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.

This cylindrical drug jar tapers at the neck and base, and has a grayish tin glaze background decorated with deep blue striped patterns. Geometric decoration consists of compartmentalized vertical designs between four horizontal lines of blue at both shoulders.
Description
This cylindrical drug jar tapers at the neck and base, and has a grayish tin glaze background decorated with deep blue striped patterns. Geometric decoration consists of compartmentalized vertical designs between four horizontal lines of blue at both shoulders. In the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue George Urdang attributes this jar to Creussen, a town in Bavaria in the first half of the 17th century. However, after seeing the collection in 1983, pharmaceutical historian Wolfgang Hagen Hein wrote about new research that placed the origin of similar jars to Arnstadt, a small town in the principality of Thuringia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0714
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05926
collector/donor number
SAP 638
catalog number
1991.0664.0714
This albarello has vivid green, yellow and blue-green glazes. The center of the oval shield depicts the back of a nude woman and the other side of the container is a man's profile within a larger circle.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This albarello has vivid green, yellow and blue-green glazes. The center of the oval shield depicts the back of a nude woman and the other side of the container is a man's profile within a larger circle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th-17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0546
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05758
collector/donor number
SAP 470
catalog number
1991.0664.0546
Satirical print of medical remedies ranging from enemas, to potions, to reliance on St. James, the apostle who travelled to Iberia and is identified by his cockle shells.
Description
Satirical print of medical remedies ranging from enemas, to potions, to reliance on St. James, the apostle who travelled to Iberia and is identified by his cockle shells. The text at the bottom reads “Envain pour les guérir on accourt à leur aide / La rage est dans le Coeur, il n’est plus de remède.” The “Imp. Lithog. de C. Motte” inscription at the bottom right refers to the Paris lithographer, Charles Etienne Pierre Motte (1785-1836).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
printer
Motte, C
artist
Brekenlenkamp, Quiryn Van
engraver
Greux, Gustave Marie
printer
Chardon, Charles
ID Number
1991.0664.0002
catalog number
M-06267
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 960
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is marked L SANCTI with the alchemical symbol for powder above. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is marked L SANCTI with the alchemical symbol for powder above. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint loss.
The decoration appears as an upside–down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. Lignum Sancti, also known as holy wood or guaicacum, consisted of the powdered leaves, resin, and wood from the Guiacum officiale tree. The powder had medicinal properties and was used as an antivenereal (curative for venereal diseases), a stimulant, and a cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0348
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05497
collector/donor number
SAP 209
catalog number
1991.0664.0348
This ovoid–shaped drug container has a slender neck and a pinched spout. The jar is decorated with a blue floral design, and is marked around the center “FENICV.” The jar would have contained Feniculum (or foeniculum), also known as fennel.
Description
This ovoid–shaped drug container has a slender neck and a pinched spout. The jar is decorated with a blue floral design, and is marked around the center “FENICV.” The jar would have contained Feniculum (or foeniculum), also known as fennel. Fennel was used as a carminative, an expectorant, and a diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1700
ID Number
1991.0664.0642
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05854
collector/donor number
SAP 566
catalog number
1991.0664.0642
This albarello has a yellow background surrounded by a green wreath with yellow and blue berries. An image of an angel stands above a blue and white scroll reads EL PLIRI ARGOR in black.An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica.
Description
This albarello has a yellow background surrounded by a green wreath with yellow and blue berries. An image of an angel stands above a blue and white scroll reads EL PLIRI ARGOR in black.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
Date made
1600 - 1699
ID Number
1991.0664.0538
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05750
collector/donor number
SAP 462
catalog number
1991.0664.0538
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint losses.
The jar is decorated with an upside–down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. The label is marked TUTIA. . .. Heavy paint losses make most of the mark illegible. Tutiae, also known as Tutty, is a zinc oxide that could have been made into an ointment or balm for the skin or eyes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0349
catalog number
M-05498
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 210
catalog number
1991.0664.0349
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint loss.
The decoration appears as an upside–down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. The label is marked in red and black, "VISC QUERC" and the alchemical symbol for powder above the label. Viscum Quercinum is Latin for oak mistletoe. This jar would have contained powdered oak mistletoe, used as an antispasmodic, tonic, and narcotic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0346
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05495
collector/donor number
SAP 207
catalog number
1991.0664.0346
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint losses.
The decoration appears as an upside–down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. The label is marked in red and black with the alchemical symbol for powder and the text ERYSIPELAT. Eryspelas is a bacterial infection that results in skin lesions. The powder in this jar could have been used to treat the symptoms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0345
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05494
collector/donor number
SAP 206
catalog number
1991.0664.0345
This tureen stands on a slender waist and a flared foot. The green scroll handles are applied at the center of the shoulder. The white banner is surrounded by colorful grotesque figures, with faces on the heads of birds and animals.
