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.

Browse
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.

Place: Missouri

Browns' Iron Bitters Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Used as a general tonic, improving the appetite and regulating the bowels, indicated in convalesence after exhaustive fevers, and for run-down conditions in which iron tonic may be indicatedCurrently not
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Used as a general tonic, improving the appetite and regulating the bowels, indicated in convalesence after exhaustive fevers, and for run-down conditions in which iron tonic may be indicated
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923-1938
maker
Brown's Iron Bitters Company
James F. Ballard, Inc.
ID Number
1980.0698.097
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.097

Antikamnia & Codeine

[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
after 1919
maker
Antikamnia Remedy Company
ID Number
1979.0798.136
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.136

Nature's Remedy NR-Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A vegetable compound for defective elimination in constipation, biliousnessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A vegetable compound for defective elimination in constipation, biliousness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
date made
before 1928
Associated Name
A. H. Lewis Medicine Co.
maker
A. H. Lewis Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.384
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.384

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

Pineoline

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For skin diseasesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For skin diseases
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Walker Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1980.0698.098
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.098

Dr. Simmons Squaw Vine Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for the relief of diseases peculiar to women, and derangements arising from disorders of the female organs. Also for general debility and as a nerve tonic.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Recommended for the relief of diseases peculiar to women, and derangements arising from disorders of the female organs. Also for general debility and as a nerve tonic.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
ca 1930
ca 1900
maker
C. F. Simmons Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.007
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.07

Tums

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A carminative-antacid for stomach distress due to gs and stomach acidityCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A carminative-antacid for stomach distress due to gs and stomach acidity
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Lewis-Howe Company
ID Number
1981.0170.050
accession number
1981.0170
catalog number
1981.0170.050

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

Grove's Tasteless Quinine

[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 1920
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1980.0698.064
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.064

Lipowy Balsam Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, hoarseness and huskiness of voice from dampness and exposure and minor bronchial irritationsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, hoarseness and huskiness of voice from dampness and exposure and minor bronchial irritations
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Virginia Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.134
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.134

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

Dr. Herrick's Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A fine family cathartic. Sick headache, bad breath, nausea, constipation, coated tongue, costiveness, and biliousness.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A fine family cathartic. Sick headache, bad breath, nausea, constipation, coated tongue, costiveness, and biliousness.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1920
maker
Dr. Herrick's Family Medicine Company
James F. Ballard
James F. Ballard, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0798.532
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.532

Lynn's Eczema Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For tetter, eczema and other skin diseasesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For tetter, eczema and other skin diseases
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1906-1908
maker
Allan-Pfeiffer Chemical Company
ID Number
1980.0678.01
catalog number
1980.0678.01
accession number
1980.0678

Eupinol Antiseptic

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Anodyne and local anesthetic. A thoroughly efficient moist surgical dressing.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Anodyne and local anesthetic. A thoroughly efficient moist surgical dressing.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Tilden Company
ID Number
1979.0798.082
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.082

Grove's Tasteless Quinine

[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 1900
1891-1934
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1980.0698.090
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.090

S. O. S. Combination Internal and External

Red cardboard box with white print and a graphic of two electricity pylons transmitting an "S. O. S." signal. The box contains two smaller boxes with similar graphics. One box contains a glass bottle of S.O.S.
Description
Red cardboard box with white print and a graphic of two electricity pylons transmitting an "S. O. S." signal. The box contains two smaller boxes with similar graphics. One box contains a glass bottle of S.O.S. capsules (to be taken internally) and the other box contains a glass bottle of S.O.S. astringent solution (to be used externally.) A small cotton bag is also included.
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: An astringent solution. Internal: Take one or two Capsules after meals, one or two may be taken at bedtime. External: Inject a small syringeful immediately after urinating three or four times a day. Hold the solution in the urethra (water passage) a few minutes so it can come in contact with the tissues and thoroughly cleanse the affected parts.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
ca 1920
maker
S. Pfeiffer Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1980.0698.093
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.093

Antikamnia Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: Analgesic, anodyne, antipyretic. Useful in relieving simple headaches, simple neuralgia, muscular pains and aches; tends to reduce temperature in feverish conditions.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: Analgesic, anodyne, antipyretic. Useful in relieving simple headaches, simple neuralgia, muscular pains and aches; tends to reduce temperature in feverish conditions.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1919
maker
Antikamnia Remedy Company
ID Number
1980.0698.076
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.076

Dr. King's Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For temporary constipation and biliousnessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For temporary constipation and biliousness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
H. E. Bucklen & Co.
ID Number
1980.0698.056
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.056

Savatan

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be used only by or on the prescription of a physician.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be used only by or on the prescription of a physician.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
S. Pfeiffer Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1980.0698.033
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.033

Sedets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Sedative and antispasmodic relief of cramps and headaches associated with functional menstrual painCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Sedative and antispasmodic relief of cramps and headaches associated with functional menstrual pain
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1938
maker
Rexall Drug Company
ID Number
1979.0798.320
catalog number
1979.0798.320
accession number
1979.0798

E. W. Grove Laxative Bromo Quinine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Laxative. A preparation for colds. Relieves also the feverish conditions and headache, which are usually associated with colds.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Laxative. A preparation for colds. Relieves also the feverish conditions and headache, which are usually associated with colds. The second or third dose will relieve the headache and will move the bowels in 8 or 10 hours. In treating colds it is very important that the bowels should move well every day. This preparation moves the bowels gently without griping.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.366
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.366

Seidlitz Powders

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In high estimation for indigestion, heartburn, sick headache, bilious affections, etc., and if used regularly will form a mild and gentle cathartic.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In high estimation for indigestion, heartburn, sick headache, bilious affections, etc., and if used regularly will form a mild and gentle cathartic. Superior to any medicine of the kind in use and yet possessing all the medical virtues of the celebrated Seidlitz Springs in Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Meyer Brothers Drug Company
ID Number
1979.0798.360
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.360

Haywood's Powder

For the temporary relief of the paroxysms of asthma and for the aid in the relief of simple nasal irritations.Currently not on view
Description
For the temporary relief of the paroxysms of asthma and for the aid in the relief of simple nasal irritations.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
Pfeiffer Chemical Company
ID Number
1981.0219.084
accession number
1981.0219
catalog number
1981.0219.084

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

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.