History

Origin of Patent Medicines

A Photograph of Hooper's Female Pills
Hooper's Female Pills
Patent medicines are named after the “letters patent” granted by the English crown. The first “letters patent” given to an inventor of a secret remedy was issued during the late 17th century. The patent granted the medicine maker a monopoly over his particular formula. The term “patent medicine” came to describe all pre-packaged medicines sold “over-the-counter” without a doctor’s prescription. In the United States very few preparations were ever actually patented.

Many of the earliest English patent medicines, such as Turlington’s Balsam of Life, Bateman’s Pectoral Drops, and Hooper’s Female Pills, were very successful within the American colonies. Some of these medicines survived well into the 20th century, such as Dicey’s Dr. Bateman’s Drops, whose original patent was granted by King George I in1726.

Rise of American Patent Medicines

Balm of America

Balm of America

It did not take long for Americans to cultivate their own patent medicines. The numbers and types of medications grew steadily in the decades leading up to the Civil War. The patent medicine trade was very lucrative, encouraging many enterprising individuals to launch their own brands. Balm of America was a typical American patent medicine, produced by Boston pharmacist Thomas Hollis in the 19th century.

Civil War Taxation

Left: Alden's bottle; Right: Warner's box
Left: Alden's bottle; Right: Warner's box
During the Civil War the United States taxed patent medicines along with matches, playing cards, perfumes and other proprietary articles to fund the war effort and repay military debt. From 1862 to 1883, the United States required tax stamps such as the one on a bottle of Z.C. Alden’s Catarrh Cure to be placed on all packaged medications.

The government returned to patent medicine taxation during the Spanish American War (1898-1902), using a distinctive “battleship” stamp, as seen on the box of Warner’s Safe Asthma Cure.

Golden Age of Patent Medicines

The second half of the 19th century is considered to be the golden age of American patent medicines. Rapid increases in industry and manufacturing, urban living, advertising in national newspapers and magazines, and the absence of drug regulation all contributed to a boom in the production and consumption of patent medicines. Many people turned to patent medicines out of fear and distrust of contemporary medical practices. This was the period of “heroic medicine,” in which extreme techniques such as bloodletting and the use of harsh purgatives and emetics were often employed by physicians. Working before the advent of germ theory at the end of the 19th century, regular physicians had few therapies that could compete with the patent medicine industry’s promise of easy health in a bottle.

Patent Medicine Advertising

Blair's pills
Blair's pills
Patent medicines were aggressively marketed. Manufacturers developed distinctive trademarks and packaging for their products and created memorable advertising campaigns. Unique and sometimes charming, many trademarks became instantly recognizable, such as this gouty fellow found on packages of Blair’s Pills.

Patent medicine makers were pioneers in the use of such advertising techniques as solicitation through the mail, the provision of free samples and promotional trinkets, national newspaper campaigns, outdoor signage, and testimonials. Popular patent medicine almanacs (free publications of 30 to 40 pages containing weather forecasts, horoscopes, and household and health advice) offered abundant advertising for the sponsoring companies’ products.

Giveaways, such as a matchbook style needle and thread case from the Lydia Pinkham Company, were also used to boost sales.

Unregulated Industry

Dr. Flint’s Quaker Bitters
Dr. Flint’s
Quaker Bitters
Before the beginning of federal drug regulation in 1906, patent medicine manufacturers made any therapeutic claims for their products that they wished. In addition, patent medicines often contained dangerous levels of alcohol, opium, and other narcotics, potentially addictive and deadly ingredients that were not revealed to the consumer. Unscrupulous manufacturers greatly exaggerated the curative powers of their remedies, selling them as “panaceas” or “cure-alls.” The aptly named Swaim’s Panacea purportedly cured all “blood diseases” including scrofula, chronic rheumatism, ulcers, old sores, boils and carbuncles, diseases of the spine, catarrh, and wasting. A long and extravagant listing of conditions for which a medicine claimed to be beneficial, such as this list found on a box of Dr. Flint’s Quaker Bitters, was a hallmark of patent medicine packaging.

Beginning of Drug Regulation

Top: Chamberlain's Colic and Diarrhea Remedy ; Bottom: May's Health Pearls

Top: Chamberlain's Colic and Diarrhea Remedy;

Bottom: May's Health Pearl

Citizens groups, legislators, and journalists criticized the medicine industry for these practices. In 1905 and 1906 Collier’s magazine ran a series of influential articles by Samuel Hopkins Adams entitled “The Great American Fraud,” which exposed many of the deceitful and unsafe methods practiced by patent medicine manufacturers.

Such exposes helped to promote the first federal Food and Drug Act, signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 30, 1906. The act was amended in 1912, and an even stronger Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act passed in 1938. These laws required drug labeling to include a list of ingredients and prohibited manufacturers from making false and misleading claims.

From 1906 to 1918 manufacturers could label their products with a “guaranty” that their medicine complied with the new food and drug law. The 1906 law required manufacturers to label their products if any of the following ingredients were present: alcohol, morphine, opium, cocaine, heroin, eucaine, chloroform, cannabis indica, chloral hydrate, or acetanilide. A complete listing of all ingredients was not required until 1938.

Federal food and drug regulation continues to evolve. Amendments to the laws in 1951 established clear distinctions between prescription and over-the-counter drugs. More recently, new regulations have introduced the category of “dietary supplements,” whose health claims must be labeled as “not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.” Also, a “Drug Facts” label has been required on all over-the-counter medicines since 2002.

