Health & Medicine

Iron Lung

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.

Topic: Celluloid

Back scratcher

A back scratcher made of cream celluloid. The scratching end is in the shape of a hand. There are no marks.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A back scratcher made of cream celluloid. The scratching end is in the shape of a hand. There are no marks.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1594
catalog number
2006.0098.1594
accession number
2006.0098

Celluloid Novelty

Novelty item in the shape of a milk bottle. One side has a color image of the Sunlight Milk plant. The other bears a trademark for Polk's Best. Included are three retractable toothpicks.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Novelty item in the shape of a milk bottle. One side has a color image of the Sunlight Milk plant. The other bears a trademark for Polk's Best. Included are three retractable toothpicks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1893
maker
American Art Works
ID Number
2006.0098.0133
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0133

Celluloid Toothpick

Novelty celluloid toothpick. Handle is in the shape of a man's profile. A movable larger pick extends from the head, while a penis-shaped smaller pick extends from below the belly.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Novelty celluloid toothpick. Handle is in the shape of a man's profile. A movable larger pick extends from the head, while a penis-shaped smaller pick extends from below the belly.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1499
catalog number
2006.0098.1499
accession number
2006.0098

Nail parer

A metal nail parer with an amber and cream pearlescent handle. A floral motif decorates the handle. It has no maker's marks.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A metal nail parer with an amber and cream pearlescent handle. A floral motif decorates the handle. It has no maker's marks.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1441
catalog number
2006.0098.1441
accession number
2006.0098

Dr. Miles Anti Pain Pills

Circular tape measure. A cream-colored celluloid case with purple print reading "Dr. Miles' Medical Co. For Headache Elkhart, Ind." on one side and "For Relief of Any Pain" on the other side. On one side is an image of a vial package of pain pills.
Description (Brief)
Circular tape measure. A cream-colored celluloid case with purple print reading "Dr. Miles' Medical Co. For Headache Elkhart, Ind." on one side and "For Relief of Any Pain" on the other side. On one side is an image of a vial package of pain pills. The tabe is cloth with a metal tab.
Location
Currently not on view
advertiser
Dr. Miles Medical Company
maker
Parisian Novelty Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1538
catalog number
2006.0098.1538
accession number
2006.0098

Wiesbaden toothpick

Celluloid toothpick in the shape of a stork. The stork's body is imitation tortoiseshell, and the beak consists of two imitation ivory picks. Its legs are also imitation ivory, with feet cut to resemble high-heeled slippers.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid toothpick in the shape of a stork. The stork's body is imitation tortoiseshell, and the beak consists of two imitation ivory picks. Its legs are also imitation ivory, with feet cut to resemble high-heeled slippers. This may be a souvenir, as it has "Weisbaden," a German city, painted on one side.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1498
catalog number
2006.0098.1498
accession number
2006.0098

Nail File with Celluloid Handle

Metal nail file with a celluloid handle marked "Ivory Pyralin DuBarry."Pyralin, the trade name of celluloid produced by the Arlington Co., derived from the word pyroxylin. DuPont used the term in the 1920s and 1930s.
Description (Brief)
Metal nail file with a celluloid handle marked "Ivory Pyralin DuBarry."
Pyralin, the trade name of celluloid produced by the Arlington Co., derived from the word pyroxylin. DuPont used the term in the 1920s and 1930s. The "DuBarry" line of celluloid dresser set articles, the first and most popular line from the Arlington Co., was continued by DuPont.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
2006.0098.1430
catalog number
2006.0098.1430
accession number
2006.0098

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