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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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.

Topic: Blood & Liver Drugs

Corby's Liver Granules

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Headache, Dizziness, Billousness, Constipation, Torpid, Liver, Etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Headache, Dizziness, Billousness, Constipation, Torpid, Liver, Etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Irvin J. Corby Up-Town Drug Store
ID Number
1978.0883.049.B
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.049.B

Liv-O-Kids

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
LIV-O-KID Company
ID Number
1978.0883.047.D
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.047.D

Planters Nubian Tea

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Spencer Medicine Company
Planters Oldtime Remedies
ID Number
1978.0883.092.B
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.092.B

B B B Purgative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: B.B.B.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: B.B.B. purgative Pills are prepared expressly to effect this result and for keeping the bowels in a natural condition, thus cleansing the system of impurities and relieving Constipation, Jaundice, minor disorders of the stomach and many skin diseases.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1938
maker
Blood Balm Company
ID Number
1978.0883.071
accession number
1978.0883
catalog number
1978.0883.071

Dr. A.W. Chase K-L Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Sick headache, biliousness, indigestion, liver complaints, jaundice, constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Sick headache, biliousness, indigestion, liver complaints, jaundice, constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1906
maker
Dr. A.W. Chase Medicine Company
ID Number
1980.0678.30
accession number
1980.0678
catalog number
1980.0678.30

Thompson's Liver Bullets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Constipation, Biliousness, Headache, Sallow Skin, Torpid Liver, Dizziness and to Regulate the BowelsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Constipation, Biliousness, Headache, Sallow Skin, Torpid Liver, Dizziness and to Regulate the Bowels
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1904-1906
maker
Thompson Chemical Co.
ID Number
1980.0678.20
accession number
1980.0678
catalog number
1980.0678.20

Gold Medal Compound Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To aid in increasing haemoglobin of the blood by supplying iron in case of secondary anemiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To aid in increasing haemoglobin of the blood by supplying iron in case of secondary anemia
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1942
maker
Virginia Chemical Company
ID Number
1980.0698.065
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.065

Munyon's Paw-Paw Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For regulating the liver, purifying the blood and correcting constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For regulating the liver, purifying the blood and correcting constipation
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Munyon Homeopathic Home Remedies
ID Number
1980.0678.28
accession number
1980.0678
catalog number
1980.0678.28

Cockle's Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Antibilious PillsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Antibilious Pills
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1890
maker
E. Fougera and Company
ID Number
1980.0678.39
accession number
1980.0678
catalog number
1980.0678.39

Chase's Liver Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A cathartic medicine. A mild efficient cathartic stimulating to the liver and helping to restore the bowels to a healthy, normal condition.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A cathartic medicine. A mild efficient cathartic stimulating to the liver and helping to restore the bowels to a healthy, normal condition.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
United Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.146
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.146

Hemaboloids

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To increase the red blood cells and hemoglobin by furnishing a promptly absorbable and non-irritant form of food iron, and to act as a general reconstructive by virtue of its albuminoid element.Currentl
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To increase the red blood cells and hemoglobin by furnishing a promptly absorbable and non-irritant form of food iron, and to act as a general reconstructive by virtue of its albuminoid element.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1938
maker
Palisade Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1979.0798.011
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.011

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

Chase's Liver Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: One to three tablets at bedtime, as required, to keep the bowels regularCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: One to three tablets at bedtime, as required, to keep the bowels regular
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
United Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.144
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.144

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

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

Chase's Liver Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A cathartic medicine. A mild efficient cathartic stimulating to the liver and helping to restore the bowels to a healthy, normal condition.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A cathartic medicine. A mild efficient cathartic stimulating to the liver and helping to restore the bowels to a healthy, normal condition.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
United Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.145
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.145

Dr. Kilmer's Parilla Liver Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
Dr. Kilmer and Company
ID Number
1980.0678.17
accession number
1980.0678
catalog number
1980.0678.17

Brown Herb Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Blood tonic. Nerve tonic. Compounded from medicinal plants that influence the functions of the stomach, liver and kidneys.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Blood tonic. Nerve tonic. Compounded from medicinal plants that influence the functions of the stomach, liver and kidneys.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Brown Herb Company
ID Number
1979.0798.327
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.327

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

Wills' English Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For dizziness, headache, biliousness, sallow skin, toppid liver, pain in the side, constipation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For dizziness, headache, biliousness, sallow skin, toppid liver, pain in the side, constipation.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Wells, Richardson and Company
ID Number
1980.0698.055
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.055

Dr. M A Simmons' Vegetable Liver Medicine

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
C. F. Simmons Medicine Company
ID Number
1981.0170.045
accession number
1981.0170
catalog number
1981.0170.045

Gude's Pepto-Mangan

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To provide a direct supply of minerals; to help build hemoglobin in the blood and stimulate the appetite so that more iron is absorbed from foodCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To provide a direct supply of minerals; to help build hemoglobin in the blood and stimulate the appetite so that more iron is absorbed from food
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
M. J. Breitenbach Company
ID Number
1980.0698.087
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.087

Carter's Little Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves the following indications when due to constipation: headache, dizziness, biliousness, constipation, complexionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves the following indications when due to constipation: headache, dizziness, biliousness, constipation, complexion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Carter Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.338
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.338

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

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