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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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

A. J. P. Pile Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A pile cure (hemorrhoids)Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A pile cure (hemorrhoids)
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1906
maker
A. J. Phillips
ID Number
1989.0711.03
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.03

Dr. Clifton's Brazolian Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A liniment. It has a warming influence when applied to the surface of the body for superficial aches and pains.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A liniment. It has a warming influence when applied to the surface of the body for superficial aches and pains.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1950
maker
Clifton Drug Co.
ID Number
1989.0711.13
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.13

Tuttle's Family Elexer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For external use only; relief from painCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For external use only; relief from pain
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1872
date made
ca 1938
after 1938
maker
Tuttle's Elixir Company
ID Number
1984.0782.201
catalog number
1984.0782.201
accession number
1984.0782

Bliss Native Oil - with Sample of Bliss Native Herbs for Constipation

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Used externally for pains caused by muscular rheumatism, lumbago, sprains, soreness of muscles, stiff neck, chilblains, frost-bites, poisonous stings.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Used externally for pains caused by muscular rheumatism, lumbago, sprains, soreness of muscles, stiff neck, chilblains, frost-bites, poisonous stings. If freely applied when fever blisters and pimples are forming, it will cause the swelling to quickly disappear.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Alonzo O. Bliss Medical Company
ID Number
2008.0062.14
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.14

En-Ar-Co Japanese Style Oil

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2012.0165.744
catalog number
2012.0165.744
accession number
2012.0165

Telephone Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Works like magic in all local pains, such as rheumatism, neuralgia, headache, toothache, sprains, bruises, wounds, stiff and swollen joints, sore throat, mumps, chilblains, erysipelas, bites of venomous
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Works like magic in all local pains, such as rheumatism, neuralgia, headache, toothache, sprains, bruises, wounds, stiff and swollen joints, sore throat, mumps, chilblains, erysipelas, bites of venomous reptiles, pain in the side and back, etc. Internally for cramps, colic, cholera morbus, diarrhea, summer complaint, coughs and colds, kidney and liver complaints.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
maker
Horn, Charles W.
ID Number
2008.0062.15
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.15

Russia Salve

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Redding & Company
ID Number
2007.0029.1
catalog number
2007.0029.1
accession number
2007.0029

Russia Salve

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Redding & Company
ID Number
2007.3014.1
catalog number
2007.3014.1
nonaccession number
2007.3014

Davis' Menthol Rub

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For bites and stings, burns, boils, bruises, headache, itching rashes, piles, prickly heat, sunburn, earache, colds in chest and throat, neuralgic and rhe
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For bites and stings, burns, boils, bruises, headache, itching rashes, piles, prickly heat, sunburn, earache, colds in chest and throat, neuralgic and rheumatic pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1928
maker
Davis & Lawrence Company
ID Number
2008.0018.121
catalog number
2008.0018.121
accession number
2008.0018

Holstein's Carbolated Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A soothing ointment for superficial wounds, abrasions, cuts, minor burns, blisters, scalds, sunburn, itch, and non-venomous insect bites and skin irritations.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A soothing ointment for superficial wounds, abrasions, cuts, minor burns, blisters, scalds, sunburn, itch, and non-venomous insect bites and skin irritations.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Holstein, George L.
ID Number
2008.0062.32
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.32

Gargling Oil Liniment, Man or Beast

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:America's oldest, time tried liniment.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
America's oldest, time tried liniment. Recommended by us in the treatment of galls, sprains, callous, wind galls, scratches, mange, flesh wounds, muscular soreness, kicks, cuts, foot rot in sheep, wind puffs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1933
maker
Merchant's Gargling Oil Co.
ID Number
1989.0711.18
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.18

Hammond's Liniment, For Man and Beast

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In animals: inflammation of the kidneys, distemper, colic, cuts and gallsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In animals: inflammation of the kidneys, distemper, colic, cuts and galls
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.054
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.054

