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: Skin & Dermatology Drugs

Hoff's Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Remedy for rheumatism, sore throat, cold in the head, cold on the lungs, sciatica, croup, quinsy, hoarseness, bronchitis, toothache, earache and headache, burns, scalds, frostbites, chilblains, chapped h
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Remedy for rheumatism, sore throat, cold in the head, cold on the lungs, sciatica, croup, quinsy, hoarseness, bronchitis, toothache, earache and headache, burns, scalds, frostbites, chilblains, chapped hands, old sores, boils, salt rheum, caked breasts, sore nipples, bruises, external poisons, cramps or spasms, lame back, chest or side, bites of insects, internal pains and all other aches and pains, will remove corns and warts
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1917
maker
Goodrich Drug Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1228
catalog number
293320.1228
accession number
293320

Kickapoo Indian Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Constipation, sick headache, nervousness and the complexionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Constipation, sick headache, nervousness and the complexion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1881-1906
ca 1900
ID Number
MG.293320.1223
catalog number
293320.1223
accession number
293320

Salvation Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, sciatica, backache, quinsy, sore throat, stiffness of the neck and joints, sprains, cuts and wounds, lumbago, scalds and burns, headache, toothache, earache, bruises, eruptions,
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, sciatica, backache, quinsy, sore throat, stiffness of the neck and joints, sprains, cuts and wounds, lumbago, scalds and burns, headache, toothache, earache, bruises, eruptions, sores and swellings, inflammations, chilblains, frostbites, frosted feet, chapped hands and face, bites and stings of poisonous insects, weak ankles and joints, sore feet, pain in the back and limbs, ulcerated sores, inflammation of the breast, dislocations, or other bodily pains and aches. As a horse and cattle lotion it has no rival.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.10
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

Pilease

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A remedy for itching and inflamed pilesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A remedy for itching and inflamed piles
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
ca 1920
maker
Kondon Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1338
catalog number
293320.1338
accession number
293320

Boroleum Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A soothing application for head colds, minor nasal irritation, superficial burns, sunburn, chapped hands or lips, cold sores, chafing and minor skin irritationsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A soothing application for head colds, minor nasal irritation, superficial burns, sunburn, chapped hands or lips, cold sores, chafing and minor skin irritations
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Sinclair Pharmacal Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1186
catalog number
293320.1186
accession number
293320

Hite's Household Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Used internally to allay irritations caused by coughs, due to the common colds, and for mild form of flatulent colic.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Used internally to allay irritations caused by coughs, due to the common colds, and for mild form of flatulent colic. Used externally for surface burns and cuts, simple bruises and non-poisonous insect bites and stings. Also for slight sprains and muscular aches and soreness due to fatigue and over-exertion.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1938
ca 1920
ca 1930
maker
S. P. Hite Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.30
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Brooks' Bears-Foot Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For piles, sores, itch, tetter, eczema, chronic sore legs, dandruff and other scalp diseases, mange in dogs, sore backs and sore shoulders in horsesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For piles, sores, itch, tetter, eczema, chronic sore legs, dandruff and other scalp diseases, mange in dogs, sore backs and sore shoulders in horses
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
William Brooks Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.03
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

Rexall Healing Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Efficient antiseptic dressing for cuts, burns, bruises, bites and stings of insects and an excellent emolient for stiff muscles and jointsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Efficient antiseptic dressing for cuts, burns, bruises, bites and stings of insects and an excellent emolient for stiff muscles and joints
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1914
maker
United Drug Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1357
catalog number
293320.1357
accession number
293320

Kennedy's Salt Rheum Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cures salt rheum, scurvy sores, inflammatory piles, erysipelas sores, ulcers on the legs, lichen, frost bites, chilblains, burns and scalds, scald head, sore nipples, nursing sore mouth, ringworms, sore
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cures salt rheum, scurvy sores, inflammatory piles, erysipelas sores, ulcers on the legs, lichen, frost bites, chilblains, burns and scalds, scald head, sore nipples, nursing sore mouth, ringworms, sore ears, earache, venemous bites, inflamed and sore eyes, chafing and galling on man or beast, and all skin diseases of a hot, itchy or imflammatory nature
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Donald Kennedy
ID Number
MG.293320.1220
catalog number
293320.1220
accession number
293320

Compound Carbolated Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For the treatment of burns, cuts, old ulcers, tetter, ringworm, itch, chapped and cracked skin, boils and abscessesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For the treatment of burns, cuts, old ulcers, tetter, ringworm, itch, chapped and cracked skin, boils and abscesses
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1916
ID Number
MG.293320.1191
catalog number
293320.1191
accession number
293320

