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.

Date: 1860s

Ship's Surgical Kit

This wooden surgical case with brass fittings has three main compartments, one of which is a tray that lifts out from the lower case. The interior of the case is molded so that each instrument has its own compartment. The entire interior is lined with purple velvet.
Description (Brief)
This wooden surgical case with brass fittings has three main compartments, one of which is a tray that lifts out from the lower case. The interior of the case is molded so that each instrument has its own compartment. The entire interior is lined with purple velvet. The exterior of the lid has an oval escutcheon which is marked, "U.S.A./ Hosp. Dept." The set includes 45 instruments, three of which are not original to the set. At least six instruments are missing, including four knives and a bandage scissors.
During the Civil War the United States Army contracted with several surgical instrument makers, including Herman Hernstein to provide surgical sets for the Union troops.
As a young boy in Germany Hermann Hernstein was apprenticed to a surgical instrument maker. He came to the United States in 1841 and settled in New York City. Within a few years, he had established his own shop.
According to Edmonson much of Hernstein’s inventory was imported from Europe.
Description
Surgical kits were not required on merchant vessels, but the larger and better-equipped ships often carried them. These were used for everything from pulling teeth to the amputation of limbs, and everything in between. Like the medicine chests, these kits too were often sold with simple pamphlets, with instructions and diagrams on how to use them in emergencies. The captain or first mate most commonly carried out any needed procedures.
date made
1862-1865
maker
Hermann Hernstein & Son
ID Number
1977.1103.01
accession number
1977.1103
catalog number
1977.1103.01

Lily of the Valley

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
product launch date
1866
maker
Colgate and Company
ID Number
1981.0170.063
accession number
1981.0170
catalog number
1981.0170.063

Plate 51. The "Shebang," Or Quarters Sanitary Commission, Brandy Station

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army. The object of the Commission was to alleviate the hardships of soldier life to afford physical comfort to the sick and wounded, and supply such of the well as were needy with under-clothing, &c. The Departments, or Special Bureaus were established at Washington, New York, Louisville, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and City Point, in addition to which there have been the Departments of Western Virginia, of the South, and Texas. The funds of the Commission were raised by means of Sanitary Fairs in the principal cities, and by voluntary subscription. The report of the Treasurer shows that from June 27th, 1861, to July 1st, 1865, the receipts were $4,813,750.64, and the disbursements $4,530,774.95, leaving a balance in the hands of the Commission of $282,975.69. In 1863 a Protective War Claim Association was established, and made subordinate to the Commission, for the purpose of making direct applications for pensions, arrears of pay, bounty and prize money, and for giving general information and advice relative to military and naval matters. No charges were made for these services, thus saving to the widows and representatives of the soldiers the usual fees of claim agents, which in these cases would have amounted to about $240,000.
The Relief Bureau of the Commission closed on the 1st of July, 1865. At that time there were vast stores and material on hand, all of which were turned over to General Howard's Bureau for the benefit of the freedmen. The Claim Bureau will close on the 1st of January, 1866, and turn over to the Central Bureau at Washington all the papers and documents in its possession. From that time forward, the Commission will devote itself to the preparation of a historical record, a final and full report, and the settlement of its affairs in closing up the several agencies. What will be done with the surplus funds has not yet been determined, but it is expected that they will be transferred as an endowment to some institution devoted to the interests of soldiers and of their families.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-11
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.01
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.01

Pharmacy Stock Bottle: CINNAM. P. (Cinnamon, Pulverized)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use as a nervous system stimulant, local rubefacient and stimulant, used with more powerful medicines to promote parturition [childbirth], and to chec
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For use as a nervous system stimulant, local rubefacient and stimulant, used with more powerful medicines to promote parturition [childbirth], and to check uterine hemorrhage after labor and during menstruation. The water and the oil of cinnamon are used to impart an agreeable flavor to medicines, and the former is associated with astringents in the treatment of diarrhea. [The National Dispensatory, 5th Edition, 1896]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-1867
maker
W. N. Walton
ID Number
MG.285854.124
catalog number
285854.124
accession number
285854

