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.

Browse
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: Health & Medicine

Kohler One Night Corn Kit

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To remove corns in one nightCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To remove corns in one night
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Kohler Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1978.0235.081
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.081

Peacock's Bromides

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer or by reference literature from the period are:Cortical epilepsy, excessive sexual desire, stychnine poisoning and tetanus, convulsion in children due to intestinal and stomachic derangement., chorea, deliri
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer or by reference literature from the period are:
Cortical epilepsy, excessive sexual desire, stychnine poisoning and tetanus, convulsion in children due to intestinal and stomachic derangement., chorea, delirium tremons, climacteric period in women, migraine, female pelvic diseases of reflex nature; as headache ovarian neuralgia, and increased sensibility of all parts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935-1950s
maker
Od Peacock Sultan Company
ID Number
1984.0782.146
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.146

Dr. Pettit's American Eye Water

No information about indications or use are provided on the packaging.The Howard Brothers of Buffalo, New York produced this bottle of Dr. Pettit’s American Eye Water around 1900. In 1842 Dr.
Description
No information about indications or use are provided on the packaging.
The Howard Brothers of Buffalo, New York produced this bottle of Dr. Pettit’s American Eye Water around 1900. In 1842 Dr. James Pettit formulated the eye salve in Fredonia, New York, selling the business to Edward and Clarence Howard in 1876. The Howard Brothers moved the company to Buffalo, New York in 1888. Dr. Pettit’s American Eye Water was used to sooth irritated eyes.
date made
ca 1900
maker
Howard Brothers
ID Number
2008.0062.23
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.23

Herb Capsules No. 85 - Durfa Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Mild diuretic tends to increase the flow of urineCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Mild diuretic tends to increase the flow of urine
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Kiehl Pharmacy Inc.
ID Number
1981.0589.034
accession number
1981.0589
catalog number
1981.0589.034

Tiger Balm Carton with Original Paper Labels

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1956
maker
Eng Aun Tong Tiger Medical Hall Rangoon
ID Number
MG.M-06892.13
catalog number
M-06892.13
accession number
210760

Johnson's Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995-1997
copyright date (packaging)
1995
product expiration date
1998-12
distributor
Johnson and Johnson
ID Number
1998.0102.12
catalog number
1998.0102.12
accession number
1998.0102

Pedimycin, Non-aerosol Spray for Athlete's Foot and Other Superficial Fungous Infections of the Skin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For athlete's foot and other superficial fungous infections of the skin; antifungal; antibacterialCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For athlete's foot and other superficial fungous infections of the skin; antifungal; antibacterial
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pfeiffer Company
ID Number
1985.0475.052
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.052

Tiger Balm

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1956
maker
Eng Aun Tong Tiger Medical Hall Rangoon
ID Number
MG.M-06892.09
catalog number
M-06892.09
accession number
210760

Tiger Balm

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1956
maker
Eng Aun Tong Tiger Medical Hall Rangoon
ID Number
MG.M-06892.12
catalog number
M-06892.12
accession number
210760

Lipmagik

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0475.461
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.461

Peroxoids - Magnesium Superoxol

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2017.0184.078
accession number
2017.0184
catalog number
2017.0184.078

Zam-Buk, Sample

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:The renowned skin remedy. Excellent for cuts, burns, bruises, scalds, infected wounds, eczema, pimples, athlete's foot, ulcers, piles, etc.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
The renowned skin remedy. Excellent for cuts, burns, bruises, scalds, infected wounds, eczema, pimples, athlete's foot, ulcers, piles, etc. Especially recommended for the relief of sore, tire, aching feet & swollen ankles.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
C. E. Fulford, Ltd.
ID Number
2008.0018.172
catalog number
2008.0018.172
accession number
2008.0018

Tiger Balm

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1956
maker
Eng Aun Tong Tiger Medical Hall Rangoon
ID Number
MG.M-06892.08
catalog number
M-06892.08
accession number
210760

