Father John's Medicine

Father John's Medicine
4½ fl. oz. bottle of Father John's Medicine (c. 1925)
Medical Claims	"A reconstructive tonic in Coughs, Colds, Spasmodic Croup, Bronchitis, Asthmatic Coughs and for Building Up the System."
Creator(s)	Named for Father John O'Brien, formula from his unnamed physician
Year created	1855
Vendors	Carleton & Hovey Co.; Father John's Medicine Company

Father John's Medicine is the brand name for a cod liver oil tonic, formerly manufactured and sold by Carleton & Hovey Co. (later rebranded Father John's Medicine Company) of Lowell, Massachusetts, which was reputedly based on an 1855 formula preferred by Father John O'Brien, the tonic's namesake. A modern formulation of the same name, now containing dextromethorphan (DXM), is manufactured by the Oakhurst Company (Woolfoam Co.) to this day.

Composition

The original formula has been given as a mixture of cod liver oil, gum arabic, glycerin, with licorice and sugar water.

Advertising

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  "THE STORY OF FATHER JOHN'S - An Interesting History of Fifty Years." (1903)

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  "GREAT INTEREST IN TIME-WORN RECORD - Book Used In 1855 Proves Historic Facts" (1916)

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  "Father John's Medicine is best for colds and throat troubles." (1916)

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  "LEADING MEDICAL AUTHORITIES Endorse Value of Such Ingredients as are Contained in Father John's Medicine" (1917)