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: New Jersey

Minipoo Dry Shampoo

Minipoo Dry Shampoo was produced from the early 1940s through the late 1960s. Dry shampoos usually featured fuller’s earth, which was used to absorb excess oils.
Description
Minipoo Dry Shampoo was produced from the early 1940s through the late 1960s. Dry shampoos usually featured fuller’s earth, which was used to absorb excess oils. Minipoo was clearly marketed towards women, and advertisements indicated that one could use this shampoo while sick in bed. It was known as the ten-minute dry shampoo, convenient for "surprise dates," and children-approved because no soap would get in their eyes. Minipoo would also protect your permanent wave. It came with a disposable mitt for application. This particular package was probably produced by the Stephanie Brooke Company, of New Jersey, during the 1960s, when the advertising slogan was "When you can’t shampoo, Minipoo."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s
maker
Stephanie Brooke Company
ID Number
2010.0213.009
accession number
2010.0213
catalog number
2010.0213.009

Desogen 28 day Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Organon International of Oss, Holland, produced this Desogen oral contraceptive at their American subsidiary in West Orange, New Jersey, around 2002. The purple foil wrapper contains a professional sample consisting of a 28-day monthly regimen of pills, including 7 inert pills. Many companies included a fourth week of inert pills so women could maintain their routine of taking a daily pill.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2002
maker
Organon Inc.
ID Number
2004.3030.21
nonaccession number
2004.3030
catalog number
2004.3030.21

Colgate Chlorophyll Toothpaste

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For more complete protection against tooth decay and water soluble chlorophyllins to destroy bad breath and promote healthy gums.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For more complete protection against tooth decay and water soluble chlorophyllins to destroy bad breath and promote healthy gums.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca late1950s
patent date ("Oral Preparation for the Inhibition of Dental Caries")
1954-09-14
maker
Colgate-Palmolive Company
ID Number
MG.314016.013
catalog number
314016.013
accession number
314016
patent number
2,689,170

Sensodyne Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, Gel

Tube of Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The Block Drug Company, of Jersey City, N.J., applied for a trademark on the term Sensodyne in 1960. The “U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,006” inscription on this tube refers to Milton Hodosh, “Method for Desensitizing Teeth,” U.S.
Description
Tube of Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The Block Drug Company, of Jersey City, N.J., applied for a trademark on the term Sensodyne in 1960. The “U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,006” inscription on this tube refers to Milton Hodosh, “Method for Desensitizing Teeth,” U.S. Patent 3,863,006 (Jan. 28, 1975). Milton Hodosh (1926-2009) was a graduate of Brown University and the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and a pioneer in the field of dental implants.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1993.0107.028
catalog number
1993.0107.028
accession number
1993.0107

Palmer's Skin Success Fade Cream with Vitamin E + Sunscreen

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
ID Number
1998.0102.14
catalog number
1998.0102.14
accession number
1998.0102

Johnson's Baby Oil

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Johnson and Johnson
ID Number
1985.0516.061
catalog number
1985.0516.061
accession number
1985.0516

Zon Dental Bridge Cleaners

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Johnson and Johnson
ID Number
1993.0107.104
catalog number
1993.0107.104
accession number
1993.0107

Peptenzyme Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Digestant. An effective means for the relief of the disorders of the digestive function.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Digestant. An effective means for the relief of the disorders of the digestive function.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Reed and Carnrick Manufacturing Chemists
ID Number
1979.0798.109
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.109

Wernet's Powder - Now with Neoseal

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Block Drug Company
ID Number
MG.312608.131.03
catalog number
312608.131.03
accession number
312608

Forhan's Toothpaste, 3 1/8 Oz

Richard Joseph Forhan (1866-1965) was a graduate of the Denver School of Dentistry who practiced in Denver for 18 years. Moving to New York in 1913, Forhan began manufacturing a dentifrice under his own name.
Description
Richard Joseph Forhan (1866-1965) was a graduate of the Denver School of Dentistry who practiced in Denver for 18 years. Moving to New York in 1913, Forhan began manufacturing a dentifrice under his own name. Zonite bought Forhan’s firm in 1929, and moved it to New Brunswick soon thereafter. Obituaries noted that Forhan “Made Fortune in ‘20s With Toothpaste He Developed.” Inscriptions on this tube read “FORHAN’S / Tooth Paste” with indications that the product was made by Zoonite in New Brunswick, N.J.
Ref: “RICHARD FORHAN, DENTIST, IS DEAD,” New York Times (Dec. 26, 1965), p. 68.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1953
copyright date
1953
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Zonite Products Corporation. Forhan Division
ID Number
1984.0351.245
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.245

Meds Tampons

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Personal Products Corporation
ID Number
1985.0460.240
catalog number
1985.0460.240
accession number
1985.0460

B-D, Ultra-Fine II, Short Needle, U-100 Insulin, 1/2 cc

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2000
maker
Becton, Dickinson and Company
ID Number
2006.0146.12
catalog number
2006.0146.12
accession number
2006.0146