Patent Medicines Today

Despite dramatic changes in medical knowledge and federal regulation in the past 100 years, self-medication continues to be a popular form of treatment for many Americans. Although no longer referred to as “patent medicines,” over-the-counter products today offer an enormous array of choices without requiring the consultation of a physician. Manufacturers of these remedies continue to rely on extensive advertising to reach the consumer directly, employing many of the methods pioneered by patent medicine marketers over 100 years ago.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
D. Ransom, Son & Co.
ID Number
2002.0138.013
accession number
2002.0138
catalog number
2002.0138.013
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Foster-Milburn Company
ID Number
ZZ.RSN81508V07
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
2008.0018.288
catalog number
2008.0018.288
accession number
2008.0018
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
ZZ.RSN83048756
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxative, catharticCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: laxative, cathartic
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
2008.0018.043
catalog number
2008.0018.043
accession number
2008.0018
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
2005.0100.109
accession number
2005.0100
catalog number
2005.0100.109
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: anti-bilious granulesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: anti-bilious granules
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906 - 1938
1906-1938
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
2008.0018.042
catalog number
2008.0018.042
accession number
2008.0018
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Peterson Ointment Company
ID Number
1985.0475.505
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.505
No information about indications or use are provided on the packaging.The Howard Brothers of Buffalo, New York produced this bottle of Dr. Pettit’s American Eye Water around 1900. In 1842 Dr.
Description
No information about indications or use are provided on the packaging.
The Howard Brothers of Buffalo, New York produced this bottle of Dr. Pettit’s American Eye Water around 1900. In 1842 Dr. James Pettit formulated the eye salve in Fredonia, New York, selling the business to Edward and Clarence Howard in 1876. The Howard Brothers moved the company to Buffalo, New York in 1888. Dr. Pettit’s American Eye Water was used to sooth irritated eyes.
date made
ca 1900
maker
Howard Brothers
ID Number
2008.0062.23
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.23
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A mild diuretic to the kidneys.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A mild diuretic to the kidneys.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
maker
Foster-Milburn Company
ID Number
2008.0018.026
catalog number
2008.0018.026
accession number
2008.0018
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Peterson Ointment Company
ID Number
1985.0464.02
accession number
1985.0464
catalog number
1985.0464.02
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For use in superficial congestion.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For use in superficial congestion. Aids if relief of muscular aches, pains and strains due to fatigue or over exertion; minor burns/ minor skin irritations of external origin; minor injuries.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1945
maker
D. Ransom, Son & Co.
ID Number
2008.0018.096
catalog number
2008.0018.096
accession number
2008.0018
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.3006.157
nonaccession number
2008.3006
catalog number
2008.3006.157
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1916
after 1916
maker
Drefs, Charles A.
ID Number
2008.0018.051
accession number
2008.0018
catalog number
2008.0018.051
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Stomach, Liver, and BowelsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Stomach, Liver, and Bowels
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Black Diamond Remedy Company
ID Number
1985.0460.012
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.012
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:One of these lotion tablets crushed and dissolved in a pint of hot water makes a cleansing lotion or washCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
One of these lotion tablets crushed and dissolved in a pint of hot water makes a cleansing lotion or wash
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
1984.0351.043
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.043
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep. "X-L" Concentrate - to relieve the discomfort of athlete's foot, and itching toes.
date made
1941-1945
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Radio Drugs
ID Number
1985.0460.110
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.110
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900 - 1930
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
1984.0782.150
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.150
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: anti-biliousnessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: anti-biliousness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
ID Number
1984.0782.152
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.152
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: indicated in all affections due to the Uric Acid Diathesis - Gout or Rheumatism in all their forms, Stones in the Bladder, Kidneys, or Liver; Bright's Disease and Kidney Diseases of every form; Albuminu
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: indicated in all affections due to the Uric Acid Diathesis - Gout or Rheumatism in all their forms, Stones in the Bladder, Kidneys, or Liver; Bright's Disease and Kidney Diseases of every form; Albuminuria of Pregnancy or Scarlet Fever; Uraemia and its accompanying troubles; Menstrual Irregularities; Acid Dyspepsia; Nervous Disorder in all its forms; Maleral Fever; and in the preparations of Artifical Food for Infants.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Buffalo Lithia Spring Water Co.
ID Number
MG.M-09458 [dup1]
catalog number
M-09458
serial number
15055
accession number
228689
Dyspepsia and stomach troubles.Currently not on view
Description
Dyspepsia and stomach troubles.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Foster-Milburn Company
ID Number
MG.274347.267
catalog number
274347.267
accession number
274347
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A soothing and healing application to relieve itching piles, irritation, itching skin, and to allay the itching of eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A soothing and healing application to relieve itching piles, irritation, itching skin, and to allay the itching of eczema
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1925
ID Number
MG.293320.1316
catalog number
293320.1316
accession number
293320
[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 1910
ca 1920
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
MG.M-10413.27
catalog number
M-10413.27
accession number
246707
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cures eczema, bleeding and itching piles, and old sores, burns, sore nipples, salt rheum, tired and tender feet, corns, catarrh, chafingCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cures eczema, bleeding and itching piles, and old sores, burns, sore nipples, salt rheum, tired and tender feet, corns, catarrh, chafing
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
maker
Peterson Brothers
ID Number
MG.293320.1336
catalog number
293320.1336
accession number
293320

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