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: Rheumatism & Arthritis Drugs

California Paradise Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Kidney and Rheumatic troublesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Kidney and Rheumatic troubles
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1904-1914
maker
California Good Health Company
ID Number
1978.0883.163
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.163

Bishop's Liniment, For the Aches and Pains of Man or Beast

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For such aches and pains as rheumatism, neuralgia, strains, bruises, lame muscles, stiff joints, cold in chest, frosted feet [undeciferable word], chillbains, growing pains, contracted muscles, lame bac
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For such aches and pains as rheumatism, neuralgia, strains, bruises, lame muscles, stiff joints, cold in chest, frosted feet [undeciferable word], chillbains, growing pains, contracted muscles, lame back, toothache, earache, headache, pain in back, side and breast coughs, colds, store throat, swelling risings, boils, insect bites and stings, chronic skin disorders, colic and cramps.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1920s
maker
E. Bishop Co.
ID Number
1978.0883.264
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.264

Bromo-Lithia

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for headache, biliousness, rheumatism, mental strain, worry, excessive smoking, eating or drinking.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for headache, biliousness, rheumatism, mental strain, worry, excessive smoking, eating or drinking.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Bromo-Lithia Chemical Company
ID Number
1978.0883.012
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.012

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

White Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for the Relief of Rheumatism, Stiff Joints, Sprains, Bruises, Swellings, Neuralgia or Muscular Pains, Stiff Neck, Lame Back, Tired Feet, Sting or Bite of Insects, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for the Relief of Rheumatism, Stiff Joints, Sprains, Bruises, Swellings, Neuralgia or Muscular Pains, Stiff Neck, Lame Back, Tired Feet, Sting or Bite of Insects, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Langley & Michaels Co.
ID Number
1978.0235.079
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.79

Triner's Red Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended in constipation, flatulence, colic, jaundice, coughs and cold, female troubles, rheumatismCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended in constipation, flatulence, colic, jaundice, coughs and cold, female troubles, rheumatism
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Joseph Triner Company
ID Number
1979.0798.387
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.387

Dr. Simmons Aspirin Laxative Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For muscular rheumatism, sore throat and chest, lame back, toothache, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For muscular rheumatism, sore throat and chest, lame back, toothache, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
C. F. Simmons Medicine Company
J. H. Zeilin and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.105
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.105

Kendall's Spavin Treatment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Remedy for human flesh in cases of rheumatism, neuralgia, corns, bunions, frost-bites, chilblains, burns, sore throat, felons or any other pain, bruis, cuts or lameness.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Remedy for human flesh in cases of rheumatism, neuralgia, corns, bunions, frost-bites, chilblains, burns, sore throat, felons or any other pain, bruis, cuts or lameness.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dr. B. J. Kendall Company
ID Number
1979.0936.06
accession number
1979.0936
catalog number
1979.0936.06

Blair's Gout and Rheumatic Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For gout, rheumatismCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For gout, rheumatism
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th century
ca 1890
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
H. Planten and Son
Prout and Harsant
ID Number
1980.0698.044
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.044

Sloan's Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: Aids in the relief of aches and pains associated with rheumatism, arthritis, neuraligia, sciatica lumbago, muscular aches, minor strains and sprainsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: Aids in the relief of aches and pains associated with rheumatism, arthritis, neuraligia, sciatica lumbago, muscular aches, minor strains and sprains
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1950
maker
Standard Laboratories
ID Number
1980.0698.063
catalog number
1980.0698.063
accession number
1980.0698

Jones' Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Rheumatic Pains, Neuralgia, Sore Throat, and Quinsy, Headache (Nwrvous), Toothache, Backache, Bruises, Spains, Lameness, Chilblains, Frost Bites.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Rheumatic Pains, Neuralgia, Sore Throat, and Quinsy, Headache (Nwrvous), Toothache, Backache, Bruises, Spains, Lameness, Chilblains, Frost Bites.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
M. Spiegel and Sons, Inc.
ID Number
1980.0698.043
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.043

Help Nature Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation, dyspepsia, rheumatism, impure blood, skin diseases, la grippe, etc. For the stomach, kidneys, liver and blood.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation, dyspepsia, rheumatism, impure blood, skin diseases, la grippe, etc. For the stomach, kidneys, liver and blood.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Chambers Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.330
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.330

