Merchant's Gargling Oil 1833 Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Merchant’s Gargling Oil was founded in Lockport, New York by Dr. George W. Merchant, a druggist, in 1833. The ointment was intended for surface wounds and skin ailments common to horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry. A version was also made for human skin problems, but not until 1875. It was at this time that the product was marketed as being "Good for Man and Beast.” Neither product was intended for internal use, despite the product name, so you can stop thinking about horses gargling right now, mister. For anyone who might be curious, Merchant’s Gargling Oil was a mixture of petroleum, soap, ammonia water, oil of amber, iodine tincture, benzine, and water. The oil could be found on shelves until 1928 when the factory burned down.