Soothing or Deadly? -- A Patent Medicine Tragedy

In the 1800s and well into the early 20^th century, tired mothers in the United States and Great Britain, just like today, longed for their teething babies and toddlers to sleep through the night and for needed rest for themselves. What they didn’t bargain for was that the available remedies could be deadly.

Clear glass bottle once containing Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. [cc]

What today is considered a Schedule II narcotic by the FDA, which means it’s a controlled substance with great potential to become addictive, was a common ingredient in “patent” medicines. These concoctions weren’t patented by the U.S. Patent Office, but were often trademarked. The deadly, hidden ingredient I’m talking about: morphine.

Without the modern conveniences of electrical appliances and lighting, dishwashers or microwaves, to quickly heat up prepared foods, they were at a greater disadvantage than today’s average mom. Unfortunately, without full disclosure on the ingredients in many prepared remedies, they most often didn’t understand what they were dealing with.

Attractive ad. [cc]

During the late 1840s, Jeremiah Curtis and business partner, Benjamin Perkins, of Maine, began manufacturing and marketing a formula purported to be concocted by Curtis’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Charlotte Winslow. She had been a nurse caring for babies for many years. Her syrup was created to relieve the symptoms of teething.

Advertisements touted that the syrup would relieve teething pain, “soften the gums,” help the child to sleep peacefully, stop diarrhea, and as one ad said, the “cherub” would “awake as bright as a button.” Morphine, indeed, is prescribed to relieve pain, would certainly make a child sleepy, and cause constipation. Mrs.Winslow’s Soothing Syrup also contained alcohol. The attractive ads and testimonies of happy parents spread the popularity of the patent medicine. 

Sadly, an infant or small child could be easily overdosed, dangerously slowing their hearts and causing accidental death. Such a strong narcotic was also likely to cause an addiction early in a child’s life. By 1911, the American Medical Association exposed the syrup as potentially dangerous, labeling it a “baby killer.” Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup was sold until 1930.  

Another ad showing happy mother with content baby. [cc]

Today’s mothers have the opportunity to search out the truth and correct information, assisted by the fact that ingredients must now be listed on the label. While there will always be the potential for human error, reading labels and opportunities to ask questions of your local pharmacist gives a level of protection they didn’t have more than a century ago.

About Kathleen: Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She desires to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. She is a long time member in good standing of ACFW and a former board member of its Great Lakes Chapter. Kathleen has been published in anthologies, including the Amazon bestseller, Christmas Treasures, as well as in both print and online magazines. Her debut full-length novel, Rumors and Promises, was recently published by Heritage Beacon Fiction in April, 2016.

Previously a home-school mom of three, she has more recently been a college student and a mild-mannered dental assistant. Along with her sassy tail-less cat, she lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of 34 years, who not only listens to her stories, but also cooks for her.  

Links:

Website: kathleenrouser.com

Facebook: facebook.com/kathleenrouser/

Twitter: @KathleenRouser

Rumors & Promises - Will the scandals of her past destroy his hope for their future?