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: Respiratory & Asthma Drugs

Jeffries' No. 1 Cough Mixture

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, hoarseness, throat and lung troubles, whooping cough, croup, catarrh, and asthmaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, hoarseness, throat and lung troubles, whooping cough, croup, catarrh, and asthma
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Thomas Tabb Jeffries
ID Number
MG.M-10426.27
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

J. Espic's Pectoral Fumigator (20 Cigarettes Espic)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For asthma, catarrh, suffocation, cough, colds, neuralgia.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For asthma, catarrh, suffocation, cough, colds, neuralgia.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
E. Fougera and Company
ID Number
MG.313462.053
catalog number
313462.053
accession number
313462

Dr H Swayne's Compound Syrup of Wild Cherry

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Coughs, colds, weak voice, short breath, night sweats, bronchitis, asthma, all throat, breast and lung affections.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Coughs, colds, weak voice, short breath, night sweats, bronchitis, asthma, all throat, breast and lung affections.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1838-1906
date made
1838-1858
maker
Swayne, Huson
ID Number
MG.M-10426.64
accession number
246707
catalog number
M-10426

Taylor's Cherokee Remedy of Sweet Gum and Mullein

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, croup, whooping cough, hoarseness and all affections arising from the inflamed condition of the throat and lungsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, croup, whooping cough, hoarseness and all affections arising from the inflamed condition of the throat and lungs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1883
maker
Haltiwanger-Taylor Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.22
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Mason's Health Defenders Red Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: BronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Henry J. Mason
ID Number
MG.313462.047
catalog number
313462.47
accession number
313462

Dr Wood's Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: coughs, colds, asthma, hoarseness, bronchitis, whooping cough and croup; consumption, pneumonia, congestion, hemorrhages, other diseases of the lungs, all diseases of the throat, asthma, pleurisy and pa
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: coughs, colds, asthma, hoarseness, bronchitis, whooping cough and croup; consumption, pneumonia, congestion, hemorrhages, other diseases of the lungs, all diseases of the throat, asthma, pleurisy and pains in chest and side
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dr. Owens Pharmacy
Owen, D.F.
ID Number
MG.M-10242.07
catalog number
M-10242.07
accession number
241520

Vapolin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: External treatment for bronchitis, congestion, inflammation, spasmodic croup, sore throat, tonsillitis, headache, neuralgia, rheumatic pains, nasal catarrh, sprains, strainsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: External treatment for bronchitis, congestion, inflammation, spasmodic croup, sore throat, tonsillitis, headache, neuralgia, rheumatic pains, nasal catarrh, sprains, strains
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
After 1906
maker
Senoret Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.274347.243
catalog number
274347.243
M-12141
accession number
274347

One Minute Cough Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For all diseases of the throat, Bronchial Tubes and lungs, including Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Coughs, Colds, Asthma, Whoopins Cough, SOre Throat, Difficult Respiration Pains in the Chest, Night Sweats and
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For all diseases of the throat, Bronchial Tubes and lungs, including Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Coughs, Colds, Asthma, Whoopins Cough, SOre Throat, Difficult Respiration Pains in the Chest, Night Sweats and hemorrhages of the Lungs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1894-1906
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup1]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Hill's Cascara Quinine Cold Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for the relief of nasal stuffiness and discharge, headaches, muscular aches and pains, neuralgia and neuritic pains, constipation, and that hot, flushed feeling associated with colds.Current
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for the relief of nasal stuffiness and discharge, headaches, muscular aches and pains, neuralgia and neuritic pains, constipation, and that hot, flushed feeling associated with colds.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Whitehall Pharmacal Company
ID Number
MG.313462.027
catalog number
313462.027
accession number
313462

One Minute Cough Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For all diseases of the throat, bronchial tubes and lungs, including pneumonia, bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, whooping cough, sore throat, difficult respiration, pains in the chest, night sweats and hemorr
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For all diseases of the throat, bronchial tubes and lungs, including pneumonia, bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, whooping cough, sore throat, difficult respiration, pains in the chest, night sweats and hemorrhages of the lungs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1894-1906
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

The Inspirator and Great Geneva Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrh, hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, catarrhal deafness, colds, headaches, including early consumption, and all diseases where the nerves, muscles and tissues of the head, throat and lungs are involvedCu
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh, hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, catarrhal deafness, colds, headaches, including early consumption, and all diseases where the nerves, muscles and tissues of the head, throat and lungs are involved
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890
maker
National Inspirator Co.
ID Number
MG.M-10420
catalog number
M-10420
accession number
246707

