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 blue and white albarello dates to the 17th century and is attributed to the city of Faenza, Italy. The jar has a flared neck, and likely would have been used as a medicine container.
Description
This blue and white albarello dates to the 17th century and is attributed to the city of Faenza, Italy. The jar has a flared neck, and likely would have been used as a medicine container. The jar bears the image of a house or other architectural structure that is rendered with a painterly quality and is surrounded by stylized flowers and vines. The back of the container is white.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1600 - 1650
ID Number
1991.0664.0503
catalog number
M-05715
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 427
catalog number
1991.0664.0503
Portrait of Sebastian Schroder from the upper torso within an ovular frame bearing a Latin inscription and a fruit pattern of grapes and apples. A crest at the top of the frame consists of three wreaths.
Description (Brief)
Portrait of Sebastian Schroder from the upper torso within an ovular frame bearing a Latin inscription and a fruit pattern of grapes and apples. A crest at the top of the frame consists of three wreaths. At the bottom of the frame is the Schroder family crest flanked by two cornucopias and olive branches. The crest is a beetle on a shield with wings and claws at the top. Outside the frame is an eagle in the top right corner, a lizard in the top left corner, a fish like animal in the bottom left and a snake in the bottom right corner.
Anderaus Khol. German printmaker 1624-1656.
Anselm van Hulle. Flemish printmaker 1601-1674.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1650
depicted
Onoldino, Sebastianus Schroderus
ID Number
1991.0664.0036
collector/donor number
SAP 908
accession number
1991.0664
Portrait print of Christopher Hempelivs.Currently not on view
Description
Portrait print of Christopher Hempelivs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1657
depicted
Hempelivs, Christopher
ID Number
1991.0664.0031
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 911

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