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: Rubs, Liniments & Ointments

Zam-Buk

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For minor burns, cuts, insect bites, stings, sprains and minor skin irritations, sunburn, sore feet, chapped hands, etc. Use as dressing or rub in as embrocation as required.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For minor burns, cuts, insect bites, stings, sprains and minor skin irritations, sunburn, sore feet, chapped hands, etc. Use as dressing or rub in as embrocation as required.
Location
Currently not on view
distributed by
E. Fougera & Company
manufacturer
C.E. Fulford, Ltd.
ID Number
1985.0481.129
catalog number
1985.0481.129
accession number
1985.0481

Salva-Cea - An External Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Use for muscular aches and pains, minor burns and cuts, chest colds, insect bites and stings, sunburn.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Use for muscular aches and pains, minor burns and cuts, chest colds, insect bites and stings, sunburn.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
E. Fougera and Company
ID Number
1985.0481.104
catalog number
1985.0481.104
accession number
1985.0481

E.H.T. Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: English hemorrhoid treatmentCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: English hemorrhoid treatment
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c.1908-1918
1908-1918
maker
English Pharmacal Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0782.058
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.058

Coolene Foot Creme

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For tired, burning feet. Softens the callouses.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For tired, burning feet. Softens the callouses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Coolene Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.161
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.161

Trask's Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For use in superficial congestion; Aids in relief of muscular aches, pains and strains due to fatigue or ever-exertion; minor burns; minor skin irritations of external origin; minor injuries.Currently n
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For use in superficial congestion; Aids in relief of muscular aches, pains and strains due to fatigue or ever-exertion; minor burns; minor skin irritations of external origin; minor injuries.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
After 1945
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Myers Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0460.105
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.105

B.O. & G.C. Wilson's Nuropathic Drops

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A local vegetable stimulant, counter-irritant and anodyne used internally or externally. As a cold compress apply directly to the skin and cover with moist cotton cloth under a dry flannel one.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A local vegetable stimulant, counter-irritant and anodyne used internally or externally. As a cold compress apply directly to the skin and cover with moist cotton cloth under a dry flannel one. May be rubbed on as a liniment for the relief of muscular lameness and as a palliative on bruises and sunburn.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
maker
Osgood Products Company
ID Number
1984.0782.213
catalog number
1984.0782.213
accession number
1984.0782

Crescent Healing Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For the relief of colds in the head, catarrh, hay fever, chapped face or hands, chilblains, burns, cuts, wounds - eczema, piles, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For the relief of colds in the head, catarrh, hay fever, chapped face or hands, chilblains, burns, cuts, wounds - eczema, piles, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Richards Bros.
ID Number
1983.0871.65
catalog number
1983.0871.65
accession number
1983.0871

Tobene Unguentum

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For various types externally caused eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For various types externally caused eczema
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1942
maker
N.C. Goodwin's Lab
ID Number
1985.0481.122
catalog number
1985.0481.122
accession number
1985.0481

Mexican Mustang Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For relief from pain, tired out muscles, lameness in the back and shoulders, stiff joints, burns, scalds, cuts, mashes, rheumatism, laumbago, ulcers, sores, open wounds, sprains, bruises, or lamenessCurr
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For relief from pain, tired out muscles, lameness in the back and shoulders, stiff joints, burns, scalds, cuts, mashes, rheumatism, laumbago, ulcers, sores, open wounds, sprains, bruises, or lameness
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1923
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Lyon Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0351.064
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.064

Tuttle's Elixer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Reduces swelling and lameness that can be reached and benefited by external applications.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Reduces swelling and lameness that can be reached and benefited by external applications.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1932
maker
Tuttle's Elixir Company
ID Number
1984.0782.200
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.200

Salvation Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: All bodily painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: All bodily pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
after 1882
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1984.0782.175
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.175

Mycozal

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Mycozol is intended for the treatment of fungus infections of the skin (Epidermomycosis) such as athletes' foot-itch, eczematoid ringworm, dhobie itch and jockey strap itch.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Mycozol is intended for the treatment of fungus infections of the skin (Epidermomycosis) such as athletes' foot-itch, eczematoid ringworm, dhobie itch and jockey strap itch. It is also of decided value in the treatment of soft corns.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.078
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.078

