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: Pain & Neuralgia Drugs

Children's Antibiotic Formula (Pediatric Candy Lozenges)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s-1970s
1943-1963
manufacturer
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0475.014
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.014

Act-On

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Prompt and Effective Relief of pain due to Joint Pains (minor), Lumbago (Muscular), Simple Neuralgia, Muscular Aches of Fatigue or Exposure Origin.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Prompt and Effective Relief of pain due to Joint Pains (minor), Lumbago (Muscular), Simple Neuralgia, Muscular Aches of Fatigue or Exposure Origin.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Berjon Company
ID Number
1985.0475.324
catalog number
1985.0475.324
accession number
1985.0475

Kyushin Heart Tonic

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Indications: heart disease, pleurisy, nightsweat, cold, neuralgia, gastro-interic disease, acute fits, nervous and alimentary disorder of a child.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Indications: heart disease, pleurisy, nightsweat, cold, neuralgia, gastro-interic disease, acute fits, nervous and alimentary disorder of a child. Dosage: For adults, take one pill at a time; twice a day with cold or warm water; for serious case; take two pills at a time, twice a day; and three pills as the first aid measure. For children dose should be reduced according to the age.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Kyushin Seiyaku Company
ID Number
1989.0711.29
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.29

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

Vicks Nyquil

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Relief from nasal congestion, sniffles and sneezing, headache pain, the ache-all-over feeling, even coughing and minor sore throat painCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Relief from nasal congestion, sniffles and sneezing, headache pain, the ache-all-over feeling, even coughing and minor sore throat pain
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1966
maker
Richardson-Merrell
ID Number
1989.0711.40
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.40

Dr. Thomas' Eclectic Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For external and internal use.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For external and internal use. For coughs due to colds and common sore throat; for lameness and soreness of the muscles; to relieve the pains of simple neuralgia, earache and toothache; to allay inflammation in superficial bruises, cuts, burns and scalds, minor sprains, nonvenomous insect bites, frostbites, chapped hands, corns, bunions, and warts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Foster-Milburn Company
ID Number
1989.0711.58
catalog number
1989.0711.58
accession number
1989.0711

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

Dr. J. Walker's California Vinegar Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:The great blood purifier and life-giving principle.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
The great blood purifier and life-giving principle. A remedy for dyspepsia, indigestion, rheumatism, diarrhea, consumption, catarrh, bronchitis, neuralgia, headache, boils and ulcers, sore eyes, dropsy, scald head, paralysis, erysipelas, scrofula, tetter, skin diseases, bilious, remittent and intermittent fevers. Pains in the back, shoulders, heart and chest, liver and kidney complaints, stomach ache, jaundice, gout and fits, dizziness, colds and coughs, croup, palpitations of the heart, lead colic, nausea, biliousness, dysentary, piles, etc. Pin, tape and other worms lurking in the system of so many thousands are effectually destroyed and removed. For female complaints, in young or old, married or single, at the dawn of womanhood or the turn of life, this tonic bitters has no equal. Aperient, diaphoretic and carminative, nutritious, laxative, diuretic, sedative, counter-irritant, sudorific, alterative, and anti-bilious.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1886
maker
R. H. McDonald Drug Company
ID Number
2008.0062.28
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.28

Grove's Pepsin Coffee

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The only headache remedy that does not weaken the heart. A perfect substitute for coffee as a beverage for those who are made nervous by the use of ordinary coffee.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The only headache remedy that does not weaken the heart. A perfect substitute for coffee as a beverage for those who are made nervous by the use of ordinary coffee. The aromatic oil and tannic acid, which disagrees with the stomach, has been eliminated. In other words, this concentrated extract contains all the good of coffee without the bad, combined with pepsin to predigest the coffee and at the same time to assist digestion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
2008.0062.12
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.12

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

Magic Cure for Chills and All Fevers

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Cures malarial fevers, headaches, dyspepsia, neuralgia, rheumatism, piles, costivenessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Cures malarial fevers, headaches, dyspepsia, neuralgia, rheumatism, piles, costiveness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1875-1883
maker
George Tallcot
ID Number
1989.0711.31
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.31

