Norman T. Ormsby, of Chicago, Illinois patented his formula for a "IMPROVEMENT IN PREPARATIONS FOR THE HAIR" in 1872 (Patent #127,983). He said it was to be called "Dolly Varden Preparation for the Hair" and that it was for growth of human and animal hair. The patented formula was as follows:
To one pound of laurel oil I add one-half ounce of tincture of benzion, one-half ounce tincture cantharides, and one-half ounce tincture capsicum, and thoroughly mix the whole together.