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: Jars

Albarello

This albarello is decorated with a heraldic ornament, painted in white, blue, yellow, green, and orange. A yellow bird with wings spread is in the center of a cartouche topped by a crown. The yellow oval is framed by a green wreath.
Description
This albarello is decorated with a heraldic ornament, painted in white, blue, yellow, green, and orange. A yellow bird with wings spread is in the center of a cartouche topped by a crown. The yellow oval is framed by a green wreath. The back side of the jar has a stylized blue vine and leaf pattern.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0545
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05757
collector/donor number
SAP 469
catalog number
1991.0664.0545

TROCIS ALANDALL

This squat–shaped drug jar has a baluster-shaped body and a stepped flared foot. A yellow shield depicts a lion balanced on one hind leg, holding an orb with its two front paws.
Description
This squat–shaped drug jar has a baluster-shaped body and a stepped flared foot. A yellow shield depicts a lion balanced on one hind leg, holding an orb with its two front paws. The shield is surrounded by an elaborate blue floral motif on a white glazed background with yellow rope bands at the neck and the rim of the foot.
A yellow and blue striped escroll is inscribed in black TROCIS ALANDALL” Trochiscus Alandall, also known as Troches of Alhandal, were lozenges made from the citrullus colocynthis plant. Colocynthis lozenges would have been used as a cathartic.
The jar was incorporated into the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Collection when it was purchased at auction in 1935 from the American Art Association Anderson Galleries in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1675 - 1699
ID Number
1991.0664.0504
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05716
collector/donor number
SAP 428
catalog number
1991.0664.0504

ELET:ROST:DIMN

On this tin–glazed albarello, blue wavy ribbons flank a multicolored wreath framing a monk carrying a long cross over his shoulder. The year 1623 is painted above a yellow band inscribed ELET ROST DIMN. Other inscriptions include the initials, S. and D.
Description
On this tin–glazed albarello, blue wavy ribbons flank a multicolored wreath framing a monk carrying a long cross over his shoulder. The year 1623 is painted above a yellow band inscribed ELET ROST DIMN. Other inscriptions include the initials, S. and D. flanking the monk, and A.O. and ORE at the top of the yellow band. The jar likely would have contained an electuary of rosato, a medicinal paste that was taken internally as a tonic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1623
Date made
1623
ID Number
1991.0664.0535
catalog number
M-05747
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 459
catalog number
1991.0664.0535

Apothecary Bottle, UNGV: ANIPSOR

This blown glass drug is marked, UNGV: ANIPSOR. The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain.Currently not on view
Description
This blown glass drug is marked, UNGV: ANIPSOR. The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0481
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05630
1991.0664.0481.01
1991.0664.0481.02
collector/donor number
SAP 342

SY DI GIVGIOL

This syrup jar has a straight spout and an applied strap handle. The white glazed background is covered with depictions of buildings, flowers, and birds in varying shades of blue.
Description
This syrup jar has a straight spout and an applied strap handle. The white glazed background is covered with depictions of buildings, flowers, and birds in varying shades of blue. It is marked “Sy Di GIVGIOL.” The jar would have contained the Syrup of Giuggiolo, or syrup from the Jujube tree. The syrup was used as a deobstruent (to remove obstacles) and a decongestant.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0626
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05838
collector/donor number
SAP 550
catalog number
1991.0664.626

Apothecary Jar, MAT PERLA KUM

This blown, aqua-colored glass container is marked in alternating red and black paint MAT PERLA/KUM Currently not on view
Description
This blown, aqua-colored glass container is marked in alternating red and black paint MAT PERLA/KUM
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0448
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05597
collector/donor number
SAP 309
catalog number
1991.0664.0448

Albarello

This albarello has a flared foot and is painted with decorative blue, yellow, and green flowers, and leaves and vines. In the center of the jar is a portrait of the Madonna holding the infant Jesus. Mary wears a gold dress with blue mantle and a gold crown on her head.
Description
This albarello has a flared foot and is painted with decorative blue, yellow, and green flowers, and leaves and vines. In the center of the jar is a portrait of the Madonna holding the infant Jesus. Mary wears a gold dress with blue mantle and a gold crown on her head. In her left hand Mary holds two cords attached to two squares. Just below Mary are the heads of three females engulfed in the flames of hell. George Urdang attributes this jar to 18th–century Castelli.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0571
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05783
collector/donor number
SAP 495
catalog number
1991.0664.0571

MIXT SIMPL RECT

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads MIXT SIMPL RECT in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads MIXT SIMPL RECT in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Mixtura Simplex Rectificata, a mixture of theriaca, vitriolic oil, and tartar that was used to relieve cramps and induce perspiration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0344
catalog number
M-05493
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 205
catalog number
1991.0664.0344

SCAMON

This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flared lip, applied foot, and baked enamel cartouche. The white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon is capped by a crown. It is marked "SCAMON" above the alchemical symbol PPT.
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flared lip, applied foot, and baked enamel cartouche. The white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon is capped by a crown. It is marked "SCAMON" above the alchemical symbol PPT. Two lines interrsect the stems and letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0173
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05321
1991.0664.0173
collector/donor number
SAP 30

