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.

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, and spasmodic croup; relieves ordinary sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, and spasmodic croup; relieves ordinary sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.21
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:An antiseptic surgical dressing.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
An antiseptic surgical dressing. Applicable for cuts, burns, bruises, itch, corns, bunions, bites and stings of insects, sunburn, frost bite, chapped hands and lips, wounds, and sores of the mucous membrane and skin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1989.0711.41
accession number
1989.0711
catalog number
1989.0711.41
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The only headache remedy that does not weaken the heart. A perfect substitute for coffee as a beverage for those who are made nervous by the use of ordinary coffee.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: The only headache remedy that does not weaken the heart. A perfect substitute for coffee as a beverage for those who are made nervous by the use of ordinary coffee. The aromatic oil and tannic acid, which disagrees with the stomach, has been eliminated. In other words, this concentrated extract contains all the good of coffee without the bad, combined with pepsin to predigest the coffee and at the same time to assist digestion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
2008.0062.12
accession number
2008.0062
catalog number
2008.0062.12
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1980.0698.064
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.064
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
1891-1934
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1980.0698.090
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.090
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Laxative. A preparation for colds. Relieves also the feverish conditions and headache, which are usually associated with colds.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Laxative. A preparation for colds. Relieves also the feverish conditions and headache, which are usually associated with colds. The second or third dose will relieve the headache and will move the bowels in 8 or 10 hours. In treating colds it is very important that the bowels should move well every day. This preparation moves the bowels gently without griping.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1979.0798.366
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.366
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1891-1934
maker
Paris Medicine Company
ID Number
1980.0698.091
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.091

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