Health & Medicine

Iron Lung

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.

Resource Type: Medicine

Hart's Swedish Asthma and Hay Fever Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For asthma and hay feverCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For asthma and hay fever
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1904
maker
Hart's Swedish Asthma Cure Company
ID Number
MG.M-10415.02
catalog number
M-10415
accession number
246707

To-Ne-Ka Foot Balm Cream

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
CTS Laboratories
ID Number
1980.0746.07
accession number
1980.0746
catalog number
1980.0746.07

Brooks' Baby Balm

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A soothing quiet remedy to regulate the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For teething troubles, summer complaint, diarrhea and constipation.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A soothing quiet remedy to regulate the stomach and bowels of infants and children. For teething troubles, summer complaint, diarrhea and constipation. A laxative, sedative, digestive, neutralizing, aromatic, and antiseptic. Equally effectual for diarrheas and bowel troubles in adults.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
William Brooks Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10414.05
catalog number
M-10414
accession number
246707

Lynn's Ex-Ze-Em Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To aid in the temporary relief of the discomfort of burning and itching accompanying eczemaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: To aid in the temporary relief of the discomfort of burning and itching accompanying eczema
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
Associated Name
Tupper's Pharmacy
maker
Lynn Chemical Company
ID Number
1980.0698.028
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.028

Dr Isaac Thompson's Eye Water

[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
ca 1900
maker
John L. Thompson Sons & Co.
ID Number
MG.M-10426.26
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Ideal Antiseptic Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For all diseases of the female generative organs, whites, leucorrhea, ulceration, discharges, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For all diseases of the female generative organs, whites, leucorrhea, ulceration, discharges, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Ideal Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.32
accession number
246707
catalog number
M-10413.32

Ophthalmoscope

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1981.0957.16
accession number
1981.0957
catalog number
1981.0957.16

Holloway's Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For the treatment of cuts, wounds, burns & bruises, inveterate ulcers, chilblains, chapped hands, insect bites, boils, bad legs &c.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For the treatment of cuts, wounds, burns & bruises, inveterate ulcers, chilblains, chapped hands, insect bites, boils, bad legs &c.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Holloway, Thomas
ID Number
1980.0678.07
accession number
1980.0678
catalog number
1980.0678.07

Warner's Safe Nervine

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For headache, neuralgia, insomnia and nervous prostrationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For headache, neuralgia, insomnia and nervous prostration
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1898
ca 1898
date made
ca 1920
maker
Warner's Safe Remedies Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.55
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707
246707

William R. Warner & Co.'s Original Pill Cascara Cathartic (Dr. Hinkle)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For the relief of chronic and habitual constipation. Average Dose: 1 or 2 pillsCurrently 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 the relief of chronic and habitual constipation. Average Dose: 1 or 2 pills
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
William R. Warner and Company
ID Number
MG.314016.122
catalog number
314016.122
accession number
314016

Lilly's Granular Effervescent Vichy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:An antacid in heartburn, sour stomach, uric acid diathesis; aids digestion; used for obesity in connection with Kissingen saltsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
An antacid in heartburn, sour stomach, uric acid diathesis; aids digestion; used for obesity in connection with Kissingen salts
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1918
1906-1908
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-12151.02
accession number
271464
catalog number
M-12151.02

Mentholatum

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An external application to relieve or soothe nervous headache, burns, bruises, muscular rheumatism, nasal catarrh, colds, chapped hands, sunburn, hay fever, insect bites, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: An external application to relieve or soothe nervous headache, burns, bruises, muscular rheumatism, nasal catarrh, colds, chapped hands, sunburn, hay fever, insect bites, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Mentholatum Company
ID Number
1979.0798.148
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.148

Dr. Kilmer's Prompt Parilla Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For headache, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth, torpid liver, constipation, biliousness, nausea, flatulence, belching of wind, sour stomach, distress after eating, poor appetite, the complexionCurrently not o
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For headache, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth, torpid liver, constipation, biliousness, nausea, flatulence, belching of wind, sour stomach, distress after eating, poor appetite, the complexion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Dr. Kilmer and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.02
catalog number
M-10413.02
accession number
246707

Balm of Tulips

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A reliable remedy for the prevention and cure of cold sores, cold blisters, or fever blisters upon the lips and face. Also cures band player's tender and sore lips.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A reliable remedy for the prevention and cure of cold sores, cold blisters, or fever blisters upon the lips and face. Also cures band player's tender and sore lips.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1992.0273.01
catalog number
1992.0273.01
accession number
1992.0273