Bayer-Tablets of Aspirin

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Used since 1900 for the relief of Pain and Discomfort in Simple Headaches and Neuralgias, Head Colds, Muscular Aches and Pains, and as a gargle for relief of minor throat irritations.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Used since 1900 for the relief of Pain and Discomfort in Simple Headaches and Neuralgias, Head Colds, Muscular Aches and Pains, and as a gargle for relief of minor throat irritations. Does 1-2 tablets with water 3 to 4 times daily as required. Genuine Bayer Aspirin Tablets are made exclusively by the Bayer Company, Inc., Originators of Aspirin.
Aspirin, acetyl salicylic acid, was developed in the late 19th century at the Bayer company in Elberfeld, Germany. In 1900, Bayer received a patent for the drug in the United States and also registered the trademark name, Aspirin. The patent expired in 1917, and the trademark was partly struck down in a 1921 court ruling. The judge ruled that the aspirin name had passed into the public domain and that packages of 50 or less tablets could be sold to the public as "aspirin" by any manufacturer. The red script "Genuine," featured on this tin, appeared in Bayer Tablets of Aspirin advertising shortly after the 1921 ruling and was incorporated in the product label.
date made
ca 1930
maker
Bayer Company, Inc.
ID Number
MG.312608.342
catalog number
312608.342
accession number
312608

Dr. Scholl's Foot Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A soothing application for massaging the feet. Aids in relieving sensitive, tired feet, tenderness, burning sensation and muscular soreness caused by exertion and fatigue.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A soothing application for massaging the feet. Aids in relieving sensitive, tired feet, tenderness, burning sensation and muscular soreness caused by exertion and fatigue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960s
maker
Scholl Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2008.0018.260
catalog number
2008.0018.260
accession number
2008.0018

Madame Dean's Complexion Wafers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1907
maker
United Medical Company
ID Number
MG.254865.31
accession number
254865
catalog number
254865.31

Bower's Mystic Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Unexcelled for healing burns, scalds, fever sores, chapped lips, bruises, cuts, cracked nipples, and all skin diseases.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Unexcelled for healing burns, scalds, fever sores, chapped lips, bruises, cuts, cracked nipples, and all skin diseases.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
R. T. Bower Co., Ltd.
ID Number
2008.0018.115
accession number
2008.0018
catalog number
2008.0018.115

Vaseline Camphor Ice

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For chapped hands & lips, sun & wind burn, rough skinCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For chapped hands & lips, sun & wind burn, rough skin
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1934
maker
Chesebrough Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2008.0018.168
catalog number
2008.0018.168
accession number
2008.0018

Balm of Tulips

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A reliable remedy for the prevention and cure of cold sores, cold blisters, or fever blisters upon the lips and face. Also cures band player's tender and sore lips.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A reliable remedy for the prevention and cure of cold sores, cold blisters, or fever blisters upon the lips and face. Also cures band player's tender and sore lips.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1992.0273.01
catalog number
1992.0273.01
accession number
1992.0273

Runion's White Wonder Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:To relieve the discomforts of nasal congestions due to colds. Soothing to simple neuralgia and headaches when caused by head colds. Rubs for tired, aching feet. For men: delightful after shaving.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
To relieve the discomforts of nasal congestions due to colds. Soothing to simple neuralgia and headaches when caused by head colds. Rubs for tired, aching feet. For men: delightful after shaving. For chafing prickly heat. For chapped, rough lips. Soothing and cooling to sunburned skin.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
White Wonder Chemical Company
ID Number
2010.0213.004
accession number
2010.0213
catalog number
2010.0213.004

Electric Bitters

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
H. E. Bucklen & Co.
ID Number
MG.293320.1131
catalog number
293320.1131
accession number
293320

Stridex Regular Strength Pads

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cleans deep to remove oil and dirt, Treats and clears acne pimples, Prevents new acne pimples from formingCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cleans deep to remove oil and dirt, Treats and clears acne pimples, Prevents new acne pimples from forming
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1988-1989
maker
Glenbrook Laboratories, Division of Sterling Drug Inc.
ID Number
2004.0129.67
accession number
2004.0129
catalog number
2004.0129.67

Lipmagik

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0475.462
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.462

Murine for Your Eyes

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cleanses, soothes, and refreshes the eyes. Cleans eyes of dust, smoke, dirt, and other irritants.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cleanses, soothes, and refreshes the eyes. Cleans eyes of dust, smoke, dirt, and other irritants.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1951
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Murine Company, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0351.031
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.031

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