Thoxine Chest Rub

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A valuable aid in the treatment of common colds etc. for adults and childrenCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A valuable aid in the treatment of common colds etc. for adults and children
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0481.121
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.121
accession number
1985.0481

En-ar-co

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Liniment for general use and scalp application; antiseptic, kills ticksCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Liniment for general use and scalp application; antiseptic, kills ticks
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
National Remedy Company
ID Number
1985.0460.042
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.042

Ba'Ma'Cea'

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A Safe Soothing Sanitary SalveCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A Safe Soothing Sanitary Salve
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1908-1918
maker
Williams, Stevens & Williams & Co.
Bamacea Co.
American Can Company
ID Number
1983.0871.63
accession number
1983.0871
catalog number
1983.0871.63

Chamberlain's Massage Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An excellent massage for simple neuralgia, sprains and resulting swellings and soreness of the muscles, caused by violent exercise or fatigue, bites and stings, frostbites.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An excellent massage for simple neuralgia, sprains and resulting swellings and soreness of the muscles, caused by violent exercise or fatigue, bites and stings, frostbites. A favorite liniment for athletes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
ca 1930s
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Chamberlain Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.020
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.020

Prof Anderson's Dermador

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For muscular soreness, monor external injures and in minor cases of cuts, bruises, sprains, sunburn, insect bites, frost bitesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For muscular soreness, monor external injures and in minor cases of cuts, bruises, sprains, sunburn, insect bites, frost bites
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1939
maker
D. Ransom, Son & Co.
ID Number
1978.0235.314
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.314

Chamberlain's Massage Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Rheumatism and Rheumatic Pains, Sciatica, Neuralgia.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Rheumatism and Rheumatic Pains, Sciatica, Neuralgia. Lame Back, Lumbago, gout, lame shoulder, stiff neck, partial paralysis; Sprains, swellings and lameness, pains in the chest, pains in the back, pains in the side, cramps of the musules, soreness of the muscles; caused by violent exercise; Cuts, bruises, wounds and lacerations, bites and stings, chilblains, and frost bites, quinsy and glandular swellings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1882-1906
maker
Chamberlain Medicine Company
ID Number
1978.0235.318
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.318

Nupercaine Ciba Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of pain and itching in hemorrhoids, burns, sunburn, eczema, ulcers and similar condititons of the skin and mucous membranesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of pain and itching in hemorrhoids, burns, sunburn, eczema, ulcers and similar condititons of the skin and mucous membranes
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Ciba Company, INC.
ID Number
1978.0235.045
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.045

British Oil

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Shoemaker & Busch
ID Number
1978.0235.040
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.040

Gre-Co Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Powerful-Penetrating For Aches and Pains- Colic, Cramps, Etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Powerful-Penetrating For Aches and Pains- Colic, Cramps, Etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
L.A. Knight Co.
ID Number
1978.0883.099
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.099

Nowland's Petrolin Petroleum Jelly

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Petrolin Carbolated is to be used for Medicinal Purposes and is a Valuable Dressing for Wounds, Cuts, Sores, etc. Bandage with soft cloth after applying Petrolin Carbolated liberally to wounds.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Petrolin Carbolated is to be used for Medicinal Purposes and is a Valuable Dressing for Wounds, Cuts, Sores, etc. Bandage with soft cloth after applying Petrolin Carbolated liberally to wounds. Petrolin Carbolated is petroleum jelly with just enough pure Carbolic acid added so that it will safely be absorbed in the jelly and give the wonderful antiseptic properties so desired as a dressing for wounds, cuts, sores etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Geo. H. Nowland Co.
ID Number
1978.0883.014
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.014

Panalgesic

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An external application for relief of superficial muscular aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An external application for relief of superficial muscular aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
copyright 1961
maker
Wm. P. Poythress & Company Inc.
ID Number
1978.0235.153
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.153

Minard's Liniment

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Minard Co.
ID Number
1978.0235.319
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.319

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