Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - January 8, 1984
By Dorothy Frey
Vigo County Historical Society

Vapo-Cresoline lamp cured many ills

The treasure of the week for the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley is a device that in its day was ballyhooed as having great medicinal value for the treatment of many ailments.

The Vapo-Cresoline lamp, a vaporizer, was bought and used by millions in the period just before the turn of the century on into the 20’s. The lamp was sold and used extensively not only in America, but in England, Europe and Canada as well.

The lamp has a gilded iron frame and was six inches in height. A milk glass shade shielded the flame. Above the flame a small cup was provided to hold the “cresoline” liquid to be vaporized. That vapor was touted as a cure-all. An advertising slogan which was heavily publicized promised “ Cures while you sleep.”

One cup of cresoline was said to be sufficient for a night’s treatment. The vapors generated must have been remarkably pungent because advertising matter stated that the odor of cresoline will pass away if the room is thoroughly aired during the day. Cresoline was apparently potent in several ways.

Advertising advised that it would impart a burning sensation if it came in
contact with the skin. Treatment for this occurrence was the application of alcohol or vinegar. It was also said to be poisonous if taken internally, with large doses of whiskey, vinegar, epsom salts or Glauber salts recommended as an antidote.

Parts for the lamps were inexpensive. Extra shades were advertised for sale at 10 cents: burners, 15 cents: cups, 5 cents: and wicks, 10 cents per dozen.

Vapo cresoline lamps and supplies continued to be sold until 1930 when the United States Food and Drug Administration served notice of judgement against the Vapo Cresoline Company, declaring that claims by the company concerning the medicinal powers of the vapor were false. No claimant appeared in answer to the judgement and the courts issued a “Default Decree of Condemnation, Forfeiture, and Destruction.” Shipments subsequently were seized, and the company ended production.

In its heyday the advertising for Vapo Cresoline called at a germ-destroying liquid to be vaporized for whopping cough, spasmodic croup, nasal catarrh, colds, sore throat, bronchial pneumonia, asthma, hay fever, the bronchial complications of scarlet fever, measles, and for the treatment of diphtheria.

Animals were also included...it was advertised for use against respiratory diseases of animals, distemper and pneumonia in horses and dogs, and for gapes and roup in fowl.

The museum will be closed Jan. 1 through Jan 15 for house cleaning.