PRODUCT PACKAGE
Date1893
Dimensions15.5 x 8 x 9 cm (6 1/8 x 3 1/8 x 3 9/16 in.)
Object numberHF.2017.24.6
DescriptionA brown cardboard box with black text on all four sides. Top is missing. At the top front in cursive font is “Vapo-Cresolene” with “Trade Mark” printed beneath it. At the center is an image of the product, a small oil lamp with a vertical arm which holds a small bowl above the lamp. On the left and right of the image is information on the patent. At the front bottom is printed “See Directions For Use On Box Or Circulation Price In United States (missing) Canada $1.50; Great Britain 6s”. On the left side is printed “Directions For Use”. On the right side is information on the vaporizer. On the back is printed “A Germ Destroying Liquid to be vaporized. FOR Whooping Cough, Spasmodic Croup, Asthma, Catarrh, Colds, Bronchitis, Cough (missing) Fever, Sore Throat, Broncho Pneumonia, The Bronchial Complications of Scarlet Fever and Measles and as an aid in the Treatment of Diphtheria. For the Respiratory Diseases of Animals, as Distemper and Pneumonia in Horses and Dogs; Gapes and Roup in Fowls.” At the bottom is information on the manufacturer at the bottom. Narrative
The Vapo-Cresolene was first patented in England in 1858 as a treatment for various respiratory ailments. The antiseptic consisted of a coal-tar byproduct which was vaporized above a kerosene lamp.
In the early 20th century, the American Medical Association announced this product to be fraudulent with potential of poisoning if used in an unventilated room. This came around the same time of increased awareness from medical professionals regarding the dangers of cure-all treatments often promoted by “quack” doctors.
Canadian
American
Canadian
Canadian
Canadian
