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.

Place: Chicago

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

DeWitt's Golden Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A liquid counter-irritant.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A liquid counter-irritant. A practical preparation for minor sprains and bruises, superficial cuts, non-venomous insect stings, minor burns and muscular soreness of the limbs, side or back due to exertion or exposure. For Man or Beast. It is a practical preparation that can be used wherever a liniment is to be used. Stockmen will find it of value for use on strained muscles, swelling and superficial bruises of animals. Use it on non-venomous insect bites or stings.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1950
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.053
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.053

DeWitt's Worm Candy

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For eradicating round wormsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For eradicating round worms
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.516
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.516

Dewitt's Compound Iron Tonic Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To increase the reserve stock of iron and to improve nutrition. They are also a stomachic tonic and by their stimulating action improve the appetite and digestion in nervous dyspepsia.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To increase the reserve stock of iron and to improve nutrition. They are also a stomachic tonic and by their stimulating action improve the appetite and digestion in nervous dyspepsia.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1935
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.052
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.052

Mosso's Oil of Salt

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Valuable in the treatment of bruises, sunburn, poison ivy, burns and scalds, tender feet, insect bitesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Valuable in the treatment of bruises, sunburn, poison ivy, burns and scalds, tender feet, insect bites
Location
Currently not on view
maker
C. A. Mosso Laboratories
ID Number
1981.0170.054
accession number
1981.0170
catalog number
1981.0170.054

Lash's Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The Original Tonic Laxative Bitters.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The Original Tonic Laxative Bitters. Known and used for over 40 years in constipation, biliousness, indigestion, headaches, and loss of appetite, arising from imperfect digestion or inactive liver or bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
about 1933
maker
Lash's Products Company
ID Number
1979.0798.015
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.015

V-O Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For constipation, liver and stomach disorders, biliousness, headache, bad breath, dizzinessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: For constipation, liver and stomach disorders, biliousness, headache, bad breath, dizziness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1918
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
Theo. Noel Company
ID Number
1980.0698.035
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.035

DeWitt's Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A diuretic stimulant for the kidneys to promote the flow of urine, combined with analgesic (pain relieving) action.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A diuretic stimulant for the kidneys to promote the flow of urine, combined with analgesic (pain relieving) action. Aids in alleviating muscular aches and pains, restlessness, dizziness, backache, headache, getting up at nights, loss of energy if caused by sluggish kidneys.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.527
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.527

DeWitt's Creosant Expectorant

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stimulating expectorant for coughs due to colds and soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations caused by colds.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stimulating expectorant for coughs due to colds and soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations caused by colds.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.081
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.081

Dewitt's Little Early Risers

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: A laxative and catharticCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: A laxative and cathartic
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1915
ca 1920
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.037
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.037

Kodol Tablets for Acid Stomach

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For acid stomach. A neutralizing agent and corrective for hyperacidity of the stomach.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For acid stomach. A neutralizing agent and corrective for hyperacidity of the stomach. Anti-acid (hyperacidity), sour stomach, acid eruptions, flatulence, gastric distress, due to excess gas.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.303.1
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.303.1

Foley Cathartic Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A wholesome and cleansing cathartic, active and useful for constipation and its ill effects, for sluggish liver and bowels, biliousness, and sick headache due to constipation.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A wholesome and cleansing cathartic, active and useful for constipation and its ill effects, for sluggish liver and bowels, biliousness, and sick headache due to constipation. They are excellent in cases of habitual constipation, as they have a laxative influence upon the entire intestinal tract.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.343
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.343

Kodol

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For dyspepsia and indigestion.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For dyspepsia and indigestion. A scientific preparation containing pancreatine, pepsin and other well known ingredients skillfully combined for indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, sour-stomach, nausea, sick headache, gastralgia.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.087
catalog number
1979.0798.087
accession number
1979.0798

