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.

Name: Taylor Instrument Co.

Thermometer

Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk-white back. The tube is triangular in cross section, with the scale on one face and the number on another. The scale extends from 92 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk-white back. The tube is triangular in cross section, with the scale on one face and the number on another. The scale extends from 92 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. Inscriptions read “766418” and “TAYLOR INSTRUMENT COMPANIES / ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The Taylor Instrument Companies began operating as such in 1907. The firm gave this instrument to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
MG.M-07711
accession number
70532
catalog number
M-07711

Thermometer

Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a cylindrical bulb and a milk-white back. The scale on the circular tubes extends from 94 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a cylindrical bulb and a milk-white back. The scale on the circular tubes extends from 94 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. Inscriptions read “766419” and “TAYLOR INSTRUMENT COMPANIES / ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The Taylor Instrument Companies began operating as such in 1907. The firm gave this instrument to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1907-1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
MG.M-07714
catalog number
M-07714
accession number
70532

Thermometer

Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk-white back. The tube has a flat back, and widens above the cylindrical bulb. The scale extends from 92 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk-white back. The tube has a flat back, and widens above the cylindrical bulb. The scale extends from 92 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. Inscriptions read “442889” and “TAYLOR” and “ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The Taylor Instrument Companies gave it to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
MG.M-07710
catalog number
M-07710
accession number
70532

Thermometer

Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a cylindrical bulb and milk-white back. The scale on the circular tube extends from 94 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a cylindrical bulb and milk-white back. The scale on the circular tube extends from 94 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. Inscriptions read “766419” and “TAYLOR INSTRUMENT COMPANIES / ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The Taylor Instrument Companies began operating as such in 1907, and gave this instrument to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1907-1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
MG.M-07708
catalog number
M-07708
accession number
70532

Thermometer

Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk-white back. Inscriptions read “1 MIN” and “TAYLOR 69” and “ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The scale extends to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. The Taylor Instrument Companies gave it to the Smithsonian in 1923.Currently not on view
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk-white back. Inscriptions read “1 MIN” and “TAYLOR 69” and “ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The scale extends to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. The Taylor Instrument Companies gave it to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
MG.M-07715
catalog number
M-07715
accession number
70532

Thermometer (Axila)

Mercury-in-glass axilla thermometer with a spherical bulb and a milk-white back, designed to be placed in the armpit to measure body temperature. The scale extends from 92 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths.
Description
Mercury-in-glass axilla thermometer with a spherical bulb and a milk-white back, designed to be placed in the armpit to measure body temperature. The scale extends from 92 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, divided in fifths. Inscriptions read “766417” and “TAYLOR INSTRUMENT COMPANIES / ROCHESTER, N.Y.” The Taylor Instrument Companies began operating as such in 1907. The firm gave this instrument to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
MG.M-07712
catalog number
M-07712
accession number
70532

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