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 wrought-iron cooking bowl has tripod legs and two triangular shaped applied handles. An “S” hook is attached to one of the handles.Currently not on view
Description
This wrought-iron cooking bowl has tripod legs and two triangular shaped applied handles. An “S” hook is attached to one of the handles.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0947
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 1035
catalog number
1991.0664.0947
This wrought-iron crucible has a bowl with three legs and a straight handle. One of the legs been replaced. The bowl is incised “*L*W*/1678.”Currently not on view
Description
This wrought-iron crucible has a bowl with three legs and a straight handle. One of the legs been replaced. The bowl is incised “*L*W*/1678.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1678
ID Number
1991.0664.0949
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06345
collector/donor number
SAP 1037
catalog number
1991.0664.0949
This rounded crucible has a squat body with tripod legs and a wrought iron bale handle looped through triangular shaped handles. The entire body is incised with images of animals and two saints. An oval medallion set into the body is marked, "1530.”Currently not on view
Description
This rounded crucible has a squat body with tripod legs and a wrought iron bale handle looped through triangular shaped handles. The entire body is incised with images of animals and two saints. An oval medallion set into the body is marked, "1530.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0946
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 1034
catalog number
1991.0664.0946

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