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.

Date: 1960s

BC Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: BC relieves pain of Headache and Neuralgia, Neuritis and Sciatica, minor muscular aches, discomforts and fever of Colds, distress associated with normal Menstrual Periods and pain caused by tooth extrac
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: BC relieves pain of Headache and Neuralgia, Neuritis and Sciatica, minor muscular aches, discomforts and fever of Colds, distress associated with normal Menstrual Periods and pain caused by tooth extraction. BC also temporarily relieves the minor pains of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1960
Associated Name
B. C. Remedy Company
maker
B.C. Remedy Company
ID Number
1985.0475.368
catalog number
1985.0475.368
accession number
1985.0475

Tonsiline

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Minor Irritations of the Throat and Mucous Membranes of the Mouth and Hoarseness Due to Colds, Dust, Fumes, Excessive Smokin or Speaking.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Minor Irritations of the Throat and Mucous Membranes of the Mouth and Hoarseness Due to Colds, Dust, Fumes, Excessive Smokin or Speaking.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1960s
maker
Tonsiline Co.
ID Number
1986.0934.01
catalog number
1986.0934.01
accession number
1986.0934

Cold Capsules, Therapeutic Formula

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves muscular aches and pains and discomforts accompanying colds. Decreases nasal secretions accompanying colds.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves muscular aches and pains and discomforts accompanying colds. Decreases nasal secretions accompanying colds.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1943-1963
maker
Reese Chemical Company
Maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0475.393
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.393

Dr. Carter's K.&B. Tea

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A mixture of nature's roots an herbs, an agreeable laxative. Corrects sick headache, upset stomach and other temporary disorders due to constipation. For adults and childrenCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A mixture of nature's roots an herbs, an agreeable laxative. Corrects sick headache, upset stomach and other temporary disorders due to constipation. For adults and children
Location
Currently not on view
date made
prior to 1967
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1988.3089.032
catalog number
1988.3089.032
nonaccession number
1988.3089

Hobson's Cilana

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A palatable preparation for the relief of simple coughs due to colds.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A palatable preparation for the relief of simple coughs due to colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
prior to 1967
maker
Pfeiffer Chemical Company
ID Number
1988.3089.025
catalog number
1988.3089.025
nonaccession number
1988.3089

DDD Prescription

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A remedial agent for the relief of itching caused by irritations of the skin and scalpCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A remedial agent for the relief of itching caused by irritations of the skin and scalp
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s-1960s
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Campana Corporation
ID Number
1985.0460.028
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.028

Bebyl, Tarabe, 60Cc

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Bebyl quickly relieves the irritation caused by coughing with a cold. It helps loosen phlegm soon so your child can breathe freelyCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Bebyl quickly relieves the irritation caused by coughing with a cold. It helps loosen phlegm soon so your child can breathe freely
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1966
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1986.0198.011
accession number
1986.0198
catalog number
1986.0198.011

Axon Nasal Spray for Children (Spray Decongestant), 15 cc

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For prompt temporary relief of sinus congestion and nasal congestion due to HEAD COLDS- HAY FEVER- ALLERGIESCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For prompt temporary relief of sinus congestion and nasal congestion due to HEAD COLDS- HAY FEVER- ALLERGIES
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960-1962
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.356
catalog number
1985.0475.356
accession number
1985.0475

Midol

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Take at the first sign of pre-menstrual or menstrual distress for fast relief of Cramps, Headache, "Blues," Pre-Menstrual Tension, Low Backache.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Take at the first sign of pre-menstrual or menstrual distress for fast relief of Cramps, Headache, "Blues," Pre-Menstrual Tension, Low Backache.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
date made
1960s
maker
Glenbrook Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0475.478
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.478
accession number
1985.0475

Antacid Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Relief for sour stomach and heartburnCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Relief for sour stomach and heartburn
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.025
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.025

McKesson's Baby Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the temporary relief of cough's due to common coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the temporary relief of cough's due to common colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.363
catalog number
1985.0475.363
accession number
1985.0475

Beef, Iron & Wine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A nutritious tonicCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A nutritious tonic
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0481.188
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.188

