These patent medicine bottles and objects related to patent medicines were collected by Dr. David S. Greer, Dean of Medicine at Brown University from 1981-1992 and professor emeritus in the Community Health Department in the Division of Biology and Medicine.
Binder containing slides for the full collection of 242 patent medicine bottles and 11 objects dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. The entire collection was donated to Brown University with 212 bottles and 8 objects stored in Special Collections at the John Hay Library (described in this finding aid) and the remaining 30 bottles and 3 objects retained by the Alcohol and Addiction Studies Center and the Alpert Medical School for use as teaching aids.
First advertised in 1857 the sarsaparilla was a product of Dr. James C. Ayer, practical and analytical chemist, 84 Central, boards at Merr, House (1849), Lowell, MA, Advertised 1851-1900+, Colds, coughs, hoarseness, influenza, whooping cough, croup, consumption. Testimonials to 1847, Ayer's American Almanacs begun in the early 1850s reached a worldwide audience and printed some 16,000,000-25,000,000 copies annually by the turn of the century. In 1889 the almanac was printed in 21 languages and the bindery was making 10,000 copies a day. Note: Sarsaparilla grows in swamps and hedges in the middle and southern states and its root was used as, a diuretic and the treatment of chronic rheumatism and infections of the skin. But its most extensive and useful application has been found to be in the treatment of secondary and tertiary syphilis and especially in the broken condition of the system which follows the use of mercury in these afflictions. Material for note from Warren's Household Physician which was published from 1859 in seven editions, the last being in 1901. It was the most highly regarded textbook of the period and a major reference book of physicians and medical students.
A product of Dr. Franklin Miles (1845-1929) was born in Ohio schooled in Massachusetts and New York. He was a practicing physician until 1884 after going to the Chicago Medical Institute. About 1885 he moved to Elkhart, Indiana and founded the Dr. Miles Medical Institute. He was followed in business by his son around the turn of the century after he retired. It was sold shortly thereafter to a partner and eventually became Miles Lab., Inc. best known as the makers of Alka-Seltzer and (ahem) Flintstones children's vitamins. A clip of Dr. Miles Nervine (1954) can be found at http://www.moderntv.com/modtvweb.qtclips/nervine1.mov The Nervine was his best seller but he also was producing Nerve and Liver Pills, Tonic, Sarsaparilla Wine, Restorative Blood Purifier and the New Heart Cure (1905 Pharmaceutical Era) by 1912 the New Heart Cure name was changed to Miles New Heart Remedy to conform with the rules of the 1906 Food & Drug Act. The sample bottles are more common than the full size.
Product of S.B. Golf of Camden, NJ ad: 1890s. S.B. Goff and Sons Co, Leroy, NY (1935) Kemp and Lane Inc., Leroy, NY (1948)
60% label bottle reads, "Rennes Pain Killing Oil 79 1/2% alcohol. Clean, safe and reliable. Price .50, St. Louis, Missouri." James T. Ballard, St. Louis, MO produced a line of medicine including Dr. Herrick's medicines (See p 16 of The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines (1905) reprinted articles from A.M.A.). This bottle is the medium size of Rennes Magic Pain Killing Oil. (See also Rennes)
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular in half pint, pint, gallon and half gallon sizes.
Probably a product of Chattanooga Medicine Co. Dr. Thedford's Black Draught a liver medicine. Used since 1879 Box shows portrait of A.Q. Simmons Trademark files July 5, 1911.
Bottle reads "the Anglo-American Drug Company successor to Curtis and Perkins proprietors", Inventor, Jeramiah Curtis & Benjamin A. Perkins, Jeramiah moved from Bangor to NYC (1854); George M. Curtis and Jeremiah 48 Fulton SI (1856); Principal Office No 13 Cedar St.(1858); J. Curtis Jr. joins (1858); Curtis & Brown (1860-1875) (Wilson), NYC, NY, Advertised 1858-59, First sold 1849. Named for Mrs. Charlotte N. Winslow, Jeramiah Curtis' mother-in-law. Contained Morphia sulphate. For teething, sore gums and to regulate the bowel, dysentery, Listed Meyer Bros, & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog, (1879); Pharmaceutical Era (1905): Anglo-American Drug Co. 215 Fulton St. NYC, Ad: Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Aug, 8, 1859, Mrs. Winslow's // Soothing Syrup // Curtis & Perkins // Proprietors, aqua, 5 1/8, cylinder, rolled.
Providence, RI. The balsam was advertised as a cure for Piles, croup, deafness diphtheria. Product was made from cottonseed oil, turpentine and oil of cumin. Late in in its life span it became known as Miller's Hayne's Arabian Balsam. Note: Balsams were taken from the saps of trees and shrubs and invariably diluted with alcohol. Invented by A. Haynes, M.D. South Braintree, MA. Advertised 1860, Bums, poisoning, rheumatism, wounds, pains, dysentery, stoppages or inflammation of the bowels. None genuine without the likeness of the inventor. Price 25 cents. NEBD, 1860. 1916 Druggist Circular.
Eli W. Hoyt began as a druggist in Lowell about 1867. He had worked as a clerk before entered the business himself. He and a partner, Freeman B. Shedd (1872). The company grew with the success of two major brands, Hoyt's German Cologne and Rubifoam for the Teeth. Mass marketing began in the 1880s. The product was listed as late as 1935 and probably was sold much later. The company made extensive use of lithograph trade cards to market their product.
This bottle is a reproduction. The bottom marked Wheaton indicates it was blown in Wheaton NJ sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s. This bottle is known in at least four colors amber, amethyst, blue and green.
Product of Frederick Humphrey, NY contained witch hazel. He trademarked the salve in 1878. (Denver) Sold in three sizes. Humphrey Med. Co., New York, Ad: Trumansburg Free Press (NY) April 13, 1895 (Baldwin) Listed in 6 oz., pint and quart sizes as a product of Humphrey Homeopathic Medicine Co., 156 Williams St. NY (Druggist Circular 1912).