Dr. G. H. Tichenor's Antiseptic Refrigerant

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For cuts, bruises, sprain, superficial burns, sunburn, foot itch, prickly heat, insect bites, mouthwashCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For cuts, bruises, sprain, superficial burns, sunburn, foot itch, prickly heat, insect bites, mouthwash
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Dr. G. H. Tichenor Antiseptic Company
ID Number
MG.M-10418.01
catalog number
M-10418
accession number
246707

Barry's Tricopherous for the Skin or Hair

The indications or uses for this product, as described on its corresponding trade card (1988.3152.222):For the Skin and Hair; "This incomperable preparation imparts an elegance and lustre to the hair which nothing else can effect.
Description
The indications or uses for this product, as described on its corresponding trade card (1988.3152.222):
For the Skin and Hair; "This incomperable preparation imparts an elegance and lustre to the hair which nothing else can effect. It renders it Beautiful, Luxuriant and Glossy, makes it curl, retain it in any desired position, and frees the scalp entirely from dandruff. It exhales the richest and most luscious perfume of flowers, and will not soil the most delicate fabric.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1860
ID Number
MG.M-10755 [dup25]
catalog number
M-10755
accession number
256193
catalog number
256193.350

Artificial Leg

Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb.
Description (Brief)
Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.
Description
Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb. 10, 1863). Dubois Duncan Parmalee (1829-1897) was a chemist and inventor in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
patent date
1863-02-10
maker
Parmelee, Dubois D.
ID Number
1978.0273.07
accession number
1978.0273
catalog number
1978.0273.07
patent number
37637

Surgical Set

The original owner of this surgical set was Jacob S. Dungan, a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. The Navy Register of 1852 lists Dungan aboard the Steamer Vixon, in 1847, at which point he had been in the service for ten months in the Gulf of Mexico during the war with Mexico.
Description (Brief)
The original owner of this surgical set was Jacob S. Dungan, a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. The Navy Register of 1852 lists Dungan aboard the Steamer Vixon, in 1847, at which point he had been in the service for ten months in the Gulf of Mexico during the war with Mexico. Dungan subsequently served aboard numerous ships including the Sloop Portsmouth out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire during the American Civil War. In 1864 Dungan was assigned to the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia at which time he may have procured his surgical set. By 1869, he was a resident of the State of California. 1886-7 is the last time his name appears in the Navy Register.
The function of this surgical set is for the amputation of limbs. It contains Liston and Catlin knives, bone forceps, a tourniquet, several saws and a universal handle with four interchangeable bone drills. The case is made of rosewood and has brass fittings. The exterior lid has an inlaid rectangular brass plaque which reads "Jacob S. Dungan, U.S.N. 1864". Every instrument has its place in the molded interior which is lined in red velvet. The case has two main compartments and two instrument trays. The trays are also lined with red velvet and have leather tabs at each end of the tray. During the Civil War the United States Army contracted with several surgical instrument makers, including Jacob Gemrig to provide surgical sets for the Union troops.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-1865
user
Dungan, Jacob S.
maker
Gemrig, Jacob H.
ID Number
MG.316384.01
accession number
316384
catalog number
316384.01

Syringe

Consists of a small cylinder or tube with milled band at center that has an oval-handled plunger with grooved-top cap screwed on at one end and an integral conical nozzle at the other. Vertically-seamed shaft has a small washer above a black rubber seal at bottom.
Description
Consists of a small cylinder or tube with milled band at center that has an oval-handled plunger with grooved-top cap screwed on at one end and an integral conical nozzle at the other. Vertically-seamed shaft has a small washer above a black rubber seal at bottom. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1845 - 1865
ID Number
1986.0027.87
catalog number
1986.0027.87
accession number
1986.0027

