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 by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For habitual atonic constipation [The National Dispensatory, 4th Edition, 1880]Currently 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 habitual atonic constipation [The National Dispensatory, 4th Edition, 1880]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1899
ID Number
MG.M-11440.11
catalog number
MG*M-11440[dup 11]
accession number
265846
catalog number
M-11440.11
This albarello has a white background and blue, green, purple–brown and yellow–orange stylized floral motifs flanked by solid bands of color. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang dates this albarello to 16th-century Florence.
Description
This albarello has a white background and blue, green, purple–brown and yellow–orange stylized floral motifs flanked by solid bands of color. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang dates this albarello to 16th-century Florence. In a letter dated 7 October 1973, pharmaceutical historian and author Dr. D. A. Wittop Koning attributes the place of origin to the Netherlands, and Professor Wolfgang–Hagen Hein, to 16th-century Antwerpen.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1500 - 1599
ID Number
1991.0664.0520
catalog number
M-05732
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 444
catalog number
1991.0664.0520
This urne–shaped drug jar has a grayish–white glaze, a straight neck, and a round, domed foot. The lid has a cone–shaped finial.
Description
This urne–shaped drug jar has a grayish–white glaze, a straight neck, and a round, domed foot. The lid has a cone–shaped finial. A rectangular label is formed at the center of the jar by thin lines of brown, yellow, and green, topped by four C–scrolls forming a blue cartouche with a yellow center. The label creates a frame for the jars inscription.
The inscription reads Cort Cinnam. The outer frame is surrounded at its top and bottom by yellow and green vines and swags of beads. Correspondence in 1954 between Division of Medicine Associate Curator George Griffenhagen and George Urdang notes that the jars appear to be of Catalonian–Aragonese origin. This jar would have contained Cortex Cinnamomum, Latin for cinnamon bark which was used as an aromatic to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0564
collector/donor number
SAP 488
catalog number
1991.0664.0564.01
1991.0664.0564.02
M-05776
accession number
1991.0664
This blown and molded square-shaped glass jar is decorated with a baked enamel shield outlined in red and black and capped with a yellow crown. A lion lies at the bottom of the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass jar is decorated with a baked enamel shield outlined in red and black and capped with a yellow crown. A lion lies at the bottom of the shield. According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb ancient Pharmacy Catalogue the seated lion is an indication that the jar was from a pharmacy named Lion Apothecary. It is marked with the alchemical symbol for salt and C RE CT.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0228
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05376
collector/donor number
SAP 85
catalog number
1991.0664.0228
This squat–shaped drug jar has a baluster-shaped body and a stepped flared foot. A yellow shield depicts a lion balanced on one hind leg, holding an orb with its two front paws.
Description
This squat–shaped drug jar has a baluster-shaped body and a stepped flared foot. A yellow shield depicts a lion balanced on one hind leg, holding an orb with its two front paws. The shield is surrounded by an elaborate blue floral motif on a white glazed background with yellow rope bands at the neck and the rim of the foot.
A yellow and blue striped escroll is inscribed in black, PILL DE CINOGL OSS. The jar would have contained pills of cynoglossum. The herb cynoglossum, also known as hound’s-tongue, was used as a narcotic, sedative, astringent, and expectorant.
The jar was incorporated into the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Collection when it was purchased at auction in 1935 from the American Art Association Anderson Galleries in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1675 - 1699
ID Number
1991.0664.0505
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05717
collector/donor number
SAP 429
catalog number
1991.0664.0505
This is a blue, yellow and green tin glazed waisted drug jar. The jar is decorated with a painted female mythological figure with a swan in one hand and flowers in the other, set against a landscape. On either side of the figure are vertical bands of foliage.
Description
This is a blue, yellow and green tin glazed waisted drug jar. The jar is decorated with a painted female mythological figure with a swan in one hand and flowers in the other, set against a landscape. On either side of the figure are vertical bands of foliage. An escrol above the figure is marked “THERIACA ANDROMACHI.” Theriac, an opium compound, was thought to be a panacea for a variety of diseases and an antidote for poison. Andromachus served as the Roman Emperor Nero’s physician, and this opium compound would have contained his formulation of the medicine.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0646
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05858
collector/donor number
SAP 570
catalog number
1991.0664.0646
This blue monochrome albarello-shaped drug jar has a stylized cobalt-blue floral motif with a cross-hatch band just above the shoulder and foot. An escroll in the center of the container is inscribed in gothic script, u dialtea.
Description
This blue monochrome albarello-shaped drug jar has a stylized cobalt-blue floral motif with a cross-hatch band just above the shoulder and foot. An escroll in the center of the container is inscribed in gothic script, u dialtea. This jar would have contained Unguentum Dialthaea, an ointment made from the gummy extract of the roots of the Althaea officinalis, also known as the Marshmallow. The ointment was used to soothe irritated throats and to relieve coughs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
Date made
1500 - 1550
ID Number
1991.0664.0495
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05707
collector/donor number
SAP 419
catalog number
1991.0664.0495
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot with a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked Ung Bphonir.
