Health & Medicine

The Museum's collections of medical science artifacts represent nearly all aspects of health and medical practice. Highlights include early X-ray apparatuses, such as one of Wilhelm Roentgen's tubes, penicillin mold from Alexander Fleming’s experiments, and Jonas Salk's original polio vaccine. More recent acquisitions include the first artificial heart implanted in a human, the earliest genetically engineered drugs, and materials related to David, the "Bubble Boy." Other artifacts range from artificial limbs and implant devices to bloodletting and dental instruments, beauty products, and veterinary equipment. The contents of a medieval apothecary shop and an 1890s drugstore form part of the collections, along with patent and alternative medicines. The collections also document the many differing perspectives on health and medical issues, from patients, family members, doctors, nurses, medical students, and out-of-the-mainstream health practitioners.

Round, metal jar with lid. Embossed on lid: "Melorose / Beauty Cream / 50[cents] / WILLARD WHITE CO., CHICAGO." Jar is empty.Currently not on view
Description
Round, metal jar with lid. Embossed on lid: "Melorose / Beauty Cream / 50[cents] / WILLARD WHITE CO., CHICAGO." Jar is empty.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.293320.0861
catalog number
293320.0861
accession number
293320
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Lashbrow Laboratories Co.
ID Number
MG.293320.0941
catalog number
293320.0941
accession number
293320
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.270
catalog number
1985.0481.270
accession number
1985.0481
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
maker
Maybelline Cosmetics
ID Number
2008.0018.268
accession number
2008.0018
catalog number
2008.0018.268
Round glass bottle with ribbing round top and bottom. Black plastic screw on cap. Black and silver-colored paper labels. 8 fl. ozs.; price $1.00. Label on back of bottle has directions, product information and ingredients.
Description
Round glass bottle with ribbing round top and bottom. Black plastic screw on cap. Black and silver-colored paper labels. 8 fl. ozs.; price $1.00. Label on back of bottle has directions, product information and ingredients. Bottle is full of brown liquid.
Indictions/Use from product label: Apply generously to scalp each day. Rub in briskly for extra stimulation. Removes loose dandruff. Imparts healthy sheen to hair. Banishes unpleasant scalp odor. Tends to prevent scalp disturbances created by fungi and bacteria. An excellent hair dressing. For unruly hair use Richard Hudnut Hair Dressing Cream also.
Hudnut Formula A-10 for Men was introduced in 1950. Advertisements claimed it was developed by an "eminent dermatologist." The product remained on the market until about 1962.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.284
catalog number
1985.0481.284
accession number
1985.0481
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid-1940s
maker
Pond's Extract Company
ID Number
1985.0475.206
catalog number
1985.0475.206
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
brand launched (Cutex)
1911
maker
Northam Warren
ID Number
1985.0481.330
catalog number
1985.0481.330
accession number
1985.0481
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Elizabeth Arden Inc.
ID Number
2009.3030.04
nonaccession number
2009.3030
catalog number
2009.3030.04
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1929
maker
Crystal Laboratories
ID Number
1979.0798.296
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.296
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920's - 1930's
maker
Plough
ID Number
1984.0782.347
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.347
Oval, white glass container with a paper label seal around the perimeter. 1 1/8 oz. Active Ingredients printed on label.
Description
Oval, white glass container with a paper label seal around the perimeter. 1 1/8 oz. Active Ingredients printed on label. "For External Use by Adults"
["Directions for Using Black and White Bleaching Cream" about 1941]
"Nature is constantly replacing the outer layer of normal skin by flaking it off in tiny particles and replacing it with a new layer.
Black and White Bleaching Cream acts in a similar and supplemental manner and may be used in cases where one wishes to hasten exfoliation (peeling off) of the over-pigmented outer skin -- the result of exposure to sun or wind. It acts the same way when applied to freckles ... It is especially useful as a complexion lightener ..."
"Black and White Bleaching Cream is packaged in special, oval-shaped, opal jars so you may easily remove a small quantity of the cream with the fingertips, thereby regulating the amount you wish to apply.'
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Black and White Company
Plough, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0475.156
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.156
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1985.0605.09
catalog number
1985.0605.09
accession number
1985.0605
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Plough
ID Number
1985.0475.244
catalog number
1985.0475.244
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mecos
ID Number
1985.0475.263
catalog number
1985.0475.263
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1944
copyright date (on packaging)
1944
maker
Overton Hygienic Mfg. Company
ID Number
1988.0037.21
catalog number
1988.0037.21
accession number
1988.0037
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.226
catalog number
1985.0475.226
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1985.0475.247
catalog number
1985.0475.247
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1984.0782.353
catalog number
1984.0782.353
accession number
1984.0782
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Clairol
ID Number
1981.0219.032
accession number
1981.0219
catalog number
1981.0219.032
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Houbigant
ID Number
1985.0481.364
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.364
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
American Stopper Company
ID Number
MG.293320.0862
catalog number
293320.0862
accession number
293320
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1984.0782.355
catalog number
1984.0782.355
accession number
1984.0782
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1957
maker
Alfred D. McKelvy Company
ID Number
1985.0475.215
catalog number
1985.0475.215
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Hazel Bishop
ID Number
1993.0384.001
catalog number
1993.0384.001
accession number
1993.0384

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