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.

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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07482
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07482
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07603
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07603
These silver-framed eyeglasses with round lenses are know as Martin's Margins. They were invented by Benjamin Martin (1704–1782), an instrument maker from London, England. The dark rims were supposed to protect wearers from excessive light and improve their vision.
Description
These silver-framed eyeglasses with round lenses are know as Martin's Margins. They were invented by Benjamin Martin (1704–1782), an instrument maker from London, England. The dark rims were supposed to protect wearers from excessive light and improve their vision. This pair probably dates from the second half of the eighteenth century. Most Martin's Margins frames are made from steel or silver and have either horn or tortoiseshell rims.
Location
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date made
1750-1800
maker
unknown
ID Number
MG.M-11223
accession number
260033
catalog number
M-11223
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07475
catalog number
M-07475
accession number
222970
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Location
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ID Number
MG.317912.094
accession number
317912
catalog number
317912.094
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Location
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ID Number
MG.317912.040
accession number
317912
catalog number
317912.040
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07596
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07596
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07561
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07561
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Location
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ID Number
MG.317912.099
accession number
317912
catalog number
317912.099
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-14057
catalog number
M-14057
accession number
309904
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-14054
accession number
309904
catalog number
M-14054
In the nineteenth century this type of eyewear was referred to as eye protectors or railroad glasses. They have four colored lenses and were worn to help protect weak eyes from bright light, dust, and the wind when out riding or driving.
Description
In the nineteenth century this type of eyewear was referred to as eye protectors or railroad glasses. They have four colored lenses and were worn to help protect weak eyes from bright light, dust, and the wind when out riding or driving. They have steel frames with double lenses (sometimes referred to as Double-D lenses) and are tinted different shades of blue and blue-green. Lenses could be found in shades of blue, green, amber, and gray. The bows are sliding extension temples terminating in a teardrop-shaped fenestration. This pair of eyeglasses date from about 1850.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
ID Number
MG.317912.064
accession number
317912
catalog number
317912.064
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-14062
accession number
309904
catalog number
M-14062
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07536
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07536
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07534
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07534
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Location
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date made
ca 1880
ID Number
MG.M-07599
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07599
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Location
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ID Number
MG.M-07474
accession number
222970
catalog number
M-07474
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Location
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ID Number
MG.317912.037
accession number
317912
catalog number
317912.037
This pair of Harlequin-shaped eyeglasses dates from about 1960. The frame is made from 12KT white gold and has a black enamel-like design on the rim and temples. The Ultex bifocal lenses are made each from one piece of ground glass.
Description
This pair of Harlequin-shaped eyeglasses dates from about 1960. The frame is made from 12KT white gold and has a black enamel-like design on the rim and temples. The Ultex bifocal lenses are made each from one piece of ground glass. The nose pads and earpieces are covered in plastic. By the mid-twentieth century, the variety of styles, colors, and materials for eyewear had become limitless.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1955
ca 1960
maker
unknown
ID Number
1984.0140.417
catalog number
1984.0140.417
accession number
1984.0140
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Location
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ID Number
1984.0140.038
catalog number
1984.0140.038
accession number
1984.0140
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Location
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ID Number
1984.0140.061
catalog number
1984.0140.061
accession number
1984.0140
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Location
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ID Number
1984.0140.078
catalog number
1984.0140.078
accession number
1984.0140
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Location
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ID Number
1984.0140.121
catalog number
1984.0140.121
accession number
1984.0140
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Location
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ID Number
1984.0140.396
catalog number
1984.0140.396
accession number
1984.0140

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