Gray's Improved Genuine Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Aids in relieving the pain and discomfort of boils, minor skin irritations and abrasions, superficial cuts, burns, sun burns and minor bruisesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Aids in relieving the pain and discomfort of boils, minor skin irritations and abrasions, superficial cuts, burns, sun burns and minor bruises
Location
Currently not on view
maker
W. F. Gray and Company
ID Number
1985.0481.067
catalog number
1987.0481.067
accession number
1985.0481

Rolling Thunder Kiowa Indian Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cures cuts, ulcers, scalds, burns, old sores, itch, piles, wounds, and all skin diseasesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cures cuts, ulcers, scalds, burns, old sores, itch, piles, wounds, and all skin diseases
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
1896-1906
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Kiowa Indian Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.091
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.091

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

Loxol Pain Expeller

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A liniment: for sore muscles, strains, sprains, bruises, neuralgia, muscular lumbago, chest cold muscle soreness, stiff neck due to exposure, wet feet, non-venomous insect bites, and rheumatic pains, na
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A liniment: for sore muscles, strains, sprains, bruises, neuralgia, muscular lumbago, chest cold muscle soreness, stiff neck due to exposure, wet feet, non-venomous insect bites, and rheumatic pains, nasal congestion or coughs.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
F. Ad. Richter and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.066
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.066

Hydrophen White Ointment, New Improved for Athlete's Foot

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Amfre-Grant, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0475.443
catalog number
1985.0475.443
accession number
1985.0475

Pyramid Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For cuts, bruises, skin abrasions, etc., external piles, itching of the anus, ulcerations and inflammation of the rectal canal.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For cuts, bruises, skin abrasions, etc., external piles, itching of the anus, ulcerations and inflammation of the rectal canal.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Pyramid Drug Company
ID Number
1985.0460.083
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.083

Rexall Gypsy Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Helps relieve discomfort of sunburn and superficial skin irritationsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Helps relieve discomfort of sunburn and superficial skin irritations
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Rexall Drug Company
ID Number
1985.0481.069
catalog number
1985.0481.069
accession number
1985.0481

Emollientine Ointment No. 12

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Emollientine is particularly useful in the treatment of superficial burns, scalds, cuts, burises, etc., and is soothing as a local application for inflammatory conditions involving the skin and deeper st
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Emollientine is particularly useful in the treatment of superficial burns, scalds, cuts, burises, etc., and is soothing as a local application for inflammatory conditions involving the skin and deeper structures
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1985.0481.062
catalog number
1985.0481.062
accession number
1985.0481

Tanurol Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For symptomatic relief of pain accompanying burns and wounds, and for external hemorrhoids (piles)Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For symptomatic relief of pain accompanying burns and wounds, and for external hemorrhoids (piles)
Location
Currently not on view
maker
George A. Breon & Company
ID Number
1985.0481.118
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.118
accession number
1985.0481

Biprosep Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For use in the prevention of infections in minor cuts, wounds, simple burns and abrasionsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For use in the prevention of infections in minor cuts, wounds, simple burns and abrasions
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1951-1959
maker
S. E. Massengill Company
ID Number
1985.0475.373
catalog number
1985.0475.373
accession number
1985.0475

Chamberlain's Eye and Skin Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For sore eyes, tetter, salt-rheum, ring worm, scald head, barbers itch, prairie scratches, itch, piles, burns, scalds, frost bites, chilblains, frozen feet, sore nipples, chapped hands, old chronic sores
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For sore eyes, tetter, salt-rheum, ring worm, scald head, barbers itch, prairie scratches, itch, piles, burns, scalds, frost bites, chilblains, frozen feet, sore nipples, chapped hands, old chronic sores, and fever sores
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1884
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Chamberlain Medicine Company
ID Number
1984.0351.119
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.119

Roman Eye Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For inflamed eyes or eyelids, dimness of sight, &c.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For inflamed eyes or eyelids, dimness of sight, &c.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1906-1908
c. 1900
maker
Wright's Indian Vegetable Pill Company, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0782.369
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.369

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