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: 1900s

Terraline

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Coughs, colds, consumption, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, and all diseases of the throat and lungs; wasting diseases and general debility; digestive diseases; atonic dyspepsiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Coughs, colds, consumption, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, and all diseases of the throat and lungs; wasting diseases and general debility; digestive diseases; atonic dyspepsia
Location
Currently not on view
Maker
H&T
maker
Hillside Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.274347.174
catalog number
274347.174
accession number
274347

Mountain Herb Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For dyspepsia, liver complaint, fever and ague, and general debility of the systemCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For dyspepsia, liver complaint, fever and ague, and general debility of the system
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Dr. J. W. Wengert and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.52
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Pond's Extract Catarrh Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrhCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
Pond's Extract Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.46
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Kennedy's Laxative Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1908
c. 1906 -1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup58]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Cascasweet

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup42]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Dr. Petzold's Genuine German Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:As a tonic and for weakness, indigestion, dyspepsia, nervousness, sick stomach, general debility, nausea, dysentery, biliousness, asthma, ague and fever, and all other malarious diesases.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
As a tonic and for weakness, indigestion, dyspepsia, nervousness, sick stomach, general debility, nausea, dysentery, biliousness, asthma, ague and fever, and all other malarious diesases. For sudden attacks of cramps, cholera, colic, diarrhea, and cholora morbus. For loss of appetite.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1884-1906
maker
Petzold Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-09916
catalog number
M-09916
accession number
238503

Hoff's Malt Extract (Tarrant's)

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A dietic and healing remedy recommended by European physicians for complaints of the chest and stomach; dyspepsia; obstinate cough; hoarseness, etc.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A dietic and healing remedy recommended by European physicians for complaints of the chest and stomach; dyspepsia; obstinate cough; hoarseness, etc. and especially constipation; also a pleasant table beverage
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1894-1906
maker
Tarrant and Company
Leopold Hoff
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup12]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Bromo Soda

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For sick and nervous headache, indigestion and insomnia, sleeplessness, excessive study, dyspepsia, acute migraine, nervous debility, mania, depression following alcoholic and other excessives, mental and physi
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For sick and nervous headache, indigestion and insomnia, sleeplessness, excessive study, dyspepsia, acute migraine, nervous debility, mania, depression following alcoholic and other excessives, mental and physical exhaustion, brain fatigue, sea sickness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
ID Number
MG.M-10410.12
catalog number
M-10410
accession number
246707

Smith's Triple Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrh, dyspepsia, and bloodCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh, dyspepsia, and blood
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1901-1906
maker
W. F. Smith Company
ID Number
MG.M-12151.17
accession number
271464
catalog number
M -12151

Lazy Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For stomach, liver, and kidney troubles; constipation; indigestion; all headaches; dizziness; biliousness; the complexion; coated tongue; bad breath; liquor and tobacco excessesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For stomach, liver, and kidney troubles; constipation; indigestion; all headaches; dizziness; biliousness; the complexion; coated tongue; bad breath; liquor and tobacco excesses
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Lazy Liver Pill Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.30
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Dr. Lawrence's Cough Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Cougs, Colds, Hoarseness, Sore Throat, Tightness or Soreness of the Chest, Whooping Cough, Bronchitis, Croup, an all inflammation of the Chest and Lungs.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Cougs, Colds, Hoarseness, Sore Throat, Tightness or Soreness of the Chest, Whooping Cough, Bronchitis, Croup, an all inflammation of the Chest and Lungs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1870-1905
maker
Dr. A. A. Lawrence and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup15]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

U.S. Army and Navy Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: These tablets will positively relieve all stomach troubles, banish pain, and induce restful sleep no matter what may be your ailment.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: These tablets will positively relieve all stomach troubles, banish pain, and induce restful sleep no matter what may be your ailment. They will do you good at once, and cure is certain to result if directions are followed. A positive cure for dyspepsia, constipation and biliousness, sick headache, kidney and liver troubles and sour stomach.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1901
maker
United States Army and Navy Tablet Company
ID Number
MG.M-13067.25
catalog number
M-13067
accession number
321641
catalog number
321641.038

