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.

Place: Indiana

Lynas Toilet Soap

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Medicinal Antiseptic Complexion Toilet SoapCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Medicinal Antiseptic Complexion Toilet Soap
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910s
maker
Dr. J.B. Lynas & Son
ID Number
1986.0873.45
accession number
1986.0873
catalog number
1986.0873.45

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

Silver Nitrate Ophthalmic Solution, 1%, 100 Wax Ampoules

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
product expiration date
1983-04-01
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1982.0153.01
accession number
1982.0153
catalog number
1982.0153.01

U-40 N P H Iletin (Insulin, Lilly), USP, 10cc, List No. M-340

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1962
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10250.04
catalog number
M-10250.04
accession number
241449

U-40 Regular Iletin (Insulin, Lilly), USP, 10cc, List No. M-240

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1962
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10250.03
catalog number
M-10250.03
accession number
241449

U-40 Iletin Insulin, Lilly, 10cc, 400 Units

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-02894.05
catalog number
M-02894.05
accession number
111796

button, We've Got the Power (ADA!)

Pin-back buttons serve many purposes. They are efficient advertising vehicles, handy for fund-raising in support of a cause, concise statements of a person’s beliefs, a form of educational outreach, and convenient ice-breakers for conversation.
Description (Brief)
Pin-back buttons serve many purposes. They are efficient advertising vehicles, handy for fund-raising in support of a cause, concise statements of a person’s beliefs, a form of educational outreach, and convenient ice-breakers for conversation. NMAH has several hundred pin-back buttons related to disability, including this one that supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
maker
Mr. Button Products, Inc.
ID Number
2010.0130.21
catalog number
2010.0130.21
accession number
2010.0130

Queen Beauty Toilet Soap

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:This soap is especially prepared for women who look after the care of their complexions.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
This soap is especially prepared for women who look after the care of their complexions. All women who wish to be beautiful and retain their beauty should add this pure soap to their list of toilet articles.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908-1918
maker
Dr. J.B. Lynas & Son
ID Number
1988.0376.03
accession number
1988.0376
catalog number
1988.0376.03

Penicillin G Sodium

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-09648
catalog number
M-09648
accession number
233571

Lilly Iletin Syringe

This metal case contains two metal needles, and a graduated glass syringe with an inscription that reads in part “Lilly / ILETIN SYRINGE.” Iletin was the Eli Lilly & Co. trade name for insulin. The inscription on the case reads “Lilly / ASEPTIC.”Currently not on view
Description
This metal case contains two metal needles, and a graduated glass syringe with an inscription that reads in part “Lilly / ILETIN SYRINGE.” Iletin was the Eli Lilly & Co. trade name for insulin. The inscription on the case reads “Lilly / ASEPTIC.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-02888
catalog number
M-02888
accession number
111796

Humulin 70/30

Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases.
Description (Brief)
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases. Developed by Genentech, the first American biotechnology company, Humulin was licensed to Eli Lilly and became the first marketable product created through recombinant DNA technology. Its licensing by the FDA in October 1982 also made it the first recombinant pharmaceutical approved for use in the United States.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human insulin are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce insulin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Humulin.
Humulin 70/30 is an intermediate-acting insulin combined with the more rapid onset of action of regular human insulin. The duration of activity may last up to 24 hours following injection.
Object is a sealed white cardboard box with black and red printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1995
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
2012.0046.44
accession number
2012.0046
catalog number
2012.0046.44

Lynas Toilet Soap

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dr. J.B. Lynas & Son
ID Number
1986.0873.47
accession number
1986.0873
catalog number
1986.0873.47

U-40 Lente Iletin (Insulin, Lilly), 10cc., 40 Units per cc.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1956
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1980.0076.017
accession number
1980.0076
catalog number
1980.0076.17

Jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1919
ID Number
MG.M-01615
catalog number
M-01615
accession number
64133