Description
This tureen stands on a slender waist and a flared foot. The green scroll handles are applied at the center of the shoulder. The white banner is surrounded by colorful grotesque figures, with faces on the heads of birds and animals. The circular lid has a yellow domed finial flanked by two applied green scrolled handles. Both the bowl and lid have a white glazed background with pastel shades of green, yellow, brown and blue. Urdang dates this piece from the Italian city of Urbino to the 17th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0556
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05768
collector/donor number
SAP 556
catalog number
1991.0664.0556
This albarello is decorated with a blue-gray glazed background and bands of yellow, blue, and magnesium. Below the mark the jar is decorated with light curvilinear elements surrounding a grotesque.
Description (Brief)
This albarello is decorated with a blue-gray glazed background and bands of yellow, blue, and magnesium. Below the mark the jar is decorated with light curvilinear elements surrounding a grotesque. Marked just below the shoulder,T DI NITROS.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0557
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05769
collector/donor number
SAP 481
catalog number
1991.0664.0557
This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.Currently not on view
Description
This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1705
ID Number
1991.0664.0620
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05832
collector/donor number
SAP 544
catalog number
1991.0664.0620
This large, misshapen drug jar has a deep blue background that is decorated with yellow and green acanthus leaves. Two portraits appear within oval medallions, one of a man wearing a blue toga and one of a woman wearing a yellow toga.Currently not on view
Description
This large, misshapen drug jar has a deep blue background that is decorated with yellow and green acanthus leaves. Two portraits appear within oval medallions, one of a man wearing a blue toga and one of a woman wearing a yellow toga.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0627
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05839
collector/donor number
SAP 551
catalog number
1991.0664.0627
The lower shoulder of this jar bears the inscription AGARICO. TROCISCATO. It would have held Agaricus Trochis, or agaric lozenges. Agaric is a type of fungus or mushroom, usually found at the base of trees.
Description
The lower shoulder of this jar bears the inscription AGARICO. TROCISCATO. It would have held Agaricus Trochis, or agaric lozenges. Agaric is a type of fungus or mushroom, usually found at the base of trees. The lozenge would be made by combining the fungus with ginger and a gum substnace, and were used to treat excessive sweats associated with scrofula, also known at different points in history as consumption and tuberculosis. According to theDictionary of Protopharmacology, Agaricus is a fungus, Boletus igniarius which is used to stop bleeding.
This drug jar belongs to a series of jars 1991.0664.0525 through 1991.0664.0529 which are attributed to eighteenth century Savona. They have a white background decorated with blue vines and yellow flowers. The center contains a coat of arms framed by a yellow shield and topped by a knight’s helmet. The escutcheon has a radiant yellow star at the top, three horizontal yellow stars on a white background in the center of the shield, and a lower field of blue and yellow stripes. The initials G.C. are on the lower left side of the shield, and the initial E is positioned at the lower right side of the shield.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1700
ID Number
1991.0664.0525
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 449
catalog number
1991.0664.0525
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint loss.
The decoration appears as an upside–down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. The label is marked in red and black FLOR AERUG. This jar would have contained Aerugo, which is Latin for “rust of copper” or copper acetate that would have been used as an emetic or an escharotic (a salve or substance that causes tissue to die and fall away).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0350
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05499
collector/donor number
SAP 211
catalog number
1991.0664.0350
This vase-shaped drug container has a flared foot and lip with a whitish-gray tin-glaze with a blue design.
Description
This vase-shaped drug container has a flared foot and lip with a whitish-gray tin-glaze with a blue design. Palm leaves create a heart-shaped cartouche which is flanked by two Native Americans (Urdang refers to the figures as Moors) holding bows and wearing a quiver and grass skirts. At the top of the cartouche two putti are holding a circular medallion. The interior of the shield is marked, "SYR CARD BEN 1708".
Carduus benedictus, also cardui benedicti is also known as the Blessed Thistle is used as a tonic and stimulant for headache, the plague and the French Pox (syphilis). Varying amounts of drug can cause vomiting and perspiration.
According to Urdang the intertwined initials within the medallion "JHC" are those of Johann Heinrich Christmann, owner of the Moor Pharmacy in Schmalkalden from 1707 to 1710. The provenance is confirmed by W.-H. Hein and D.A. Wittop Koning in their book Deutsche Apotheken-Fayencen. Urdang sees a stylistic relationship between this container and 1991.0664.0716.0717.
The Roche Collection of apothecary jars has a similar jar illustrated in their catalogue. The decoration is almost identical except for the label “Elect Reqnicol", and a few differences of the decorative motif.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1708
ID Number
1991.0664.0718
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05930
collector/donor number
SAP 642
catalog number
1991.0664.0718

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