Mann's Wonderful Catarrh Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrh, colds, headache, sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh, colds, headache, sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870-1900
maker
Mrs. E. C. Mann
ID Number
MG.M-12151.24
catalog number
M-12151.24
accession number
271464

Rocky Mountain Tea

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For the treatment of constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For the treatment of constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1909
maker
Hollister Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10416.01
catalog number
M-10416.01
accession number
246707

Godfrey's Cordial

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:Sedative. Dosage: Infants, 0.3 cc.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
Sedative. Dosage: Infants, 0.3 cc. or 5 minims [Epitome of the Pharmacopeia of the United States and the National Formulary, with Comments, 1921]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Alexander Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-06989.02
catalog number
M-06989
accession number
215013

Kennedy's Laxative Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1908
c. 1906 -1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup21]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
2256198
256193

One Minute Cough Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An Unequaled Preaparation for the Immediate Relief and Permanent cure of All Diseases of the Throat, Bronchial Tubes and Lungs Including Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Coughs, Colds, Asthma, Quinsy, Whooping Co
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An Unequaled Preaparation for the Immediate Relief and Permanent cure of All Diseases of the Throat, Bronchial Tubes and Lungs Including Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Coughs, Colds, Asthma, Quinsy, Whooping Cough, Sore Throat, Night Sweats, Difficult Respiration, Pains in the Chest, Hemorrhages of the Lungs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1894-1906
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup41]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Kennedy's Laxative Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1908
c. 1906 -1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup57]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Kennedy's Laxative Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1908
c. 1906 -1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup25]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Akerue! French Liver and Kidney Regulator

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A liver and kidney regulator; blood purifier.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A liver and kidney regulator; blood purifier. For costiveness and constipation; all forms of liver and kidney complaints; Bright's Disease of the kidney; diabetes; catarrh of the bladder; gravel and stricture; malaria; sick, bilious or nervous headache; neuralgia; rheumatism; loss of sleep, appetite or energy; tired, weary feeling; melancholy; dry, hacking cough or not feeling well; more tired on rising in the morning than on retiring; irregularity of the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
Akerue Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.13
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Hoff's Malt Extract (Tarrant's)

A dietic and healing remedy recommended by European physicians for Complaints of the Chest and Stomach; Dyspepsia; Obstinate Cough; Hoarseness, etc. and especially constipation; a pleasant table beverageCurrently not on view
Description
A dietic and healing remedy recommended by European physicians for Complaints of the Chest and Stomach; Dyspepsia; Obstinate Cough; Hoarseness, etc. and especially constipation; a pleasant table beverage
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1894-1906
maker
Leopold Hoff
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup76]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Cascasweet

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A corrective for regulating the stomach and bowels of infants and children.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A corrective for regulating the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Summer Complaints, Constipation, Worms, Sonvulsions, Teething, Wind Colic, Vomiting of Sour Curd, Mad-Assimilation of Food , Sour Stomach Feverishness and Want to Sleep.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup37]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Alexander's Liver and Kidney Tonic

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Neuralgic or rheumatic pains in the back, side or limbs, sick headache, liver complaint, kidney affections, dyspepsia, jaundice, loss of appetite, debility, giddiness, nervous diseases, weakness, and com
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Neuralgic or rheumatic pains in the back, side or limbs, sick headache, liver complaint, kidney affections, dyspepsia, jaundice, loss of appetite, debility, giddiness, nervous diseases, weakness, and complaints peculiar to females, and all diseases arising from a disordered stomach or liver.
Cures bilious fevers, intermittent fevers, remittent fevers, fever and ague, prevents yellow and typhoid fevers, and all fevers arising from impure blood, or marsh-miasmatic influences.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1906
maker
W. W. Alexander and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10719.02
catalog number
M-10719
accession number
254860

Alberts Little Dinner Pill

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relief and cure of dyspepsia and indigestion, vomiting, acid stomach, belching, coated tongue, dizziness, distress after eating, constipation. A soverign remedy for headache.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relief and cure of dyspepsia and indigestion, vomiting, acid stomach, belching, coated tongue, dizziness, distress after eating, constipation. A soverign remedy for headache.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
ID Number
MG.274347.252
catalog number
274347.252
M-12140
accession number
274347

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