Object Details
maker
Dr. J. C. Ayer and Company
Description
Made by J. C. Ayer and Company, Practical and Analytical Chemists, Lowell, Mass., in the 1860s, Ayer’s Hair Vigor "Restores grey hair to its natural vitality and color," but "does not color the hair." Advertisements pronounced that it was "free from uncleanly dangerous or injurious substances" and that it would cure dandruff and stop falling hair. Patented in 1868, this was the only Ayer product to have a patent, although the company sold a variety of health-related products popularly known as "patent medicines."
Along with these other medicines, Ayer’s Hair Vigor was advertised in Ayer’s American Almanac, which was first published in the mid-19th century and continued into the 1920s. The almanac featured astronomical, astrological, and weather information for the year, as well as medical advice promoting the company’s products.
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For Restoring the Natural Vitality and Color of the Hair
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Gary P. and Sandra Baden
date made
ca 1867
associated date
1867
ID Number
1979.0798.234
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.234
Object Name
hair tonic
hair care product
Other Terms
Patent Medicines; Drugs; Liquid
Physical Description
glass (container material)
paper (container material)
Measurements
overall: 7 1/2 in x 3 1/4 in x 1 1/2 in; 19.05 cm x 8.255 cm x 3.81 cm
place made
United States: Massachusetts, Lowell
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
Beauty and Hygiene Products: Hair Care and Enhancement
Beauty and Health
Hair Care Products
Data Source
National Museum of American History
web subject
Hair Care Products
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_715094