Perry Davis (1791-1862) & son (Edmund), manufacturers and proprietors. 74 High St. (1849-1860). manufactory at 43 Pond and 72 High (1852), Providence, RI. Perry Davis was a carpenter, when he discovered his formula and began selling the medicine in a basket. His neighbors told him he was foolish to desert his trade. But he never doubted his ability and moved from Fall River MA (some sources say Taunton, MA) about 1843 to Providence, RI and became proprietor of the Vegetable Pain Killer ad was listed "Physician." Edmund ran the business after his father's death.
I was not able to find anything similar in the dozen or so Druggist sundry catalogs I checked from 1888-1915. This is a very unique item and was probably not popular.
Hood's Sarsaparilla
Note: Dr. Kilmer's Swamp Root was named for its discoverer who practiced medicine in Binghamton, New York. He was said to have been given the secret formula by local Indians. The promoter of Swamp Root was Dr. Kilmer's nephew, a flamboyant extroverted young man who applied newly developed advertising techniques which sold millions of bottles worldwide. He died a multimillionaire and left five baronial estates in various countries, race horses and several despondent women.
G. W. Westbrook, originator and sole proprietor, St Louis, Bragg and McLean successor to G.W. Westbrook, Cor. Third & Market (1851) Addison G. Bragg & Co. became sole proprietors, (1852); Addison G. Bragg at 304 Broadway (1852-54), NYC, NY (note: this was Barnes and Park's Address) Barnes & Park, proprietor (1858); Advertised 1852-1858. For rheumatism, sprains, Poll-evils, for people or horses. Put up in three sizes. Price 25 cents, 50 cents and $1.00. Ad in 1854 states some 15 million bottles have been sold. Listed in 1905 Pharmaceutical Era: Lyon's Mtg. Co., 41 S 5th, Brooklyn, NY. See also: McLean's Volcanic, Cincinnati Enquirer Dec 9, 1851. Mexican / Mustang / Liniment (horizontally), aqua, 7 3/8, cylinder, tc, IP or OP; Mexican // Mustang // Liniment (vertically) aqua, 4 1/4 or 5 1/2, cyl rolled; 6 1/4 cylinder, tc.
99% label Contains not over 11% alcohol. It is produced by the Atlantic Spice Co., Rockland Maine. The name at the top of the bottle is three Crow shooting Trademark and a picture of three crows.
Listed 1905 Pharmaceutical Era by Cooper Medicine Co. 113 East Second, Dayton, OH. He also was selling a medicated soap, New Cough Remedy, New Herb Discovery, Prairie Flower, and Cooper's Quick Relief. Listed 1912 Druggist Circular address on First St., Dayton, OH lists Cooper's Nervine. Listed 1916 (Denver). 1935 by Benjamin Rosenweig, 114 Lawrence St. Brooklyn, NY (Fike)
From the Journal A.M.A. Oct 13, 1906, 1207. "The introduction of cod-liver oil as a supposedly easily assimilable nutrient and reconstructive was followed by its extensive use in wasting diseases especially in phthisis, in the treatment of which it came to be considered almost essential, as it was supposed to possess some mysterious power different from that of other oils. Its unpalatable character led to various devices to render it tasteless and to make it more acceptable to the stomach. Emulsions containing the oil in mixture with other substances were put on the market and served a useful purpose.
Listed as Mathieu's Tar and Oil (1914 International Druggist Price Supplement). Listed as Mathieu's Cough Syrup (1935)
This is a generic bottle that was used by a number of companies. The medicine was a well known and very old remedy. It would have been brought over from England by the earliest settlers.
A preserver and beautifier for the teeth. Prepared only by C.I. Hood and Co. Lowell, Massachusetts
It is a pleasant, palatable, agreeable preparation. It tastes good, it tones and nourishes. It makes your stomach feel good. Don't dilute Kodol, take it just as is. Kodol is absolutely free from any opiate, narcotic, or harmful drug. It can be taken with perfect safety. Take a dose whenever you feel the need of it. You can take one teaspoon or two. Kodol is a sure digestant. It is clean, pure, nourishing, enriches the blood, and makes the stomach feel healthy and well. E.C. Dwitt and Co., Chicago and New York, USA.
David Hostetter (1819-1888) & George W. Smith (died 1884), J.H. Hostetter (1854); 267 Penn (1852), Pittsburgh, PA, Advertised 1852-1854, David Hostetter, son of Dr. Jacob Hostetter, began the Bitters business with a boyhood friend, George W. Smith when the elder Hostetter retired. David Hostetter was born in 1819 in Lancaster Pa. He started in the dry goods business in Pittsburgh. Struck by gold fever he moved to California where he soon went bust. After he returned to Pittsburgh he took the prescription of his father and built his patent medicine business. Over ten thousand bottles sold during the short time since it was introduced into the city as a Spring Medicine (1854). 100,000 bottles sold in one year (1857); the Hostetter United States Almanac began in 1866. Annual printings ranged from 10 to 13 million copies by the end of the century. When David Hostetter died, his son, David Herbert Hostetter ran the business. He died in 1924. His son, Frederick was president until his death in 1930; then D. Herbert Hostetter, Jr., the last of the line to run the company did so until 1934, when he sold it.
Note: H.H. Warner was the originator of Warner's Safe Kidney and Liver Cure a nostrum of the late 19th Century. Warner was actually a safe salesman with a terrific idea. He promoted a line of remedies with a unique logo — an iron — which became his trademark. One the proceeds of his kidney and liver cure, Warner became an international patron of the arts and a friend of celebrates.
