Dr. Strong’s Composition Powder — Original Unopened Package, c. 1850 / SOLD

Description

Dr. Strong’s Composition Powder — Original Unopened Package, c. 1850 

Exceptional and scarce original unopened package of Dr. Strong’s Composition Powder, retaining its original yellow printed paper wrapper and accompanied by the period instruction handbill, as issued. 

The oval wooden pill box remains fully intact and unopened, still sealed within its original wrapper boldly printed “Dr. Strong’s Composition Powders”, with extensive period claims visible around the circumference. The wrapper lists a wide array of ailments for which the pills were marketed, including Colds, Coughs, Consumption, Catarrh, Bronchitis, Headache, Bilious Complaints, Fever and Ague, Dyspepsia, and other chronic and acute disorders, reflecting the sweeping therapeutic claims common to mid-19th-century American patent medicines. 

An outstanding example of pre-Civil War American medical ephemera, illustrating both the marketing practices and medical philosophy of the period. Rarely encountered in such complete, original condition. 

Inventory Number: MED 320