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.

Ophthalmic syringe with a turned silver barrel, plunger, and nozzle. A ring handle attached to the plunger is stamped with two hallmarks. An end cap screws onto the barrel. When the cap is removed the plunger and leather washer can be seen.
Description
Ophthalmic syringe with a turned silver barrel, plunger, and nozzle. A ring handle attached to the plunger is stamped with two hallmarks. An end cap screws onto the barrel. When the cap is removed the plunger and leather washer can be seen. The nozzle screws onto the barrel.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0985
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06381
collector/donor number
SAP 1073
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0935
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06331
collector/donor number
SAP 1023
catalog number
1991.0664.0935
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 pitcher–shaped jar serves as a measure for liquids. It has an applied double sausage roll handle. The jar has a whitish glaze background and is decorated with a blue laurel motif framing the magnesium–colored lettering.
Description
This pitcher–shaped jar serves as a measure for liquids. It has an applied double sausage roll handle. The jar has a whitish glaze background and is decorated with a blue laurel motif framing the magnesium–colored lettering. The pitcher is marked “1/2” on the spout and “B.S/ Lilco” on the waist.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0668
catalog number
M-05880
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 592
catalog number
1991.0664.0668
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 blown and molded bottle has a narrow neck for pouring liquids. It's baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche, and is marked AQ CARBUNC. The bottle would have contained Aqua Carbunclus.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a narrow neck for pouring liquids. It's baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche, and is marked AQ CARBUNC. The bottle would have contained Aqua Carbunclus. Carbunclus is Latin for coal, and this solution was likely a mixture of water and coal, or another form of carbon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0278
catalog number
M-05427
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 136
catalog number
1991.0664.0278
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
A tabernacle is a religious structure or shrine where one can place offerings such as a monetary donation or a symbolic gesture for a wish or as thanks for an answered prayer.This tabernacle shrine is a concave wooden form in the shape of an arch with rounded cusps and foils.
Description
A tabernacle is a religious structure or shrine where one can place offerings such as a monetary donation or a symbolic gesture for a wish or as thanks for an answered prayer.
This tabernacle shrine is a concave wooden form in the shape of an arch with rounded cusps and foils. The back of the wooden form is rough and looks as if it was meant be set into a niche. Two sheets of thin brass are molded and nailed to the top of the wooden form ending about two inches from the base. Inset into the arch at the top is a large repousse baroque shell. Below the shell is an apothecary cabinet created by a stamping technique, possibly repousse silver over brass.
The miniature apothecary has three sections of cabinets. The center cabinet protrudes (3 1/4") slightly. The cabinets are made of silver over brass with two round columns in the center. Apothecary jars sit on three rows of cabinets and four shelves. A decorative gallery extends across all three sections of the apothecary.
In the center of the tabernacle is the figure of Christ on the Cross made of molded silver over brass. Above the figure is a plaque engraved with the Latin initials "INRI", for Iesus Nazarenus Rex iudaeorum, in English, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
The nails that secure the shrine to the wooden “frame” appear to be modern, probably late 19th-century, suggesting the shrine was placed in the “frame” to keep it stable before being sold to collector Jo Mayer. There are no square holes in the wood which would indicate older nails.
George Urdang and F. W. Nitardy described the shrine in "The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue", as a “votive tabernacle shrine in the form of an ancient pharmacy . . . made in the moderate-baroque style of the middle 18th century . . . . The tabernacle was a gift from a grateful patient to a Bavarian cloister pharmacy. It is said to be the work of gold and silversmiths of Augsburg . . .” After close inspection, the gold colored metal appears to be brass, although the metalsmith did use silver over brass for the cabinets and apothecary jars.
