Manuel J. Vieira, of Mendota Illinios registered a patent for a "IMPROVED SHAMPOOING MIXTURE" in 1867 (Patent #67,467). The following is an excerpt from the letters of patent:
The object of this composition is to provide a liquid which may be used as a wash in shampooing the hair without resorting to the use of water to remove the shampooing liquid after it has been applied.
In compounding this preparation take seven and a half ounces of alcohol or cologne spirits, also seven ounces of soft water. Cut six drachms of castor oil with two drachms of alcohol, add two ounces of aqua ammonia, and shake well to incorporate the ingredients. Any perfume may be added according to taste.
The liquid thus compounded is applied by rubbing enough into the hair to make a good lather. Then scratch the head thoroughly to clean the scalp, by which time the lather will have disappeared. Then rub with a towel until the hair is dry enough to dress.