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.

Topic: Rubs, Liniments & Ointments

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

Anderson's Dermador

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: a Liniment for Wounds, Sores, Bruises, Sprains, Burns, Rheumatic Pain, Muscular LamenessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: a Liniment for Wounds, Sores, Bruises, Sprains, Burns, Rheumatic Pain, Muscular Lameness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1850
ID Number
MG.256193.340
accession number
256193
catalog number
256193.340

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

Beck's Great Indian Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, bruises, pains in the side and chest, swelled joints, headache, sore and weak eyes, catarrh, poisonous bites, headache, colic, dyspepsia, cholera morbus, cramps, colds, diarr
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, bruises, pains in the side and chest, swelled joints, headache, sore and weak eyes, catarrh, poisonous bites, headache, colic, dyspepsia, cholera morbus, cramps, colds, diarrhea, dysentery, fever and ague, sore throat, kidney affections
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Beck's Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.02
catalog number
M-10426
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

Dr Isaac Thompson's Eye Water

[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
ca 1900
maker
John L. Thompson Sons & Co.
ID Number
MG.M-10426.26
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

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

Roche's Embrocation

[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
ca 1930
maker
E. Fougera and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.01
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

S. B. Goff's Magic Oil Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, toothache, earache, stiffness in the joints, weakness in the side or back, sprains, bruises, sore throat, catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera morbus, piles, frosted feet, felons, co
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, toothache, earache, stiffness in the joints, weakness in the side or back, sprains, bruises, sore throat, catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera morbus, piles, frosted feet, felons, corns, chapped or cracked hands, fresh cuts, old sores, pimples on the face. In horses, it cures scratches, old sores, galls, sprains, stiff limbs, splint, cholic, gravel, thrush.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
S. B. Goff and Sons Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.09
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

Dr Sagamore's Botanic Oil

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1880-1911
maker
Hollis, Thomas
ID Number
MG.M-10409.14
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

Clark Stanley's Snake Oil Liniment

The inscription on three sides of this glass jar, in embossed letters, reads “CLARK STANLEY / SNAKE OIL LINIMENT.”According to his own account, Clark Stanley was born in Texas, ca. 1854, and worked as a cowboy for several years.
Description
The inscription on three sides of this glass jar, in embossed letters, reads “CLARK STANLEY / SNAKE OIL LINIMENT.”
According to his own account, Clark Stanley was born in Texas, ca. 1854, and worked as a cowboy for several years. Then, while studying with a Hopi medicine man in Arizona, he learned the "secrets of snake oil." In 1893, after marketing his liniment at several Western medicine shows, Stanley and his rattlesnakes gained attention at the World's Columbian Exposition. He then established production facilities in Beverly, Ma., and Providence, R.I.
In 1916, after the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, Stanley's concoction was found to contain mineral oil, a fatty compound thought to be from beef, capsaicin from chili peppers, and turpentine. He was fined $20.00. The term "snake oil" would eventually become a popular euphemism for ineffective or fraudulent products, particularly those marketed as medicines or cures.
Ref: Clark Stanley, The Life and Adventures of the American Cow-Boy ([Providence, 1897]).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890
maker
Clark Stanley
ID Number
MG.293320.1380
catalog number
293320.1380
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

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

Boyol' Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for mionr irritations of the skinCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for mionr irritations of the skin
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1981-1985
maker
Pfeiffer Company
ID Number
1985.0475.380
catalog number
1985.0475.380
accession number
1985.0475

Spinol

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relief of COUGHS due to COLDS; also for the relief of Minor Irriations of the Nose and for relief of MUSCULAR SORENESSCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relief of COUGHS due to COLDS; also for the relief of Minor Irriations of the Nose and for relief of MUSCULAR SORENESS
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Spinal Company
ID Number
1985.0481.110
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.110
accession number
1985.0481

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