Dr. Isaac Thompson’s Celebrated Eye Water Trade Card

Dr. Isaac Thompson’s Celebrated Eye Water was produced in the U.S. from 1795 until the late 1950s. Its creator was a druggist from Connecticut who developed the product to treat common eye ailments. For more than 100 years, consumers were unaware that each bottle contained opium, a highly addictive drug. To advertise the Eye Water and other remedies, patent medicine companies distributed attractive, collectible trade cards. On this card, two young girls in red and blue dresses apply the liquid eye treatment to their pet dog. The cooperative mutt sits proudly atop an ornate table, no doubt bringing a smile to customers who snatched up the advertisements to trade with friends.