Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Interesting Medicines #2

Dr. S. Arnold's Rose Compound (Woonsocket, RI)
Dr. Seth Arnold was one of the most successful proprietors of patent medicines in RI.  While his most famous preparations were a Balsam and Cough Killer, his Rose Compound was a flop.  It was one of his earlier preparations, and only comes pontiled.



Balch's Calcined Magnesia Providence
Joseph Balch was an early pharmacist in Providence.  Calcined magnesia was a popular preparation at the time, and big brands like Husbands and Henrys dominated the market.  Mr. Balch must have tried to cash in on this popular product, but appears to have failed.  The bottle is so rare that I can't even find a picture of it!


Doctor Bannon's Red Root Balsam (Westerly, RI)
The successor to the Walter Price "drug empire" in Westerly enjoyed continued success as he dominated the market.  Along the way he found time to put out some of his own patent medicines, including a Red Root Balsam.  What makes it interesting is that it is the only "red root balsam" ever sold in the US.  This rare bottle comes in a small 5-1/2" size as well as a giant 10-1/2" size.


Thomas J. Bannon Druggist Westerly, Watch Hill, and Narragansett Pier, RI
This is the only RI bottle to have three towns embossed on it.  He was only in Narragansett for a couple years before closing up shop and going back to Westerly.



Barber's Indian Vegetable Jaundice Bitters Providence, RI
This is one you don't want to mistake for the very common Atwood's Jaundice Bitters, which looks very similar in appearance.  RI bitters are hard to come by, and when you make it an Indian bottle as well you have a nice bottle!
Note:  This bottle has also been reported with a pontil as well, but the claims have not been proven.

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