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 tin–glazed polychrome albarello is decorated with green wavy ribbons and a blue, green, yellow, and ochre wreaths framing blue and ochre C–scrolls on a white background. A blue and yellow rectangle band is without an inscription.Currently not on view
Description
This tin–glazed polychrome albarello is decorated with green wavy ribbons and a blue, green, yellow, and ochre wreaths framing blue and ochre C–scrolls on a white background. A blue and yellow rectangle band is without an inscription.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1624
Date made
1624
ID Number
1991.0664.0536
catalog number
M-05748
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 460
catalog number
1991.0664.0536
This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora.
Description
This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora. Just below the spout is a blue, yellow, and white shield with a yellow lion standing on one hind leg. The escroll is inscribed in cobalt blue, SY D ABSINTIO which would have contained Absinthum, Absinthium or Syrup of Wormwood. Leaves and the tops of flowers of the wormwood plant were used to make this tonic, which was taken for a variety of stomach ailments and as a cure for intestinal worms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1600 - 1625
ID Number
1991.0664.0502
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05714
1991.0664.0502.01
1991.0664.0502.02
collector/donor number
SAP 426
On this tin–glazed albarello, blue wavy ribbons flank a multicolored wreath framing a monk carrying a long cross over his shoulder. The year 1623 is painted above a yellow band inscribed ELET ROST DIMN. Other inscriptions include the initials, S. and D.
Description
On this tin–glazed albarello, blue wavy ribbons flank a multicolored wreath framing a monk carrying a long cross over his shoulder. The year 1623 is painted above a yellow band inscribed ELET ROST DIMN. Other inscriptions include the initials, S. and D. flanking the monk, and A.O. and ORE at the top of the yellow band. The jar likely would have contained an electuary of rosato, a medicinal paste that was taken internally as a tonic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1623
Date made
1623
ID Number
1991.0664.0535
catalog number
M-05747
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 459
catalog number
1991.0664.0535
This polychrome albarello has a white tin–glazed background with green ribbons that flank a blue, green, yellow and ochre wreath framing blue and ochre c–scrolls. A blue and yellow rectangular band lacks an inscription.
Description
This polychrome albarello has a white tin–glazed background with green ribbons that flank a blue, green, yellow and ochre wreath framing blue and ochre c–scrolls. A blue and yellow rectangular band lacks an inscription. A piece of paper found in the jar is marked, "not authentic probably fake." Neither Wolfgang–Hagen Hein nor D. A. Wittop Koning mentions this piece in their 1983 letters discussing fakes and inconsistencies within the collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1624
ID Number
1991.0664.0537
catalog number
M-05749
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 461
catalog number
1991.0664.0537.01
1991.0664.0537.02

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