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.

Date: 1930s

Vinco Herb Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1935
ca 1935
maker
Myers Laboratories
ID Number
2008.0018.099
catalog number
2008.0018.099
accession number
2008.0018

McElree's Cardui

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A vegetable bitter tonic and stomachic, with antispasmodic properties valuable in relieving functional dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation not due to alteration of organs).
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A vegetable bitter tonic and stomachic, with antispasmodic properties valuable in relieving functional dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation not due to alteration of organs). A bitter tonic and stomachic to stimulate the appetite when deficient, and in such cases to stimulate the cells of the stomach to help increase the amount of gastric juice and thus to improve digestion and nutrition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s-1930s
maker
Chattanooga Medicine Company
ID Number
2008.0018.234
catalog number
2008.0018.234
accession number
2008.0018

Dr. Williams' Pink Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: These pills help improve the condition of the red portion of the blood in various forms of simple anemia and chlorosis.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: These pills help improve the condition of the red portion of the blood in various forms of simple anemia and chlorosis. They tend to act as a tonic, stimulate the appetite and aid convalescence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
maker
Dr. Williams Medicine Company
ID Number
2009.0097.13
accession number
2009.0097
catalog number
2009.0097.13

Dr. Caldwell's Improved Prescription Powders

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headaches, head colds, neuralgia, muscular aches and pains, periodic pains, simple nervousnessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headaches, head colds, neuralgia, muscular aches and pains, periodic pains, simple nervousness
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Pepsin Syrup Company
ID Number
1978.0883.231.E
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.231.E

Dr. Caldwell's Improved Prescription Powders

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headaches, head colds, neuralgia, muscular aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headaches, head colds, neuralgia, muscular aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Pepsin Syrup Company
ID Number
1978.0883.231.B
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.231.B

Bon Kora

laxative and carminativeCurrently not on view
Description
laxative and carminative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1939
1939-1948
maker
Battle Creek Drug, Inc.
ID Number
MG.274347.255
catalog number
M-12141
accession number
274347
catalog number
274347.255

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

Chamberlain's Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An excellent massage for muscular soreness caused by violent exercise or fatigue, simple neuralgia, sprains and strains, bites and stings of insectsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An excellent massage for muscular soreness caused by violent exercise or fatigue, simple neuralgia, sprains and strains, bites and stings of insects
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Chamberlain Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.022
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.022

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

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

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

R.I.P.A.N.S. Tabules

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dyspepsia, biliousness, constipation, heartburn, headache, indigestion, sour stomach or bad breath. Aids stomach and bowels. Laxative for those whose habits are sedentary.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dyspepsia, biliousness, constipation, heartburn, headache, indigestion, sour stomach or bad breath. Aids stomach and bowels. Laxative for those whose habits are sedentary.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890 - 1930
ca 1900
ID Number
1984.0782.171
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.171

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

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

Oxy-Cue, Pop for Corns, X-L Concentrate

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep. "X-L" Concentrate - to relieve the discomfort of athlete's foot, and itching toes.
date made
1941-1945
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Radio Drugs
ID Number
1985.0460.110
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.110

Carter's Little Iron Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A compound iron tonic to make redder bloodCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A compound iron tonic to make redder blood
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1937
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Carter Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.017
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.017

Lydia E. Pinkham Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For relieving hot flashes and certain other symptoms of "change of life" (menopause) and cramps and other distress of monthly periods (menstruation)--not due to organic disease; also an iron tonic; a ut
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For relieving hot flashes and certain other symptoms of "change of life" (menopause) and cramps and other distress of monthly periods (menstruation)--not due to organic disease; also an iron tonic; a uterine sedative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1963
maker
Lydia E. Pinkham Medicine Company
Cooper Labs
ID Number
1985.0475.515
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.515

Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900 - 1930
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
1984.0782.150
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.150

Bukets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:To stimulate the flow of urine and lessen its acidity, thus aiding nature in effecting better eliminationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
To stimulate the flow of urine and lessen its acidity, thus aiding nature in effecting better elimination
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1931
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Keller Company
ID Number
1984.0351.003
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.003

Hill's Cascara Quinine Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common colds, headaches due to constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common colds, headaches due to constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
W. H. Hill Company
Larned Corporation
ID Number
MG.293320.1309
catalog number
293320.1309
accession number
293320

Zaegel's Cough Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for healing influence on the mucous membranes of throat, bronchial tubes and lungsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for healing influence on the mucous membranes of throat, bronchial tubes and lungs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1906 - 1935
Associated Name
Zaegel, Max R.
maker
M. R. Zaegel and Company
ID Number
MG.274347.199
catalog number
274347.199
accession number
274347

Omin Tonic Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:TonicCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Omin Products
E. M. Sekunna
ID Number
MG.293320.1271
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1271

Garfield Tea Laxative

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Is composed wholly of herbs and is a remedy for occasional Constipation. Flush the bowels with Garfield Tea. Garfield Tea is taken by many users with satisfactory results.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Is composed wholly of herbs and is a remedy for occasional Constipation. Flush the bowels with Garfield Tea. Garfield Tea is taken by many users with satisfactory results. It is a splendid laxative and diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1939
depicted
Garfield, James A.
maker
Garfield Tea Company
ID Number
MG.254865.04
accession number
254865
catalog number
254865.04

Dr. Donnelly's Tonic Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Relieves tired feeling and fatigueCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Relieves tired feeling and fatigue
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1938
maker
Griffin Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.05
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

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