VePesid (etoposide) for injection 1 gram

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1990s
product expiration date
1997-04
maker
Bristol Laboratories
ID Number
2019.0108.10
catalog number
2019.0108.10
accession number
2019.0108

Modess, Regular Size

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1951
maker
Personal Products Corporation
ID Number
1985.0475.615
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.615

Nelova 1/35 Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Warner Chilcott Laboratories division of the Warner-Lambert Company from Morris Plains, New Jersey, produced this Nelova 1/35 brand oral contraceptive around 1989. The 28 pill monthly dosage is arranged in four rows of 7 pills. There are 21 yellow active pills consisting of 1 mg of norethindrone and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, and 7 white pills that are inert.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1989
maker
Warner-Lambert Company. Warner Chilcott Laboratories Division
ID Number
1989.0224.024
catalog number
1989.0224.024
accession number
1989.0224

Listerex Antibacterial Scrub Cleansing Gel

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Warner-Lambert Co.
ID Number
2002.0136.078
accession number
2002.0136
catalog number
2002.0136.078

Datascope M/D2 Monitor / Defibrillator, Model 690

Light tan plastic carrying case with hinged top and metal rotary lock. Hinged section of top flips up to reveal defibrillator and monitor mounted inside.
Description
Light tan plastic carrying case with hinged top and metal rotary lock. Hinged section of top flips up to reveal defibrillator and monitor mounted inside. Instructions for use printed on paper label secured to inside of lid.
Emergency medical equipment from the 1970’s television show “Emergency!” The objects are authentic equipment developed for paramedic use. They were donated to the museum in 2000 along with uniforms, scripts, and photographs from the show. The supply kit and medical equipment were carried on “Squad 51" -- the rescue squad vehicle featured on the show. The show’s producers worked closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department and actual paramedics to realistically portray emergency medical treatments.
The collection was donated by “Project 51,” an organization established to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first paramedic training program in the United States. For the anniversary, “Squad 51” was taken on a cross-country tour ending in Washington, DC, with a donation ceremony at the National Museum of American History of the equipment and uniforms. The rescue squad vehicle was not collected by the museum; it returned to California and was donated to the Los Angeles County (LACO) Fire Museum.
Los Angeles County played an important role in establishing paramedical training in this country and launching the field of Emergency Medicine. The TV show Emergency!, which sought to realistically portray emergency medical treatment, was instrumental in introducing Americans to this new profession.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970's
maker
Datascope Corporation
ID Number
2000.0103.18.1
accession number
2000.0103
catalog number
2000.0103.18.1

Reach Neon Toothbrush for Kids

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

Zonitors Vaginal Suppositories

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Deodorant suppositoryCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Deodorant suppository
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1957
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Dunbar Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.156
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.156

Forhan's Toothpaste

Richard Joseph Forhan (1866-1965) was a graduate of the Denver School of Dentistry who practiced in Denver for 18 years. Moving to New York in 1913, Forhan began manufacturing a dentifrice under his own name.
Description
Richard Joseph Forhan (1866-1965) was a graduate of the Denver School of Dentistry who practiced in Denver for 18 years. Moving to New York in 1913, Forhan began manufacturing a dentifrice under his own name. Zonite bought Forhan’s firm in 1929, and moved it to New Brunswick soon thereafter. Obituaries noted that Forhan “Made Fortune in ‘20s With Toothpaste He Developed.” The labels on this metal container read IN PART “FORHAN’S / Tooth Paste” while those on the cardboard box indicate that the product was made by Zoonite in New Brunswick, N.J.
Ref: “RICHARD FORHAN, DENTIST, IS DEAD,” New York Times (Dec. 26, 1965), p. 68.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Zonite Products Corporation. Forhan Division
ID Number
1981.0219.042
accession number
1981.0219
catalog number
1981.0219.042

Mennen Kora Konia

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mennen Company
ID Number
1985.0481.134
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.134

Intron A; Interferon Alfa-2B Recombinant, 10 million IU

Intron A is an injectible recombinant pharmaceutical used to treat hairy cell leukemia.Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur.
Description (Brief)
Intron A is an injectible recombinant pharmaceutical used to treat hairy cell leukemia.
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 white blood cell interferons are inserted into bacteria. Interferon is a substance that is naturally made by the body to fight infections and tumors. Bacteria produce the interferons, which are harvested and used as the active ingredient in Intron A.
Object consists of cardboard box containing a second box, two glass bottles (one of the active pharmaceutical and one of the dilutent), and two product inserts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1988
product expiration date
1988-03
maker
Schering Corporation
ID Number
1987.0781.04
accession number
1987.0781
catalog number
1987.0781.04

Super Wernet's Denture Adhesive Powder, Extra Strength

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Block Drug Company, Inc.
ID Number
2002.0136.057
accession number
2002.0136
catalog number
2002.0136.057

Body All - Powdery Spray Deodorant and Anti-Perspirant

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Lehn & Fink Products Corporation
Sterling Drug, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0165.391
accession number
2012.0165
catalog number
2012.0165.391

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