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.

Place: Maryland

Laxadors

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation, bilious and liver trouble, sick headache, indigestion, dyspepsia, blood poverty, severe coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation, bilious and liver trouble, sick headache, indigestion, dyspepsia, blood poverty, severe colds
Location
Currently not on view
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1978.0883.055.A
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.055.A

Laxadors

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1978.0883.055.D
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.055.D

Laxadors

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1978.0883.055.C
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.055.C

Bromo-Seltzer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Emerson Drug Company
ID Number
1978.0883.019
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.019

Aseptinol Compound Unguent

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be applied freely night and morning by gentle rubbing with finger. Spread on linen absorbent cotton or medicated gauzeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be applied freely night and morning by gentle rubbing with finger. Spread on linen absorbent cotton or medicated gauze
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Aspetinol Mfg, Company
ID Number
1978.0235.185
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.185

Judson's Autox-Tablets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Judson Phamacal Company
ID Number
1978.0883.048.C
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.048.C

Judson's Autox-Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Highly recommended for the treatment of stomach, intestinal, liver, kidney and blood troubleCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Highly recommended for the treatment of stomach, intestinal, liver, kidney and blood trouble
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Judson Phamacal Company
ID Number
1978.0883.048.B
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.048.B

Laxadors

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1978.0883.055.E
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.055.E

Laxadors

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1978.0883.055.B
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.055.B

SPC Analgesic Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Applied Locally In Rheumatism - Gout - NeuralgiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Applied Locally In Rheumatism - Gout - Neuralgia
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Standard Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
1978.0883.119
catalog number
1978.0883.119
accession number
1978.0883

Judson's Autox-Tablets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Judson Phamacal Company
ID Number
1978.0883.048.A
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.048.A

Red Cloud Liver Berries

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For sick headache, Biliousness; Constipation; Indigetion.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For sick headache, Biliousness; Constipation; Indigetion.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1917
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
H. Clark and Sons, Inc.
ID Number
1980.0698.032
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.032

Rose-Vel

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For skin irritations and blemishes, chapped hands, face and lips, sunburn, windburn, sores, cuts, burns, eczema, boils, piles and skin troublesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For skin irritations and blemishes, chapped hands, face and lips, sunburn, windburn, sores, cuts, burns, eczema, boils, piles and skin troubles
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
H. Clarke & Sons, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0798.351
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.351

Dewee's Carminative

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: CarminativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Carminative
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Standard Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
1979.0798.021
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.021

O & O Mixture

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For cough due to colds and head coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For cough due to colds and head colds
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Osbon and Osbon
ID Number
1979.0798.115
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.115

Reliable Brand Headache Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For headache, neuralgia, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For headache, neuralgia, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
McCormick and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.142
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.142

Q-623

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A prescription for rheumatism, neuritis, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, etc. Guaranteed relief to all sufferers. A few doses eliminate the pain.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A prescription for rheumatism, neuritis, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, etc. Guaranteed relief to all sufferers. A few doses eliminate the pain.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
ID Number
1979.0798.041
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.041

Emerson's Bromo-Seltzer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A speedy and reliable remedy for nervous headache, neuralgia, brain fatigue, sleeplessness, ... work, depression, following alcohol and other excesses, mental exhaustion, &c.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A speedy and reliable remedy for nervous headache, neuralgia, brain fatigue, sleeplessness, ... work, depression, following alcohol and other excesses, mental exhaustion, &c.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1905
maker
Emerson Drug Company
ID Number
1979.0798.525
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.525

Emerson's Bromo-Seltzer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A speedy and reliable remedy for nervous headache, neuralgia, brain fatigue, sleeplessness, over-drain work, depression, following alcoholic and other overuses, mental exhaustion, etc.Currently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A speedy and reliable remedy for nervous headache, neuralgia, brain fatigue, sleeplessness, over-drain work, depression, following alcoholic and other overuses, mental exhaustion, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1921
maker
Emerson Drug Company
ID Number
1979.0798.012
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.012

Tri-Une Foot Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For the relief of tired, burning, aching feetCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For the relief of tired, burning, aching feet
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Turlington Chemical Company
ID Number
1980.0698.101
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.101

Smith's Rosebud Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A valuable preparation for chapped lips, face and hands; minor burns and scalds; bites and stings of non-poisonous insects and all other conditions for which a soothing salve is useful.Currently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A valuable preparation for chapped lips, face and hands; minor burns and scalds; bites and stings of non-poisonous insects and all other conditions for which a soothing salve is useful.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1914
trademark registered (SRS - Smith's Rosebud Salve)
1908-03-10
trademark registered (R.P.CO. - Rosebud Perfume Company)
1914
maker
Rosebud Perfume Company
ID Number
1979.0798.163
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.163

Dr. DeWitts Cough and Cold Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, colds, minor bronchial irritations.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, colds, minor bronchial irritations.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
W. J. Parker Company
ID Number
1979.0798.085
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.085

Golden Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A reliable remedy for eczema, piles, burns, sores, chafing, chapped hands and lips, tetter and all eruptions and irritations of the skin.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A reliable remedy for eczema, piles, burns, sores, chafing, chapped hands and lips, tetter and all eruptions and irritations of the skin. An excellent remedy for bruises, cuts, corns and bunions, frost bites, scalds, fever blisters, itch, pimples, sore throat, dandruff, sunburn, nasal catarrh, nettle rash, hair falling, boils, ring worm, catarrh and toilet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Golden Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.156
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.156

Seidlitz Powders

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The Oldest Known Saline Laxative to Quickly Remove Temporary Constipation and Headache caused by Sour Stomach, Flatulence, Gas and Acid Eructations.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The Oldest Known Saline Laxative to Quickly Remove Temporary Constipation and Headache caused by Sour Stomach, Flatulence, Gas and Acid Eructations.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Read Drug & Chemical Co.
ID Number
1979.0798.358
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.358

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