Company started in 1855 in Dryden, NY by C.A. Mosso. His best known product was his Monarch Liniment. The name might well have been changed later to "Oil-O-Sol." Some confusion is raised by the entry in the 1935 American Druggist Price Book which lists the product as "Oil-O-Sail." This may be a printing error. Listed as C.A. Mosso Laboratories (1935).
Product of Hand Medicine Co. of Philadelphia, PA. 1914 International Druggist listed this product as Hand's Colic Cure 1935 American Druggist listed the product as Hand's Colic Remedy.
DR. J.W. POLAND'S WHITE PINE COMPOUND. Probably James W. Poland; J.W. Poland, Goffstown Centre, NH (1860); proprietor Geo. W. Sweet, M.D. Boston (1865) Concord, NH, Advertised 1865, Baldwin lists J.W. Poland's Diarrhoea Elixir (1868), Headache Killer (1856) and Indian Pile Remedy (1868), Listed Meyer Bros, & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog, 1879; Pharmaceutical Era, 1905 New England Business Directory 1860, Dr. J.W. Poland's / White Pine / Compound, aqua, 6 5/8, oval sc, Also 1869 ad listed J.W. Poland, Humor Doctor
HOYT'S HIAWATHA HAIR RESTORATIVE, Joseph Hoyt (1860); Joseph Hoyt & Co. (1864), 20 Hanover (1860); 10 University Place (1864), Boston, MA, Advertised 1861. To restore faded and gray hair. It is possible Hoyt purchased this brand about 1860, listed 1885 McKesson & Robbins Catalog (Fadely), Minehaha / Hiawatha // Hair // Restorative / Mudjekee Wis, 6 3/4, rectangular
Moses Carter & Son, successors to Moses Atwood, Georgetown, MA Moses Carter listed (1860), He acquired partial rights to the Bitters in 1855 and sold it through 1875; John F. Henry, Manhattan Med. Co, NYC proprietor (1877); Atwood's Bitter's, Hall & Ruckel, 215 Washington, NYC (1905), Atwood's Quinine Tonic Bitters, Gilman Bros. 50 Franklin St. Boston MA, Pharmaceuticals Era, (1905). New England Business Directory 1860, Atwood's // Jaundice Bitters // M. Carter & Son // Georgetown // Mass. aqua 6 1/8, 12 sided, sc.
The bottle is a generic prescription bottle caused "Philadelphia Oval" with a slug plate. Thousands of druggists produced such bottles.
Dr. David Jayne, inventor and sole proprietor, Advertised 1838, For sour stomach, fever and ague, tapeworms, indigestion, price 50 cents (1838), listed in Robert Stevenson & Co, Wholesale Druggist Catalog (1888), Listed Druggist Circular (1915). Dr. D. Jayne & Son, 242 Chestnut, Philadelphia. See also: Jayne's Expectorant, Jayne's Carminative, Ad: Saturday Evening Post Nov. 10. 1838, Dr. D. Jayne's // Tonic Vermifuge // 84 Chestnut St. Phila, aqua, 4 13/16, oval, rolled, sc, flared; Dr. D. Jayne's // Tonic // Vermifuge // Philad.a, aqua, 5 /14, square, flared (This is the older of the two)
From the Great American Fraud, Piso Consumption Cure, extensively advertised a year or two ago (two years prior to 1905), is apparently withdrawing from the field, so far as consumption goes and the Piso people are now more modestly promising to cure coughs and colds. Old analyses give as the contents of the Piso's Cure for Consumption, alcohol, chloroform, opium, and cannabis indica (hasheesh). Company established, 1872.
This variant has oz. Embossed
Product invented by W.A. Kendall, physician in Enosburgh Falls, VT (1850-1870s). Benjamin J. Kendall first bottled the medicine about 1876. The product moved into the national spotlight under the management of Henry D. Kendall who took over in 1881. An amber variant which is very common was for animals and the aqua bottle for humans.
Probably a later variant of a similar bottle embossed: Tuttle's Elixir Co. Boston, Mass, Samuel A. Tuttle, operated a stable in 1883 and was proprietor of Tuttle's Elixir in 1885. Billed as a product for man or beast. The Tuttle Elixir company was established in 1894 and operated until 1968 (Fike)
1886 Minard's Liniment Mfg. Co. Boston, MA. 1900 Minard's Liniment Mfg. Co. S. Framingham, MA, 1916 internal and external use for rheumatism, pleurisy, quinsy, tonsillitis and lung troubles. Also produced Minard's Pills, Spruce Balsam, Blood Purifier, and Vegetable Tonic (Denver)
Product originally was A.D. Ashley's Red sea Balsam
This is not a medicine bottle but a blacking for stoves.
N.Y. Lyon, Fall River, MA, Advertised 1856, For toothache, sore throat, headache, cold sores, dysentery, coughs, colds, sour stomach, croup, chilblains Ad: Springfield MA Republican and Gazette Oct. 8, 1856
Abner Johnson, Isaac Johnson, son, Bangor, ME, Advertised 1830. Listed in Meyer Bros, & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog, 1879, Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog (1888); Listed in 1905 The Pharmaceutical Era. I.S. Johnson, 22 Custom House St., Boston, MA. Moved to Boston in the 1870s. Johnson's // American // Anodyne // Liniment, clear or aqua, 4 3/8, cylinder, flared or rolled
Listed 1916 Druggist Circular sold in 10, 25, 75 and 2.00 sizes. Also half gallon and gallon cans by Beh & Herter, 176 Franklin St. New York
Aurelius S. Hinds (1870-1925) invented the Honey and Almond Cream and first sold it over the counter at his drugstore in Portland. It was distributed nationally by the family run business. Sold in 11 ounce, 4 1/2 ounce and 7/8 ounce sizes by Lehn & Fink Inc. (1925+), Bloomfield N.J. (1935 American Druggist Price Book)
Also produced Dr. Job Sweet's Sprain Liniment. Advertised in the New England Business Directory 1871.
