In the late nineteenth century, the attitudes that whites had toward
Indians differed from the past.  The stereotype of Native Americans as
serious and dignified was popular, as was the idea that Indians were a
symbol of America.  Many whites perceived Native Americans to be robustly
healthy and long-lived.  These notions played into the hands of
pharmaceutical companies, who used Native American names, or pictures of
Native Americans, to sell products such as Old Sachem Bitters, Seminole
Cough Balsam, or the Montana Indian Remedies shown here.  The
manufacturers of these products believed that potential consumers would
think the products and special curing properties, which would impart the
strength and good health believed to be possessed by Indians.