Syrup Jar, SYDACETSO

This syrup jar has a rope-tied spout and a wide strap handle and is decorated with yellow and blue horizontal and vertical bands. Yellow scrolling around the neck. Below the spout is a circular field with a stag. Marked below YDACETSO,Currently not on view
Description
This syrup jar has a rope-tied spout and a wide strap handle and is decorated with yellow and blue horizontal and vertical bands. Yellow scrolling around the neck. Below the spout is a circular field with a stag. Marked below YDACETSO,
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0543
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05755
collector/donor number
SAP 467
catalog number
1991.0664.0543

T DI NITROS

This albarello is decorated with a blue-gray glazed background and bands of yellow, blue, and magnesium. Below the mark the jar is decorated with light curvilinear elements surrounding a grotesque.
Description (Brief)
This albarello is decorated with a blue-gray glazed background and bands of yellow, blue, and magnesium. Below the mark the jar is decorated with light curvilinear elements surrounding a grotesque. Marked just below the shoulder,T DI NITROS.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0557
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05769
collector/donor number
SAP 481
catalog number
1991.0664.0557

CROC, MARTAP, ST

This widemouthed blown glass jar has a flared lip and an applied foot.
Description
This widemouthed blown glass jar has a flared lip and an applied foot. The baked enamel cartouche decorates the clear glass with a white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon and topped by a crown is typical of German pharmaceutical containers of the 17th and 18th century's. It is marked "CROC, MARTAP, ST," Crocus Martisis is a mixture of sulphur and iron.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0174
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05322
1991.0664.0174
collector/donor number
SAP 31

Cantha. rid

This urn–shaped drug jar has a straight neck and a round, domed foot. The lid has a cone–shaped finial. The background glaze is grayish–white. A rectangular label is formed in the center of the jar by thin lines of brown, yellow and green, topped by a small cartouche.
Description
This urn–shaped drug jar has a straight neck and a round, domed foot. The lid has a cone–shaped finial. The background glaze is grayish–white. A rectangular label is formed in the center of the jar by thin lines of brown, yellow and green, topped by a small cartouche. The frame is surrounded at its top and bottom by yellow and green vines and black beads. Correspondence in 1954 between Division of Medicine Associate Curator George Griffenhagen and George Urdang notes that the jars appear to be of Catalonian–Aragonese origin. The jar’s label reads Cantha rid. Cantharidin is more widely known as Spanish Fly, a secretion from the male blister beetle. Cantharidin is used as an aphrodisiac and as a blistering agent, an alternative to cupping.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0563
collector/donor number
SAP 487
catalog number
1991.0664.0563.01
1991.0664.0563.02
M-05575
accession number
1991.0664

Albarello

This polychrome albarello has a white tin–glazed background with green ribbons that flank a blue, green, yellow and ochre wreath framing blue and ochre c–scrolls. A blue and yellow rectangular band lacks an inscription.
Description
This polychrome albarello has a white tin–glazed background with green ribbons that flank a blue, green, yellow and ochre wreath framing blue and ochre c–scrolls. A blue and yellow rectangular band lacks an inscription. A piece of paper found in the jar is marked, "not authentic probably fake." Neither Wolfgang–Hagen Hein nor D. A. Wittop Koning mentions this piece in their 1983 letters discussing fakes and inconsistencies within the collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1624
ID Number
1991.0664.0537
catalog number
M-05749
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 461
catalog number
1991.0664.0537.01
1991.0664.0537.02

Albarello

This blue monochrome albarello drug jar has a white glazed background with a central design of a shield and crown. The interior of the shield has a star, a cross, and a stylized flower. The shield and crown are framed by curling vines and stems.
Description
This blue monochrome albarello drug jar has a white glazed background with a central design of a shield and crown. The interior of the shield has a star, a cross, and a stylized flower. The shield and crown are framed by curling vines and stems. At the shoulders are thin bands and a semicircle of lozenges. The glaze for the various motifs is thick and is raised in spots.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1600 - 1699
ID Number
1991.0664.0523
catalog number
M-05735
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 447
catalog number
1991.0664.0523

EXTR CENTAUR MIN

This is a small wide-mouthed tin-glazed whitish gray drug jar with a flared lip.
Description
This is a small wide-mouthed tin-glazed whitish gray drug jar with a flared lip. The jar is decorated with a circular vine of blue leaves and flowers and is marked “EXTR CENTAUR MIN.” The buds, leaves and stems of the plant Centaurium minus are used in the preparation of Extract of Centaurium Minus. The extract was used as as a remedy for hypertension, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, kidney stones, anxiety and insomnia.
Drug jars 1991.0664.0724–.0728 are attributed to 18th-century Nuremberg. George Urdang bases this attribution to the blue wreath and the potter’s mark at the bottom of the jars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0724
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05936
collector/donor number
SAP 648
catalog number
1991.0664.0724