Henry Wistar (Casper Wistar by one account); Isaac Butts, apothecary, Canterbury, Ct (1830s); Purchased by John D. Park (1842), Wistar's Balsam of Wild Cherry was introduced in the year 1838.. The only genuine article always bears the written signature of Isaac Butt's Originally prepare by Williams & Co, Philadelphia (1841). Now prepared by Seth W. Fowle, Boston, Ma. (1848), For sale by J.D. Parks (1849); NYT ad says Isaac Butts (1853); Listed R. Stevenson & Co. Druggist Catalog (1888); Pharmaceutical Era (1905) Seth W. Fowle & Sons, 81 High St, Boston; DC (1915); proprietor, John D. Park & Sons, Co., Cincinnati, OH, CE, July 4th 1852. It appears the ownership of this brand was probably shared as evidenced by it being sold by several concerns at the same time. Listed in two sizes 1935 American Druggist Price Book.
George C. Frye listed Corner of Free and Oak St. Portland, Maine. Products listed included: Pancreobismuth, Lithaited Saline, Hydrocarbonine Spray and Almondine. (1935 American Druggist Price Book)
First sold in Buffalo about 1850. Purchased by Comstock Company in 1855. Managed my Wm. Cornstock after 1866. The company moved to Morristown, NJ in 1867. Label was patented in 1879 and again in 1881. Sales peaked about 1910 at that time the pills were being put up in yellow tins. Pills were still being manufactured in parts of the world in the 1970s.
George A. Wright (1838); Richard & George A. Wright, brothers, (1844-1870s); George A. Wright & Co, (1880), 624 Chestnut (1860), Philadelphia, PA, Advertised 1846, Instantaneously changes the hair from/to a beautiful brown or black without injury to the hair or skin. Maybe the same product as Alexander's Tricopherous TED, New Orleans, Oct. 13, 1846, Alexander's // Tricobaphe // R & G.A. Wright // Philad a, aqua, 2 1/2 or 3, 6 sided, rolled
Abner Johnson, Isaac Johnson, son, Bangor, ME, Advertised 1830, Listed in Meyer Bros & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog, 1879; Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog (1888); Listed in 1905 The Pharmaceutical Era, I.S. Johnson, 22 Custom House St. Boston, MA. Moved to Boston in the 1870s. Johnson's // American // Anodyne // Liniment, clear or aqua, 4 3/8, cylinder, flared or rolled. Listed 1935 American Druggist Price Book owned by Etna Chemical Co, NY.
Holmes & Kidd (1841); Jonathan Kidd & Co. (J Fleming) (1847); Fleming has his own store by 1854; Fleming Brothers successors to J. Kidd & Co., No. 60 Wood St (1844-1847), Pittsburgh, PA, Advertised 1839-1847, Sold as Dr. McLean's Vermifuge or American Vermifuge. Also sold a Balsam of Liverwort WS, Lebanon, OH Mar. 22, 1839. Doctor // McLane's // American Worm // Specific, aqua, 3 7/8, vial, rolled; similar except, Doctor // McLanes // American Worm Specific
This bottle reads "alcohol 13 1/2% (27% proof made for the Manhattan Medicine Company, New York" Hall & Rucket are listed as owners of the Manhattan Medicine Company (1905)
Abner Johnson, Isaac Johnson, son, Bangor, ME, Advertised 1830, Listed in Meyer Bros & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog, 1879; Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog (1888); Listed in 1905 The Pharmaceutical Era, I.S. Johnson, 22 Custom House St. Boston, MA. Moved to Boston in the 1870s. Johnson's // American // Anodyne // Liniment, clear or aqua, 4 3/8, cylinder, flared or rolled. Listed 1935 American Druggist Price Book owned by Etna Chemical Co, NY.
Compounded of Pure Extracts or Vegetables . Instantaneous relief and perfectly safe remedy for spasmodic cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. Prepared only by Dr. Seth Arnold, professor of chemistry, anatomy, surgery, Woonsocket, RI. Advertised 1847, 25 cents. Business began in New London, Ct. about 1840. He may have moved to Rhode Island as suggested in the 1847 ad. Owned by Gilman Bros. (1866); Listed in Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog (1888) 3 sizes. NCTEC, April 24, 1847, Dr. Seth Arnold's // Balsam, aqua, 4 3/4, rectangular, flared; Dr. S. / Arnold's // Balsam, aqua, 2 1/4, 8 sided, flared. Listed 1935 American Druggist Price Book. Owned by John A. Gilman estate, Boston, MA
On front: "Prepared by the original Indian formula for the cure of rheumatism, neuralgia, burns, scalds, bruises, frostbite, toothache, headache, sore throat, diphtheria, lame back, sprains, bunions, corns, bites of insects, etc... Directions, bath frequently till perfectly relieved. Manufactured by the Mohawk Medicine Company, Elizabeth, New Jersey. Sold by druggists. Price 25 cents." On back: "The Mohawk Liniment was obtained by a tribe of Indians inhabiting Central New York, by Dr. William Rose from England, about the year 1786. The doctor used it in his practice the remainder of his life and after his death it became the property of his son, William Rose Jr. of Binghamton, New York and of him it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1861." Dr. Ephraim Beeman managed a medical practice in Elizabeth, New Jersey from 1871 to 1888. In 1888, Beeman became proprietor of the Mohawk Medicine Company at 49 Pine St. He ran the business at that address until 1893 when he moved to 457 Franklin St. By 1907 he was no longer listed.
For chest colds, bronchitis, bruises, rheumatism, stiff neck, sprains, sore or stiff muscles, and tonsillitis. It is made by the R.T. French Company, Rochester, New York. It is composed of goose grease, volatile oil of mustard and other ingredients.
