomach
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Allan and Company
ID Number
1985.0475.329
catalog number
1985.0475.329
accession number
1985.0475

Allan's Scabies Itch Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An external preparation for Scabies (Itch Mite).Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An external preparation for Scabies (Itch Mite).
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Allan and Company
ID Number
1985.0475.340
catalog number
1985.0475.340
accession number
1985.0475

Antikaminia Compound Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Useful in relieving simple headaches, simple neuralgia, muscular pains and achesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Useful in relieving simple headaches, simple neuralgia, muscular pains and aches
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Antikamnia Remedy Company
ID Number
MG.313462.094
accession number
313462
catalog number
313462.094

Dr. Porter's Antiseptic Healing Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An antiseptic surgical dressing for sunburn, cuts, chaps, wounds, itching, stings, etc. Soothes and aids healing.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An antiseptic surgical dressing for sunburn, cuts, chaps, wounds, itching, stings, etc. Soothes and aids healing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1934
maker
Grove Laboratories
ID Number
2012.0165.734
catalog number
2012.0165.734
accession number
2012.0165

Babee Cof

Soothing Demulcent; control of cough and minor throat irritations accompanying the common cold.Currently not on view
Description
Soothing Demulcent; control of cough and minor throat irritations accompanying the common cold.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid-1960s
maker
Pfeiffer Company
ID Number
1981.0219.069
accession number
1981.0219
catalog number
1981.0219.069

Tongaline Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, la grippe, nervous headache, gout, sciatica, or wherever the salicylates are indicatedCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, la grippe, nervous headache, gout, sciatica, or wherever the salicylates are indicated
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Mellier Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.49
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Hayes' Healing Honey Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, and spasmodic croup; relieves ordinary sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, and spasmodic croup; relieves ordinary sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.21
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Vin Mariani

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Angelo Francois Mariani introduced Vin Mariani (Mariani Wine) in 1871. He formulated the tonic while employed at a Paris drugstore, assisted by one of his clients, Dr.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Angelo Francois Mariani introduced Vin Mariani (Mariani Wine) in 1871. He formulated the tonic while employed at a Paris drugstore, assisted by one of his clients, Dr. Charles Fauvel, pioneer in the anesthetic application of cocaine.
Vin Mariani, a potent concoction of Coca leaves and red wine was promoted as beneficial for a plethora of ailments including malaria, fever, chills, nervous disability, mental and physical depression, and consumption. As cocaine was not regulated within the United States, Vin Mariani's intoxicating ingredients made it as successful domestically as it was internationally. The wine was especially popular when served as a cocktail mixed with vermouth, bitters and a twist of lemon. Newspaper advertisements from the end of the 19th century hint at the wine's strong narcotic effects, highlighting the tonic's ability to "brace body and brain" and "make the weak strong."
In a time of unprecedented drug promotion, Vin Mariani was among the most heavily publicized proprietary medications. Prior to public recognition of cocaine's dangerous and addictive properties, Mariani procured endorsements from such celebrities as Thomas Edison, Sandra Bernhardt, Robert Louis Stephenson, Pope Leo XII, President William McKinley and Queen Victoria! Mariani also commissioned fashionable posters from famed Belle Epoque designer Jules Cheret, prints of which are still popular today.
While not the first cocaine tonic, Vin Mariani was the most successful, leading the way for similar preparations, notably Coca-Cola, formulated by Atlanta druggist John Pemberton in 1886. This example of Vin Mariani was produced in 1914. It was analyzed in 1987 by scientists from Yale University and found to contain cocaine. Later, like Coca-Cola, the cocaine element was dropped, and the tonic continued to be sold into the 1960s.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1914
maker
Mariani and Company
ID Number
1993.0472.038
catalog number
1993.0472.038
accession number
1993.0472

Swaim's Panacea

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Alterative and blood purifierCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Alterative and blood purifier
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Swaim's Laboratory
ID Number
1989.0711.54
catalog number
1989.0711.54
accession number
1989.0711

Antikamnia Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Analgesic, antipyretic, and anodyneCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Analgesic, antipyretic, and anodyne
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Antikamnia Chemical Company
ID Number
1984.0351.106
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.106

Nature's Remedy NR Tablets

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
date made
after 1945
maker
Lewis-Howe Company
ID Number
2008.0018.081
catalog number
2008.0018.081
accession number
2008.0018

Luyties Panacea Ointment

Brown cardboard box with black print label: "The Standard Healing Salve / Panacea /Ointment / Prepared By / Luyties Pharmacal Company / St. Louis, MO.", and a round paper label on the back. Box contains a gold-colored ointment tin with embossed top: LUYTIES / PANACEA / ST.
Description
Brown cardboard box with black print label: "The Standard Healing Salve / Panacea /Ointment / Prepared By / Luyties Pharmacal Company / St. Louis, MO.", and a round paper label on the back. Box contains a gold-colored ointment tin with embossed top: LUYTIES / PANACEA / ST. LOUIS, MO. and a round paper label on the bottom. Label lists ingredients and directions for use. Contents - 1 Ounce.
Indications/Use as per product label: A healing ointment for minor wounds, burns, sprains and scalds. Apply night and morning and cover with a bandage. Also useful as a counter-irritant in colds and coughs following colds. Apply the ointment hot on linen over throat and chest and cover with flannel.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Luyties Pharmacal Co.
ID Number
MG.311682.0615
catalog number
311682.0615
accession number
311682

Browns' Iron Bitters Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Used as a general tonic, improving the appetite and regulating the bowels, indicated in convalesence after exhaustive fevers, and for run-down conditions in which iron tonic may be indicatedCurrently not
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Used as a general tonic, improving the appetite and regulating the bowels, indicated in convalesence after exhaustive fevers, and for run-down conditions in which iron tonic may be indicated
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923-1938
maker
Brown's Iron Bitters Company
James F. Ballard, Inc.
ID Number
1980.0698.097
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.097

Simmons Liver Regulator Medicine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Torpid liver, bilious diarrhea, sallowness, coated tongue; bilious affections of the stomach, liver and bowels; costiveness, sour stomach, sick headache arising from bilious condition, constipation of th
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Torpid liver, bilious diarrhea, sallowness, coated tongue; bilious affections of the stomach, liver and bowels; costiveness, sour stomach, sick headache arising from bilious condition, constipation of the bowels
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
J. H. Zeilin and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.077
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.077

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