Vaccinator

Steel vaccinator with “WHITTEMORE’S / PATENT / FEB. 20, 1866” and “MADE BY / CODMAN & SHURTLEFF / BOSTON” inscriptions. Amos Whittemore was an inventive machinist in Cambridge, Mass.Ref: Amos Whittemore, “Improvement in Vaccinators,” U.S. Patent 52,921 (Feb.
Description
Steel vaccinator with “WHITTEMORE’S / PATENT / FEB. 20, 1866” and “MADE BY / CODMAN & SHURTLEFF / BOSTON” inscriptions. Amos Whittemore was an inventive machinist in Cambridge, Mass.
Ref: Amos Whittemore, “Improvement in Vaccinators,” U.S. Patent 52,921 (Feb. 20, 1866).
Codman & Shurtleff, Illustrated Catalogue of Surgical Instruments (Boston, 1875), p. 84.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1866-02-21
maker
Codman & Shurtleff
ID Number
2012.0165.348
catalog number
2012.0165.348
accession number
2012.0165

Pain Killer

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Pain killerCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Pain killer
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1854-1895
ca 1860
date made
1840 -1860
maker
Perry Davis
ID Number
MG.293320.1319
catalog number
293320.1319
accession number
293320

Surgical Set

These instruments belonged to Dr. James Jackson Cockrill (1815-1878). He received his medical degree in 1837 from the University of Maryland.
Description (Brief)
These instruments belonged to Dr. James Jackson Cockrill (1815-1878). He received his medical degree in 1837 from the University of Maryland. A hand-written note accompanying the set states the instruments were used on the battlefield of Antietam, and in [Camp] Patterson Park Hospital where he was in charge during the war.
Evans and Company was a manufacturer of surgical instruments in London. The instruments are stamped EVANS & Co./OLD CHANGE/LONDON. The firm resided at 10 Old Change from about 1783 until about 1854.
The set is incomplete, only one tray of instruments remains. They include three Liston amputation knives, two silver tracheotomy tubes, seven smaller instruments including four knives, two needles, a hook and a trephination brush. The knives are made of steel with smooth ebony handles.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1837-1854
associated dates
1861-1865
user
Cockrill, Dr. James Jackson
maker
Evans and Company
ID Number
MG.302606.744
accession number
302606
catalog number
302606.744

Pharmacy Stock Bottle: P. Nux Vom. (Pulverized Nux Vomica)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:The action and uses of nux vomica are identical in kind with those of strychnine [used for paralysis, as an ecbolic [labor inducer], prolapsus of the rect
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
The action and uses of nux vomica are identical in kind with those of strychnine [used for paralysis, as an ecbolic [labor inducer], prolapsus of the rectum, retention or incontinence of urine, sexual impotence, abortion, postpartum hemorrhage, saccharine diabetes, night-sweats in phthisis]. It may be mentioned in this place, however, that the action of nux vomica is too variable to render it eligible as a medicine. [The National Dispensatory, 5th Edition, 1896]
Glass bottle with "PATD SEPT 23D, 1862, W. N. WALTON" embossed on the bottom.
Ref: William N. Walton, “Improvement in Attaching Labels to Bottles,” U.S. Patent 36,542 (Sept. 23, 1862).
Ref: George Griffenhagen and Mary Bogard, History of Drug Containers and Their Labels (Madison, Wi., 1999), pp. 63-65.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-1867
maker
W. N. Walton
ID Number
MG.M-03932.01
catalog number
M-03932.01
accession number
134457