For external and internal us. Active ingredients, include oil of turpentine and oil of eucalyptus. Price 35 cents. Made by the Red Sea Balsam Company, Fall River, Massachusetts. The package label reads, "Red Sea Balsam has been used successfully for over 50 years as an aid for the relief of coughs and hoarseness due to colds." "A favorite home remedy since 1887."
Front of bottle: "Perry Davis' Vegetable Pain Killer Manufactured by Perry Davis & Son, Providence, RI" with stamp in red ink: "Manufactured by Davis & Lawrence Co. New York" Back of bottle: "This mixture contains 91% proof spirit and 24/100 gr. opium to a dram. Ordinary dose: Adult teaspoonful, children 4 to 12 years 1/2 teaspoonful, infants 1 to 4 years, 15 drops. Diluted to wineglass or more sweetened water for adults and children in proportion. (See directions around bottle) Adult dose when diluted will then contain 3% alcohol and 24/100 grain from opium, smaller doses proportionately less. Repeat the dose every half hour till relieved. It is perfectly harmless (except in the case of infants under one year; to whom it should not be given) and can be taken internally or externally. Principal Label: Davis & Lawrence Co., New York"
Produced by Carswell Drug Company, Americus, GA (1913-1935) Produced by Williams Co. Philadelphia (1905 Pharmaceutical Era)
Dr. Pond, Ithaca, NY (1850); Pond's Extract Co. (1915) NYC, NY, Advertised 1852, About 1850, Dr. Fredrick Humphreys, of the Homeopathic Remedies fame, moved to Ithaca, NY, where he came into contact with Dr. Pond who interested him in the manufacture of an extract of witch hazel. Dr. Humphreys devised a means of fixing the problem of rapid evaporation, and he bought the rights of manufacture and the name and began production of Pond's Extract retaining the name for its apparent trademark value. Under his management the sales of the product grew tremendously. In 1872 he sold out to Mr. F.W. Hurt, later it was to become the Pond's Extract Co. It was an internal and external remedy. Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog: Large, medium, small and Veterinary (1 gal. and 1 qt. sizes) (1888); DC: proprietor, Pond's Extract Co. 131 Hudson St, NYC, 3 sizes, vanishing cream, Cold Cream, soap, dentifrice (1915), Pond's / Extract, aqua, 5 1/4 or 4 1/16, rectangular, tc. (Greer)
Earl S. Sloan (1848-1923) from Logan County, Ohio, Earl Sloan, son of Susan and Andrew Sloan, was born and spent his childhood in a log house (the original no longer exists) directly across the street from the library. Not much is known about his childhood except that the family was poor and Earl did not complete his formal schooling. His father worked at the village livery and was a self-taught veterinarian who sold homemade horse liniment (it is supposed the natives supplied him with the original formula). Earl quit his schooling and apprenticed as a harness maker. In 1871, he took his father's liniment recipe and left Zanesfield for Missouri, where his brother traded horses. While working with his brother, Early began hawking the horse tonic locally. After finding it a good sale item, the brothers traveled to fairs and carnivals selling the liniment. At one point, they discovered that a man had taken the tonic for himself and had claimed it was good for man or beast. The slogan "Good for Man or Beast" was born. The liniment sold so well in Missouri that Early traveled to Chicago. He advertised his tonic in newspaper and on streets.
I can't easily evaluate this item. It might be a modern piece.
It does not contain snake oil (this is what says on the bottle) An agreeable liniment, an external preparation containing camphor, turpentine, coal oil, paprika, carbolic acid, eucalyptus coves, origanium sassafras and menthol salicylate. Recommended for the relief of superficial aches and pains due to exposure or exertion. Price 50 cent.
Alcohol 88% for medicinal purposes. The best stimulant and tonic ever used. Cramps, colic, internal pain, and summer complaints are promptly relieved. Invaluable for chills, colds and maladies arising from the sudden changes in weather.
1905 Pharmaceutical Era produced by the Frank O. Reddish & Co., Leroy, NY, 1935 American Druggist price Book lists Geo. Rundle Co. Piqua, OH as owner.
Billed as Family Laxative and Worm Expeller (1870s). Gargle, Liniment, and Pain Destroying compound 1899. 1914 International Druggist listed True's Elixir in three sizes. Baldwin lists Dr. John F. True & Company, Auburn, ME for True's Pin Worm Elixir advertised August 17, 1887 in Squirrel Island Squid. (ME)
Prepared by Geo. E. Stanton, proprietor Sing Sing, NY for rheumatism and diseases of the spine. Listed 1888 Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog.
Dr. C. Irving Shoop had a large list of patent medicines among which were Cough cure, Croup Cure, Fever Cure, Night cure, Pain Panacea, a Sarsaparilla and others. They probably almost all used the same bottle with different labels. Shoop made a fortune from his products and is credited with creating Michigan Blvd (Racine) and donated what is now Shoop Park and Golf Course. He employed up to 350 men and the company put out more than 2000 bottles a day around 1900. (Shimko)
Minard Liniment Mfg. Co. Boston, MA (1886) Minard's Liniment Mfg. Company South Framingham known as Minard's King of Pain Liniment. The company also sold Minard's King Rheumatism Cure, Kidney Cure and several other medicines (191301916 Druggist Circular), Minard Company, Framingham, MA. Listed Liniment in four sizes (1935 American Druggist Price Book) Recommended for rheumatism and even lung trouble.
A cache of these were found.
Lydia Pinkham first commercialized her Compound in 1875. She died a rich woman in 1883. Product was immensely popular and may well be still being sold today. There were Pinkham jokes editorials, students wrote for her for advice on many matters. A song was composed about her. Lydia was a folk hero. The product was for women's complaints.
A product of Peter Fahrney of Chicago, IL
An obvious competitor of Kennedy's New Discovery and Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery this product never gained the popularity of the other two. Listed in 1912 Druggist Circular.
