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: Pain & Neuralgia 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

Foley's Family Pills

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 1910
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1310
catalog number
293320.1310
accession number
293320

Dr Clark's Chaulmoogra

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the cure of rheumatism, syphilis, pleurisy, neuralgia, lame back, dyspepsia, indigestion, acidity of the stomach, flatunlency, torpid liver, jaundice, habitual constipation, catarrh, hay fever, weak
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the cure of rheumatism, syphilis, pleurisy, neuralgia, lame back, dyspepsia, indigestion, acidity of the stomach, flatunlency, torpid liver, jaundice, habitual constipation, catarrh, hay fever, weakness of the kidneys, pimples, blotches, and eruptions, any diseases arising from impurities of the blood or a disordered liver, stomach or kidneys
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.274347.238
catalog number
274347.238
accession number
274347
catalog number
M-12140

Renne's Magic Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Colic, cholera morbus, cramps and pain in the stomach, cholera, coughs, colds, croup, sore throat, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever and ague, kidney difficulty, pleurisy, acid stomach, indigestion, headache, s
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Colic, cholera morbus, cramps and pain in the stomach, cholera, coughs, colds, croup, sore throat, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever and ague, kidney difficulty, pleurisy, acid stomach, indigestion, headache, sea sickness, rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, lameness, sciatica, toothache, earache, catarrh, frost bites
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1877
maker
William Renne
ID Number
MG.293320.1352
catalog number
293320.1352
accession number
293320

Drake Aspirin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache, colds, neuralgia, lumbago, earache, toothache, grippe, sciatica, rheumatismCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache, colds, neuralgia, lumbago, earache, toothache, grippe, sciatica, rheumatism
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Drake Remedy Company
ID Number
MG.293320.0713
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.0173

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

Steketee's Neuralgia Drops

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Neuralgia, rheumatism, kidney and liver complaints, chronic headache and pains in the backCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Neuralgia, rheumatism, kidney and liver complaints, chronic headache and pains in the back
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
George G. Steketee
ID Number
MG.293320.1381
catalog number
293320.1381
accession number
293320

666 Cold

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For relieving temporarily the following cold symptoms: coughs, simple headaches and neuralgia, muscular aches and pains due to coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For relieving temporarily the following cold symptoms: coughs, simple headaches and neuralgia, muscular aches and pains due to colds
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1943
maker
Monticello Drug Company
ID Number
MG.274347.229
catalog number
274347.229
M-12141
accession number
274347

Krato Rheumatic Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia and headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia and headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1898
maker
Krato Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.40
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Sherman's Headache Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headaches, neuralgia, insomniaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headaches, neuralgia, insomnia
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1906
after 1906
maker
Orator F. Woodward
ID Number
MG.293320.1372
catalog number
293320.1372
accession number
293320

Lallemand Rheumatism, Gout & Neuralgia Treatment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Prickly Ash Bitters Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.16
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

E K Thompson's Barosma

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Compound for Back Ache, Liver and Kidney Diseases. Recommended for the Kidney, Bladdder, or Genito-Urinary Organs.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Compound for Back Ache, Liver and Kidney Diseases. Recommended for the Kidney, Bladdder, or Genito-Urinary Organs.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Thompson Medical Company
ID Number
MG.254865.09
accession number
254865
catalog number
254865.09

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

Antikamnia

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1932
ID Number
MG.M-14122 [dup1]
catalog number
M-14122
accession number
297970

Bayer Tablets of Aspirin

[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 1925
maker
Bayer Company
ID Number
MG.293320.0712
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.0712

Nulfey Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the Palliative relief of simple Neuralgia and headache muscular aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the Palliative relief of simple Neuralgia and headache muscular aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1943
maker
WM. A. Reed Company
ID Number
MG.313462.043
catalog number
313462.43
accession number
313462

Pain Killer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Pain killerCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Pain killer
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1854-1895
ca 1860
date made
1840 -1860
maker
Perry Davis
ID Number
MG.293320.1319
catalog number
293320.1319
accession number
293320

Nelaton's Remedy for Rheumatism, Gout and Neuralgia

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia. For acute, chronic, inflammatory, muscular and neuralgic forms; rheumatism of joints and heart; rheumatic gout; gout in the small joints and stomach; neuralgic rheumatism and gout; neuralgia of heart and face; sciatica. A splendid liver regulator.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
Nelaton Remedy Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.58
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Carter's Little Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache, torpid liver, constipation and the complexionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache, torpid liver, constipation and the complexion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1880
maker
Carter Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1195
catalog number
293320.1195
accession number
293320

Antikamnia Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headaches, Neuralgias, Rheumatic and Sciatic Pains, Colds, LaGrippe, Women's Pains, Etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headaches, Neuralgias, Rheumatic and Sciatic Pains, Colds, LaGrippe, Women's Pains, Etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Antikamnia Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.312142.151
catalog number
312142.151
accession number
312142

Dr. E. C. West's Nerve and Brain Treatment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For hysteria, dizziness, convulsions, fits, nervous neuralgia, headache, nervous prostration caused by the use of alcohol or tobacco, wakefulness, mental depression, loss of memory, softening of the brain resul
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For hysteria, dizziness, convulsions, fits, nervous neuralgia, headache, nervous prostration caused by the use of alcohol or tobacco, wakefulness, mental depression, loss of memory, softening of the brain resulting in insanity, premature old age, barrenness, loss of power in either sex, involuntary emissions and spermatorrhoea caused by over exertion of the brain, self-abuse or over indulgence
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870-1906
maker
John C. West Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.M-12151.13
catalog number
M-12151.13
accession number
271464

Antikamnia & Quinine Tablets, 5 Grain

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use as a nervine, antipyretic, analgesic, and anodyneCurrently 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 as a nervine, antipyretic, analgesic, and anodyne
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
maker
Antikamnia Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.46
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Atwood's Jaundice Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Recommended for jaundice, headache, dyspepsia, worms, dizziness, loss of appetite, darting pains, colds and fevers. For cleansing the blood of humors and moistening the skin.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Recommended for jaundice, headache, dyspepsia, worms, dizziness, loss of appetite, darting pains, colds and fevers. For cleansing the blood of humors and moistening the skin. Also for liver complaints, strangury, dropsy, croup and phthisis.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Hall & Ruckel
ID Number
MG.293320.1173
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1173

Allan's Compound Extract of Celery

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Nerve Tonic; Neuralgia; Rheumatism;Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Nerve Tonic; Neuralgia; Rheumatism;
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1918
maker
Allan-Pfeiffer Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.274347.160
accession number
274347
catalog number
M-12141
274347.160

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