Description
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot with a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked Ung Bphonir. The jar would have contained some type of unguentum, or ointment. This jar belongs to a set of drug containers seen in objects 1991.0664.0589 through 1991.0664.0596.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0594
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05806
collector/donor number
SAP 518
catalog number
1991.0664.0594
This albarello has a white glazed background and blue decorative motifs. Inside the oval medallion is a spotted white dog with a gold crown above. Decorative bands of blue flowers and birds just above and below the shoulder.
Description
This albarello has a white glazed background and blue decorative motifs. Inside the oval medallion is a spotted white dog with a gold crown above. Decorative bands of blue flowers and birds just above and below the shoulder. The jar, marked “GRAS D’BECHO,” would have contained the herb Coltsfoot, which was used as a cough suppressant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0622
catalog number
M-05834
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 546
catalog number
1991.0664.0622
This cylindrical drug jar tapers at the neck and base, and has a grayish tin glaze background decorated with deep blue striped patterns. Geometric decoration consists of compartmentalized vertical designs between four horizontal lines of blue at both shoulders.
Description
This cylindrical drug jar tapers at the neck and base, and has a grayish tin glaze background decorated with deep blue striped patterns. Geometric decoration consists of compartmentalized vertical designs between four horizontal lines of blue at both shoulders. In the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue George Urdang attributes this jar to Creussen, a town in Bavaria in the first half of the 17th century. However, after seeing the collection in 1983, pharmaceutical historian Wolfgang Hagen Hein wrote about new research that placed the origin of similar jars to Arnstadt, a small town in the principality of Thuringia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0714
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05926
collector/donor number
SAP 638
catalog number
1991.0664.0714
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Ung d althea.
Description
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Ung d althea. The jar would have contained an ointment made from the Althaea, or marshmallow plant. The ointment was often taken from the roots of the plant and used as an emollient and demulcent (an oily substance to relieve a sore mucous membrane). This jar belongs to a set of drug containers seen in objects 1991.0664.0589 through 1991.0664.0596.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0596
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05808
collector/donor number
SAP 520
catalog number
1991.0664.0596
This vase-shaped drug jar has a flared lip and applied round foot. The Baroque-style blue and yellow label with a white oval shield is not marked. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs.
Description
This vase-shaped drug jar has a flared lip and applied round foot. The Baroque-style blue and yellow label with a white oval shield is not marked. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced the apothecary would write the appropriate name on the medallion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0470
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05619
collector/donor number
SAP 331
catalog number
1991.0664.0470
This albarello has vivid green, yellow and blue-green glazes. The center of the oval shield depicts the back of a nude woman and the other side of the container is a man's profile within a larger circle.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This albarello has vivid green, yellow and blue-green glazes. The center of the oval shield depicts the back of a nude woman and the other side of the container is a man's profile within a larger circle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th-17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0546
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05758
collector/donor number
SAP 470
catalog number
1991.0664.0546
This baluster–shaped drug jar has a scalloped foot and a round, flat lid. The foot has a scalloped rim and a vine of tiny flowers and leaves. The handle of the lid is an applied leaf and round orange berry.
Description
This baluster–shaped drug jar has a scalloped foot and a round, flat lid. The foot has a scalloped rim and a vine of tiny flowers and leaves. The handle of the lid is an applied leaf and round orange berry. The container has a white glazed background with two rings of blue, orange, and yellow stylized flowers. One ring is at the top of the container and the other is at the bottom. Within the two rings of flowers is the text “Comf Ninphe.” Ninphea (nymphaea) refers to the water lily, whose roots were used as an astringent and a narcotic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0684
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05896
collector/donor number
SAP 608
catalog number
1991.0664.0684.01
1991.0664.0684.02
This apothecary jar has a white tin glaze with a pinkish cast. It is decorated with a cobalt blue cartouche flanked by two peacocks and a flower basket on the top. The jar is marked, “EXTR.
