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: Massachusetts

sunglasses

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
American Optical Company
ID Number
1984.0140.505
catalog number
1984.0140.505
accession number
1984.0140

Hollis' Fluid Extract Cardamon & Ginger

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A grateful stimulant and tonic; used freely in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, pain in the stomach, faintness, diarrhea, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A grateful stimulant and tonic; used freely in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, pain in the stomach, faintness, diarrhea, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890
maker
Thomas Hollis
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup17]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Thayers Slippery Elm Lozenges

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: These lozenges are not a confection or candy--they have a real medicinal value to soothe your tired throat to help relieve coughs due to common colds; for hoarseness—"smoker's throat."Currently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: These lozenges are not a confection or candy--they have a real medicinal value to soothe your tired throat to help relieve coughs due to common colds; for hoarseness—"smoker's throat."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Henry Thayer & Company
ID Number
1979.0798.182
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.182

"Our Baby" - Compliments of Mellin's Food

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1897
maker
Mellin's Food Company
ID Number
2017.3025.010
nonaccession number
2017.3025
catalog number
2017.3025.010

Toothbrush

The inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “Pro-phy-lac-tic / MADE IN U.S.A. STERILIZED / ‘A CLEAN TOOTH NEVER DECAYS’” and “SOFT” and “GUARANTEED” and “FLORENCE MFG.
Description
The inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “Pro-phy-lac-tic / MADE IN U.S.A. STERILIZED / ‘A CLEAN TOOTH NEVER DECAYS’” and “SOFT” and “GUARANTEED” and “FLORENCE MFG. CO.” and “1.” The Florence Manufacturing Company, which began in business as such in 1866, produced hairbrushes and hand mirrors made of the Florence Compound. In 1885, the company introduced the Prophylactic toothbrush, based on a form designed by Meyer L. Rhein, a New York dentist. By 1915, this toothbrush was the company's best-selling product. In 1924, the company became the Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company.
Ref: “Dr. Meyer L. Rhein, Dentist, Dies at 68,” New York Times (July 18, 1928), p. 21.
One of six toothbrushes donated to the museum in 1924 by the Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Co. for use in the "Hall of Health" exhibition about the importance of dental hygiene. Only two of the brushes remain from this collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1924
maker
Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company
ID Number
MG.M-02060.02
catalog number
M-02060.02
accession number
85097

"There's Nothing so Good for a Cough as Ayer's Cherry Pectoral - Used to treat coughing, affections of the lungs, asthma, influenza, hoarseness, bronchitis, and consumption"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1899-11-23
maker
Dr. J. C. Ayer and Company
ID Number
1992.3127.01
catalog number
1992.3127.01
nonaccession number
1992.3127

Buckingham's Dye for the Whiskers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
R. P. Hall & Company
ID Number
MG.M-10417.03
accession number
246707
catalog number
M-10417.03

Leg Silque Liquid Stockings, Shade P244 Suntan

While leg makeup has been commercially available since the 1920s, it wasn't until rationing was introduced during the World War II that the product became an essential commodity for many American women.
Description
While leg makeup has been commercially available since the 1920s, it wasn't until rationing was introduced during the World War II that the product became an essential commodity for many American women. Unable to procure silk or nylon hose, many women resorted to painting their legs with products such as Leg Silque Liquid Stockings, made in Boston, Mass., by the Langlois Company. Some industrious users even drew black lines down the backs of their legs to simulate the seams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1943
maker
Langlois Inc.
ID Number
1985.0481.002
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.002
maker number
P244

Cuticura Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general healthCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general health
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1984.0351.098
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.098

Mellin's Food

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
Mellin's Food Company
ID Number
2017.3025.079
nonaccession number
2017.3025
catalog number
2017.3025.079

Tiny Tot Toilet Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An antiseptic powder that cools and comforts the skin. A requisite for the nursery for keeping baby's skin healthy.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An antiseptic powder that cools and comforts the skin. A requisite for the nursery for keeping baby's skin healthy. Use freely after the bath and for chafing, irritations, heat rashes, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
United Drug Company
ID Number
1986.0873.09
catalog number
1986.0873.09
accession number
1986.0873

Mellin's Food

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1898
maker
Mellin's Food Company
ID Number
2017.3025.066
nonaccession number
2017.3025
catalog number
2017.3025.066

"These Illustrations will show you how easily Mellin's Food is prepared for the baby."

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mellin's Food Company
ID Number
2017.3025.076
catalog number
2017.3025.076
nonaccession number
2017.3025

sunglasses

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
American Optical Company
ID Number
1984.0140.507
catalog number
1984.0140.507
accession number
1984.0140

Quiet

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Royal Palm Toilet Goods Co.
ID Number
1979.0798.164
catalog number
1979.0798.164
accession number
1979.0798

Hufnagel Leaflet Valve

This single heart leaflet or cusp was used to replace or supplement a compromised natural leaflet. One, two or three leaflets could be surgically implanted. The leaflets were made of polypropylene mesh and impregnated with silicone rubber. Charles A.
Description (Brief)
This single heart leaflet or cusp was used to replace or supplement a compromised natural leaflet. One, two or three leaflets could be surgically implanted. The leaflets were made of polypropylene mesh and impregnated with silicone rubber. Charles A. Hufnagel, MD, the inventor believed polypropylene leaflets would be a better design solution than the ball and cage model because it provided better dynamics. He acknowledged that only a few of these leaflets worked well, "those leaflets were the only leaflets, I think, that really lasted for any significant length of time." The single leaflets were later used to develop a trileaflet valve which looked similar to a natural human valve.
Dr. Charles Hufnagel, (1916-1989) graduated in 1941 from Harvard Medical School. While a resident at Boston’ Children’s Hospital he worked with pioneer cardiac surgeon Dr. Robert Gross. In 1950 he left the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston to becoame the Director of Georgetown University Medical Research laboratory. In September 1952, he implanted the first artificial heart valve which consisted of a ball of plastic inside a chambered tube. Hufnagel also made significant contributions to the development of the modern heart-lung machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1960
maker
Brunswick Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2015.0031.09
catalog number
2015.0031.09
accession number
2015.0031

Lablache Face Powder, White - A Harmless Face Powder for Refreshing and Beautifying the Complexion

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.293320.0845
catalog number
293320.0845
accession number
293320

Borax Welcome Soap

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890s
product brand launched (Welcome soap)
ca 1875
maker
Curtis Davis Company
ID Number
1986.0873.48
accession number
1986.0873
catalog number
1986.0873.48

Mellin's Food

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
December 1920
associated date
December 1920
maker
Mellin's Food Company
ID Number
2017.3025.061
nonaccession number
2017.3025
catalog number
2017.3025.061

Excelsior Hair Dye, Black

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
proprietor of manufacturing company
Brenner, H. C.
maker
Excelsior Hair Dye & Toilet Manufacturing Company
Brenner, H. C.
ID Number
1984.0782.361
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.361

Rubifoam Liquid Dentifrice for the Teeth

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
E.W. Hoyt & Company
ID Number
1980.0428.09
accession number
1980.0428
catalog number
1980.0428.09

Crazy Foam - the Toy that Cleans - Shark

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965
maker
Aerosol Corporation of America
ID Number
1993.0024.08
catalog number
1993.0024.08
accession number
1993.0024

Mellin's Food Triplets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Doliber-Goodale Company
ID Number
2017.3025.063
nonaccession number
2017.3025
catalog number
2017.3025.063

Ridge's Food

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2017.3025.056
nonaccession number
2017.3025
catalog number
2017.3025.056

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