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: 2000s

Bifurcated Small Pox Immunization Needle

Bifurcated needle for small pox immunization. The needle is used by dipping it into the vaccine and then pricking the skin repeatedly.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Bifurcated needle for small pox immunization. The needle is used by dipping it into the vaccine and then pricking the skin repeatedly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2007
maker
Becton, Dickinson and Company
ID Number
2007.0198.080
accession number
2007.0198
catalog number
2007.0198.080

Accuspray Nasal Spray System

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2007
maker
Becton, Dickinson and Company
ID Number
2007.0198.124
accession number
2007.0198
catalog number
2007.0198.124

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

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Supporting Sponsor Level Achievement Award, Walk to Cure Diabetes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
awardee
Papenfuss, Kaitlin Marie
ID Number
2017.0192.09
accession number
2017.0192
catalog number
2017.0192.09

Genentech Avastin - "Statictically Significant . Clinically Significant. Historically Significant - Commercially Available February 26, 2004" T-shirt

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2004
maker
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0120.15
catalog number
2013.0120.15
accession number
2013.0120

button, "AIDS Walk Philly, 10.19.2003"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
ID Number
2011.0183.68
accession number
2011.0183
catalog number
2011.0183.68

Bronco Artificial Eye

Artificial eye worn by Richard Linnekin, a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq, and lost his left eye when his convoy was attacked by mortar shells. The image of a Bronco represents his high school football team.Currently not on view
Description
Artificial eye worn by Richard Linnekin, a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq, and lost his left eye when his convoy was attacked by mortar shells. The image of a Bronco represents his high school football team.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Ca. 2006
ID Number
2009.0126.04
accession number
2009.0126
catalog number
2009.0126.01

Kiehl's Cryste Marine Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:This unusual flower is known to boost cell renewal for a supple skin effect...improves skin elasticity and resilience.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
This unusual flower is known to boost cell renewal for a supple skin effect...improves skin elasticity and resilience. This hydrating formula, combined with Vitamin C glucoside, helps skin reveal its natural radiance. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly softened. Skin feels firmer and smoother, with a luminous and youthful appearance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2004
maker
Kiehl's Since 1851
ID Number
2004.0274.01
catalog number
2004.0274.01
accession number
2004.0274

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

The Medicine Shoppe Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2001
maker
Medicine Shoppe International
ID Number
2001.0113.5
catalog number
2001.0113.5
accession number
2001.0113

Pasteur Pipette

This glass pipette, from the University of Michigan Medical School Hygienic Laboratory, was used to transfer small quantities of liquids from one vessel to another in bacteriological investigations.
Description (Brief)
This glass pipette, from the University of Michigan Medical School Hygienic Laboratory, was used to transfer small quantities of liquids from one vessel to another in bacteriological investigations. The pipettes were used like straws—the liquid to be transferred was drawn up through mouth suction and the tongue or finger used to close off the tube while the material was moved to another test tube or flask.
The Michigan laboratory was established in 1887 under the direction of Dr. Victor Vaughan (1851–1929), Professor of Hygiene and Physiological Chemistry and his assistant Frederick Novy (1864–1957). The laboratory was one of the first in the country to offer courses in the relatively new science of bacteriology. Vaughan and Novy traveled to Europe to learn bacteriological techniques at Robert Koch’s laboratory in Berlin and also visited Pasteur’s laboratory in Paris. Equipment for the new laboratory was purchased during this trip. Novy credits the Pasteur school for developing the methods for preparing and using the glass pipettes. He describes these techniques for his students in his laboratory manual published in 1899.
The pipettes were made from lengths of standard glass tubing of about fourteen inches. The tubes were heated in the middle over a blast-lamp until soft and the two ends slowly drawn apart to form a long thin capillary. This was then heated again at the center to completely seal and divide the tube thus forming two pipettes. The pipettes were then sterilized and cotton plugs inserted in the open end to prevent further contamination. Thus prepared, a quantity of pipettes could be kept on hand until needed during investigations.
Sources:
Novy, Frederick G. Laboratory Work in Bacteriology. Ann Arbor, Mich.: G. Wahr, 1899. 456–60. https://books.google.com/books?id=bkdwAAAAIAAJ
http://umhistory.dc.umich.edu/history/Faculty_History/Medical_Departments_History/Department_of_Bacteriology.html
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MG.253100.34.G
catalog number
253100.34.G
accession number
253100

Lo/Ovral 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.
Wyeth Laboratories Inc. produced this Lo/Ovral brand oral contraceptive around 2004. There are 28 pills in a blister pack that is inserted into a pink plastic holder. The blister pack contains 21 white hormonal pills and 7 pink inert pills. The holder has the days of the week embossed around the perimeter. The pills come with a pink carrying sleeve decorated with flowers and a butterfly. The pill pack includes a booklet entitled “Taking the Pill: What you need to know about Lo/Ovral.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2004
maker
Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
ID Number
2004.3030.33
nonaccession number
2004.3030
catalog number
2004.3030.33

Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine Live, Intranasal - 10 Pre-filled Sprayers - MedImmune

