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: Laxatives

Hollis' Jaundice Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:These bitters have been employed with uncommon advantage in jaundice, weakness of the stomach, and general debility.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
These bitters have been employed with uncommon advantage in jaundice, weakness of the stomach, and general debility. The effects are peculiarly invigorating on the stomach and bowels, and are beneficial in removing costiveness produced by weakness of the intestines; they strengthen the digestive organs, create an appetite and communicate vigor to the stomach, without producing head-ache, oppression, etc., which so many bitters usually bring on; they are gratefully aromatic, and mildly cathartic, and are particularly serviceable in removing urinal obstructions.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1862-1871
maker
Thomas Hollis
ID Number
MG.M-10757.001
catalog number
M-10757.001
accession number
256193

Dr Herrick's Sugar Coated Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
L.W. Warner & Co., Inc.
ID Number
MG.M-10239.04
catalog number
M-10239.04
accession number
241520

Dr. W. B. Caldwell's Syrup Pepsin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation and conditions resulting from it.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For constipation and conditions resulting from it. Owing to its mild action and pleasant taste the ideal laxative for children, women and old folks, and all those who cannot stand a harsh purgative.
A pleasant laxative compound composed of drugs known to be beneficial when an evacuant is indicated, acting gently on the bowels as a flushing agent to relieve conditions due to constipation. Disturbances arising from sluggish bowels may be helped by its use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Pepsin Syrup Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup38]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Brooks' Baby Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A soothing quiet remedy to regulate the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For teething troubles, summer complaint, diarrhea and constipation.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A soothing quiet remedy to regulate the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For teething troubles, summer complaint, diarrhea and constipation. A laxative, sedative, digestive, neutralizing, aromatic, and antiseptic. Equally effectual for diarrheas and bowel troubles in adults.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
William Brooks Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10414.05
catalog number
M-10414
accession number
246707

Oxonolo

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For temporary relief of occassional constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For temporary relief of occassional constipation
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Parkside Products Company
ID Number
MG.313462.010
catalog number
313462.010
accession number
313462

Dr. Burkhart's Vegetable Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In chronic cases of Constipation, Torpid Live, Stomach trouble, the patient should take two tablets the first night and one thereafterCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In chronic cases of Constipation, Torpid Live, Stomach trouble, the patient should take two tablets the first night and one thereafter
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burkhart, Dr. W. S.
ID Number
MG.313462.023
catalog number
313462.023
accession number
313462

Simmons Liver Purifier A Regulator

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation, fever, ague, biliousness, jaundies (sic), colic, and all diseases that arise from a torpid liverCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation, fever, ague, biliousness, jaundies (sic), colic, and all diseases that arise from a torpid liver
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Before 1906
maker
A. C. Simmons, Jr. Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.274347.266.C
catalog number
274347.266.C
M-12140
accession number
274347

Stuart's Calcium Wafer Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.293320.1276
catalog number
293320.1276
accession number
293320

Dr Sanford's Liver Invigorator

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves Bilousness; Torpid or inactive Liver; Constipation; Headache; Sallowness; assists digestion; useful in clearing complexion.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves Bilousness; Torpid or inactive Liver; Constipation; Headache; Sallowness; assists digestion; useful in clearing complexion.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1915
date made
after 1917
maker
Sanford Sales Corporation
ID Number
MG.M-10426.70
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Carter's Little Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache, torpid liver, constipation and the complexionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache, torpid liver, constipation and the complexion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1880
maker
Carter Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1195
catalog number
293320.1195
accession number
293320

Gilbert's Bran-O-Lax Laxative Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For constipation, indigestion, stomach troubles, intestinal troubles, gassy and fullness of stomachCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For constipation, indigestion, stomach troubles, intestinal troubles, gassy and fullness of stomach
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1925
maker
Gilbert Bran-O-Lax Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.48
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Dr. Carter's K & B Tea

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: an agreeable laxative. Aids in the relief of headaches, upset stomachs, and similiar disorders when caused by or associated with temporary contstipation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: an agreeable laxative. Aids in the relief of headaches, upset stomachs, and similiar disorders when caused by or associated with temporary contstipation.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
MG.254865.17
accession number
254865
catalog number
254865.17

Kunkel's Laxative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of torpid Liver and constitpationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the relief of torpid Liver and constitpation
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Kunkel Bros.
ID Number
MG.313462.070
catalog number
313462.070
accession number
313462

Dr. Harris H. Luntz's Flaxolyn Formula

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:An unusual palatable formula with tonic-laxative and diuretic propertiesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
An unusual palatable formula with tonic-laxative and diuretic properties
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
ca 1938
maker
Herbal Flaxolyn Corporation
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup10]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Laxa-Wafers Laxative Cathartic Liver Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For constipation, sick headache, biliousness, indigestion, sour, gassy stomach, bad breath, sallow complexion, malaria, colds or grippe, bad blood or skin eruptions, or any other trouble where a reliable laxati
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For constipation, sick headache, biliousness, indigestion, sour, gassy stomach, bad breath, sallow complexion, malaria, colds or grippe, bad blood or skin eruptions, or any other trouble where a reliable laxative and liver remedy is required
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
American Croxone Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.22
catalog number
M-10413.22
accession number
246707

Ex-Lax The Chocolated Laxative

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1938
ID Number
MG.293320.1295
catalog number
293320.1295
accession number
293320

Atwood's Physical Jannaice Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Biliousness due to constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Biliousness due to constipation
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1931-1939
maker
Wyeth Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1171
catalog number
293320.1171
accession number
293320

Goff's Laxative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Indigestion, heartburn, coated tongue, loss of appetite, sour stomach, gas belching, flatulence, bad taste, headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Indigestion, heartburn, coated tongue, loss of appetite, sour stomach, gas belching, flatulence, bad taste, headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
S. B. Goff and Sons Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1305
catalog number
293320.1305
accession number
293320

Dr Hobbs Little Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: liver, stomach, bowels, dispelling headaches, fevers and colds, cleansing system thoroughly; cure habitual constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: liver, stomach, bowels, dispelling headaches, fevers and colds, cleansing system thoroughly; cure habitual constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1896
maker
Hobbs Remedy Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.17
catalog number
M-10413.17
accession number
246707

Zinsep Compound Stomach and Ulcer Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stomach and ulcer remedy; Gas eliminant; Gentle Laxative; Intestinal disorders; Relief of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, sour stomach, gas in stomach and intestinesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stomach and ulcer remedy; Gas eliminant; Gentle Laxative; Intestinal disorders; Relief of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, sour stomach, gas in stomach and intestines
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Union Pharmacal Company
ID Number
MG.274347.191
catalog number
274347.191
accession number
274347

Dr Herrick's Sugar Coated Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
L.W. Warner & Co., Inc.
ID Number
MG.M-10239.03
catalog number
M-10239.03
accession number
241520

4-Eez

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A laxative for constipation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A laxative for constipation.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Foursome Laboratories, Inc
ID Number
MG.313462.080
catalog number
313462.080
accession number
313462

Lydia E. Pinkham's Pills for Constipation

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to relieve constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to relieve constipation
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920s
ID Number
MG.313462.081
accession number
313462
catalog number
313462.081

Dr Pierce's Pleasant Purgative Pellets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxative and purgativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxative and purgative
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
MG.313462.056
catalog number
313462.056
accession number
313462

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