Humulin R, Regular, insulin human injection, USP, recombinant DNA origin

Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases.
Description (Brief)
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases. Developed by Genentech, the first American biotechnology company, Humulin was licensed to Eli Lilly and became the first marketable product created through recombinant DNA technology. Its licensing by the FDA in October 1982 also made it the first recombinant pharmaceutical approved for use in the United States.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human insulin are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce insulin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Humulin.
Humulin R is considered to be "regular" insulin and has had nothing added to change the speed or length of its action. It takes effect rapidly and has a relatively short duration of activity (6 to 8 hours) as compared with other insulin formulations.
Object consists of a white cardboard box with black and red printing. Box contains two product inserts and one round clear glass bottle with an orange plastic cap and a white label. Bottle contains a yellowish, clear solution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1987.0790.03
accession number
1987.0790
catalog number
1987.0790.03

Pluto Water

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Purgative, laxativeCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Purgative, laxative
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1948
after 1938
maker
French Lick Springs Hotel Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1245
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1245

Iletin (Insulin, Lilly), 5 cc

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
ca 1923
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1982.0498.03
catalog number
1982.0498.03
accession number
1982.0498

Trade Cards Scrapbook

Trade cards were a popular advertising device in the mid-to-late 19th century, featuring a colorful illustration on one side with advertising copy on the other. The cards were widely distributed for an array of consumer products including proprietary (patent) medicines.
Description
Trade cards were a popular advertising device in the mid-to-late 19th century, featuring a colorful illustration on one side with advertising copy on the other. The cards were widely distributed for an array of consumer products including proprietary (patent) medicines. People enjoyed collecting and scrap-booking the colorful cards which often feautured flowers, animals, children, women, or humerous scenes.
This trade card scrapbook belonged to Franklin T. Buzby (1852 - 1910), a pharmacist in South Bend, Indianna. Among the cards collected here are advertisements for Vroom & Fowlers Shaving Soap, Atmore's Mince Meat, Reynold's Bros. Fine Shoes, and Hoyt's German Cologne.
Location
Currently not on view (Box in 5026 UNIT04/02)
Currently not on view (paper fragments; sewing thread)
date made
ca 1870s-1900
maker
Buzby, Franklin T.
ID Number
MG.258917.02
catalog number
M-11162
258917.02
accession number
258917

Borozin Toilet Powder

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1982.0498.09
accession number
1982.0498
catalog number
1982.0498.09

Lilly Urinary Test Kit No. 1, For Quantitative Determination of Sugar in Urine

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
MG.M-02886
catalog number
M-02886
accession number
111796

Celluloid Novelty

Novelty item in the shape of a milk bottle. One side has a color image of the Sunlight Milk plant. The other bears a trademark for Polk's Best. Included are three retractable toothpicks.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Novelty item in the shape of a milk bottle. One side has a color image of the Sunlight Milk plant. The other bears a trademark for Polk's Best. Included are three retractable toothpicks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1893
maker
American Art Works
ID Number
2006.0098.0133
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0133

Humulin L, LENTE

Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases.
Description (Brief)
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases. Developed by Genentech, the first American biotechnology company, Humulin was licensed to Eli Lilly and became the first marketable product created through recombinant DNA technology. Its licensing by the FDA in October 1982 also made it the first recombinant pharmaceutical approved for use in the United States.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human insulin are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce insulin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Humulin.
Humulin L is an intermediate-acting insulin with a slower onset of action than regular insulin and a longer duration of activity (up to 24 hours). Due to declining use of longer-acting insulins, Humulin L was discontinued in 2005.
Object is a sealed white cardboard box with black and red printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before March 1995
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
2012.0046.46
accession number
2012.0046
catalog number
2012.0046.46

Lilly Ever-Aseptic Iletin Syringe Case with Accessories, No. 65

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1936
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1982.0498.17
catalog number
1982.0498.17
accession number
1982.0498

Blood Glucose Test Strips, Visidex II

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
product expiration date
1986-02
maker
Ames
Miles Laboratories, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0178.01
catalog number
1985.0178.01
accession number
1985.0178

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.