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| On 04/12/2005 JANET MITCHELL from MICHIE,TN wrote: |
I HAVE A SAMPLE BOTTLE OF TAR-OID COUGH SYRUP WITH THE CORK AND MEDICINE STILL IN IT ALONG WITH THE PAPER WORK FOR IT. I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT ABOUT IT. THE ONLY DATE I FIND IS 1889. THE COMPANY IS FROM CHICAGO, IL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND OUT SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THANKS!!
-- Janet,
The “Tar” that is referenced in the name of your syrup is a product obtained from the distillation of the wood of a pine tree known as Pinus Palustris. This type of tar was often referred to as Stockholm tar. Tar was used as an expectorant and was derived from the same sources as turpentine. Additionally it was thought to treat diseases of the urinary passages.
The “Oid” part of the name refers to an opium extract often containing the various components opium such as morphine, narcotine, papverine, codeine, narceine, etc. Interestingly, those types of cough syrups were quite effective and used until the 1960’s when they lost favor with the regulatory agencies.
It is possible that your bottle is from the 1900’s but beyond that I am unable to tell. The date 1889 may be the patent date but may not be enough information to date the bottle. I did find a reference to the TAR-OID Company in Chicago city directory of 1900.
Thanks for the great question about Tar-Oid cough syrup! Send a picture if you can.
Bill Soderlund |
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