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

Tafon Appetite Appeasement

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A mineral-water-soluble-vitamin dietary supplement and an aid to appetite appeasementCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A mineral-water-soluble-vitamin dietary supplement and an aid to appetite appeasement
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
after 1953
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Tafon Distributors, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0460.100
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.100

DeWitt's Catarrhal Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For nasal catarrh, cold in the head and inflammation of the nasal passages. Cleansing, antiseptic and germicidal.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For nasal catarrh, cold in the head and inflammation of the nasal passages. Cleansing, antiseptic and germicidal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.042
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.042

Dr Pierre's Boro-Pheno-Form

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An inhibitory antiseptic for vaginal useCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An inhibitory antiseptic for vaginal use
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Dr. Pierre Chemical Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.055
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.055

Cuticura Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general healthCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general health
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1984.0351.098
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.098

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

Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For women having the symptoms often associated with Change of Life, "Female Nerves," and periodic menstrual pain, due to functional causes only.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For women having the symptoms often associated with Change of Life, "Female Nerves," and periodic menstrual pain, due to functional causes only. (If these symptoms are due to any organic cause you should consult your doctor.) Gentle stomach tonic effect.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1949
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0460.039
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.039

McKesson's Camphor Ice

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For the relief of the discomfort of chapped hands and lipsCurrently 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 the relief of the discomfort of chapped hands and lips
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.384
catalog number
1985.0475.384
accession number
1985.0475

Hanford's Balsam of Myrrh

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:External antiseptic dressing and liniment.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
External antiseptic dressing and liniment. For minor cuts, abrasions, burns, scalds, bruises, muscular aches, insect bites, sunburn, chafing, sprains, swellings, soreness from over exertion, chilblains, frostbite.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1937
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
G.C. Hanford Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0351.028
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.028

Hammond's Liniment, For Man and Beast

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For minor burns, cuts, bruises. For man and beast.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For minor burns, cuts, bruises. For man and beast.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.053
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.053

Zonitors Vaginal Suppositories

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Deodorant suppositoryCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Deodorant suppository
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1957
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Dunbar Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.156
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.156

Hamburg Breast Tea

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A pectoral, intended for affections of the chest and throat, such as chest colds, coughs, croup, asthma, hoarseness, bronchitis, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A pectoral, intended for affections of the chest and throat, such as chest colds, coughs, croup, asthma, hoarseness, bronchitis, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1913
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
St. Jacobs Oil Company
ID Number
1985.0460.050
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.050

Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills

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 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
W. H. Comstock Company
ID Number
1984.0351.111
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.111

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

Glycerin Suppositories, Long for Infants

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Directions: Insert one suppository into the rectum. Permit to remain. Bowel action will usually result within a few minutesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Directions: Insert one suppository into the rectum. Permit to remain. Bowel action will usually result within a few minutes
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.023
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.023

Talkies Throat Pastilles

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For singers and public speakers, to relieve temporary loss of voice.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For singers and public speakers, to relieve temporary loss of voice. Talkies have a soothing effect in minor irritations of the throat, allaying irritation and alleviating slight coughs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1929
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.004
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.004

DeWitt's Tablets for Round Worms

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For round wormsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For round worms
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.059
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.059

Gluco-Fedrin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A solution for the relief of congestion of the mucous membrane of the nose and throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A solution for the relief of congestion of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.034
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.034

Nyal Vegetable Prescription: Tonic and Nerve Sedative for Women

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic and nerve sedative for women. For disordered menstruation, ovarian neuralgia, and bearing down pain.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic and nerve sedative for women. For disordered menstruation, ovarian neuralgia, and bearing down pain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1927
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Nyal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.076
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.076

DeWitt's Throat Lozenges

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Valuable for hoarseness, tickling sensation of the throat, and coughing, inflamed or irritated conditions of the mucous membranes of the throat resulting from colds, coughs, or sore throatCurrently not o
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Valuable for hoarseness, tickling sensation of the throat, and coughing, inflamed or irritated conditions of the mucous membranes of the throat resulting from colds, coughs, or sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.006
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.006

Hamlin's Wizard Oil Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For soothing counterirritant relief in muscular aches, pains, stiffness of neck, shoulders, back, sides and limbs when due to overexertion or exposure.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For soothing counterirritant relief in muscular aches, pains, stiffness of neck, shoulders, back, sides and limbs when due to overexertion or exposure. Eases the pain of minor strains and sprains, minor frost bites, mild sunburn and non-venomous insect bites and stings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941-1946
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Hamlin's Wizard Oil Company
ID Number
1985.0460.051
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.051

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

Tongaline Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, la grippe, nervous headache, gout, sciatica, or wherever the salicylates are indicatedCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, la grippe, nervous headache, gout, sciatica, or wherever the salicylates are indicated
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Mellier Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.49
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Beggs' Soothing Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Cures wind colic, cramps, dysentery, canker sore mouth, and banishes painCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Cures wind colic, cramps, dysentery, canker sore mouth, and banishes pain
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1906
maker
Beggs Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.73
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Freligh's Liver Medicine

[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
1908-1918
maker
I. O. Woodruff and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.09
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

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