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: Military

Plate 72. Medical Supply Boat Planter, on the Appomattox

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Historically connected with the closing scenes of the great rebellion, this river will forever be interesting.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Historically connected with the closing scenes of the great rebellion, this river will forever be interesting. This picture was taken about a mile above City Point, the boats being a portion of the fleet in the service of the Medical Department. The well-known supply boat, Planter, is lying at the little pier, formed by a section of a pontoon bridge. In the foreground is another pier, somewhat more solidly constructed on piles, driven into the oozy bed of the river. The opposite bank forms a part of Bermuda Hundreds, occupied by Gen. Butler after the failure of his advance upon Richmond.
When the combined forces besieged Petersburg, the Army of the James was encamped near Bermuda Hundreds, Gen. Butler's headquarters being close upon the river, near Point of Rocks, where a pontoon bridge was laid, to connect the lines of the two armies. The bridge was well guarded by a squadron of gunboats, and although the rebels repeatedly attempted its destruction, remained undisturbed until the close of the war.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-01
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.22
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.22

Medical Chest for Motor Ambulances at Aviation Camps

First aid chest used by Italian Army in World War I.Currently not on view
Description
First aid chest used by Italian Army in World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1916
ID Number
MG.28627
catalog number
28627
accession number
65023

B&B Corrosive Sublimate Gauze

Orange cardboard box containing one yard of corrosive sublimate gauze for field use in World War I.
Description
Orange cardboard box containing one yard of corrosive sublimate gauze for field use in World War I. Typed on the box in black ink is: "B&B Corrosive / Sublimate Gauze / Compressed / 1 Yard / Prepared by / Bauer & Black / Chicago, U.S.A / Contract May, 1917." Corrosive sublimate, also known as mercuric chloride (HgCl2), was used as an antiseptic during the war.
date made
ca. 1917
maker
Bauer & Black
ID Number
AF.303690D
catalog number
303690D
accession number
62728

U.S. Hospital Corps Belt

U.S. Hospital Corps Belt, Model 1910. Khaki colored canvas belt with ten empty pocket pouches for medical supplies. Black metal closures. For field use by medical staff in World War I.
Description
U.S. Hospital Corps Belt, Model 1910. Khaki colored canvas belt with ten empty pocket pouches for medical supplies. Black metal closures. For field use by medical staff in World War I.
date made
ca. 1918
associated date
1903 - 1916
ID Number
AF.19115
catalog number
19115
accession number
62728

Form Board, Healy Pictorial Completion Test II

William Healy and Grace Fernald of Chicago used puzzles to study to abilities of delinquent children. This one shows one day in the life of a schoolboy. It was given to soldiers who failed the Army group examinations.This test is in a black, cloth-covered paper box.
Description
William Healy and Grace Fernald of Chicago used puzzles to study to abilities of delinquent children. This one shows one day in the life of a schoolboy. It was given to soldiers who failed the Army group examinations.
This test is in a black, cloth-covered paper box. It consists of two nearly square boards which are displayed next to one another. Each board has a cloth backing. A picture printed on paper is attached to the front. The pictures show a total of eleven scenes from the life of a schoolboy. Each scene has a square hole cut in it. The teat also has sixty square wooden pieces that fit into the holes in the boards. Each piece has a picture on the front and is numbered on the back. The pieces fit, ten to a row, into a wooden rack with six long indentations. Places on the rack are numbered from 1 to 60. A piece of black cloth nailed to the bottom front of the rack allow it to be removed from the box. The test also contains a blue pamphlet: William Healy, Manual for Pictorial Completion test II Cat. No. 46235, Chicago: C.H. Stoelting.
This test is a version (differing, at least, in its box) of a test described in; C.H. Stoelting, Apparatus, Tests and Supplies, Chicago, 1936, p. 157. See also C.H. Stoelting, List 350, Apparatus and Supplies for Practical Mental Classification Used by Dr. William Healy, p. 7 in Stoelting’s publication Psychology and Physiology Apparatus and Supplies, Chicago, 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
C. H. Stoelting Company
ID Number
1990.0570.03
accession number
1990.0570
catalog number
1990.0570.03

B&B Iodine Swabs

Gray cardboard box containing a set of six iodine swabs for field use in World War I. Typed on the top of the box in black ink is: "B&B Iodine Swab / Enough for one Application in Each / Each Containing: 1 1/2 c.c.
Description
Gray cardboard box containing a set of six iodine swabs for field use in World War I. Typed on the top of the box in black ink is: "B&B Iodine Swab / Enough for one Application in Each / Each Containing: 1 1/2 c.c. 3 1/2% Tincture Iodine / 70% Alcohol / 6 Iodine Swabs / Prepared by Bauer & Black Chicago, U.S.A." Inside the box are six glass tubes of iodine wrapped in paper with instructions for use in emergency wound care.
maker
Bauer & Black
ID Number
AF.303690C
catalog number
303690C
accession number
62728

