Historical information

Brothers Davis and Lowell Chamberlain, along with their sister Izanna, established what became known as the Chamberlain Medicine Company in 1873. The Des Moines, Iowa-based company eventually stretched to Australia, Canada and South Africa. Chamberlains Colic and Diarrhea Remedy used alcohol, ether, and chloroform to soothe upset stomachs. The company also sold a cough remedy, liniment, pain relief balm and lotion.
Chamberlain’s Colic, Cholera and Diarrhea Remedy was one of many thousands of patent medicines that made incredible, and often false, claims about their effectiveness, and became tremendously profitable. Eventually government regulations were put in place to prevent medicine manufacturers from making unfounded claims about their products.

Significance

This item is an example of a typical "over the counter" patented medicine commonly used by families. It reflect the changes in public health, medical practice and research over the last century.

Physical description

Small green tinted medicine bottle. Writing on front. Cork is attached with wire handle.

Inscriptions & markings

Front-Chamberlain's Colic & diarrhea Remedy
Side- Sydney NSW
Side Chamberlain's Ltd
Bottom-1185