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.

Topic: Art

Florentine Bottle

Free blown green glass container with a long neck, a round squat body and an applied curved spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
Free blown green glass container with a long neck, a round squat body and an applied curved spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0929
collector/donor number
SAP 1017
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06325
1991.0664.0929

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

BALS SULPHUR SUCCIN

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The label reads BALS SULPHUR SUCCIN in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Balsamum Sulphuris Succinum, a balm of sulphur and amber.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The label reads BALS SULPHUR SUCCIN in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Balsamum Sulphuris Succinum, a balm of sulphur and amber. The balm would have been used as a tonic, emmenagogue, or anti–hysteric.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0306
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05455
collector/donor number
SAP 164
catalog number
1991.0664.0306

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

Skillet

This 16th century metal bowl has a trapezoid shaped handle and tripod legs that terminate in paw like feet. The interior of the pan has been marked in black, “HP/18m”.
Description
This 16th century metal bowl has a trapezoid shaped handle and tripod legs that terminate in paw like feet. The interior of the pan has been marked in black, “HP/18m”. The exterior has a raised mark in the shape a “W” that is difficult to see because of the dark patina.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0945
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 1033
catalog number
1991.0664.0945

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

ESS SERPENT

This free-blown glass container has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel circular shield is flanked by green leaves. At the top of the shield is a red crown with a yellow orb.
Description (Brief)
This free-blown glass container has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel circular shield is flanked by green leaves. At the top of the shield is a red crown with a yellow orb. Below the oval shield is the coat of arms for the Duchy of Saxony Marseburg and the house of Marseburg. Due to a crack that bisects directly through the left pendant the coat of arms is somewhat obscured. The shield is marked in red and black ESS/ SERPENT.
In the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, George Urdang notes that this jar was made prior to 1738, as the dukes of Saxony no longer resided in Marsebreg after that date.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1738
ID Number
1991.0664.0226
catalog number
M--05374
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 83
catalog number
1991.0664.0226

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

Sebastianus Schröderus Onoldino

Portrait of Sebastian Schroder from the upper torso within an ovular frame bearing a Latin inscription and a fruit pattern of grapes and apples. A crest at the top of the frame consists of three wreaths.
Description (Brief)
Portrait of Sebastian Schroder from the upper torso within an ovular frame bearing a Latin inscription and a fruit pattern of grapes and apples. A crest at the top of the frame consists of three wreaths. At the bottom of the frame is the Schroder family crest flanked by two cornucopias and olive branches. The crest is a beetle on a shield with wings and claws at the top. Outside the frame is an eagle in the top right corner, a lizard in the top left corner, a fish like animal in the bottom left and a snake in the bottom right corner.
Anderaus Khol. German printmaker 1624-1656.
Anselm van Hulle. Flemish printmaker 1601-1674.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1650
depicted
Onoldino, Sebastianus Schroderus
ID Number
1991.0664.0036
collector/donor number
SAP 908
accession number
1991.0664

Friedrich Herrmann Ludewig Muzell

Portrait print of the German physician, Friedrich Hermann Ludwig Muzell (1715-1784), based on a 1773 painting by Anton Graff, and engraved by Daniel Berger in 1786.Currently not on view
Description
Portrait print of the German physician, Friedrich Hermann Ludwig Muzell (1715-1784), based on a 1773 painting by Anton Graff, and engraved by Daniel Berger in 1786.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1786
artist
Graft, Anton
engraver
Berger, Daniel
depicted
Muzell, Friedrich Herrmann Ludewig
ID Number
1991.0664.0007
accession number
1991.0664

ESS B PERUVIAN

This square blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and a flared collar.
Description
This square blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and a flared collar. The container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers, and the baked enamel label is marked ESS B PERUVIAN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0201
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05349
collector/donor number
SAP 58
catalog number
1991.0664.0201

TRA ACRED

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a wide neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a wide neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown. The label has the alchemical symbol for powder at the top, with a symbol similar to the number 9 followed by the text TRA ACRED.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0369
catalog number
M-05518
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 230
catalog number
1991.0664.0369

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

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0931
collector/donor number
SAP 1019
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06327
1991.0664.0931

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

OL ANETHI

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked OL ANETHI in black, with the first letter in red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked OL ANETHI in black, with the first letter in red. The bottle would have contained oil of anethum, or oil from the dill herb. The oil of anethum was often prescribed for its carminative properties.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0452
catalog number
M-05601.02
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 313
catalog number
1991.0664.0452

Bottle

This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.Currently not on view
Description
This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1705
ID Number
1991.0664.0620
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05832
collector/donor number
SAP 544
catalog number
1991.0664.0620

Wolffgang Stoberlein

Etching of Wolffgang Stoberlein (1589-1646), a German apothecary.Currently not on view
Description
Etching of Wolffgang Stoberlein (1589-1646), a German apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Stoberlein, Wolffgang
ID Number
1991.0664.0057
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06203
collector/donor number
SAP 896

Fort Jungen's

A cartoon in watercolor and ink. Medicines carried by a soldier jokes “Batten Nevr” (Battered nerves), “Baren Fett” (Bear fat), "gesund heits trank fur schwangere” (sound cheerful potion for pregnancies).
Description
A cartoon in watercolor and ink. Medicines carried by a soldier jokes “Batten Nevr” (Battered nerves), “Baren Fett” (Bear fat), "gesund heits trank fur schwangere” (sound cheerful potion for pregnancies). The image was replicated by Johann Christian Benjamin Gottschick (1776-1844) from a drawing by Christian Johann Oldendorp (1772-1844?).
This image is possibly from Oldendorp's book "Unglück und Rettung oder Jugendschicksale eines Offiziers aus der Zeit Friedrichs des Großen" printed in 1826 in Leipzig.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1826
ID Number
1991.0664.0065
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06271
collector/donor number
SAP 964

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