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.

Alexander Fleming, working in England in 1928, discovered penicillin but could not produce enough for medical use. Following the advent of World War II, the British and American governments supported efforts to mass produce this potentially life-saving drug. Chas.
Description
Alexander Fleming, working in England in 1928, discovered penicillin but could not produce enough for medical use. Following the advent of World War II, the British and American governments supported efforts to mass produce this potentially life-saving drug. Chas. Pfizer & Co., in the U.S., had great success with deep tank fermentation. This sealed glass ampule has a paper label that reads in part “PENICILLIN CALCIUM SALT” and “CHAS. PFIZER & CO., INC.” and “Do Not Use After 12-10-43.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
maker
Charles Pfizer and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10008
catalog number
M-10008
accession number
239425
Four paper packages with inscriptions that read “blades by / cooper” and “BLADE BY COOPER / OF SURPASSING EXCELLENCE / UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED. / COOPER SAFETY RAZOR CORP. / 35 YORK ST. / BROOKLYN, N.Y. / MADE IN U.S.A. REG. U.S. PAT.
Description
Four paper packages with inscriptions that read “blades by / cooper” and “BLADE BY COOPER / OF SURPASSING EXCELLENCE / UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED. / COOPER SAFETY RAZOR CORP. / 35 YORK ST. / BROOKLYN, N.Y. / MADE IN U.S.A. REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” Other inscriptions read “THIS BLADE IS MADE OF / HIGHEST QUALITY SURGICAL / CHROME STEEL BY A UNIQUE / PATENTED PROCESS. / MONEY REFUNDED IF NOT / SATISFACTORY.” Cooper Products Co. filed for a trademark in 1932.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Cooper Safety Razor Company
ID Number
1985.0475.771
catalog number
1985.0475.771
accession number
1985.0475
Four double-edged razor blades in a cardboard box with inscriptions that read “St. Regis / Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. / MADE IN U.S.A.” and “MCKESSON & ROBBINS, INC., NEW YORK, N.Y.” Each blade in wrapped in a paper that reads “St.
Description
Four double-edged razor blades in a cardboard box with inscriptions that read “St. Regis / Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. / MADE IN U.S.A.” and “MCKESSON & ROBBINS, INC., NEW YORK, N.Y.” Each blade in wrapped in a paper that reads “St. Regis blades are made / by a modern scientific / process that assures / keenness and uniformity / Distributed Exclusively by / MC KESSON & ROBBINS, INC. / NEW YORK, N.Y.” McKesson & Robbins first applied for a trademark on “St. Regis” in 1930.
Location
Currently not on view
distributor
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0782.320
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.320
Steel safety razor with a “BURNHAM” inscription. An inscription on the accompanying paper package reads “TESTED / BURNHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark / Blades 3.” The firm was in business by 1922.Currently not on view
Description
Steel safety razor with a “BURNHAM” inscription. An inscription on the accompanying paper package reads “TESTED / BURNHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark / Blades 3.” The firm was in business by 1922.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burham Safety Razor Company
ID Number
1984.0782.315
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.315
Paper enveloped with inscription that reads “3 Tested / BURHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark.”Ref: George H. Hamilton, “Safety-Razor,” U.S. Patent 927,349 (July 6, 1909), assigned to Burham Safety Razor Co. of New York.Currently not on view
Description
Paper enveloped with inscription that reads “3 Tested / BURHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark.”
Ref: George H. Hamilton, “Safety-Razor,” U.S. Patent 927,349 (July 6, 1909), assigned to Burham Safety Razor Co. of New York.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burham Safety Razor Company
ID Number
1979.0798.500
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.500
Paper enveloped with inscription that reads “3 Tested / BURHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark.”Ref: George H. Hamilton, “Safety-Razor,” U.S. Patent 927,349 (July 6, 1909), assigned to Burham Safety Razor Co. of New York.Currently not on view
Description
Paper enveloped with inscription that reads “3 Tested / BURHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark.”
Ref: George H. Hamilton, “Safety-Razor,” U.S. Patent 927,349 (July 6, 1909), assigned to Burham Safety Razor Co. of New York.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burham Safety Razor Company
ID Number
1979.0798.501
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.501
Blades for a safety razor in a cardboard box with inscriptions that read in part “THE MILLION DOLLAR RAZOR” and “AutoStrop Safety Razor Co., Inc.”Henry J. Gaisman (1870-1974), inventor and philanthropist, established the Auto Strop Safety Razor Co.
