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: Health & Medicine

Abbott's Aspirin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:PainCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Pain
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950-1960
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Abbott Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.105
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.105

666 Cold Preparation

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Aids in relieving distress and discomforts of colds by its fourfold action -- as an analgesic, as an antipyretic, as an expectorant, and as a laxative.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Aids in relieving distress and discomforts of colds by its fourfold action -- as an analgesic, as an antipyretic, as an expectorant, and as a laxative. For relief of coughs, simple headaches and neuralgia, muscular aches, pains, and reducing fever due to colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1947
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Monticello Drug Company
ID Number
1985.0460.097
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.097

McKesson's Aspirin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For simple headaches, common colds, simple neuralgia, and muscular painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For simple headaches, common colds, simple neuralgia, and muscular pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1935
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.095
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.095

Antikamnia Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headaches, neuralgias, rheumatic and sciatic pains, colds, La Grippe, women's pains, etc; analgesic, antipyretic and anodyneCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headaches, neuralgias, rheumatic and sciatic pains, colds, La Grippe, women's pains, etc; analgesic, antipyretic and anodyne
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1919
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Antikamnia Remedy Company
ID Number
1984.0351.108
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.108

Dr. Miles Little Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A mild effective laxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A mild effective laxative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Miles Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.091
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.091

Gingermints

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For headache, seasickness, heartburn, flatulence, disordered stomach, sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For headache, seasickness, heartburn, flatulence, disordered stomach, sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Enterprise Pharmacy
ID Number
1984.0782.067
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.067

Hanford's Balmur Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For chapped skin, chafing, sunburn, minor burns, scalds, cuts, callouses, baby rashes, tender burning feet, irritation associated with pilesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For chapped skin, chafing, sunburn, minor burns, scalds, cuts, callouses, baby rashes, tender burning feet, irritation associated with piles
Location
Currently not on view
trademark registration date
1932-11-02
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
manufacturer
G.C. Hanford Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1985.0460.009
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.009

Hamburg Drops (Hamburger Tropfen)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Blood purifier, strength and health restorer, and a specific for all stomach, liver and kidney troublesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Blood purifier, strength and health restorer, and a specific for all stomach, liver and kidney troubles
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
St. Jacobs Oil Company
ID Number
1984.0351.017
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.017

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
1895-1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.085
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.085

Foley Family Pills for Constipation (Box of 12 Packages)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For constipation, biliousness and headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For constipation, biliousness and headache
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.076
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.076

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.086
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.086

Thoxine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common sore throat and coughs due to colds and throat irritations. Very valuable to singers and speakers. Quickly relieves thoat irritation due to smoking.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common sore throat and coughs due to colds and throat irritations. Very valuable to singers and speakers. Quickly relieves thoat irritation due to smoking.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0460.228
catalog number
1985.0460.228
accession number
1985.0460

Concentrated "Barkola" Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A diuretic and tonic indicated in rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and prostate gland affections.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A diuretic and tonic indicated in rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and prostate gland affections.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Old Fort Chemical Company
ID Number
1984.0351.081
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.081

Chaces Pine Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Valuable in treatment of bronchitis, hoarseness, coughs, and coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Valuable in treatment of bronchitis, hoarseness, coughs, and colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
N. F. Ames and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.019
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.019

Stanley's Instant Headache Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desiredCurrently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desired
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1918
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Pierson, Stanley K.
ID Number
1985.0460.221
catalog number
1985.0460.221
accession number
1985.0460

Sal Ethyl Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Among its more prominent indications are headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tebetic crises, colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Among its more prominent indications are headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tebetic crises, colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.088
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.088

A-C Troches

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For simple coughs due to throat irritation caused by colds, excessive use of the voice, or smoking. Also to prevent gagging before the introduction of tongue depressors or dentures.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For simple coughs due to throat irritation caused by colds, excessive use of the voice, or smoking. Also to prevent gagging before the introduction of tongue depressors or dentures.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1941
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Abbott Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.044
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.044

Menthol Inhaler, 7 Grains

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use in upper respiratory infections [Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, Seventh Edition, 1927]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:
For use in upper respiratory infections [Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, Seventh Edition, 1927]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920s-1930s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
National Pharmacy Company
ID Number
1984.0351.057
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.057

DeWitt's Laxative Cold Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common colds, headache due to colds, and simple neuralgia. Gently move the bowels.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common colds, headache due to colds, and simple neuralgia. Gently move the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930 - 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.093
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.093

Bacon's Celery King

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A laxative tea. For the relief of the various symptoms due to constipation, or faulty intestinal elimination.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A laxative tea. For the relief of the various symptoms due to constipation, or faulty intestinal elimination.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.008
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.008

Arzen Nasal Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Promotes nasal cleanliness and depletion of the minor congested nasal membranes. Relieves colds right at the start. Alleviates minor congested conditions.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Promotes nasal cleanliness and depletion of the minor congested nasal membranes. Relieves colds right at the start. Alleviates minor congested conditions. Local application in minor nasal irritations and chest colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1932
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Arzen Laboratories, Inc
ID Number
1984.0351.051
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.051

Ammen's Antiseptic Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:promotes relief from conditions arising from excessive heat, exposure and minor skin troubles. Especially reommended for Prickly Heat and Foot Irriation.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
promotes relief from conditions arising from excessive heat, exposure and minor skin troubles. Especially reommended for Prickly Heat and Foot Irriation. Insect Bites, sunburn, nettle rash, chafing.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Charles Ammen Company
ID Number
1985.0475.346
catalog number
1985.0475.346
accession number
1985.0475

Dr. Pierce's Lotion Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:One of these lotion tablets crushed and dissolved in a pint of hot water makes a cleansing lotion or washCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
One of these lotion tablets crushed and dissolved in a pint of hot water makes a cleansing lotion or wash
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
1984.0351.043
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.043

Anestol Analgesic Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.005
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.005

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