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:1. Check expiration date. Product must be used before the date on sprayer label. 2. Remove rubber tip protector. Do not remove dose-divider clip at the other end of the sprayer. 3.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
1. Check expiration date. Product must be used before the date on sprayer label. 2. Remove rubber tip protector. Do not remove dose-divider clip at the other end of the sprayer. 3. With the patient in an upright position, place the tip just inside the nostril to ensure the vaccine is delivered into the nose. 4. With a single motion, depress plunger as rapidly as possible until the dose-divider clip prevents you from going further. 5. Pinch and remove the dose-divider clip from plunger. 6. Place the tip just inside the other nostril and with a single motion, depress plunger as rapidly as possible to deliver remaining vaccine. DO NOT INJECT. DO NOT USE A NEEDLE. Note: Active inhalation (i.e. sniffing) is not required by the patient during vaccine administration
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2009
expiration date
2010-03-29
maker
MedImmune, Inc.
ID Number
2010.0138.002
accession number
2010.0138
catalog number
2010.0138.002

Accuspray Nasal Spray System

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 2005
maker
Becton, Dickinson and Company
ID Number
2007.0198.121
accession number
2007.0198
catalog number
2007.0198.121

Guardian Real Time Monitor (CSS7100NA) and MiniLink Transmitter (MMT-7703)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date produced
2006
maker
Medtronic
ID Number
2016.0073.07
accession number
2016.0073
catalog number
2016.0073.07
serial number
GLU112829U

Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - No Preservative, No Latex, For use in persons 18 years and older - 10 Pre-filled Syringes - CSL Biotherapies

This monovalent vaccine was developed in 2009 specifically for the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This monovalent vaccine was developed in 2009 specifically for the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2009
expiration date
2010-06-30
maker
CSL Biotherapies
ID Number
2010.0138.003
accession number
2010.0138
catalog number
2010.0138.003

Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999

A collection of publicity material for Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999, including two (2) publicity photographs, one has information on the back about Nicole Johnson and the Miss America organization; four (4) pages from Pageantry Magazine, Winter 1998, including the cover and
Description
A collection of publicity material for Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999, including two (2) publicity photographs, one has information on the back about Nicole Johnson and the Miss America organization; four (4) pages from Pageantry Magazine, Winter 1998, including the cover and feature article: "Meet Miss America 1999 ... Nicole Johnson: "A Crown with a Purpose;" one (1) magazine advertisement "MiniMed Congratulates Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson;" one (1) flyer: "Nicole Johnson Miss America 1999, Author of "Living With Diabetes," sponsored by Medtronic MiniMed and Diabetes LEAD (Leadership, Education & Awareness in Diabetes) a website created by Nicole Johnson; one (1) magazine: Diabetes Forecast, July 1999, with Nicole Johnson on the cover and feature article "Miss America's Crowning Achievement: How Nicole Johnson focused the national spotlight on diabetes."
Location
Currently not on view
Currently not on view (magazine article (pageantry))
date made
1998-2002
ID Number
2021.0199.04
catalog number
2021.0199.04
accession number
2021.0199

My Teddy Bears by Kaitlin Papenfuss

Dark pink hardcover bound book. Written and illustrated by Kaitlin Papenfuss age 9.
Description
Dark pink hardcover bound book. Written and illustrated by Kaitlin Papenfuss age 9. The story is about Kaitlin and her Teddy Bears - one is her teddy bear Rufus (see 2017.0192.01), the other is an imaginary bear named "Baby Bear." Published by : Creations by You, PO Box 102830, Denver, CO 80250-2830, www.creationsbyyou.com.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2006
maker
Marie, Kaitlin
ID Number
2017.0192.02
accession number
2017.0192
catalog number
2017.0192.02

Polio Sabin (oral)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2002-06
expiration date
2004-05
maker
SB Biologicals
ID Number
2004.0288.13
accession number
2004.0288
catalog number
2004.0288.13

Introducing Cialis: Give Patients with Erectile Dysfunction Freedom to Choose the Moment When it is Right For Them

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2004
maker
Lilly ICOS, LLC.
ID Number
2015.3085.04
nonaccession number
2015.3085
catalog number
2015.3085.04

button, "AIDS Walk Philly, Sun Oct.20.2002"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2002
ID Number
2011.0183.70
accession number
2011.0183
catalog number
2011.0183.70

Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - 10 0.5mL Pre-filled Single Dose Syringes - For four Years of Age and Older

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2009
maker
Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited
ID Number
2010.0138.001
accession number
2010.0138
catalog number
2010.0138.001

Marine Corps Artificial Eye

Artificial eye worn by Richard Linnekin, a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq, and lost his left eye when his convoy was attacked by mortar shells. The image in the center represents the U.S. Marine Corps.Currently not on view
Description
Artificial eye worn by Richard Linnekin, a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq, and lost his left eye when his convoy was attacked by mortar shells. The image in the center represents the U.S. Marine Corps.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2006
ID Number
2009.0126.05
accession number
2009.0126
catalog number
2009.0126.05

Prom for Dressy Hair

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:for well groomed hair.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
for well groomed hair.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
Lenwells, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0798.519
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.519

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