Listed in the 1912-1916 Druggist Circular as Fairchild's Essence of Pepsine
RHODE'S FEVER & AGUE CURE. James A. Rhodes, proprietor Providence, RI, Advertised 1855-1856. One Norris Felt is listed in 1856 as a traveling agent for Rhodes Fever & Ague Cure. Listed in 1905 Pharmaceutical Era: R.E. Rhode, N. Clark, Chicago, Il. OCCD 1858, Rhode's // Antidote / To / Malaria // Fever & Ague Cure, aqua, 8 1/4, rectangular, tc; same but without Antidote to Malaria on front.
Listed 1905 Pharmaceutical Era in pints, quarts and splits.
Jeremiah Curtis & Benjamin A. Perkins, Jeremiah moved from Bangor to NYC (1854); George M. Curtis and Jeremiah 48 Fulton St (1856); Principal Office No 13 Cedar St. (1858); J. Curtis Jr. joins (1858); Curtis & Brown (1860-1875) (Wilson), NYC, NY, Advertised 1858-59, First sold 1849. Named for Mrs. Charlotte N. Winslow, Jeramiah Curtis' mother-in-law. Contained Morphia sulphate. For teething, sore gums and to regulate the bowel, dysentery. Listed Meyer Bros. & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog. (1879); Pharmaceutical Era (1905): Anglo-American Drug Co. 215 Fulton St. NYC. CDG, Aug. 8, 1859, Mrs. Winslow's // Soothing Syrup // Curtis & Perkins // Proprietors, aqua, 5 1/8, cylinder, rolled
Figural known as Crying Baby, contents unknown
Screw top 1930-40s. Advertised 1885 Foster-Milburn (Baldwin) Druggist Circular 1912 sold by Foster-Milburn, Buffalo, NY. Listed 1935 American Druggist Price Brook.
Possibly the same as or a competitor of White's Pulmonary Elixir listed in Druggist Circular 1912 owned by Henry, Johnson and Lord Co. 121 College St. Burlington, VT. They acquired many brands from smaller proprietors.
DR. PORTER'S CURATIVE BALSAM, Hall & Ruckel proprietors, 218 Greenwich, NYC (1856). Testimonials to 1838, Known as Madam Zadoc Porter's Curative Balsam, NY. Listed Druggist Circular (1913) as Porter's Cough Balsam, in two sizes, Halt & Ruckel, 215 Washington St., NYC. (Odell 2000) Dr. Porter / New York, aqua, 4 7/8, rectangular, rolled. (Greer)
LIQUID OPODELDOC. A generic bottle used by many companies. One is labeled B.A. Fahnestock's, Pittsburgh (Odell 2000)
See Miller's. This is the same product except an earlier variant.
"In the country and small city newspapers there is now being advertised lavishly "Dr. King's New discovery for Consumption." It is proclaimed to be the "only sure cure for consumption." Further announcement is made that "it strikes terror to the doctors." as it is a morphine and chloroform mixture, "Dr. Kings New Discovery for consumption is well calculated to strike terror to the doctors or to any other class or profession, except, perhaps, the undertakers. It is a pretty diabolical concoction to give anyone, and particularly to a consumptive. The chloroform temporarily allays the cough, thereby checking Nature's effort to throw off the dead matter from the lungs. The opium drugs the patient into a deceived cheerfulness. the combination is admirably designed to shorten the life of any consumptive who takes it steadily." Great American Fraud (1905)
A. Davis Ashley was a carriage making who bottle the Red Sea Balsam in the upper floors of the Arcade Bldg in New Bedford MA in the early 1870s. His son Clifford W. Ashley was an artist who did work for Harper's Weekly, (Blasi). Bottle is known with tooled lip and ABM (automatic bottle machine).
Unknown
Local druggist prescription bottle.
Frederick Humphrey's witch hazel oil 1878 trademarked, NY
"Some thirty years ago (About 1879) one Dr. Samuel Pitcher patented a formula for the preparation of a syrup of senna with aromatics obtained by extracting senna with hot water containing a little sodium bicarbonate. This preparation was sold under the copyright named 'Castoria.' since then the patent for this preparation has expired and the preparation as well as the name have become public property....such a preparation is official in the U.S. Pharmacopeia as Syrupus Sennae." From the Journal A.M.A. January 4, 1909.
99% label contains not over 11% alcohol. It is produced by the Atlantic Spice Co., Rockland Maine. The name at the top of the bottle is three Crow showing Trademark and a picture of three crows.
Same company as Hood's Sarsaparilla.
Screw top C.A. Mosso Company, Chicago, IL
Dr. D.B. Hand was from Scranton, PA advertised 1860s-1948. Bottles were all the same with different labels for his Pleasant Physic, a cough and croup remedy, a colic cure (ad: 1889) a diarrhoea mixture(ad:1896), a general tonic, a teething lotion and a worm elixir (1889).
Name Brilliantine was used by dozens of companies (1916 Druggist Circular).
Ad: Oct. 1899 Daily Picayune, New Orleans
Listed in 1912 Druggist Circular W. Cushing & Co Foxcroft, ME
1916 Druggist Circular lists a Juniper Tar Cough Balsam manufactured By Warner Co. Denver, Co.
Carleton & Hovey Co., Lowell, MA. Est. about 1870. Mixture of Cod Live oil for Consumption.
This appears to be exactly the same bottle as #20. The bottle is dug and has heavy stain. See #20
Early flask or nurses. Appears to be flint glass, pontiled.
Scott's Emulsion
The Bitters reportedly contained 44.3% alcohol (DC 1889). This was later reduced to about 25% after the Food and Drug Act. First advertised 1852 PPCD; Listed in Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog (1888); 1905 Pharmaceutical Era: The Hostetter Co, 59 & 60 Water St, Pitts. PA. CDT, June 9, 1854, Dr. J Hostetter's / Stomach Bitters, black, amber, 10 1/4, rectangular, to, IP, Reported by Samuel Hopkins Adams, Great American Fraud, to contain 21% alcohol (1905).