Ayer's Hair Vigor

Made by J. C.
Description
Made by J. C. Ayer and Company, Practical and Analytical Chemists, Lowell, Mass., in the 1860s, Ayer’s Hair Vigor "Restores grey hair to its natural vitality and color," but "does not color the hair." Advertisements pronounced that it was "free from uncleanly dangerous or injurious substances" and that it would cure dandruff and stop falling hair. Patented in 1868, this was the only Ayer product to have a patent, although the company sold a variety of health-related products popularly known as "patent medicines."
Along with these other medicines, Ayer’s Hair Vigor was advertised in Ayer’s American Almanac, which was first published in the mid-19th century and continued into the 1920s. The almanac featured astronomical, astrological, and weather information for the year, as well as medical advice promoting the company’s products.
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For Restoring the Natural Vitality and Color of the Hair
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
associated date
1867
maker
Dr. J. C. Ayer and Company
ID Number
1979.0798.234
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.234

Innoculating Apparatus

Patent model for Alfred Staunch, “Apparatus for Inoculating,” U.S. Patent 28,697 (June 12, 1860). The patent drawing is labeled “Scarificator.” Staunch lived in Philadelphia.Currently not on view
Description
Patent model for Alfred Staunch, “Apparatus for Inoculating,” U.S. Patent 28,697 (June 12, 1860). The patent drawing is labeled “Scarificator.” Staunch lived in Philadelphia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860
patent date
1860-06-12
ID Number
MG.M-04299
accession number
89797
patent number
28,697
catalog number
M-04299

Vaccinator

Patent model for Amos Whittemore, “Improvement in Vaccinators,” U.S. Patent 52,921 (Feb. 20, 1866). An inscription reads "CODMAN & SHURTLEF / BOSTON." Whittemore was a machinist in Cambridge, Mass.Currently not on view
Description
Patent model for Amos Whittemore, “Improvement in Vaccinators,” U.S. Patent 52,921 (Feb. 20, 1866). An inscription reads "CODMAN & SHURTLEF / BOSTON." Whittemore was a machinist in Cambridge, Mass.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
patent date
1866-02-27
ID Number
MG.M-04304
catalog number
M-04304
accession number
89797
patent number
52,921

Surgical Set

Case of instruments owned John B. Cline (1826-1899), a surgeon from France who was trained in the United States, and served as a surgeon with the Union Army during the Civil War. The “G. TIEMANN & CO. / MANUFACTURERS / OF / SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS / 68 CHATHAM ST.
Description
Case of instruments owned John B. Cline (1826-1899), a surgeon from France who was trained in the United States, and served as a surgeon with the Union Army during the Civil War. The “G. TIEMANN & CO. / MANUFACTURERS / OF / SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS / 68 CHATHAM ST. N.Y.” label was in use ca. 1855-1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-1864
associated dates
1861-1864
issuing authority
United States Army
company owner
Tiemann, George
Associated Name
George Tiemann and Company
maker
George Tiemann & Company
ID Number
COLL.SURGKIT.000001
catalog number
1991.0858.01
accession number
1991.0858

Brandreth's 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
1830-1868
Associated Name
Brandreth Pill Works
maker
Benjamin Brandreth
Brandreth Pill Works
ID Number
MG.293320.1162
catalog number
293320.1162
accession number
293320

Plate 72. Medical Supply Boat Planter, on the Appomattox

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Historically connected with the closing scenes of the great rebellion, this river will forever be interesting.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Historically connected with the closing scenes of the great rebellion, this river will forever be interesting. This picture was taken about a mile above City Point, the boats being a portion of the fleet in the service of the Medical Department. The well-known supply boat, Planter, is lying at the little pier, formed by a section of a pontoon bridge. In the foreground is another pier, somewhat more solidly constructed on piles, driven into the oozy bed of the river. The opposite bank forms a part of Bermuda Hundreds, occupied by Gen. Butler after the failure of his advance upon Richmond.
When the combined forces besieged Petersburg, the Army of the James was encamped near Bermuda Hundreds, Gen. Butler's headquarters being close upon the river, near Point of Rocks, where a pontoon bridge was laid, to connect the lines of the two armies. The bridge was well guarded by a squadron of gunboats, and although the rebels repeatedly attempted its destruction, remained undisturbed until the close of the war.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-01
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.22
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.22

