Trade card:Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup

Morphine, cocaine, and even heroin were seen as miracle cures when they were first discovered. During the mid- to late 19th century, many manufacturers proudly proclaimed that their products contained cocaine or opium. A few, like the morphine-laced Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup for infants, were more guarded in divulging their principal ingredients.

Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup became an indispensable aid to mothers. Containing one grain (65 mg.) of morphine per fluid ounce, it effectively quieted restless infants. Mrs. Charlotte N. Winslow, a physician and nurse, first created and marketed her remedy in 1849. The popularity of this medicine climbed to astonishing heights under the management of Jeremiah Curtis and Benjamin Perkins. The company used various methods to promote their product, including recipe books, calendars, and trade cards.

This 1887 trade card, complete with a handy calendar on the reverse, proudly, and no doubt accurately, advises mothers that the syrup "Allays All Pain." It remained popular into the early 20th century, when the American Medical Association became increasingly aware of the dangers of addictive substances. Congress began regulating narcotics with introduction of the 1914 Harrison Narcotics Act.