35 "SUN" CHOLERA TABLETS MODIFIED-(NO OPIATE) Diraotions --- Take two iableer at first dose; then one after each Some morewent. 1. The Norwich Pharmecal Company Norwich, N. Y. N 58 1 In a crude, roundabout and uncouth manner, there is a relation between cholera and the author of this paper. While researching plagues, there was one which stood out above the rest simply due to the symptoms that patients suffer through. Cholera, a waterborne disease which is on account of a bacteria scientifically known as Vibrio cholerae, effects specifically the intestines. As an individual with chronic intestinal issues due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, cholera piqued an interest specifically due to the treatment of symptoms caused by the disease. If by some miracle there was a magic pill which could subside symptoms and pain that IBS causes, it can be imagined that many would have the same relief as when tablets for cholera were manufactured though understandably not on the same scale since IBS is not contractible. A bottle of "'Sun' Cholera Tablets" manufactured by The Norwich Pharmacal Company is currently in the possession of the National Museum of American History. The bottle has seven active ingredients, including opium, and instructions for consumption are written on the front sticker. There is no date listed on record of when these tablets were sold, however it can be estimated based on data known about both the Norwich Pharmacal Company and the Cholera outbreak in America that it would have been produced in the late 1800's. 1 National Museum of American History, "Sun" Cholera Tablets
The producer of the cholera tablets is a manufacturer which still remains in the pharmaceutical industry in the modern day. Previously known as Norwich Pharmacal Company, the business began in 18872 and has since merged with other companies in an effort to grow their business. Luckily, while there are not many sources regarding Norwich Pharmacal Company, the National History of America Museum has taken and archived pictures of some of their old products. One such product was known as Cholera Infantum, now known today as Pepto-Bismol3. On the bottle there are the instructions for use, which is to "take two tablets at first dose; then one after every loose movement4" in order to alleviate the symptoms of a Cholera infection. The photograph of the old tablets is used as a resource for learning about pandemics, diseases and the treatment of them. The archival process of ancient and less-modern medicines help both students and regular individuals understand both why they were effective (if they were) and where they could have been improved. For example, the list of ingredients on the bottle are shown on the back label and gives insight into what the active ingredients were for the late 1800's in order to treat intestinal issues. It also helps individuals to understand which ingredients were necessary versus which are out-dated and no longer in use; such as opium. The bottle says that it is modified to not include opiates however