Tansy, Pennyroyal and Cotton Root Female Regulating Pills Patent Medicine Tin and Instruction Pamphlet

This tin of Tansy, Pennyroyal and Cotton Root Female Regulating Pills was made by patent medicine company The New York and London Drug Co. between 1911-14.

"Regulating" pills were marketed exclusively to women, and the insert included in the tin explains (in a somewhat veiled manner) the medicine's purpose of restoring regular menstruation, including interruptions caused by obstruction (i.e. pregnancy).

At a whopping $2 per tin, these pills cost the equivalent of $53 in 2024 - quite a hefty price tag for an over the counter tablet whose efficacy was suspect at best since the guarantee covered by the 1906 food and drugs act only required manufacturers to disclose the presence of alcohol, morphine, opium, cocaine, heroin, eucaine, chloroform, cannabis indica, chloral hydrate, or acetanilide. No other ingredient labelling was required for patent medicines until 1938.

New York and London Drug Co. was a subsidiary of Frederick Steams & Co., based in Detroit, Michigan.

Condition: Great used. Minor paint wear on edges, some faint marks on back side panel.  Single page package insert in English and French.  See photos for details.

Dimensions:
Height – 0.6"
Width – 1.75"
Length - 3"

Weight - 23 grams