Dr. Strong's Life Force Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dr.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dr. Strong's life force pills with positively cure biliousness and bilious headache, constipation, sick and nervous headache, torpid liver, nausea, jaundice, general debility, indigestion, malaria, fever and ague, sluggish bowels, dizziness, cramps, loss of appetite, sour stomach, sallow skin, and are an invaluable aid in curing piles, colds and 'grip.'
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Chicago Vaporizer Co.
ID Number
1979.0798.103
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.103

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

DeWitt's Cocomint Laxatives

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: DeWitt's Cocomint Laxatives will prove a very pleasant and efficient laxative when used for occasional constipation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: DeWitt's Cocomint Laxatives will prove a very pleasant and efficient laxative when used for occasional constipation.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.315
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.315

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

DeWitt's D. & C. Expectorant

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, and soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations caused by colds.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, and soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations caused by colds.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.080
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.080

Dr. Strong's Life Force Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dr.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dr. Strong's Life Force Pills will positively cure biliousness and bilious headache, constipation, sick and nervous headache, torpid liver, nausea, jaundice, general debility, indigestion, malaria, fever and ague, sluggish bowels, dizziness, cramps, loss of appetite, sour stomach, sallow skin, and are an invaluable aid in curing piles, colds, and "grip."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1905
maker
Chicago Vaporizer Company
ID Number
1979.0798.104
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.104

DeWitt's ManZan for Rectal Irritations

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For rectal irritations. Alleviates itching.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For rectal irritations. Alleviates itching.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1905
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.421
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.421

DeBell's Kidney Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For kidney complaints and bladder trouble where a diuretic is needed. These pills flush the kidneys somewhat as a laxative does the stomach and bowels.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For kidney complaints and bladder trouble where a diuretic is needed. These pills flush the kidneys somewhat as a laxative does the stomach and bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
C. W. Beggs Sons and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.530
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.530

Forni's Alpen Krauter Laxative

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This medicine is designed for relief from constipation and the following symptoms: upset stomach, indigestion, coated tongue, flatulence, loss of appetite, headache, nervousness, restlessness, and loss
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This medicine is designed for relief from constipation and the following symptoms: upset stomach, indigestion, coated tongue, flatulence, loss of appetite, headache, nervousness, restlessness, and loss of sleep when these troubles are due to constipation. The carminative-stomachic action creates a feeling of warmth and comfort in the stomach. Alpen Krauter helps to expel gas from the stomach and intestines and eliminate waste products by way of the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1922
trademark registration date (Forni's Alpen Krauter)
1922-09-05
maker
Dr. Peter Fahrney and Sons Company
ID Number
1979.0798.102
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.102

DeWitt's Carbolized Witch Hazel Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For superficial cuts, minor burns, bruises, contusions, and minor scalds. Also non-venomous insect irritations.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For superficial cuts, minor burns, bruises, contusions, and minor scalds. Also non-venomous insect irritations.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.069
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.069

Dr. Peter's Lozogo

Embossed clear glass bottle with green metal screw cap and a white paper label with green print. "A time-proven family medicine compounded of foreign and domestic herbs and botanicals." 18 fluid ounces. Bottle is 3/4 full of dark brown liquid.
Description
Embossed clear glass bottle with green metal screw cap and a white paper label with green print. "A time-proven family medicine compounded of foreign and domestic herbs and botanicals." 18 fluid ounces. Bottle is 3/4 full of dark brown liquid. Price $1.50.
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Laxative. Stomachic. Carminative. For relief from functional constipation, and, when these troubles are due to constipation, for relief from nervousness, indigestion, upset stomach, headaches, loss of sleep and appetite, flatulence, foul breath and coated tongue. It creates a feeling of warmth in the stomach. It helps expel gas from the stomach and intestines...[label cut off]
In 1892, the manufacturer Peter Fahrney patented a special design for a bottle or flask.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1922
trademark registration date (Dr. Peter's Lozogo)
1922-08-01
maker
Dr. Peter Fahrney and Sons Company
ID Number
1979.0798.023
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.023

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