UNG. EGYPTIAC

This albarello–shaped drug jar has an off–white underglaze with a muted blue, yellow, and green palette. A yellow–haired putti with blue and yellow wings is sitting on a tuft of green grass.
Description
This albarello–shaped drug jar has an off–white underglaze with a muted blue, yellow, and green palette. A yellow–haired putti with blue and yellow wings is sitting on a tuft of green grass. Thin bands of blue encircle the jar just above the upper shoulder and below the bottom shoulder. Text in between the lower bands reads VNG EGYPTIAC.
Based on its muted palette, pharmacy historian George Urdang believed this piece to be of 18th-century origin from the Castelli region. The bottom of the jar is marked in glaze with the initials, G.B.C. He believed the artist to be Rocco di Castelli. The jar would have contained Unguentum Egyptiacum, Latin for Egyptian ointment. Egyptian ointment was a combination of copper acetate and honey that was used as an escharotic, a caustic agent.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0568
catalog number
M-05780
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 492
catalog number
1991.0664.0568

CROC METALLOPT

This square-shaped blown and molded glass jar has a flared circular collar with a wooden and cork lid. The baked enamel label is marked CROC METALLOPT.
Description
This square-shaped blown and molded glass jar has a flared circular collar with a wooden and cork lid. The baked enamel label is marked CROC METALLOPT. According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue this bottle was made in the last third of the 18th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0198
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05346
1991.0664.0198.01
1991.0664.0198.02
collector/donor number
SAP 55

VN DIFENSIVO

This blue and white albarello drug jar depicts two lions, each standing on one hind leg. They flank a cartouche, and support a crown in their front paws. The interior of the cartouche has a cross with the letter P at left, and on the right, the letter A.
Description
This blue and white albarello drug jar depicts two lions, each standing on one hind leg. They flank a cartouche, and support a crown in their front paws. The interior of the cartouche has a cross with the letter P at left, and on the right, the letter A. An escroll at the shoulder of the container is marked, "VN DIFENSIVO". The jar is very similar in style to the ones seen in objects 1991.0664.0669–.0673, but has an unglazed bottom. The jar would have contained Unguentum Defensivum, or defensive ointment. The ointment was composed of Dragon’s blood (red resin from several different types of trees) Armenian bole, rose oil, vinegar, and wax. The ointment was used to treat skin lesions and wounds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0669
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05881
collector/donor number
SAP 593
catalog number
1991.0664.0669

SAL ACETOS

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SAL ACETOS in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SAL ACETOS in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Salt of Acetosa. Rumex acetosa, also known as sorrel, is a plant that was used as a diuretic, an aperient (laxative), and an antidiarrheal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0323
catalog number
M-05472
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 181
catalog number
1991.0664.0323

TROCIS DE CAPPA RIBVS

This albarello is elaborately decorated with mythical figures. A white scroll is marked TROCIS DE CAPPA RIBVS in blue text. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes this jar from the Italian city of Urbina and dates it to the 16th century.
Description
This albarello is elaborately decorated with mythical figures. A white scroll is marked TROCIS DE CAPPA RIBVS in blue text. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes this jar from the Italian city of Urbina and dates it to the 16th century. Albarelli with wide mouths were used to store dry leaves and bark and other bulky material.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0553
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05765
collector/donor number
SAP 477
catalog number
1991.0664.0553

U di Calce

This blue monochrome albarello is decorated with cobalt blue vines and leaves. The escroll in the center of the container is inscribed with gothic script that reads U di calce. The jar would have contained unguentum di calce, or ointment of chalk.
Description
This blue monochrome albarello is decorated with cobalt blue vines and leaves. The escroll in the center of the container is inscribed with gothic script that reads U di calce. The jar would have contained unguentum di calce, or ointment of chalk. The ointment, made of chalk, wax, and oil of roses was used as a salve on burns.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
Date made
1500 - 1599
ID Number
1991.0664.0494
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05706
collector/donor number
SAP 418
catalog number
1991.0664.0494

SPEC CORDIAL TEMP SP

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC CORDIAL TEMP SP in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC CORDIAL TEMP SP in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Species Cordiales Temperatae, a powdered mixture containing a variety of plants, herbs, and other ingredients that was used as a stimulant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0339
catalog number
M-05488
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 200
catalog number
1991.0664.0339

Ext. Coclearia

This albarello drug jar depicts two lions flanking a cartouche topped by a crown. The interior of the cartouche has a cross flanked on the left by the letter P and on the right by the letter A. The jar is very similar in style to the ones seen in objects 1991.0664.0669–.0673.
Description
This albarello drug jar depicts two lions flanking a cartouche topped by a crown. The interior of the cartouche has a cross flanked on the left by the letter P and on the right by the letter A. The jar is very similar in style to the ones seen in objects 1991.0664.0669–.0673. The jar is labeled “Ext. Coclearia” and would have contained an extract of cochlearia from the Cochlearia officinalis plant. The extract was used as a mild stimulant, diuretic, and antiscorbutic to treat scurvy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0672
catalog number
M-05884
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 596
catalog number
1991.0664.0672

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