Barry's Tricopherous for the Skin or Hair

The indications or uses for this product, as described on its corresponding trade card (1988.3152.222):For the Skin and Hair; "This incomperable preparation imparts an elegance and lustre to the hair which nothing else can effect.
Description
The indications or uses for this product, as described on its corresponding trade card (1988.3152.222):
For the Skin and Hair; "This incomperable preparation imparts an elegance and lustre to the hair which nothing else can effect. It renders it Beautiful, Luxuriant and Glossy, makes it curl, retain it in any desired position, and frees the scalp entirely from dandruff. It exhales the richest and most luscious perfume of flowers, and will not soil the most delicate fabric.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1860
ID Number
MG.M-10755.01
catalog number
M-10755.01
accession number
256193
catalog number
256193.348

Crutch

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1865
ID Number
MG.306395.01.01
accession number
306395
catalog number
306395.01.01

Dissecting Set

This dissecting set was issued by the United States Hospital Department. There is an octagonal brass medallion engraved, U. S. A./Hosp. Dept. in the lid.
Description (Brief)
This dissecting set was issued by the United States Hospital Department. There is an octagonal brass medallion engraved, U. S. A./Hosp. Dept. in the lid. The set contains three ivory handled scalpels, one steel scalpel, one steel blade and a universal handle, one tool which may have been used as a chisel but is not original to the set, three hooks to chains on a ring, one pair of straight scissors, and one blowpipe. The original chisel and forceps are missing.
The black and gold oval label on the interior of the case reads G. TIEMANN & CO./MANUFACTURERS/OF/SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS/63 CHATHAM ST N.Y..
The Tiemann Company was founded by George Tiemann (1793-1868), who immigrated to the United States in 1826 from Germany. The company resided at this address from 1855 to 1863.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-1864
maker
George Tiemann and Company
ID Number
1978.0605.02
catalog number
1978.0605.02
accession number
1978.0605

Stomach Pump

The practice of lavage was popular in the late nineteenth century. Stomach and enema pumps were used to wash out the stomach as well as for the administration of medicinals for every imaginable type of ailment from gastritis to consumption to cancer.
Description (Brief)
The practice of lavage was popular in the late nineteenth century. Stomach and enema pumps were used to wash out the stomach as well as for the administration of medicinals for every imaginable type of ailment from gastritis to consumption to cancer. Sometimes plain water was used; often various medicinals were added such as bicarbonate of soda, carbolic acid, or tincture of myrrh.
This instrument was made by Vanwyck W. Brinckerhoff of New York who was active from 1856 to 1869. The case is made of mahogany, and has a brass lock and sliding closure. The brass escutcheon on the lid is engraved "U.S.A. HOSPT DEPT". The interior of the case is lined with red velvet. The brass pump has a wooden handle, three ivory and brass nozzles, two tubes and a wooden mouth gag.
This set is similar to one illustrated in the 1889 edition of the George Tiemann & Co., surgical catalogue American Armamentarium Chirurgicum on page 293.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-1865
maker
Brinckerhoff, V. W.
ID Number
MG.M-07432
catalog number
M-07432
accession number
220170

Sheridan's Cavalry Condition Powder - for the Prevention and Cure Hog Cholera, Chicken Cholera, and Cattle Plague

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For the cure of diseases of horse, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For the cure of diseases of horse, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. This powder should be given in all cases of loss of appetite, roughness of hair, stoppage of bowels or water, coughs, colds, swelling of gland of throat, worms, horse-ail, hide-bound, hots and heaves. For the prevention and cure of cattle plague, in its various forms of southern cattle fever, anthrax, rinderpest, pleuro-pneumonia, etc., hog cholera, chicken cholera.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
I. S. Johnson and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10768
catalog number
M-10768
accession number
256193

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