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.

Inscriptions on the container read “RAZORBRITE / BATH” and “PAT. 1981853 / PAT. 2027899 / TRADE MARK REG. / U.S. PAT. OFF.”Ref: Homer L. Bruce, “Receptacle,” U.S. Patent 1,981,853 (Nov. 27, 1934).Homer L. Bruce, “Cover for Receptacles for Safety Razors,” U.S.
Description
Inscriptions on the container read “RAZORBRITE / BATH” and “PAT. 1981853 / PAT. 2027899 / TRADE MARK REG. / U.S. PAT. OFF.”
Ref: Homer L. Bruce, “Receptacle,” U.S. Patent 1,981,853 (Nov. 27, 1934).
Homer L. Bruce, “Cover for Receptacles for Safety Razors,” U.S. Patent 2,027,899 (Jan. 14, 1936).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
patent date (US1981853 A)
1934
patent date (US2027899 A)
1936
ID Number
1986.0873.44
patent number
1981853
2027899
accession number
1986.0873
catalog number
1986.0873.44
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04678.03
catalog number
M-04678.03
accession number
147292
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.270
catalog number
1985.0481.270
accession number
1985.0481
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
ca 1930s - 1940s
maker
Curio Products Company
ID Number
1986.0873.52
catalog number
1986.0873.52
accession number
1986.0873
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use as a cardiac stimulant and diurecticCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For use as a cardiac stimulant and diurectic
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1937
maker
McNeil Laboratories
ID Number
MG.308863.20
catalog number
308863.20
accession number
308863
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
product launch date
1932
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1979.0798.204
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.204
Gold colored tin with dark green and medium green printing. Tin is flask-shaped and has a twist-open shaker top. Stylized mosquitoes are depicted on the sides of the tin. Directions specify: "To keep Mosquitoes away, apply freely to all exposed parts of the body.
Description
Gold colored tin with dark green and medium green printing. Tin is flask-shaped and has a twist-open shaker top. Stylized mosquitoes are depicted on the sides of the tin. Directions specify: "To keep Mosquitoes away, apply freely to all exposed parts of the body. Repeat when necessary or as the odor of the Anti Skeeter Talc lessens. REVISION 1926 / NET CONTENTS 3 1/4 oz."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1926 - 1930
maker
Pfeiffer Chemical Company
ID Number
2019.0244.01
catalog number
2019.0244.01
accession number
2019.0244
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920's - 1930's
maker
Plough
ID Number
1984.0782.347
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.347
According to 1940 product literature supplied by Parke, Davis & Company:"The name 'I'mmunogen' identifies the specific antigenic substances obtained from he surface or ectoplasm of bacterial cells.
Description
According to 1940 product literature supplied by Parke, Davis & Company:
"The name 'I'mmunogen' identifies the specific antigenic substances obtained from he surface or ectoplasm of bacterial cells. This type of antigen has been designated as 'ecto-antigen'"'
"The power of Immunogens to stimulate the production of immune bodies is high and compares favorably with that of other specific antigen used for similar purposes. / Immunogens are indicated when stimulation of the natural defense mechanism of immunity is desirable in the prophylaxis or treatment of acute and chronic infections."
"Immunogens are administered by injection. Intracutaneous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes are used most commonly; Immunogens may be given intravenously in small doses if desired. Subcutaneous injection is usually followed by more local reaction than intramuscular."
"Clinical Indications: Immunogens are applicable in the same class of cases as bacterial vaccines - for specific immunization. Both are antigenic - capable of stimulating the production of antibodies; and both are specific, the bacteriology of the infection under treatment pointing to the proper vaccine or Immunogen to be used. / The advantage of Immunogens lies, not in greater specificity, but in greater freedom from nonessential and possibly irritating elements. They contain comparatively little protein. Therefore, they can often be used with good effect in acute infections where vaccines would be less desirable."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1937
expiration date
1937-03-01
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04671
catalog number
M-04671
accession number
147292
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1965
product launch date (Derringer spray)
1963
product line launched (Fleur de Rocailles)
1933
maker
Caron
ID Number
2009.3030.31
nonaccession number
2009.3030
catalog number
2009.3030.31
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s
copyright date
1930
maker
Sanifoam Inc.
ID Number
1984.0557.14
accession number
1984.0557
catalog number
1984.0557.14
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910 - 1930s
maker
Vapo-Cresolene Company
ID Number
2008.0018.302
catalog number
2008.0018.302
accession number
2008.0018
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1939
expiration date
1940-11-01
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04856
catalog number
M-04856
accession number
154611
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-02893.02
catalog number
M-02893.02
accession number
111796
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938
expiration date
1938-12-01
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04668
catalog number
M-04668
accession number
147292
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An antibacterial serum obtained from horses immunized with suspensions of live influenza baccilli isolated from fatal cases of influenzal meningitis.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An antibacterial serum obtained from horses immunized with suspensions of live influenza baccilli isolated from fatal cases of influenzal meningitis. Used in treatment of cerebrospinal meningitis caused by the influenza bacillus. Dose -- 30cc injected intraspinally, intracisternally, orintravenously.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1939
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04858
accession number
154611
catalog number
M-04858
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
brand launched (Ben Hur)
1904
maker
Andrew Jergens Company
ID Number
1988.3089.171
catalog number
1988.3089.171
nonaccession number
1988.3089
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
H. K. Mulford Company
ID Number
MG.M-02704.01
catalog number
M-02704.01
accession number
108676
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04674
accession number
147292
catalog number
M-04674
serial number
035379-C
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
maker
Procter and Gamble
ID Number
1984.0718.111
catalog number
1984.0718.111
accession number
1984.0718
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927-1930
product line launched (Krasny)
1927
product line discontinued (Krasny)
ca 1930
ID Number
1985.0481.319
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.319
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1965
product line launched (Fleur de Rocailles)
1933
maker
Caron
ID Number
2009.3030.33
nonaccession number
2009.3030
catalog number
2009.3030.33
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
copyright date
1930
maker
Sanifoam Inc.
ID Number
1984.0557.17
accession number
1984.0557
catalog number
1984.0557.17
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Blair's Snow White Hair Dressing Helps Relieve Dry Scalp and Remove Dandruff Scales. It Beautifies the Hair and Makes Thick, Curly or Kinky Hair Easy to Arrange.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Blair's Snow White Hair Dressing Helps Relieve Dry Scalp and Remove Dandruff Scales. It Beautifies the Hair and Makes Thick, Curly or Kinky Hair Easy to Arrange.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1930
maker
Blair Laboratories
ID Number
1979.0798.190
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.190

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