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.

A patient at Winnebago State Hospital in Wisconsin made this key from “found” materials. It is one of three owned by the museum from that institution. Opened in 1873, Winnebago housed people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.
Description (Brief)
A patient at Winnebago State Hospital in Wisconsin made this key from “found” materials. It is one of three owned by the museum from that institution. Opened in 1873, Winnebago housed people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. The key was confiscated but the record of it is blank as to its maker, date, or intended purpose. Although the artifact is anonymous, its maker is nonetheless powerfully evident.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2000.0014.01
accession number
2000.0014
catalog number
2000.0014.01
A patient at Winnebago State Hospital in Wisconsin made this key from “found” materials. It is one of three owned by the museum from that institution. Opened in 1873, Winnebago housed people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.
Description (Brief)
A patient at Winnebago State Hospital in Wisconsin made this key from “found” materials. It is one of three owned by the museum from that institution. Opened in 1873, Winnebago housed people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. The key was confiscated but the record of it is blank as to its maker, date, or intended purpose. Although the artifact is anonymous, its maker is nonetheless powerfully evident.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2000.0014.03
accession number
2000.0014
catalog number
2000.0014.03
A patient at Winnebago State Hospital in Wisconsin made this key from “found” materials. It is one of three owned by the museum from that institution. Opened in 1873, Winnebago housed people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.
Description (Brief)
A patient at Winnebago State Hospital in Wisconsin made this key from “found” materials. It is one of three owned by the museum from that institution. Opened in 1873, Winnebago housed people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. The key was confiscated but the record of it is blank as to its maker, date, or intended purpose. Although the artifact is anonymous, its maker is nonetheless powerfully evident.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2000.0014.02
accession number
2000.0014
catalog number
2000.0014.02

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