Dr. Williams Medicine Co., Schenectady, NY introduced 1865. Listed past 1917. (Fike)
It began in 1888, when two men, Daniel N. Calkins and Clarence P. Crowell, purchased the Rochester New York Agency of the Aromatic Disinfecting Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a company that supplied equipment and disinfecting fluid for restrooms. Under the new company name of Rochester Germicide Company, improvements in the system were made and expansion into manufacturing other products began. By 1907, Rochester Germicide had opened sales offices in Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland and was manufacturing and selling handle soaps, floor cleaners, disinfectants, and insecticides." (htpp://www.rochestermidland.com/aboutrmc/history/default.htm)
H. Clay Glover Company. This product was a mange medicine for animals.
Hood's Pharmacy, Turner Falls Mass
John A. Hamlin, Cincinnati, OH, Advertised 1859, Purchased the brand from Dr. C. M. Townsend, of Lima OH (Wilson) Listed Cincinnati one year then moved to Chicago where he grew the brand into the huge seller. His son, Lysander joined him the 1870s. Listed in Meyer Bros. & Co, Wholesale Druggist Catalog, (1879); Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog in 2 sizes (1888); Pharmaceutical Era (1905), Hamlin's Wizard Oil Co., 63 Market St. Chicago, IL. Hamlin's / Wizard / Oil // Cincinnati / Ohio, aqua, 3 7/8, oval; same except, 4, Chicago, IL
John Camrick introduced this brand in 1875. He established the Maltine Manufacturing Company in 1878. He produced 14 different Maltines. In the 1890s he sold the business. It continued in business under various managements until it became part of the Warner Lambert Company in 1952. After the Food and Drug Act of 1906 it was advertised as a stimulating expectorant.
Boericke & Tafel established by Francis E. Boericke and Adolph J. Tafel NY directories listed firm from 1872-1930, Philadelphia listed 1873-1948, Portland, OR 1903-1906, San Francisco 1870-1886, the San Francisco firm was listed as successors to Boericke and Tafel. (Fike) 1912 & 1916 Boericke & Runyon (1891-1956) Homeopathic Pharmacists, 14 W. 38th St. NY. Moved Again in 1917 to 200 Sixth Ave. (Druggist Circular)
Listed as Gibson's Lime Fruit Tablets in 1 and 5 gallon jars. 1912 Druggist Circular.
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular, Wells & Richardson, Burlington, VT, Reported by Samuel Hopkins Adams, Great American Fraud, to contain 21% alcohol (1905)
Wm. Goodrich, proprietor, George Hunnewell, agent, principal depot, 145 Water St, NYC, NY, Advertised 1859, For loss of appetite, constipation other derangements of the stomach. HW, Oct. 15, 1859, Old Sachem / Bitters / and / Wigwam Tonic, aqua, 10 1/2 or amber, 9 5/16, figural barrel, sc.
Advertised 1884, Listed 1912 Druggist Circular. Dr. Herrick's Family Medicine Co., 50 N. Second St. St. Louis, MO. This medicine company owned by James T. Ballard of St. Louis.
This bottle is a reproduction. The bottom marked Wheaton indicates it was blown in Wheaton, NJ sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s. The bottle is known in at least four colors amber, amethyst, blue and green. This bottle is one of the six in the American Antique Bottle Decanter reproductions. Actually no such bottle ever existed the fantasy bottle design was based on a Warner's Safe Cure bottle.
Prepared under the immediate inspection of Mrs. E. Kidder, 100 Court (1846-1858), Boston, MA, Advertised 1837-1852, Dysentery, Cholera Morbus, diarrhoea, teething children, vomiting, sea sickness. The labels on the bottles are signed by her own hand. Listed in Robert Stevenson & Co. Wholesale Druggist Catalog, Mrs. Kidder's Cordial (1888) CE, July 3, 1852, Mrs. E. Kidder's // Dysentery // Cordial // Boston, aqua, 6, cylinder, tc; Mrs. E. Kidder's // Dysentery // Cordial // Boston, olive green or aqua, 8, cylinder, tc; also 7 15/16, emerald green, dtc; Mrs. E. Kidder's / Dysentery / Cordial / Boston, aqua, 3 ¾ dtc, IP
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular, hoover Liniment Co. Carlisle
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular, Hoover Liniment Co. Carlisle
Ad: 1884, almanac printed 1887 - "Prepared by Ara Warren, Druggist, Bangor, Me. From a prescription of Dr. Wm. H. Brown, the originator of it. Dr. Brown was a well known Physician in Maine and New England, and ex-mayor of Bangor. He was a graduate of Bowdoin College, 1842, and Harvard Medical School, 1850." (Shimko) Listed 1912 Druggist Circular, Ara Warren, Hammond & Central, Bangor, ME
Color appears to be cornflower blue in the photo. If so value might be closer to $20.
It began in 1888, when two men, Daniel N. Calkins and Clarence P. Crowell, purchased the Rochester New York Agency of the Aromatic Disinfecting Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a company that supplied equipment and disinfecting fluid for restrooms. Under the new company name of Rochester Germicide Company, improvements in the system were made and expansion into manufacturing other products began. By 1907, Rochester Germicide had opened sales offices in Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland and was manufacturing and selling handle soaps, floor cleaners, disinfectants, and insecticides." (http://www.rochestermidland.com/aboutrmc/history/default.htm)
Generic bottle and probably put up by a local physician. Product is not listed anywhere.
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular, Kimball Bros. & Co. Enosburg Falls, VT
Generic bottle.
Pill vial.
Generic oil bottle.
