Health & Medicine

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.

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For the cure of constipation and liver diseases and thereby for the prevention of headache, dyspepsia, cerebral congestion, biliousness, piles, etc., etc.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For the cure of constipation and liver diseases and thereby for the prevention of headache, dyspepsia, cerebral congestion, biliousness, piles, etc., etc. Cures constipation and thus prevents congestion of the brain, apoplexy, insanity, convulsions. It is almost a cure for sea sickness.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1872-1883
maker
McKesson and Robbins
F. Crosby
ID Number
MG.M-12151.15
accession number
271464
catalog number
M-12151.15
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For the relief of the discomfort of chapped hands and lipsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For the relief of the discomfort of chapped hands and lips
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.384
catalog number
1985.0475.384
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1944
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
2004.0129.41
accession number
2004.0129
catalog number
2004.0129.41
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.270
catalog number
1985.0475.270
accession number
1985.0475
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For the relief of the discomfort of common cold sores (fever blisters)Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For the relief of the discomfort of common cold sores (fever blisters)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.065
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.065
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Antiseptic for general use; a healing agent, potent antiseptic, mild astringent and deodorant.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Antiseptic for general use; a healing agent, potent antiseptic, mild astringent and deodorant. Use as a Throat Gargle, Nasal Spray, Mouthwash and Offensive Breath, Cuts and Abrasions, Teeth Extraction, Artificial Teeth.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0481.027
catalog number
1985.0481.027
accession number
1985.0481
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0481.135
catalog number
1985.0481.135
accession number
1985.0481
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An aid in the relief of the discomfort of simple sore throats and minor bronchial irritations due to simple coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An aid in the relief of the discomfort of simple sore throats and minor bronchial irritations due to simple colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0460.062
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.062
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1963
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.624
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.624
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.250
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.250
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0460.241
catalog number
1985.0460.241
accession number
1985.0460
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0481.370
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.370
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.159
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.159
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For simple headaches, common colds, simple neuralgia, and muscular painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For simple headaches, common colds, simple neuralgia, and muscular pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1935
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.095
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.095
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An inhalant as an aid in the relief of the discomfort associated with simple head coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An inhalant as an aid in the relief of the discomfort associated with simple head colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.052
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.052
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
MG.312608.258.01
catalog number
312608.258.01
accession number
312608
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Directions: Insert one suppository into the rectum. Permit to remain. Bowel action will usually result within a few minutesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Directions: Insert one suppository into the rectum. Permit to remain. Bowel action will usually result within a few minutes
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.023
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.023
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A high grade, finely sifted toilet powder prepared from pure ingredients, adapted for use on delicate skin.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A high grade, finely sifted toilet powder prepared from pure ingredients, adapted for use on delicate skin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s-1950s
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1988.3089.100
catalog number
1988.3089.100
nonaccession number
1988.3089
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0481.395
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.395
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For singers and public speakers, to relieve temporary loss of voice.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For singers and public speakers, to relieve temporary loss of voice. Talkies have a soothing effect in minor irritations of the throat, allaying irritation and alleviating slight coughs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1929
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1984.0351.004
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.004
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.783
catalog number
1985.0475.783
accession number
1985.0475
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0481.340
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.340
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.268
catalog number
1985.0475.268
accession number
1985.0475
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:THEATRICAL COLD CREAM is a smooth textured high grade cold cream adopted for use by the theatrical profession. For general toilet use as an aid in cleansing and softening the skin.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
THEATRICAL COLD CREAM is a smooth textured high grade cold cream adopted for use by the theatrical profession. For general toilet use as an aid in cleansing and softening the skin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1967
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1988.3089.213
catalog number
1988.3089.213
nonaccession number
1988.3089

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