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

St. Jacobs Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A liniment for muscular pains and aches due to exertion or exposure.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A liniment for muscular pains and aches due to exertion or exposure. Intended to help relieve rheumatic pains, pain of neuritis and neuralgia, superficial muscular discomfort from strains, bruises, stiffness or soreness contingent upon exertion or exposure; in fact, useful wherever an efficient counter-irritant, rubefacient, local application is needed.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Wyeth Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.125
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.125

Dr Simmons Aspirin Laxative Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for muscular rheumatism, sore throat and chest, lame back and toothache, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for muscular rheumatism, sore throat and chest, lame back and toothache, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
C. F. Simmons Medicine Co.
ID Number
1980.0698.106
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.106

BC Headache Neuralgia Powders

BC is recommended for the relief of simple HEADACHE and NEURALGIA; minor muscular aches and pains due to HEAD COLDS; discomfort associated with normal menstrual periods.
Description
BC is recommended for the relief of simple HEADACHE and NEURALGIA; minor muscular aches and pains due to HEAD COLDS; discomfort associated with normal menstrual periods. Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of RHEUMATISM, ARTHRITIS, NEURITIS, SCIATICA and discomfort caused by tooth extraction.
Directions: Place powder on tongue and follow with water.
Dosage: One powder. May be repeated in 3 or 4 hours. Do not take more than 3 powders in any 24-hour period. if pains persist or are unusually severe, see a physician. Children under 12, only as prescribed by a physician. Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1950-1967
maker
B.C. Remedy Company
ID Number
1979.1144.042
accession number
1979.1144
catalog number
1979.1144.042

Loxol Pain-Expeller

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The reliable family liniment for muscular aches and pains, rheumatic pains, chest cold discomforts, nasal congestion or coughs caused by colds, muscular lumbago, stiff neck due to exposure, neuralgia, s
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The reliable family liniment for muscular aches and pains, rheumatic pains, chest cold discomforts, nasal congestion or coughs caused by colds, muscular lumbago, stiff neck due to exposure, neuralgia, strains, sprains, bruises, burning, tired feet
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
F. Ad. Richter and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.122
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.122

Dr. Swans Liver & Kidney Medicine

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For liver complaints, such as biliousness, coated tongue, dizziness, blood disorders of mild form and constipation, blotched complexion, kidney irregularities, rheumatismCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For liver complaints, such as biliousness, coated tongue, dizziness, blood disorders of mild form and constipation, blotched complexion, kidney irregularities, rheumatism
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
National Remedy Company
ID Number
1980.0698.041
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.041

Warner's Original Compound Lithia Water Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Diuretic. Antacid. Recommended by many practitioners in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, gravel and lithaemia.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Diuretic. Antacid. Recommended by many practitioners in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, gravel and lithaemia.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1916
ID Number
1979.0798.064
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.64

Dr. Scholl's Foot Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For relief of sore, tender, aching, perspiring feet, corns, bunions and pain of rheumatism.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For relief of sore, tender, aching, perspiring feet, corns, bunions and pain of rheumatism.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1933
maker
Scholl Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1979.0798.207
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.207

Leonardi's Elixir for the Blood

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: An alterative for the system. Used in chronic rheumatism, gout, pimples, boils, and indolent ulcers; tones the digestive organs and stimulates the appetite.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: An alterative for the system. Used in chronic rheumatism, gout, pimples, boils, and indolent ulcers; tones the digestive organs and stimulates the appetite.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1923-1938
maker
S. B. Leonardi and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.069
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.069

Harwood's Chewing Aspirin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Effective when used for colds, periodic pains, neuralgia, rheumatism, sore throat, headache, toothache, earache, lumbago, sciatica, goutCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Effective when used for colds, periodic pains, neuralgia, rheumatism, sore throat, headache, toothache, earache, lumbago, sciatica, gout
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Jean de Vautibault Corporation
ID Number
1979.0798.412
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.412

Atophan

[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
ca 1930
maker
Schering and Glatz
ID Number
1979.0798.418
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.418

Powdered Antikamnia

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Analgesic, antipyretic, and anodyne. It will reduce temperature and relieve pain with the greatest certainty and celerity, and has no evil after effects.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Analgesic, antipyretic, and anodyne. It will reduce temperature and relieve pain with the greatest certainty and celerity, and has no evil after effects. Valuable in neuralgia, myalgia, sciatica, acute rheumatism, hemicrania, also headache and other neuroses due to irregularities of menstruation.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1890-1906
maker
Antikamnia Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.137
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.137

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