Vase

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1919
ID Number
MG.M-01616
accession number
64133
catalog number
M-01616

U.S. Army First Aid Packet

U.S. Army First Aid Packet for use during World War I. Brown olive drab painted metal case with "FIRST AID PACKET - U.S. ARMY / CONTRACT NOV. 2 - 1916 / BAUER & BLACK / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / TO OPEN PULL RING / PATENT APPLIED FOR" stamped on top.
Description
U.S. Army First Aid Packet for use during World War I. Brown olive drab painted metal case with "FIRST AID PACKET - U.S. ARMY / CONTRACT NOV. 2 - 1916 / BAUER & BLACK / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / TO OPEN PULL RING / PATENT APPLIED FOR" stamped on top. Ring pull tab on bottom to open packet.
date made
1916
associated date
1917 - 1918
maker
Bauer & Black
ID Number
AF.76297M
catalog number
76297M
accession number
301948

Navy Nurse Corps Indoor Uniform

Navy Nurse Corps cape worn as part of the indoor uniform during World War I. Navy blue wool cape with red lining. Button closure at front with several buttons lining the top and bottom of each arm hole. Two pockets with button closure at front.
Description
Navy Nurse Corps cape worn as part of the indoor uniform during World War I. Navy blue wool cape with red lining. Button closure at front with several buttons lining the top and bottom of each arm hole. Two pockets with button closure at front. Blue wool belt with button attachments at waist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1917
associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
1998.0165.83.01
accession number
1998.0165
catalog number
1998.0165.83.01

Group Examination Alpha

During World War I, the U.S. Army needed to sort out the thousands of recruits arriving at training camps. Psychologists claimed that their young science offered an objective, efficient way to classify men, weeding out the mentally unfit.
Description
During World War I, the U.S. Army needed to sort out the thousands of recruits arriving at training camps. Psychologists claimed that their young science offered an objective, efficient way to classify men, weeding out the mentally unfit. Intelligence tests available at the time had been designed for children, given individually, and in many cases were unstandardized. No one knew precisely what they measured or how these measurements related to military performance. Nonetheless, over 1,700,000 American soldiers took intelligence tests during the war.
Group Examination Alpha was for men who could read English. It tested the ability to follow oral directions, arithmetic, vocabulary, pattern recognition, general information, and “common sense.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
United States Army. Medical Department. Division of Psychology
ID Number
1990.0334.01
catalog number
1990.0334.01
accession number
1990.0334

Watch Fob

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-1919
ID Number
MG.M-01609
catalog number
M-01609
accession number
64133

First-Aid Pouch

Physical DescriptionCanvas olive-drab pouch with metal hook on reverse and two snaps on flap.General HistoryModel 1910 first-aid pouch designed to be worn on the soldier's utility belt.
Description
Physical Description
Canvas olive-drab pouch with metal hook on reverse and two snaps on flap.
General History
Model 1910 first-aid pouch designed to be worn on the soldier's utility belt.
ID Number
1979.0549.25
accession number
1979.0549
catalog number
1979.0549.25

Jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1919
ID Number
MG.M-01615
catalog number
M-01615
accession number
64133

Army Nurse Corps Outdoor Uniform

Army Nurse Corps jacket worn by Mrs. Newell S. Crouse in France during World War I. Dark blue jacket with four pockets at front. Advance Sector Services of Supply patch on left shoulder.
Description
Army Nurse Corps jacket worn by Mrs. Newell S. Crouse in France during World War I. Dark blue jacket with four pockets at front. Advance Sector Services of Supply patch on left shoulder. Gold overseas service chevron on left sleeve, indicating 6 months of service.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1917
associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
AF.56157
catalog number
56157
accession number
198918

Identity Card, American Expeditionary Forces, for Maurice Cornelius Wentz

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
ID Number
2016.3076.05
catalog number
2016.3076.05
nonaccession number
2016.3076
serial number
90817

