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.

Search term: *:* Set Name: Balm of America Museum / Unit: NMAH Museum / Unit: NMAH-AF Museum / Unit: NMAHLC YT Museum / Unit: NMAH BL Museum / Unit: NMAH YT Museum / Unit: ACAH Topic: Reid Pharmacy, Clifton, Illinois Clear All

Murine for Your Eyes

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cleanses, soothes, and refreshes the eyes. Cleans eyes of dust, smoke, dirt, and other irritants.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cleanses, soothes, and refreshes the eyes. Cleans eyes of dust, smoke, dirt, and other irritants.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1951
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Murine Company, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0351.031
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.031

Varlex Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A treatment for the liquor and tobacco habit.Directions: A teaspoonful should be given 3 times a day at meal time until the patient quits drinking or the use of tobacco in every form.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A treatment for the liquor and tobacco habit.
Directions: A teaspoonful should be given 3 times a day at meal time until the patient quits drinking or the use of tobacco in every form. 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoonful at a dose if under 18 years.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Varlex Mfg. Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.128
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.128

Anasarcin Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Gives relief in dropsical effusions whether caused by heart, liver or kidney diseaseCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Gives relief in dropsical effusions whether caused by heart, liver or kidney disease
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1903
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Anasarcin Chemical Company
ID Number
1984.0351.024
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.024

Abbott's Aspirin

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

McKesson's Aspirin

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

Antikamnia Tablets

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

Dr. Miles Little Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A mild effective laxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A mild effective laxative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Miles Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.091
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.091

Hamburg Drops (Hamburger Tropfen)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Blood purifier, strength and health restorer, and a specific for all stomach, liver and kidney troublesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Blood purifier, strength and health restorer, and a specific for all stomach, liver and kidney troubles
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
St. Jacobs Oil Company
ID Number
1984.0351.017
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.017

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
1895-1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.085
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.085

Foley Family Pills for Constipation (Box of 12 Packages)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For constipation, biliousness and headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For constipation, biliousness and headache
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.076
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.076

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.086
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.086

Concentrated "Barkola" Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A diuretic and tonic indicated in rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and prostate gland affections.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A diuretic and tonic indicated in rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and prostate gland affections.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Old Fort Chemical Company
ID Number
1984.0351.081
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.081

Sal Ethyl Compound

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

A-C Troches

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For simple coughs due to throat irritation caused by colds, excessive use of the voice, or smoking. Also to prevent gagging before the introduction of tongue depressors or dentures.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For simple coughs due to throat irritation caused by colds, excessive use of the voice, or smoking. Also to prevent gagging before the introduction of tongue depressors or dentures.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1941
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Abbott Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.044
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.044

DeWitt's Laxative Cold Tablets

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

Arzen Nasal Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Promotes nasal cleanliness and depletion of the minor congested nasal membranes. Relieves colds right at the start. Alleviates minor congested conditions.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Promotes nasal cleanliness and depletion of the minor congested nasal membranes. Relieves colds right at the start. Alleviates minor congested conditions. Local application in minor nasal irritations and chest colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1932
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Arzen Laboratories, Inc
ID Number
1984.0351.051
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.051

Dr. Pierce's Lotion Tablets

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

DeWitt's Catarrhal Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For nasal catarrh, cold in the head and inflammation of the nasal passages. Cleansing, antiseptic and germicidal.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For nasal catarrh, cold in the head and inflammation of the nasal passages. Cleansing, antiseptic and germicidal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.042
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.042

Dr Pierre's Boro-Pheno-Form

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An inhibitory antiseptic for vaginal useCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An inhibitory antiseptic for vaginal use
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Dr. Pierre Chemical Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.055
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.055

Cuticura Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general healthCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general health
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1984.0351.098
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.098

Hanford's Balsam of Myrrh

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:External antiseptic dressing and liniment.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
External antiseptic dressing and liniment. For minor cuts, abrasions, burns, scalds, bruises, muscular aches, insect bites, sunburn, chafing, sprains, swellings, soreness from over exertion, chilblains, frostbite.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1937
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
G.C. Hanford Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0351.028
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.028

Zonitors Vaginal Suppositories

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Deodorant suppositoryCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Deodorant suppository
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1957
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Dunbar Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.156
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.156

Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:LaxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Laxative
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
W. H. Comstock Company
ID Number
1984.0351.111
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.111

Glycerin Suppositories, Long for Infants

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Directions: Insert one suppository into the rectum. Permit to remain. Bowel action will usually result within a few minutesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Directions: Insert one suppository into the rectum. Permit to remain. Bowel action will usually result within a few minutes
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.023
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.023

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