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 inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “BRISCO” and “KLEANWELL” and “57.” The form was available by 1910, was apparently made in France.Currently not on view
Description
The inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “BRISCO” and “KLEANWELL” and “57.” The form was available by 1910, was apparently made in France.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-10571
catalog number
M-10571
accession number
253101
Toothbrush shared by astronauts Col. Frank Borman and Capt. Jim Lovell in 1965 on their rendezvous flight with Gemini 6-A.Currently not on view
Description
Toothbrush shared by astronauts Col. Frank Borman and Capt. Jim Lovell in 1965 on their rendezvous flight with Gemini 6-A.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca.1965
ID Number
MG.M-14770
catalog number
M-14770
accession number
300968
Wood-handled toothbrush with red rubber bristles. Toothbrush is part of a boxed set that came with a tube of Pearl-Mint toothpaste (1984.0782.277) and a small vial of Pearl-Mint dental tape (1984.0782.277.2).
Description
Wood-handled toothbrush with red rubber bristles. Toothbrush is part of a boxed set that came with a tube of Pearl-Mint toothpaste (1984.0782.277) and a small vial of Pearl-Mint dental tape (1984.0782.277.2). The box for the set states: "A Packet Containing All Three Essentials for Clean, Healthy Teeth and Gums." Set manufactured by Associated Dental Products, Inc., New York City. Associated Dental Products was in business by 1925 and selling Pearl-Mint by 1927.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1984.0782.227.1
catalog number
1984.0782.227.1
accession number
1984.0782
Inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “The Pygmalion” and “WARRANTED SECURE” and “FRANCE.”Currently not on view
Description
Inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “The Pygmalion” and “WARRANTED SECURE” and “FRANCE.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-10562
catalog number
M-10562
accession number
253101
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-10572
catalog number
M-10572
accession number
253101
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2012.0165.444
catalog number
2012.0165.444
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Hope, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0481.398
catalog number
1985.0481.398
accession number
1985.0481
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2012.0165.419
catalog number
2012.0165.419
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Block Drug Company
ID Number
1993.0107.027
catalog number
1993.0107.027
accession number
1993.0107
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Hope, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0481.399
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.399
Toothbrush with “DR. BUTLER’S / PERIDENTAL / TRADE MARK” and “MADE IN U.S.A. / STERILIZED” and “GUARANTEED” inscriptions on the handle. John O. Butler was a dentist and periodontist in Chicago. The John O. Butler Co.
Description
Toothbrush with “DR. BUTLER’S / PERIDENTAL / TRADE MARK” and “MADE IN U.S.A. / STERILIZED” and “GUARANTEED” inscriptions on the handle. John O. Butler was a dentist and periodontist in Chicago. The John O. Butler Co. was established in 1923 and introduced the term “Peridental” to commerce in 1926.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.291116.326
accession number
291116
catalog number
291116.326
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company
ID Number
2012.0165.427
catalog number
2012.0165.427
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2012.0165.433
catalog number
2012.0165.433
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-09056
catalog number
M-09056
accession number
218383
The “FRANCE” inscription on the handle indicates where this toothbrush was made. The “ELEPHANT” inscription suggests that the handle looks and feels like elephant ivory.Ref: E. Dupont & Co. ad for Elephant brand toothbrushes in Dry Goods Economist (Feb.
Description
The “FRANCE” inscription on the handle indicates where this toothbrush was made. The “ELEPHANT” inscription suggests that the handle looks and feels like elephant ivory.
Ref: E. Dupont & Co. ad for Elephant brand toothbrushes in Dry Goods Economist (Feb. 1912): 74.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-10569
catalog number
M-10569
accession number
253101
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-10565
catalog number
M-10565
accession number
253101
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:especially designed for use with Brushfit Tooth PowderCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
especially designed for use with Brushfit Tooth Powder
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938
maker
Hope, Inc.
ID Number
1988.3089.240
catalog number
1988.3089.240
nonaccession number
1988.3089
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company
ID Number
2012.0165.421
catalog number
2012.0165.421
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Johnson and Johnson
ID Number
2012.0165.462
catalog number
2012.0165.462
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Johnson and Johnson
ID Number
2012.0165.461
catalog number
2012.0165.461
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Johnson and Johnson
ID Number
2012.0165.420
catalog number
2012.0165.420
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company
ID Number
2012.0165.422
catalog number
2012.0165.422
accession number
2012.0165
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Johnson & Johnson
ID Number
1985.0475.838
catalog number
1985.0475.838
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company
ID Number
2012.0165.429
catalog number
2012.0165.429
accession number
2012.0165

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