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

Smith's Rosebud Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A valuable preparation for chapped lips, face and hands; minor burns and scalds; bites and stings of non-poisonous insects and all other conditions for which a soothing salve is useful.Currently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A valuable preparation for chapped lips, face and hands; minor burns and scalds; bites and stings of non-poisonous insects and all other conditions for which a soothing salve is useful.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1914
trademark registered (SRS - Smith's Rosebud Salve)
1908-03-10
trademark registered (R.P.CO. - Rosebud Perfume Company)
1914
maker
Rosebud Perfume Company
ID Number
1979.0798.163
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.163

Unguentine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An antiseptic, astringent, soothing and restorative ointment. A dressing for all surface lesions and acute or chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An antiseptic, astringent, soothing and restorative ointment. A dressing for all surface lesions and acute or chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Indicated in burns, scalds, cuts, bruises, ulcers, bed sores, suppurative tumors, inflammatory eczema, etc. A valuable substitute for flaxseed as a poultice. A healing ointment possessing a wide range of usefulness. It is strictly antiseptic. It relieves pain. It is astringent, but not irritating.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1979.0798.131
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.131

Dill's Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of minor burns or wounds, chapped or cracked skin, insect stings, small cuts or scratches.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of minor burns or wounds, chapped or cracked skin, insect stings, small cuts or scratches.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
maker
Dill Company
ID Number
1979.0798.154
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.154

666 Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For head or chest colds, headaches or neuralgia, irritation of throat or nasal passages due to colds. 666 Salve generally gives quick relief.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For head or chest colds, headaches or neuralgia, irritation of throat or nasal passages due to colds. 666 Salve generally gives quick relief. Fine dressing for minor burns, sunburns, sores, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930's
maker
Monticello Drug Company
ID Number
1979.0798.350
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.350

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

Licarbo

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For burns of all kinds, sunburn, foot infections, insect bites, rashes, old sores, eczema, skin eruptions, scalp diseases, poison ivy, prickly heat, cuts, bruises, sprains and practically all skin affectionsCu
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For burns of all kinds, sunburn, foot infections, insect bites, rashes, old sores, eczema, skin eruptions, scalp diseases, poison ivy, prickly heat, cuts, bruises, sprains and practically all skin affections
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1925
maker
S. B. Leonardi and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.078
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.078

Vaseline Camphor Ice

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For chapped and rough skin, hands, lipsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For chapped and rough skin, hands, lips
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Chesebrough Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1979.0798.305
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.305

Golden Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A reliable remedy for eczema, piles, burns, sores, chafing, chapped hands and lips, tetter and all eruptions and irritations of the skin.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A reliable remedy for eczema, piles, burns, sores, chafing, chapped hands and lips, tetter and all eruptions and irritations of the skin. An excellent remedy for bruises, cuts, corns and bunions, frost bites, scalds, fever blisters, itch, pimples, sore throat, dandruff, sunburn, nasal catarrh, nettle rash, hair falling, boils, ring worm, catarrh and toilet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Golden Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.156
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.156

Pilgrim Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:This is a certain and immediate remedy for fresh wounds, cuts, sprains, bruises, it allays pain, subdues inflammation, destroys the odor of foul sores and ulcers, it is perfectly safe to apply it to the
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
This is a certain and immediate remedy for fresh wounds, cuts, sprains, bruises, it allays pain, subdues inflammation, destroys the odor of foul sores and ulcers, it is perfectly safe to apply it to the severest wounds, chapped hands, bites of animals and insects, without giving the least pain, and can be used for man or beast.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
John R. Gable
ID Number
1979.0798.118
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.118

Criswell's National Corn Remover

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Removes corns, warts and callusesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Removes corns, warts and calluses
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Criswell's Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.352
catalog number
1979.0798.352
accession number
1979.0798

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

Gets-It for Corns

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For corns, calluses, warts, and bunions. Allays inflammation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For corns, calluses, warts, and bunions. Allays inflammation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
E. Lawrence and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.314
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.314

Palmers Antiseptic Skin Lotion

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:for minor Cuts, Burns, Acne, Mosquito and all Insect Bites; As first aid for small hurts use Palmer's Lotion as an aid to prevent infection and foster healingCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
for minor Cuts, Burns, Acne, Mosquito and all Insect Bites; As first aid for small hurts use Palmer's Lotion as an aid to prevent infection and foster healing
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Solon Palmer
ID Number
1981.0170.022
accession number
1981.0170
catalog number
1981.0170.022

Johnson's Carbolic Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A salve for sores, wounds, cuts, burns, ulcers and diseases of the skin.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A salve for sores, wounds, cuts, burns, ulcers and diseases of the skin.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Johnson's Pharmacy
ID Number
1979.0798.160
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.160

Bickmore XYZ Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An antiseptic dressing for the relief of sunburn, superficial burns and scalds, chafing, chapped skin, cracked hands, irritated skin due to shaving, scratches, minor cuts, non-poisonous insect bites, ir
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An antiseptic dressing for the relief of sunburn, superficial burns and scalds, chafing, chapped skin, cracked hands, irritated skin due to shaving, scratches, minor cuts, non-poisonous insect bites, irritated feet, itching rectal irritations and minor scalp irritations.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
maker
Bickmore Company
ID Number
1979.0798.321
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.321

Mentho-Nova Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:...chapped hands, sores,..., burns, catarrh, pills,..., sore throat,...Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
...chapped hands, sores,..., burns, catarrh, pills,..., sore throat,...
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mentho-Nova Co.
ID Number
1979.0798.157
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.157

Iodex Ointment

[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 1948
maker
Menley and James, Ltd.
ID Number
1979.0798.416
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.416

Good Samaritan Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be used as an external poultice.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be used as an external poultice. Good Samaritan ointment, an antiphlogistic and antiseptic preparation, is to be used as an aid in the treatment of the following affections: surface burns and scalds, sunburn, windburn, chapped hands, dry or cracked skin, relief of corn pains, and other skin irritations. Acts beneficially when used as a poultice for strains and minor muscular aches, caused by fatigue or exertion, and tender, tired, or burning feet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1929
maker
Good Samaritan Ointment Company
ID Number
1979.0798.176
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.176

Reliable Brand Tr. Arnica U.S.P.

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Use locally to parts affected.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Use locally to parts affected.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
McCormick and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.006
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.06

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

Vaseline Camphor Ice

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For chapped and rough skin, hands, lips.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For chapped and rough skin, hands, lips.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1918
maker
Chesebrough Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1979.0798.219
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.219

White Cloverine Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This salve is highly recommended as an emollient soothing application for minor skin irritations including chapped hands, face and lips; dryness and coarsening of the skin due to exposure to sun, wind,
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This salve is highly recommended as an emollient soothing application for minor skin irritations including chapped hands, face and lips; dryness and coarsening of the skin due to exposure to sun, wind, and dust; small superficial burns and scalds; minor sunburns and windburn; chafing and irritation caused by shaving or use of harsh soaps, as in washing dishes or laundry.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Wilson Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.151
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.151

B.B.B. Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For treatment of eczema, pimples, ringworm, tetter, posion ivy, itch and similar skin afflictionsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For treatment of eczema, pimples, ringworm, tetter, posion ivy, itch and similar skin afflictions
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1920
retailer
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
Blood Balm Company
ID Number
1980.0698.019
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.019

Rose-Vel

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Sores, burns, chappedCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Sores, burns, chapped
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1979.0798.420
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.420

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