Bag Balm Antiseptic

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1983
maker
Dairy Association Company, Inc.
ID Number
1997.0051.04
accession number
1997.0051
catalog number
1997.0051.04

Polk Miller's Liver Pills

[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
after 1860
maker
Polk Miller Products Corporation
ID Number
MG.M-10413.03
catalog number
M-10413.03
accession number
246707

Bicola Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A brain, nerve and blood tonic; cures all nervous diseases; female weaknesses; suppression of periodsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A brain, nerve and blood tonic; cures all nervous diseases; female weaknesses; suppression of periods
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Turners
ID Number
MG.M-10413.37
catalog number
M-10413.37
accession number
246707

Ophthalmoscope

“In the whole history of medicine there is no more beautiful episode than the invention of the ophthalmoscope, and physiology has few greater triumphs.” So wrote Edward Greely Loring (1837-1888) on the first page of his Textbook of Ophthalmology (New York, 1886).
Description
“In the whole history of medicine there is no more beautiful episode than the invention of the ophthalmoscope, and physiology has few greater triumphs.” So wrote Edward Greely Loring (1837-1888) on the first page of his Textbook of Ophthalmology (New York, 1886). The inscription on the case of this example reads “Ophthalmoscope / LORING.”
Loring graduated from the Harvard Medical School and spent a brief stint at the Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary before becoming an ophthalmologist in New York City. He introduced his first ophthalmoscope to the American Ophthalmological Society in 1869, noting that it could be had from H. W. Hunter, a local optician. A modification of Helmholtz’s instrument, this had several small lenses on the edge of a disc behind the mirror that could be rotated by the forefinger to bring the lens best suited to the refraction of the eye under examina-tion. A second modification, with more lenses, which followed a few years later, cost $30 and could also be had from Hunter.
Ref: Edward G. Loring, “Determination of the Optical Condition of the Eye,” American Journal of the Medical Sciences 118 (1870): 323-348.
Ed. G. Loring, “A New Modification of the Ophthalmoscope,” American Journal of the Medical Sciences 67 (1874): 133-135.
Edward G. Loring, A Textbook on Ophthalmology (1886; 2nd Vol., 1891).
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.M-07871
catalog number
M-07871
accession number
223292

Beck's Great Indian Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, bruises, pains in the side and chest, swelled joints, headache, sore and weak eyes, catarrh, poisonous bites, headache, colic, dyspepsia, cholera morbus, cramps, colds, diarr
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, bruises, pains in the side and chest, swelled joints, headache, sore and weak eyes, catarrh, poisonous bites, headache, colic, dyspepsia, cholera morbus, cramps, colds, diarrhea, dysentery, fever and ague, sore throat, kidney affections
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Beck's Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.02
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Lallemand Rheumatism, Gout & Neuralgia Treatment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgiaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Prickly Ash Bitters Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.16
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Salvation Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, sciatica, backache, quinsy, sore throat, stiffness of the neck and joints, sprains, cuts and wounds, lumbago, scalds and burns, headache, toothache, earache, bruises, eruptions,
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, sciatica, backache, quinsy, sore throat, stiffness of the neck and joints, sprains, cuts and wounds, lumbago, scalds and burns, headache, toothache, earache, bruises, eruptions, sores and swellings, inflammations, chilblains, frostbites, frosted feet, chapped hands and face, bites and stings of poisonous insects, weak ankles and joints, sore feet, pain in the back and limbs, ulcerated sores, inflammation of the breast, dislocations, or other bodily pains and aches. As a horse and cattle lotion it has no rival.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.10
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

DeWitt's D. & C. Expectorant

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, and soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations caused by colds.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For coughs due to colds, and soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations caused by colds.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1940
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.080
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.080

Varlex Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A treatment for the liquor and tobacco habit.Directions: A teaspoonful should be given 3 times a day at meal time until the patient quits drinking or the use of tobacco in every form.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A treatment for the liquor and tobacco habit.
Directions: A teaspoonful should be given 3 times a day at meal time until the patient quits drinking or the use of tobacco in every form. 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoonful at a dose if under 18 years.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Varlex Mfg. Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.128
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.128

Crane's Quinine and Tar Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:An Expectorant for Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Tickling in throat, Bronchial Coughs, and Coughs resulting from La Grippe.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:
An Expectorant for Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Tickling in throat, Bronchial Coughs, and Coughs resulting from La Grippe.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1975
before 1975
before 1975
before 1975
1908-1918
maker
Crane Medicine Co.
ID Number
MG.314016.068
catalog number
314016.68
accession number
314016

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