Humphreys Homeopathic Specific No. 9 for Headache

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1898-1902
maker
Humphreys' Specific Homeopathic Medicine Company
ID Number
1989.0711.80
catalog number
1989.0711.80
accession number
1989.0711

Sanborn's Compound Vegetable Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headache. Antibilious. Cathartic pills.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headache. Antibilious. Cathartic pills.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866 - 1890
ID Number
1984.0782.178
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.178

Alka Seltzer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Upset stomach, acid indigestion, heartburn, headache, neuralgia, sore, stiff, aching muscles. Colds -- for general discomforts, headache. Simple sore throat -- gargle.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Upset stomach, acid indigestion, heartburn, headache, neuralgia, sore, stiff, aching muscles. Colds -- for general discomforts, headache. Simple sore throat -- gargle. Too much to eat or drink -- especially effective taken before bed and again on rising.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Miles Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.014
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.014

Stark's Headache Powders

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For relief of simple headache and neuralgia pains and minor menstrual discomforts.Directions: Put powder on tongue, take with drink of water.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For relief of simple headache and neuralgia pains and minor menstrual discomforts.
Directions: Put powder on tongue, take with drink of water. Repeat in 3 or 4 hours if necessary.
Warning: Too frequent use may be injurious. Do not take more than 3 powders in 24 hours. Not for use by Children.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Starks and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.012
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.012

Jayne's Sanative Pills for Liver Complaints

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: liver complaints, jaundice, dyspepsia, fevers, nervousness, impurity of the blood, inflammation, costiveness, pains in the head, breast, side of the back and the limbsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: liver complaints, jaundice, dyspepsia, fevers, nervousness, impurity of the blood, inflammation, costiveness, pains in the head, breast, side of the back and the limbs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c.1898
maker
D. Jayne and Son
ID Number
1984.0782.102
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.102

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

W R Ponder's Wrang Tang Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The Great Headache and Pain Killer For Man and BeastCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The Great Headache and Pain Killer For Man and Beast
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Wrang Tang Liniment Co.
ID Number
1978.0883.130
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.130

K. & M. Effervescent Bromo Caffeine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This delightful effervescent salt is an almost certain remedy for the relief of the nervous headaches resulting from overtaxed mental energy or excitement, acute attacks of indigestion, the depression f
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This delightful effervescent salt is an almost certain remedy for the relief of the nervous headaches resulting from overtaxed mental energy or excitement, acute attacks of indigestion, the depression following alcoholic excesses, the supra-sensitiveness of chloral, morphia and opium habitues, and with ladies the headache and backache of neurasthenia, hysteria, dysmenorrhea, and kindred disorders. A great boon and prompt source of relief in almost all cases of headache and distress attending mental fatigue and physical exhaustion, it commends itself especially to Physicians, Teachers, Clergymen, Lawyers, Merchants, and others following professions or pursuits requiring nerve energy or subjecting to mental strain.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1920 before 1938
maker
Keasbey & Mattison Company
ID Number
1978.0883.011.I
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.011.I

Nu-Life Indian Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: is a relief for Rhuematism, Neuralgia, Chills, Fever, Ague, La Grippe, Catarrh, Asthma, Skin Eruptions, Pimples, Boils, Eczema, Scrofulous Humors, Scald Head, Syphilitic Humors, Erysipelas, Indigestion,
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: is a relief for Rhuematism, Neuralgia, Chills, Fever, Ague, La Grippe, Catarrh, Asthma, Skin Eruptions, Pimples, Boils, Eczema, Scrofulous Humors, Scald Head, Syphilitic Humors, Erysipelas, Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Bloating of the Stomach, Dizziness, Faintness, Nervous Headache, Female Weakness, Pains in the Back, Constipation, Biliousness and any Bowel or Kidney Trouble.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1921-1928
maker
Indian Medicine Laboratories
Tex Bailey Laboratories
ID Number
1978.0235.015
accession number
1978.0235
catalog number
1978.0235.15

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

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