Merchant’s Gargling Oil can be traced back to 1833 in Philadelphia, though it was manufactured in Lockport, New York. The first incarnation of the liniment was intended to cure almost any illness that could befall a domestic animal. The form intended for human use was not introduced until 1875. Merchant’s Gargling Oil was then made in two versions, one for animals with a yellow wrapper and one for people with a white wrapper though neither product was intended for internal use, despite the product name of gargling oil. The ointment for animal ailments was intended for surface wounds and skin ailments common to horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry. A topical ointment was also made for human skin problems. At the time, the New York Independent stated “Whether, for use on man or beast, Merchant’s Gargling Oil will be found an invaluable Liniment, and worthy of use by every resident in the land. We know of no proprietary medicine or article now used in the United States which shares the goodwill of the people to a greater decree than this.”