Description
This apothecary jar has a white tin glaze with a pinkish cast. It is decorated with a cobalt blue cartouche flanked by two peacocks and a flower basket on the top. The jar is marked, “EXTR. CATHOLIC.” Incised on the bottom are the initals “B.L.” George Urdang attributes this jar and 1991.0664.0720 to the Berlin Luedicke (or Ludicke), and notes that it was made to imitate Delft pottery. The quality of the glaze is not as fine, and the decoration is crude compared to the Delft drug jars. Karl Friedrich Lüdicke started a ceramic factory in Berlin about 1756. The mark BL or LB was used until about 1780. Urdang spells his last name “Luedicke,” others use Ludicke, but this difference may be due to the unavailability of the umlaut symbol over the U in early printings. A handwritten note inside the jar reads “Electuary Catholicum.” Electuary Catholicum is an ancient cathartic compound.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0719
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05931
collector/donor number
SAP 643
catalog number
1991.0664.0719
This white albarello displays a blue shield divided into four sections with depictions of two castles and two lions. A yellow–brown free–form label below the shield has been left blank to be filled in by the apothecary.Currently not on view
Description
This white albarello displays a blue shield divided into four sections with depictions of two castles and two lions. A yellow–brown free–form label below the shield has been left blank to be filled in by the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1575 - 1599
ID Number
1991.0664.0519
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05731
collector/donor number
SAP 443
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.0519
This bright blue and white albarello has bands of cross hatching at the collar. Blue stripes divide the container into sections. Large blue balls surrounded by elongated triangular shapes with collars. Urdang attributed this albarello to 15th century Florece. 1954 G.
Description
This bright blue and white albarello has bands of cross hatching at the collar. Blue stripes divide the container into sections. Large blue balls surrounded by elongated triangular shapes with collars. Urdang attributed this albarello to 15th century Florece. 1954 G. Folch Jou felt this piece was of Spanish origin.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1400 - 1499
ID Number
1991.0664.0515
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05727
collector/donor number
SAP 439
catalog number
1991.0664.0515
This aothecary jar has a flared lip and an applied foot. The painted label is applied with the cold paint technique. The white egg-shaped shield is outlined in black and is marked CALCAR SULPHU STIB in black.
Description
This aothecary jar has a flared lip and an applied foot. The painted label is applied with the cold paint technique. The white egg-shaped shield is outlined in black and is marked CALCAR SULPHU STIB in black. The jar would have contained Calcarea Sulphurica Stib (Calcium Sulphate Antimony), which was used to alleviate a variety of skin ailments.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0409
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05558
collector/donor number
SAP 270
catalog number
1991.0664.0409
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 small wide-mouthed drug jar has a whitish tin glaze decorated by a round blue shield with an empty interior. The shield is flanked by two rampant lions and topped by a crown and an orb.
Description
This small wide-mouthed drug jar has a whitish tin glaze decorated by a round blue shield with an empty interior. The shield is flanked by two rampant lions and topped by a crown and an orb. The maker’s mark is on the bottom of the container.
George Urdang attributes this jar and 1991.0664.0737 to 18th century Offenbach in the state of Hesse. A potter’s mark is on the bottom of the jar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0736
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05948
collector/donor number
SAP 660
catalog number
1991.0664.0736
This majolica drug jar is decorated with a painted garland of blue and purple flowers. Green leaves create an oval medallion outlined in yellow and black.
Description
This majolica drug jar is decorated with a painted garland of blue and purple flowers. Green leaves create an oval medallion outlined in yellow and black. The interior of the garland is marked, “BOLUS RUBER” in black, and the bottom of the jar is marked “HN.” A bolus is a large pill, and ruber would likely refer to the pill’s red color.
Historian George Urdang attributes the containers 1991.0664.0760 through 1991.0664.0825 to Hanau in the late 18th century, based on the floral design surrounding the medallion and the initials HN on the bottom of many of the jars in the series. However, in a letter dated August 1983, the pharmaceutical history scholar Wolfgang Hagen Hein states that he believes the unmarked containers and those marked FH were made in Florsheim in the German state of Hesse.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0798
catalog number
M-06010
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 722
catalog number
1991.0664.0798
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Cinms Cassia Donz.
Description
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Cinms Cassia Donz. The jar would have contained the plant Cinnamon cassia, also known as Cinnamomum aromaticum. The plant was often used in alcoholic solutions as a mild tonic. This jar belongs to a set of drug containers seen in objects 1991.0664.0589 through 1991.0664.0596.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0595
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05807
collector/donor number
SAP 519
catalog number
1991.0664.0595
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
This waisted drug jar has a white background decorated with stylized garlands of blue and orange flowers surrounded by green leaves. The waist has a band of gothic–style letters that read Ung Santalinum. The foot has a green wash and the lid has a band of blue flowers.
Description
This waisted drug jar has a white background decorated with stylized garlands of blue and orange flowers surrounded by green leaves. The waist has a band of gothic–style letters that read Ung Santalinum. The foot has a green wash and the lid has a band of blue flowers. The lid has a crack down the center and the finial has broken off. Historian George Urdang attributes this piece to mid–eighteenth century Strasbourg. The jar would have contained Unguentum santalum, or ointment from the "Santalum", or sandalwood tree. The oils from sandalwood were well known for their strong aromas, and were used as an antivenereal and astringent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
Date made
1725 - 1775
ID Number
1991.0664.0678
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05890
collector/donor number
SAP 602
catalog number
1991.0664.0678.01
1991.0664.0678.02

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