Description
Blades for a safety razor in a cardboard box with inscriptions that read in part “THE MILLION DOLLAR RAZOR” and “AutoStrop Safety Razor Co., Inc.”
Henry J. Gaisman (1870-1974), inventor and philanthropist, established the Auto Strop Safety Razor Co. in 1906 and sold it to the Gillette Safety Razor Co. in 1930. The firm introduced “THE MILLION DOLLAR RAZOR” in 1928, boasting that it was “the result of 21 years of research and the expenditure of a million dollars in experiments.”
Ref: “H. J. Gaisman, 104, Inventor, Is Dead,” New York Times (Aug. 7, 1974), p. 38.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Gem Safety Razor Corporation
ID Number
1984.0782.316
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.316
Paper enveloped with inscription that reads “3 Tested / BURHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark.”Ref: George H. Hamilton, “Safety-Razor,” U.S. Patent 927,349 (July 6, 1909), assigned to Burham Safety Razor Co. of New York.Currently not on view
Description
Paper enveloped with inscription that reads “3 Tested / BURHAM / SAFETY RAZOR CO. / NEW YORK CITY / U.S.A. / Reg. Trade Mark.”
Ref: George H. Hamilton, “Safety-Razor,” U.S. Patent 927,349 (July 6, 1909), assigned to Burham Safety Razor Co. of New York.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burham Safety Razor Company
ID Number
1979.0798.502
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.502
Steel safety razor in a metal box with inscriptions that read “ANTICOR / THE / MAGIC / SAFETY / CORN / SHAVER” and “NEW BLADES / SOLD EVERYWHERE / 3 FOR 25¢ / CHANGE BLADES EVERY / THREE MONTHS FOR / BEST RESULTS” and “MONEY BACK / GUARANTEE TO GIVE ABSOLUTE / AND PERFECT SATISFA
Description
Steel safety razor in a metal box with inscriptions that read “ANTICOR / THE / MAGIC / SAFETY / CORN / SHAVER” and “NEW BLADES / SOLD EVERYWHERE / 3 FOR 25¢ / CHANGE BLADES EVERY / THREE MONTHS FOR / BEST RESULTS” and “MONEY BACK / GUARANTEE TO GIVE ABSOLUTE / AND PERFECT SATISFACTION / TO EVERY CUSTOMER / ANTICOR MFG. COMPANY / NEW YORK CITY.”
Ref: Hugo Buchner, “Corn-Cutter,” U.S. Patent 983,202 (Jan. 11, 1911), assigned to the Anticor Mfg. Co.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1979.0798.218
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.218
Safety razor in a cardboard box with an inscription that reads in part “THE MILLION DOLLAR RAZOR” and “AutoStrop Safety Razor Co., Inc.”Henry J. Gaisman (1870-1974), inventor and philanthropist, established the Auto Strop Safety Razor Co.
Description
Safety razor in a cardboard box with an inscription that reads in part “THE MILLION DOLLAR RAZOR” and “AutoStrop Safety Razor Co., Inc.”
Henry J. Gaisman (1870-1974), inventor and philanthropist, established the Auto Strop Safety Razor Co. in 1906 and sold it to the Gillette Safety Razor Co. in 1930. The firm introduced “THE MILLION DOLLAR RAZOR” in 1928, boasting that it was “the result of 21 years of research and the expenditure of a million dollars in experiments.”
Ref: “H. J. Gaisman, 104, Inventor, Is Dead,” New York Times (Aug. 7, 1974), p. 38.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Auto Strop Safety Razor Company
ID Number
1984.0782.318
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.318
Display rack holding twenty cardboard packages with inscriptions that read “FOR A SWEET SHAVE USE / GOLD’N / HONEY BLADE / SINGLE EDGE / LATEST EXCLUSIVE / SCIENTIFIC PROCESS” and “MADE IN U.S.A.” The Honey Blade Co. was located in St.
Description
Display rack holding twenty cardboard packages with inscriptions that read “FOR A SWEET SHAVE USE / GOLD’N / HONEY BLADE / SINGLE EDGE / LATEST EXCLUSIVE / SCIENTIFIC PROCESS” and “MADE IN U.S.A.” The Honey Blade Co. was located in St. Louis and New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Honey Blade Co.