Dr. Shoop's Green Salve, Sample

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Makes lips and skin like velvet. Also cuts, burns, bruises, chilblains, eczema and all skin diseases.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Makes lips and skin like velvet. Also cuts, burns, bruises, chilblains, eczema and all skin diseases.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Dr. Shoop Laboratories
ID Number
MG.293320.1375
catalog number
293320.1375
accession number
293320

Dr. Fenner's Golden Relief

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Used internally as a warming carminative to the stomach. Used externally for bruises and minor cuts, superficial congestion or sore muscles due to exertion or fatigue.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Used internally as a warming carminative to the stomach. Used externally for bruises and minor cuts, superficial congestion or sore muscles due to exertion or fatigue.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.36
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Hunt's Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Rheumatism, sore throat, affections of the spine, nervous diseases, weakness, salt rheum, ring bone, spavinCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Rheumatism, sore throat, affections of the spine, nervous diseases, weakness, salt rheum, ring bone, spavin
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1842-1900
maker
Hall & Ruckel
ID Number
MG.293320.1227
catalog number
293320.1227
accession number
293320

Cranolene

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For eczema
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1925
maker
Mills Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1208
catalog number
293320.1208
accession number
293320

Kickapoo Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Ringworm itch, chronic scaly eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Ringworm itch, chronic scaly eczema
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1912
maker
Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1224
catalog number
293320.1224
accession number
293320

Kickapoo Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Ringworm itch, chronic scaly eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Ringworm itch, chronic scaly eczema
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1912
ID Number
MG.293320.1226
catalog number
293320.1226
accession number
293320

Lane's Mustard Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For croup, sore throat, neuralgia, headache, colds in chest, rheumatism, backache, sprains, chilblains, sore musclesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For croup, sore throat, neuralgia, headache, colds in chest, rheumatism, backache, sprains, chilblains, sore muscles
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1927
maker
Kemp and Lane
ID Number
MG.293320.1253
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1253

Nordex Skin Cream, Medicated

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Quick relief for sunburn and windburn; also a skin conditioner and shave creamCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Quick relief for sunburn and windburn; also a skin conditioner and shave cream
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950s
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Giant Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0460.074
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.074

Dr. Hobson's Anti Skeeter

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to keep mosquitos away, rub a few drops; to keep mosquitos out, darken the room, saturate blotting paper or cotton and place near doorCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to keep mosquitos away, rub a few drops; to keep mosquitos out, darken the room, saturate blotting paper or cotton and place near door
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1917
ID Number
1984.0782.083
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.083

Mycozal

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Mycozol is intended for the treatment of fungus infections of the skin (Epidermomycosis) such as athletes' foot-itch, eczematoid ringworm, dhobie itch and jockey strap itch.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Mycozol is intended for the treatment of fungus infections of the skin (Epidermomycosis) such as athletes' foot-itch, eczematoid ringworm, dhobie itch and jockey strap itch. It is also of decided value in the treatment of soft corns.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.078
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.078

Rolling Thunder Kiowa Indian Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cures cuts, ulcers, scalds, burns, old sores, itch, piles, wounds, and all skin diseasesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cures cuts, ulcers, scalds, burns, old sores, itch, piles, wounds, and all skin diseases
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
1896-1906
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Kiowa Indian Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.091
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.091

Toiletine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Chapped hands, sunburn, and skin irritations. Use during and after shaving. Cuts, burns, and bruises. Coughs, colds, and hoarseness.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Chapped hands, sunburn, and skin irritations. Use during and after shaving. Cuts, burns, and bruises. Coughs, colds, and hoarseness.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Toiletine Company
ID Number
1984.0782.196
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.196

Calocide

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For professional and home use to ease tired, tender, uncomfortable feet, hard corns, and callouses.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For professional and home use to ease tired, tender, uncomfortable feet, hard corns, and callouses. Package also contains special plasters used in conjunction with foot bath to treat hard corns.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1945-01
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Consolidated Royal Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1984.0351.036
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.036

Piso's Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Healing, astringent, tonic. Recommended for inflammation, leucorrhea, ulceration, sores or any affections of the skin and mucous membranes capable of being treated locally.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Healing, astringent, tonic. Recommended for inflammation, leucorrhea, ulceration, sores or any affections of the skin and mucous membranes capable of being treated locally.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Piso Company
ID Number
1984.0351.134
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.134

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