Stenquist Construction Test - Single Series I

The “Stenquist Construction Test of Mechanical Ability” was devised by John Langdon Stenquist (1885-1952), a PhD student at Columbia University Teachers College, and used to evaluate Army recruits during World War I.
Description
The “Stenquist Construction Test of Mechanical Ability” was devised by John Langdon Stenquist (1885-1952), a PhD student at Columbia University Teachers College, and used to evaluate Army recruits during World War I. This example was used in the Psychology Department at Carnegie-Mellon University.
Ref: John L. Stenquist, Measurements of Mechanical Ability (New York, 1923).
“Dr. Stenquist, Educational Leader, Dies,” [Baltimore] Sun (Nov. 9, 1952), p. 38.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
used at
Carnegie-Mellon University
ID Number
MG.311913.10
catalog number
311913.10
accession number
311913

U.S. Army Diagnosis Tag

Blue booklet of diagnosis tags for use by U.S. Army medical personnel during World War I. Typed in black ink on the front of the booklet is: "DIAGNOSIS / TAG / U.S. ARMY / For Use among Sick and Wounded / on the Battle-Field.
Description
Blue booklet of diagnosis tags for use by U.S. Army medical personnel during World War I. Typed in black ink on the front of the booklet is: "DIAGNOSIS / TAG / U.S. ARMY / For Use among Sick and Wounded / on the Battle-Field. / Contract, June 1918 / Field Medical Supply Depot, U.S. Army / W.H. Brewton, Contractor / Washington, D.C." Sick or wounded soldiers would receive a diagnosis tag from medical personnel in the field before being transported to a hospital for treatment. The tag was attached to the soldier's uniform near the chest via a thin metal wire. Diagnosis tags aided hospital workers in determining treatment priorities.
date made
1916-1918
contract date
1918-06
ID Number
AF.303690E
catalog number
303690E
accession number
62728

Plate 54. Field Hospital, Second Army Corps, Brandy Station

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Each corps, division, and brigade of the army, when encamped for any length of time, established a Field Hospital.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Each corps, division, and brigade of the army, when encamped for any length of time, established a Field Hospital. The one represented here was located in the woods, near Brandy Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, in the winter of 1863 and 1864. The patients were composed of men suffering from the diseases incident to camp life, and were rendered as comfortable here as those in the city hospitals. Large stoves were placed in each tent, and good fires kept up day and night. Floors were laid to protect the sick from the dampness of the earth, blankets were furnished in the greatest abundance, and every attention was shown the patients by experienced surgeons, while the Sanitary and Christian Commissions provided linen, delicacies, and a variety of reading matter. Some of the hospitals were surrounded by high cedar hedges, constructed by the attendants and convalescents, and were models of architectural beauty. Arches were erected over the entrances to the camp, and adorned with the badges of the respective divisions and brigades, and rustic seats placed on the south side of the tents, where the men whiled away many an hour in the sunshine. The trinkets cut from soft pine by the men were of every variety, and very curious. Elegant picture frames were made of small slips ingeniously interlaced, and were sold for large sums; the most elaborate realizing for their makers from fifty to one hundred dollars.
The dead were always buried with military honors, and there were very few instances where the graves thus made were left without some appropriate memorial. There was a brotherhood among the patients akin to domestic love. Those who endured the sufferings of the Camp Hospital unconsciously learned to care for each other's welfare, and many now look back to the weary days of hospital life as the beginning of friendships which time cannot weaken nor adversity estrange.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-02
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.04
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.04

Plate 51. The "Shebang," Or Quarters Sanitary Commission, Brandy Station

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army. The object of the Commission was to alleviate the hardships of soldier life to afford physical comfort to the sick and wounded, and supply such of the well as were needy with under-clothing, &c. The Departments, or Special Bureaus were established at Washington, New York, Louisville, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and City Point, in addition to which there have been the Departments of Western Virginia, of the South, and Texas. The funds of the Commission were raised by means of Sanitary Fairs in the principal cities, and by voluntary subscription. The report of the Treasurer shows that from June 27th, 1861, to July 1st, 1865, the receipts were $4,813,750.64, and the disbursements $4,530,774.95, leaving a balance in the hands of the Commission of $282,975.69. In 1863 a Protective War Claim Association was established, and made subordinate to the Commission, for the purpose of making direct applications for pensions, arrears of pay, bounty and prize money, and for giving general information and advice relative to military and naval matters. No charges were made for these services, thus saving to the widows and representatives of the soldiers the usual fees of claim agents, which in these cases would have amounted to about $240,000.
The Relief Bureau of the Commission closed on the 1st of July, 1865. At that time there were vast stores and material on hand, all of which were turned over to General Howard's Bureau for the benefit of the freedmen. The Claim Bureau will close on the 1st of January, 1866, and turn over to the Central Bureau at Washington all the papers and documents in its possession. From that time forward, the Commission will devote itself to the preparation of a historical record, a final and full report, and the settlement of its affairs in closing up the several agencies. What will be done with the surplus funds has not yet been determined, but it is expected that they will be transferred as an endowment to some institution devoted to the interests of soldiers and of their families.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-11
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.01
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.01