Hollis' Vegetable Pectoral Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, bronchitis, whooping coughCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, bronchitis, whooping cough
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1862-1871
maker
Thomas Hollis
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup70]
accession number
256193
256193
catalog number
M-10766 [dup70]

Neurosine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Hypnotic, Antispasmodic, Sedative, and AnodyneCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Hypnotic, Antispasmodic, Sedative, and Anodyne
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1906
c. 1915
c.1915
maker
Dios Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.M-11218
catalog number
M-11218
accession number
259750

Heneph's Red Salve Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache, neuralgia, rheumatism, colds in the chest, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, croup, pleurisy, neuritis, sore joints and muscles, chilblains, tired, aching feet, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache, neuralgia, rheumatism, colds in the chest, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, croup, pleurisy, neuritis, sore joints and muscles, chilblains, tired, aching feet, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Heneph Company Inc.
ID Number
MG.293320.1302
catalog number
293320.1302
accession number
293320

Bronchiline

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For throat and lung affections, coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, whooping coughCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For throat and lung affections, coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1938
maker
Peter-Neat-Richardson Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.01
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Dr. Petzold's Genuine German Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:As a tonic and for weakness, indigestion, dyspepsia, nervousness, sick stomach, general debility, nausea, dysentery, biliousness, asthma, ague and fever, and all other malarious diesases.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
As a tonic and for weakness, indigestion, dyspepsia, nervousness, sick stomach, general debility, nausea, dysentery, biliousness, asthma, ague and fever, and all other malarious diesases. For sudden attacks of cramps, cholera, colic, diarrhea, and cholora morbus. For loss of appetite.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1884-1906
maker
Petzold Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-09917
catalog number
M-09917
accession number
238503

Crane's Quinine and Tar Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:An expectorant for coughs, colds, hoarseness, tickling in throat, bronchial coughs, and coughs resulting from la grippe [influenza]Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
An expectorant for coughs, colds, hoarseness, tickling in throat, bronchial coughs, and coughs resulting from la grippe [influenza]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1921 -1938
maker
Crane Medicine Co.
ID Number
MG.M-10426.43
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Eclectic Balsams

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Eclectic Medical Company
ID Number
MG.M-10414.02
catalog number
M-10414.02
accession number
246707

Dr. Lawrence's Cough Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, hoarseness, sore throat, tightness or soreness of the chest, whooping cough, bronchitis, croup, and all inflammations of the chest and lungsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, hoarseness, sore throat, tightness or soreness of the chest, whooping cough, bronchitis, croup, and all inflammations of the chest and lungs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870-1905
maker
Dr. A. A. Lawrence and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup13]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Dr. Pierce's Alterative Extract or Golden Medical Discovery

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For the cure of all severe, chronic or lingering coughs, bronchitis, laryngitis, weak lungs, bleeding from lungs, public speaker's sore throat, hoarseness and suppression or loss of voice.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For the cure of all severe, chronic or lingering coughs, bronchitis, laryngitis, weak lungs, bleeding from lungs, public speaker's sore throat, hoarseness and suppression or loss of voice. A remedy for torpor of liver (generally termed "liver complaint" or "biliousness") and for habitual constipation of the bowels. For loss of appetite, indigestion and dyspepsia, and for general nervous disability or prostration, in either sex. An alterative, or blood purifier; valuable in all forms of scrofulous and other blood diseases. For skin diseases, eruptions, pimples, rashes and blotches, boils, ulcers, sores, and swellings, arising from impure blood.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890-1906
ca 1898
ca 1900
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup11]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Dr. J. H. McLean's Tar Wine Lung Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Remedy for the treatment of coughs, colds, and diseases of the throat and lungsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Remedy for the treatment of coughs, colds, and diseases of the throat and lungs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1906
after 1906
maker
Dr. J. H. McLean Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1246
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1246

Marshall's Snuff

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of nasal congestion and difficult breathing caused by or associated with a cold.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of nasal congestion and difficult breathing caused by or associated with a cold.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 1940s
maker
Williams Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.313462.012
catalog number
313462.12
accession number
313462

Dr. King's New Discovery for Consumption

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For consumption, coughs, colds and all diseases of the throat, chest and lungsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For consumption, coughs, colds and all diseases of the throat, chest and lungs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MG.293320.1238
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1238

Asthma Frenon

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A pharmacologically and clinically highly valued remedy for the lasting treatment of asthma, complaints when suffering of silicosis, emphysema, persistent and chronic bronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A pharmacologically and clinically highly valued remedy for the lasting treatment of asthma, complaints when suffering of silicosis, emphysema, persistent and chronic bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Williams, Stevens & Williams & Co.
Werne/Lippe
ID Number
MG.274347.154
catalog number
274347.154
accession number
274347

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