ID Number
1983.0871.93
accession number
1983.0871
catalog number
1983.0871.93
An inscription on one side of this cardboard package reads “SEALECTED / STAR / DOUBLE EDGE” and that on the other reads “Famous Since 1880 / STAR DIVISION / AMERICAN SAFETY RAZOR CORP. / BROOKLYN 1, N.Y. / MADE IN U.S.A.” The form was on the market by 1948.Currently not on view
Description
An inscription on one side of this cardboard package reads “SEALECTED / STAR / DOUBLE EDGE” and that on the other reads “Famous Since 1880 / STAR DIVISION / AMERICAN SAFETY RAZOR CORP. / BROOKLYN 1, N.Y. / MADE IN U.S.A.” The form was on the market by 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
maker
American Safety Razor Corporation
ID Number
1984.0730.01
accession number
1984.0730
catalog number
1984.0730.01
Store display of 20 cardboard packages, with an inscription that reads “St. Regis / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. MADE IN U.S.A. / DOUBLE-EDGE BLADES” and “DISTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY BY / MCKESSON & ROBBINS, INC. / NEW YORK, N.Y.”Currently not on view
Description
Store display of 20 cardboard packages, with an inscription that reads “St. Regis / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. MADE IN U.S.A. / DOUBLE-EDGE BLADES” and “DISTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY BY / MCKESSON & ROBBINS, INC. / NEW YORK, N.Y.”
Location
Currently not on view
distributor
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0460.242
catalog number
1985.0460.240
accession number
1985.0460
Steel safety razor with a “GEM” inscription. An inscription on the cardboard box reads “We guarantee the perfection / and shave satisfaction of this / Gem Safety Razor and its / marvelous Gem Double-Life / Blade.
Description
Steel safety razor with a “GEM” inscription. An inscription on the cardboard box reads “We guarantee the perfection / and shave satisfaction of this / Gem Safety Razor and its / marvelous Gem Double-Life / Blade. Gem blades are sold / everywhere and always run / 100% perfect to the package.”
Ref: Ad for Gem Double Life Blades in Popular Mechanics (Feb. 1926): 162.
Location
Currently not on view (cardboard box; paper inserts)
date made
ca 1923
maker
Gem Safety Razor Corporation
ID Number
1985.0481.230
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.230
Glass vial with metal screw lid, and paper label that reads “3 Yds.
Description
Glass vial with metal screw lid, and paper label that reads “3 Yds. Waxed / PEARL-MINT / DENTAL TAPE / Flatten before using / ASSOCIATED DENTAL / PRODUCTS, Inc./ NEW YORK, N.Y.” Associated Dental Products was in business by 1925 and selling Pearl-Mint by 1927.
Dental tape is part of a boxed set that came with a tube of Pearl-Mint toothpaste (1984.0782.227) and a toothbrush /gum massager (1984.0782.227.1). The box for the set states: "A Packet Containing All Three Essentials for Clean, Healthy Teeth and Gums."
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Associated Dental Products
ID Number
1984.0782.227.2
catalog number
1984.0782.227.2
accession number
1984.0782
Pink metal powder tin with dark pink and blue print label and decorative gold and white border. "For Cleansing the Skin and Removing Superficial Blackheads." Net weight 4 ozs.; price $1.00.
Description
Pink metal powder tin with dark pink and blue print label and decorative gold and white border. "For Cleansing the Skin and Removing Superficial Blackheads." Net weight 4 ozs.; price $1.00. Directions for use on the back label: "Firm but gentle meal-like cleanser that sloughs off parched and lifeless cuticle . . . gives your skin radiant beauty. Cleanse with Cleansing Cream, Skin Freshener, Mix teaspoonful Special Cleansing Preparation with water to make thin paste. Apply paste with massage, covering neck and face completely, except area around eyes. Let dry, rub off with dry washcloth, concentrating on affected (blackhead) areas. Follow treatment for 7 days. For daily use, to replace soap and water, use dry on wet cloth. A hypo-allergenic product used in the Dubarry Success School."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 1950s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.272
catalog number
1985.0481.272
accession number
1985.0481
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
ca 1910s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
MG.M-11464.03
catalog number
M-11464.03
accession number
260557
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960-1962
maker
Lever Brothers Company
ID Number
1986.0734.01
accession number
1986.0734
catalog number
1986.0734.01
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
1950s
maker
Lever Brothers Company
ID Number
1981.0219.037
accession number
1981.0219
catalog number
1981.0219.037
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
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:On toilet and shaving soaps, perfumes, sachets, toilet waters, talc and dental powders.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
On toilet and shaving soaps, perfumes, sachets, toilet waters, talc and dental powders.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
product release
1873
maker
Colgate & Company
ID Number
MG.293320.0982
catalog number
293320.0982
accession number
293320

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