Footstool

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1919
ID Number
MG.M-01614
catalog number
M-01614
accession number
64133

U.S. Army First Aid Packet

U.S. Army first aid packet used during World War I. Brown painted brass box with "FIRST AID PACKET - U.S. ARMY / CONTRACT JAN-7-1916 / BAUER & BLACK / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / TO OPEN - PULL RING / PATENT APPLIED FOR" stamped on top in raised letters. Recess on bottom for pull ring.
Description
U.S. Army first aid packet used during World War I. Brown painted brass box with "FIRST AID PACKET - U.S. ARMY / CONTRACT JAN-7-1916 / BAUER & BLACK / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / TO OPEN - PULL RING / PATENT APPLIED FOR" stamped on top in raised letters. Recess on bottom for pull ring. The pull has been used and packet is partially opened with pull tab still attached to outside of packet. Inside the packet are bandages sealed in waxed paper.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1916
maker
Bauer & Black
ID Number
AF.72398M
catalog number
72398M
accession number
283601

Water Rescue Strap

Water rescue teams from the United States Coast Guard used this harness to save many residents of New Orleans and other Louisiana parishes inundated by the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
Description
Water rescue teams from the United States Coast Guard used this harness to save many residents of New Orleans and other Louisiana parishes inundated by the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The harness or "strop" was lowered by motorized cable from a Coast Guard helicopter hovering overhead. A rescue swimmer would jump out of the helicopter into the water to help maneuver the strop around and under the victim's arms. Flood victims were also plucked off rooftops and out of trees using these strops. One consequence of Katrina's sudden and unexpected ferocity was the danger facing many people ill-equipped to escape the apparent safety of their homes.
Teams of helicopter rescuers made thousands of trips from air bases along the Gulf Coast in the search for survivors. Flying conditions over New Orleans in particular were hazardous in the days immediately following Katrina, as many police, military, and private services sought to use the suddenly clear skies to locate trapped victims.
For those who were rescued, one ordeal was quickly replaced by another longer ordeal of displacement, discovery of how much had been lost, and gradual recovery.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
2005
user
United States Coast Guard
ID Number
2006.0009.01
catalog number
2006.0009.01
accession number
2006.0009

German Medical Orderly's Belt

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1918
ID Number
MG.M-02379
accession number
100353
catalog number
M-02379

Turkish Army Medical Backpack

Canvas and leather backpack containing first-aid supplies. On the outside of the back flap is a circular "Red Crescent" logo, symbol of the Ottoman Red Crescent Society.
Description
Canvas and leather backpack containing first-aid supplies. On the outside of the back flap is a circular "Red Crescent" logo, symbol of the Ottoman Red Crescent Society. On the inside of the flap is a paper sheet with a list of contents in typed Turkish, "Sihhiye Cantasinin Muhteviyati" [Contents of Sanitary (Medical) Bag]. The contents are kept within the pack inside of compartmentalized, cloth pockets with string ties. There are also two folding compartments on the sides, holding rigid materials such as wooden splints. All of these compartments have labels in German. Contents include a rubber tourniquet; a sewing kit; numerous bandages, most in cloth packages tied with string; sealed paper packages of bandages: "3LUK KEMBRIK / SARGISI" [Cambric bandages].; a black, leather "red crescent" notebook with arabic print; thread; forceps; and splints. On one side of the pack, near the bottom corner, is a flap, behind which is a rectangular, metal box. The box-top is divided in two, with a hinge at the center. This case contains morphine packets, a syringe set; and five, empty glass bottles with labels in Turkish. Side drawer contains two ointment tubes: "Borsalbe / Hauptsanitats Depot / Berlin" [Boric Acid Ointment / Main Sanitary Depot / Berlin]. Some supplies in the kit come from the late 1920s such as: Individual bandage packets : "PIYADE HARP / PAKETI / 1929" [Infantry Warfare Packet, 1929], and on the back: ISTANBUL / Sıhhiye Transit Deposu" [Sanitary, or Medical, Transit Depot], and two (2) packs of ampules: "10 ADET / 18-EYLUL-1928" [10 Units, September 18, 1928], presumably one box is morphine and the other caffeine.
The first aid pack was a standard WWI German Army medical pack altered for the Turkish Army.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1917-1929
ID Number
MG.M-07166
catalog number
M-07166
accession number
106236

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