It is interesting to note, in his article, “Rarities and Antiques in the Collection of Jo Mayer,” Ferchl writes that the shrine was procured "through various channels of the art trade into the haven of the Wiesbaden collection." Though obscure, this is the only reference found to date indicating how any of Mayer's collection were acquired.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.1014
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06284
collector/donor number
SAP 976
catalog number
1991.0664.1014
This glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked TINCT MART APERIY ZW. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked TINCT MART APERIY ZW. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0249
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05397
collector/donor number
SAP 106
catalog number
1991.0664.0249
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 free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0939
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06335
collector/donor number
SAP 1027
catalog number
1991.0664.0939
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 blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a baked enamel white oval cartouche that is outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers, and a three-pointed crown.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a baked enamel white oval cartouche that is outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers, and a three-pointed crown. The cartouche is marked ESS LIGNOR", and the Roman numeral "V" is etched into the bottle above the center of the crown. The jar would have contained Essentia Lignorum, or essence of wood. Essentia Lignorum was used to cure “foulness of the blood.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0382
catalog number
M-05531
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 243
catalog number
1991.0664.0382
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits on the top of the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits on the top of the shield. The alchemical symbols for spirits, salt and herbs are marked in black just above ANIS. which would have referred to the plant anise hyssop steeped in an alcohol solution with the ash of plant mixed into the solution. The solution would have been used as an expectorant or antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0389
catalog number
M-05538
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 250
catalog number
1991.0664.0389
This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads ESS AMARA HALL in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Essence of amara Hallensis.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads ESS AMARA HALL in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Essence of amara Hallensis. Essence of amara Hallensis was also known as a tincture of absinthii kalina, which was composed of a tincture of absinthe, amarae, aromaticae, and liquid potassium carbonate. It was most commonly prescribed as a stomachic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0275
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05424
collector/donor number
SAP 133
catalog number
1991.0664.0275
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red flowers. A yellow crown sits on the top of the shield. The alchemical symbol for spirits is above the word CAMPHOR.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red flowers. A yellow crown sits on the top of the shield. The alchemical symbol for spirits is above the word CAMPHOR. Camphor was often used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic. It is a gummy, aromatic substance obtained from the Camphor Laurel or cinnamomum camphora found in China, Japan, and Taiwan. Externally Camphor was applied to the skin as a liniment.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0356
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 217
catalog number
1991.0664.0356
M-05505
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 blown and molded glass bottle with stopper has a baked enamel label marked, OL RUTAE. Oil of Rutae is made from the herb Ruta graveolens more commonly known as Rue.
Description
This blown and molded glass bottle with stopper has a baked enamel label marked, OL RUTAE. Oil of Rutae is made from the herb Ruta graveolens more commonly known as Rue. The leaves of the herb are distilled in alcohol and used as a stimulant, an antispasmodic, for convulsions and hysteria, and as an abortifacient, to induce a miscarriage.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0466
catalog number
M-05615
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 327
catalog number
1991.0664.0466
This oval brass container has a hinged lid. The exterior is elaborately engraved, with dancing characters flanked by two angels. An illegible engraving is at the bottom of the lid. The interior of the lid is lined with shagreen (sharkskin).Currently not on view
Description
This oval brass container has a hinged lid. The exterior is elaborately engraved, with dancing characters flanked by two angels. An illegible engraving is at the bottom of the lid. The interior of the lid is lined with shagreen (sharkskin).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.1002
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06399
collector/donor number
SAP 1091
catalog number
1991.0664.1002
A painted floral garland with a red bow on top and a blue bow at the bottom decorates this white apothecary bottle. The inside of the garland is marked, “ELIX/IUNIPER.” This jar would have contained an Elixir of Juniper, made from juniper berries.
Description
A painted floral garland with a red bow on top and a blue bow at the bottom decorates this white apothecary bottle. The inside of the garland is marked, “ELIX/IUNIPER.” This jar would have contained an Elixir of Juniper, made from juniper berries. The elixir was used as a carminative, tonic, and diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th-19th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0865
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05635
collector/donor number
SAP 347
catalog number
1991.0664.0865

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