Balm of America: Patent Medicine Collection

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.

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:PainCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Pain
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950-1960
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Abbott Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.105
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.105
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Aids in relieving distress and discomforts of colds by its fourfold action -- as an analgesic, as an antipyretic, as an expectorant, and as a laxative.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Aids in relieving distress and discomforts of colds by its fourfold action -- as an analgesic, as an antipyretic, as an expectorant, and as a laxative. For relief of coughs, simple headaches and neuralgia, muscular aches, pains, and reducing fever due to colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1947
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Monticello Drug Company
ID Number
1985.0460.097
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.097
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For simple headaches, common colds, simple neuralgia, and muscular painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For simple headaches, common colds, simple neuralgia, and muscular pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1935
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.095
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.095
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headaches, neuralgias, rheumatic and sciatic pains, colds, La Grippe, women's pains, etc; analgesic, antipyretic and anodyneCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headaches, neuralgias, rheumatic and sciatic pains, colds, La Grippe, women's pains, etc; analgesic, antipyretic and anodyne
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1919
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Antikamnia Remedy Company
ID Number
1984.0351.108
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.108
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For temporary relief of pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, neuralgiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For temporary relief of pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, neuralgia
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Berjon Company
ID Number
1985.0475.325
catalog number
1985.0475.325
accession number
1985.0475
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For headache, seasickness, heartburn, flatulence, disordered stomach, sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For headache, seasickness, heartburn, flatulence, disordered stomach, sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Enterprise Pharmacy
ID Number
1984.0782.067
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.067
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An excellent massage for muscular soreness caused by violent exercise or fatigue, simple neuralgia, sprains and strains, bites and stings of insectsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An excellent massage for muscular soreness caused by violent exercise or fatigue, simple neuralgia, sprains and strains, bites and stings of insects
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Chamberlain Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.022
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.022
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desiredCurrently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desired
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1918
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Pierson, Stanley K.
ID Number
1985.0460.221
catalog number
1985.0460.221
accession number
1985.0460
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Among its more prominent indications are headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tebetic crises, colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Among its more prominent indications are headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tebetic crises, colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.088
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.088
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Temporary Relief of Minor Pain Associated with Arthritis, Rheumatism, NeuralgiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Temporary Relief of Minor Pain Associated with Arthritis, Rheumatism, Neuralgia
Location
Currently not on view
distributor
Berjon Company
ID Number
1985.0475.372
catalog number
1985.0475.372
accession number
1985.0475
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To relieve the discomfort due to minor rectal irritationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To relieve the discomfort due to minor rectal irritation
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pyramid Drug Company
ID Number
1985.0481.100
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.100
accession number
1985.0481
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For relief of discomforts from colds, hay fever, headaches, dental work, menstrual painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For relief of discomforts from colds, hay fever, headaches, dental work, menstrual pains
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Miles Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0481.117
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.117
accession number
1985.0481
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This product is offered for the temporary relief of itching and burning pilesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: This product is offered for the temporary relief of itching and burning piles
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
After 1944
maker
Angel P. Brown
ID Number
1985.0481.128
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.128
accession number
1985.0481
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common colds, headache due to colds, and simple neuralgia. Gently move the bowels.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common colds, headache due to colds, and simple neuralgia. Gently move the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930 - 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.093
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.093
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.005
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.005
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Soothes, alleviates and heals the irritations caused by poison oak and poison ivyCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Soothes, alleviates and heals the irritations caused by poison oak and poison ivy
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
After March 1932
maker
Globe Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0481.025
catalog number
1985.0481.025
accession number
1985.0481
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relieves symptoms of the premenstrual syndrom such as nervous irritability, sleeplessness, bloated full feeling due to water weight gain, bodyaches, and painful cramps.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relieves symptoms of the premenstrual syndrom such as nervous irritability, sleeplessness, bloated full feeling due to water weight gain, bodyaches, and painful cramps. ...for relief of cramps, abdominal pain, low back pain and simple headaches.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1978-1984
product expiration date
1984-07
maker
Chattem Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0475.386
catalog number
1985.0475.386
accession number
1985.0475
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic and nerve sedative for women. For disordered menstruation, ovarian neuralgia, and bearing down pain.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic and nerve sedative for women. For disordered menstruation, ovarian neuralgia, and bearing down pain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1927
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Nyal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.076
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.076
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the temporary relief of sinus congestion, headache related to sinus congestion, and discomfort associated with colds, hay fever and similar conditions.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the temporary relief of sinus congestion, headache related to sinus congestion, and discomfort associated with colds, hay fever and similar conditions.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1978-1980
maker
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0475.396
catalog number
1985.475.396
accession number
1985.0475
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For soothing counterirritant relief in muscular aches, pains, stiffness of neck, shoulders, back, sides and limbs when due to overexertion or exposure.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For soothing counterirritant relief in muscular aches, pains, stiffness of neck, shoulders, back, sides and limbs when due to overexertion or exposure. Eases the pain of minor strains and sprains, minor frost bites, mild sunburn and non-venomous insect bites and stings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941-1946
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Hamlin's Wizard Oil Company
ID Number
1985.0460.051
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.051
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, la grippe, nervous headache, gout, sciatica, or wherever the salicylates are indicatedCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, la grippe, nervous headache, gout, sciatica, or wherever the salicylates are indicated
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Mellier Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.49
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Cures wind colic, cramps, dysentery, canker sore mouth, and banishes painCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Cures wind colic, cramps, dysentery, canker sore mouth, and banishes pain
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1906
maker
Beggs Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.73
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common colds, headaches due to constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common colds, headaches due to constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
W. H. Hill Company
Larned Corporation
ID Number
MG.293320.1309
catalog number
293320.1309
accession number
293320
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A stomach tonic. For nervousness, catarrh of the head and stomach, scrofulous humor, canker, pimples and humors on the face, summer complaints, female weaknesses. Restores the appetite, purifies the blood.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A stomach tonic. For nervousness, catarrh of the head and stomach, scrofulous humor, canker, pimples and humors on the face, summer complaints, female weaknesses. Restores the appetite, purifies the blood. For dyspepsia, constipation, sick headache, dizziness, low spirits caused by disordered stomach, rheumatism, neuralgia, kidney and liver complaints, bilious attacks, piles, malaria, torpidity of the system, languor, general debility, fever and ague.
date made
1885-1908
maker
Quaker Bitters Company
ID Number
MG.M-12151.01
catalog number
M-12151.01
accession number
271464

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