Sears and Roebuck pt. 3: Medicines

The audio version of this Pinch of the Past was first shared in Episode 37: Guest Naomi Craig and a Review of Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

“This special Branch of our business is in the charge of competent chemists and Regis Country and Europe in handling and compiling drugs and chemicals. That have strict instruction to examine thoroughly.”

Under special medicines they had Arsenic complexion wafers. The ad reads, “These wafers are from the precision of a famous French physician, and are perfectly harmless when used according to the directions… they are an excellent remedy for rough, discolored skin.” one box costed 40c per dozen, a total of $4.25.

Beef, wine and Iron. “Universally known for its great strength giving and flesh producing qualities. Made from finished imported sherry wine, freshly made extract of beef and pure salts of iron,

Blackberry Balsam. “This is a remedy that should be kept in every family in readiness for sudden attacks of bowel troubles and especially in times of prevailing cholera. It cannot be excelled in curling release conditions of the bowels. It’s cleansing, regulating, quieting and healing.”

Cod liver oil. Imported from Norway. Carefully selected for the livers of cod. Has a pleasant bland taste. Used to treat weak lungs, coughs, and colds.

Essence of Jamaica Ginger. This actually doesn’t sound bad, especially compared to other medicines listed here. It is made of ginger root and contains stimulating, warming, haling properties of good ginger. Treats stomach and bowel trouble.  Sold at 36c per bottle.

They also sold herbal tea and fig laxatives.

Dyspepsia powders were sold promising to treat sour stomach, heart burn, indigestion, and “belching of wind.” Must use for 2 plus weeks. Powders were sometimes made of carraway and mint.

Female pills sold for $8.50 with 120 pills in each bottle. These pills were made of herbs like pennyroyal, tansy, and cottonwood bark. They come with a warning that they are very powerful and should be used cautiously. 

They also sold worm cakes and worm syrup for children, liver and kidney treatment pills, and nerve and brain pills. Obesity pills were sold with direction to drink water and exercise. Petroleum jells like Vaseline and Cosmoline were posed to treat cuts, bruises, burns.. Pink pills for pale people to “cure pale or sallow complexions.”

Also sold were Sarsaparilla, toothache wax, witch hazel toilet cream, and root beer (as a blood purifying, healthy, temperance beverage.) Included in the family’s remedies section was a tincture of opium (laudanum). Paregoric, peppermint, sweet sprigs to nitrate and glycerin, tincture of arnica, and several extracts like lemon peel, vanilla, and ginger were offered along with licorice powder for a laxative. Turpentine for internal and external use. Ammonia, Epson salts, insect powers, rat killer for other household needs.

The above listed medicines really give you a glimpse into the past, however, I’ve seen some of these on the health food store shelf. For example, we use mint and ginger to soothe upset stomachs, fish oil for brain health, and prunes for natural laxatives. What do you think of the items offered in those days? Are there any you use today that are similar, perhaps a favorite tea?

Here are a few comments from 1897 customers of Sears and Roebuck’s.

Much pleased with watch.

Chapel hill, NC Jan 13, 1897

“ Gentlemen” I hereby make my grateful acknowledgement to you for the receipt of the watch ordered by me some days ago. I am much pleased so far it is all you claim for it; it’s a  “Fairy Gem”. it keeps splendid time. I am yours, A K. Barwick.

Highly pleased with suit.

Chilhowee, Tenn., Jan 18, 1897

Messrs. Sears, Roebuck, and co.

The goods I ordered came duly to hand. Please accept my thanks for shame. My son is very well pleased with the suit. It fits him very nicely.

Thank you very much, I remain very respectfully Ellen McMurray.

Pleased plants

Sangamon, Co, Ill. 

Messrs. Sears, Roebuck, and Co. I received your gun on the twelfth. It came promptly on time. I am mighty well pleased with it. It beats their $40 guns in this town. So, I thank you very much.

Your’ truly, Eli Newby

 Here is the full ink to the 1897 Sears, Roebuck, and Co Catalogue if you would like to brows further.