Children's Antibiotic Formula (Pediatric Candy Lozenges)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s-1970s
1943-1963
manufacturer
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0475.014
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.014

Bisodol

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Whitehall Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0475.374
catalog number
1985.0475.374
accession number
1985.0475

Vicks Nyquil

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Relief from nasal congestion, sniffles and sneezing, headache pain, the ache-all-over feeling, even coughing and minor sore throat painCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Relief from nasal congestion, sniffles and sneezing, headache pain, the ache-all-over feeling, even coughing and minor sore throat pain
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1966
maker
Richardson-Merrell
ID Number
1989.0711.40
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.40

African Sea Coconut

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:An excellent cough mixture and lung tonic for coughs, bronchitis, influenza, colds, sore throat, asthma, tickling throat, whooping cough, catarrh, chronic cough, loss of voice, and spittingCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
An excellent cough mixture and lung tonic for coughs, bronchitis, influenza, colds, sore throat, asthma, tickling throat, whooping cough, catarrh, chronic cough, loss of voice, and spitting
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1960
maker
L. F. Medicine Company
ID Number
1989.0711.01
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.01

Senokot Tablets

Relieves constipation. Senokot Tablets help relieve simple constipation, whenever it occurs. Senokot Tablets aid laxation through gentle stimulation of the large bowel.Currently not on view
Description
Relieves constipation. Senokot Tablets help relieve simple constipation, whenever it occurs. Senokot Tablets aid laxation through gentle stimulation of the large bowel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1969
maker
Purdue Frederick Company
ID Number
2015.0158.31
catalog number
2015.0158.31
accession number
2015.0158

Carter's Little Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieve the following symtoms only when due to constipation: headache, biliousness, bad breath, coated tongue, constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieve the following symtoms only when due to constipation: headache, biliousness, bad breath, coated tongue, constipation
Location
Currently not on view
date made
circa 1965
maker
Carter-Wallace, Inc.
ID Number
2008.0018.014
catalog number
2008.0018.014
accession number
2008.0018

Percogesic

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Analgesic for enhanced relief of pain, contains no aspirin.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Analgesic for enhanced relief of pain, contains no aspirin. For relief of mild to moderate pain and discomfort due to simple headache; for temporary relief of such pain associated with muscle and joint soreness, neuralgia, sinusitis, minor menstrual cramps, the common cold or grippe, toothache and minor aches and pains of rheumatism and arthritis.
Usual dosage 1-2 tablets for adults every four hours. Max daily dose of 8 tablets. Children (6-12 years) no more than 4 tablets a day. Do not use more than 10 days.
Preparation may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medication.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1985
product expiration date
September 1985
trademark registered (Percogesic)
1963-09-03
ID Number
2015.0158.12
catalog number
2015.0158.12
accession number
2015.0158

S.S.S. Tonic

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:To help build energy - rich red blood. Helps build back blood power fast in cases of simple iron-deficiency anemia -- iron starved blood.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
To help build energy - rich red blood. Helps build back blood power fast in cases of simple iron-deficiency anemia -- iron starved blood. Brings fast relief from tired, run-down feeling so common with simple iron and B-vitamin deficiences.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
S.S.S. Company
ID Number
2008.0018.216
accession number
2008.0018
catalog number
2008.0018.216

Caze's Vosges Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For treatment of coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, asthma, emphysema, influenza, whooping cough, nervous coughCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For treatment of coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, asthma, emphysema, influenza, whooping cough, nervous cough
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1960
maker
A. and M. Caze' Laboratories
ID Number
1989.0711.08
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.08

Vicks Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Gives safe, sure cough relief without narcoticsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Gives safe, sure cough relief without narcotics
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960
maker
Vick Chemical Company
ID Number
1989.0711.60
catalog number
1989.0711.60
accession number
1989.0711

Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:An overnight laxative with the tonic actionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
An overnight laxative with the tonic action
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1960
maker
W. H. Comstock Company
ID Number
1989.0711.34
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.34

Diothane Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relieves HEMORRHOIDAL PAIN for long periodsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relieves HEMORRHOIDAL PAIN for long periods
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940s-1960s
maker
Wm. S. Merrell Company
ID Number
1985.0475.413
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.413
accession number
1985.0475

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