Ad: 1898 "For catarrh, hay fever cold in head, fifty cents, samples ten cents by mail, Ely Brothers, 56 Warren St., New York City.
Container for Pulmonine.
From The Journal A.M.A. Sept. 29, 1906, 2158. 100 Parts of Effervescing salts contain: Potassium bromide 10.53 parts, Acetanilid 4.58 parts, caffeine 1.2 parts... Since half an ounce of this preparation is often taken at a dose, and since many, especially women are taking daily, it is anything but "harmless." Three cases of poisoning are reported in the report including, "Dr. W.J. Robinson, New York reported a case of impotence following the excessive use of this nostrum."
The salve was a product of the Denton medicine Co., Nashville, TN. Still offered for sale in 1935 by the Denton Medicine Co. of St. Louis.
Generic bottle.
Prepared by J. H. Schenck, Laboratory at S.E. corner of Coats and Marshall Streets: (1849); 39 N. 6th St. (1853-1857); prepared only at his laboratory at Schenck's Railroad Station, Neshaminy Bridge, Bucks Co. PA (1854), Philadelphia, PA, Advertised 1850-1855. For coughs and consumption, this was probably his first product listed at 89 N. 6th St. Phila in 1858. He also sold Schenck's Mandrake Pills for liver complaint. Dr. J.A. Schenck, the father of the proprietor was said to have suffered from pulmonary trouble. A change of climate and occupation gave him no relief and he had long given up on physicians. Upon the suggestion of an old friend of the family, he tried an old fashioned remedy. Within a year he was again healthy and he commenced the manufacture of the remedy. He moved from Flemington, N.J. to Philadelphia. He began with a single room and a few simple appliances. After several moves, he located at the NE corner of Sixth and Arch Streets, where the business was eventually carried on by his son J.H. Schenck. The Pulmonic Syrup was the original product with the Seaweed Tonic and Mandrake Pills added later. Listed Meyer Bros. & Co.
Product of G. W. Camrick, Newark, NJ. 1935 American Druggist Price book. Company in New York in 1912 (Druggist Circular). Sold in bottles of 100, 500 and 1,000.
Product of Parke Davis
Product of Charles Kilgore. New York listed 1935 American Druggist.
Lenh & Fink
This preparation was sold in pints, and gallons as well as in table form. Put up by Eli Lilly (1935 American Druggist Price Book)
Parke Davis
Parke Davis
Sharp & Dohme
H.K. Mulford
Eli Lilly
Listed 1935 American Druggist Price Book
Armour specialized in these offering a wide range of powders, capsules and tablets of kidney, brain, ovarian, pituitary, liver, bone marrow, and others.
Listed 1916 Druggist Circular. Eighty cents per bottle.
Parke Davis
Parke Davis
Parke Davis
Zelein Company New York
Parke Davis
Parke Davis
Parke Davis
Non Poisonous Kemozone Tablets The Super-Healing Antiseptic for external and internal use, Sterling Chemical Corp, New York, U.S.A.
Photo missing.
Photo missing.
Photo missing.
Parke Davis
Lilly
Parke Davis
Parke Davis
Sharp & Dohme
Parke Davis
Lilly
Parke Davis
Lilly
Parke Davis
Lilly
Kilgore's
Upjohn
Sharp & Dohme
Lilly
Sharp & Dohme
Parke Davis
Wyeth & Co.
Cactus Compound (Poison)
Two bottles.
Sharp & Dohme
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular. Sisson Drug Co. Main St. Hartford, CT
Listed 1912 Druggist Circular... maker not listed
Dr. David S. Greer, Dean of Medicine at Brown University from 1981-1992 and professor emeritus in the Community Health Department in the Division of Biology and Medicine, assembled a collection of 242 patent medicine bottles and 11 objects dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. The entire collection was donated to Brown University with 212 bottles and 8 objects stored in Special Collections at the John Hay Library (described here) and the remaining 30 bottles and 3 objects retained by the Alcohol and Addiction Studies Center and the Alpert Medical School for use as teaching aids. This collection consists of a binder of slides documenting all the bottles and the original bottles retained by the Library.
Most of the bottles do not have the original labels but are imprinted to reveal the name of the medicine it contained. Medicines include Humphrey's Marvel of Healing; Paine's Celery Compound; Lydia E. Pinkham's Medicine, Fever, and Ague Cure; Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription; Howard's Vegetable Cancer and Canker Syrup; Old Sachem Bitters; J. W. Poland Headache Killer; Three Crow Pine and Elm Brand Cough Syrup; Mother Winslow's Soothing Syrup; Dr. Wistar's Balsam of Wild Cherry; Dr. D. Jayne's Tonic; Thyroid Glands Dessicated; Piso's Cure; Hamlin's Wizard Oil; Sylphonathol; Kendall's Spavin Cure for Human Flesh; Spleen Dessicated; Perry Davis' Vegetable Pain Killer; Dr. Beeman's Mohawk Liniment; and Tubercolozyne.
The collection also includes 8 objects related to patent medicine production and sales.
A binder containing color slides of each bottle is available upon request. Researchers must review these slides before requesting to view specific bottles.
Bibliography:
Druggist Catalogs:
Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the Brown University Library. Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Patent medicine bottle collection, Ms. 2008.002, Brown University Library.
This collection is arranged numerically by bottle number and object number.
Researchers are required to view the inventory and color slides of the bottles before requesting to see specific bottles in Binder 1. The bottles and objects are housed at the Library Collections Annex and can only be seen by prior appointment.
This collection was donated by Dr. David S. Greer in November 2001. The full collection of bottles and objects was donated to Brown University with 212 bottles and 8 objects stored in Special Collections at the John Hay Library and the remaining 30 bottles and 3 objects were given to the Alcohol and Addiction Studies Center and the Medical School for use as teaching aids.
Brown University Library catalog record for this collection: