Health & Medicine - Overview
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.
"Health & Medicine - Overview" showing 9 items.
Ayer's Hair Invigorator
- Description
- Made by J. C. Ayer and Company, Practical and Analytical Chemists, Lowell, Mass., in the 1860s, Ayer’s Hair Vigor "Restores grey hair to its natural vitality and color," but "does not color the hair." Advertisements pronounced that it was "free from uncleanly dangerous or injurious substances" and that it would cure dandruff and stop falling hair. Patented in 1868, this was the only Ayer product to have a patent, although the company sold a variety of health-related products popularly known as "patent medicines."
- Along with these other medicines, Ayer’s Hair Vigor was advertised in Ayer’s American Almanac, which was first published in the mid-19th century and continued into the 1920s. The almanac featured astronomical, astrological, and weather information for the year, as well as medical advice promoting the company’s products.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Dr. J. C. Ayer and Company
- ID Number
- 1984.0782.349
- catalog number
- 1984.0782.349
- accession number
- 1984.0782
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Q-Ban Hair Tonic
- Description
- Q-Ban Hair Tonic was produced by Q-Ban Hair Laboratories, Hessig-Ellis Drug Company of Memphis, Tenn. The Q-Ban trademark was registered by the company in 1919, but they claimed to have been producing the product since 1900. By 1939 the trademark was in the hands of another company.
- Most advertising for this product falls between 1914 and 1924. "Sunshine and Air are free," ran one advertisement in 1917, but "with Q-Ban Hair Tonic you can restore vigor and beauty to your hair and get ‘Back To Nature.’" A 1920 advertisement claimed Q-Ban Hair tonic "checks falling hair, dandruff, bald spots, and gray."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1914-1924
- maker
- Hessig-Ellis Chemists
- ID Number
- 1984.0782.350
- catalog number
- 1984.0782.350
- accession number
- 1984.0782
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Eau De Quinine Elixir Compound Hair Tonic
- Description
- Eau de Quinine compound hair tonic was introduced in the 1850s by Ed. Pinaud’s (Edouard Pinaud), a Paris parfumerie. Advertisements indicate that the product was sold into the 1960s. Quinine is a toxic alkaloid derived from the cinchona tree. When heavily diluted, it was used in hair products, specifically as a treatment for hair loss.
- Pinaud’s was advertised as the favorite hair dressing of "Cultured Women" and the only tonic "used by the crowned heads of Europe." It was an "indispensable preparation for the refined toilet" with a "delicate fragrance that overpowers the unpleasant effects of excessive oiliness on the scalp."
- Pinaud’s product was imported to the United States from France and many barbers apparently tried to pass off domestic preparations as genuine Eau de Quinine. In the mid-1920s, Pinaud filed an injunction against companies making the counterfeit product.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1894-1960
- maker
- Pinaud, E. D.
- ID Number
- 1984.0782.357
- catalog number
- 1984.0782.357
- accession number
- 1984.0782
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Gentry Brothers Mange Remedy Shampoo and Tonic
- Description
- The Gentry Brothers Famous Show was a large American circus that began as a dog show in 1887 and ran until 1916. They were based out of Bloomington, Ind. In 1912 they started the Gentry Brothers Remedy Company which aimed to conduct "a manufacturing business and sell remedies and medicines for man and beast..." The business was dissolved in the late 1950s.
- The exact manufacture date for this bottle is unknown, but the amber bottle, cork, and label style point towards the early years of the date span, 1912-1950s. Mange affects both humans and animals and their close proximity in a circus environment may have prompted the development of this shampoo.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1912-1958
- maker
- Gentry Brothers Remedy Company
- ID Number
- 1984.0782.365
- catalog number
- 1984.0782.365
- accession number
- 1984.0782
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Halo Shampoo
- Description
- In 1938 the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company in Jersey City, N.J., introduced Halo, the zero soap shampoo. Their slogan was "Soaping dulls hair, while Halo glorifies it." The product came with a double-your-money back guarantee. Advertisements claimed that the lack of oils and harsh chemicals made the product clean-rinsing and safe for children.
- Over the years, the Colgate-Palmolive Company used celebrities and program sponsorships to endorse their product. In the 1940s, the product jingle, "Halo, Everybody, Halo," was introduced on the radio and early TV. Through the following decades, many celebrities and recording artists, including Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Eddie Cantor, sang the Halo jingle. Halo was still being sold in the late 1970s.
- In 1959, Colgate-Palmolive introduced this special formula for dry-hair. Both the new formula product and the "famous liquid gold Halo (America’s Favorite Shampoo)" received new bottle shapes. They were advertised as "the modern shampoo with extra shining action." Halo was still being sold into the late 1970s, although the packaging had changed a few more times over the years.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1959
- maker
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- ID Number
- 1985.0460.126
- accession number
- 1985.0460
- catalog number
- 1985.0460.126
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Halo Shampoo
- Description
- In 1938 the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company in Jersey City, N.J., introduced Halo, the zero soap shampoo. Their slogan was "Soaping dulls hair, while Halo glorifies it." The product came with a double-your-money back guarantee. Advertisements claimed that the lack of oils and harsh chemicals made the product clean-rinsing and safe for children.
- Over the years the Colgate-Palmolive Company used celebrities and program sponsorships to endorse their product. In the 1940s, the product jingle, "Halo, Everybody, Halo," was introduced on the radio and early TV. Through the following decades, many celebrities and recording artists, including Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Eddie Cantor, sang the Halo jingle. Halo was still being sold in the late 1970s.
- While the Halo bottle retained its distinctive shape, at the end of 1954, Colgate-Palmolive introduced this new blue, white, and gold packaging. In 1956, their ads claimed they were "America’s #1 Selling Shampoo."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1955
- maker
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- ID Number
- 1985.0475.187
- accession number
- 1985.0475
- catalog number
- 1985.0475.187
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Prell Radiant Shampoo
- Description
- Prell Shampoo was introduced by Procter & Gamble, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1947. This particular tube of Concentrated Prell Radiant Shampoo dates to around 1957 and was likely designed by Donald Deskey, a pioneer of modern industrial design. Deskey created packaging for many Procter & Gamble products, including the well-known Crest tube of toothpaste, Jif peanut butter, and Tide detergent.
- Earlier in his career, Deskey designed the interior of Radio City Music Hall and worked on the 1939 New York World’s Fair. In the year before his death, Deskey gave some of his papers to the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York City.
- Prell’s viscous green liquid and unbreakable bottle, featured in memorable advertising, made it fodder for many references in entertainment including television shows like Drawn Together, Seinfeld and The Simpsons. In the 1996 movie The Rock, Prell was used to represent the deadly VX gas. Prell was one of the highest selling shampoos in 1977 and is still sold today (2012) by Ultimark Products.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1957
- maker
- Procter & Gamble Company
- ID Number
- 1985.0475.207
- catalog number
- 1985.0475.207
- accession number
- 1985.0475
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Royal Drene Shampoo
- Description
- Drene shampoo was introduced by Procter & Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the mid-1930s. It was the first modern synthetic (no soap) shampoo and it marked the company’s entrance into the hair care business. In 1946 and 1947 Procter & Gamble sponsored a variety radio program called Drene Time which featured singing and comedy acts, including the Bickersons, played by Don Ameche and Francis Lanford. Procter & Gamble produced Drene in the United States until the 1970s.
- Royal Drene Shampoo was produced by Procter & Gamble from 1956 to 1968. This bottle sold during the 1960s.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1962-1968
- maker
- Procter and Gamble
- ID Number
- 1985.0475.211
- catalog number
- 1985.0475.211
- accession number
- 1985.0475
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Dollard's Herbanium Extract
- Description
- Dollard’s Herbanium Extract was produced by Dollard and Company of Philadelphia, Pa. The product label claims that the company had been in business since 1838. Early advertisements for the Herbanium Extract date back to at least the mid-1840s. R. Dollard appears to have been a Philadelphia wigmaker.
- This bottle dates to just after 1906, and the box bears the statement, "guaranteed under the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act." The label also claims that the product is a valuable remedy for headache.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1906-1918
- maker
- Dollard and Company
- ID Number
- MG*293320.0953
- catalog number
- 293320.0953
- accession number
- 293320
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center