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 by the manufacturer are:For all over skin loveliness use this clear, liquid lotion regularly on hands and skin. It's thrifty -- quick drying -- non sticky.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For all over skin loveliness use this clear, liquid lotion regularly on hands and skin. It's thrifty -- quick drying -- non sticky. A scientific safeguard against the roughening effects of water, weather, wind and work. Men like it after shaving.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Chamberlain Laboratory
ID Number
1985.0460.024
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.024
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Zell, 5th Avenue
ID Number
1985.0460.123
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.123
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0460.107
catalog number
1985.0460.107
accession number
1985.0460
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For all over skin loveliness use this clear, liquid lotion regularly on hands and skin. It's thrifty -- quick drying -- non sticky.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For all over skin loveliness use this clear, liquid lotion regularly on hands and skin. It's thrifty -- quick drying -- non sticky. A scientific safeguard against the roughening effects of water, weather, wind and work. Men like it after shaving.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Chamberlain Laboratory
ID Number
1985.0460.023
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.023
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Promotes bowel activityCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Promotes bowel activity
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1924
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Vendol Company
ID Number
1985.0460.108
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.108
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Aids in relieving distress and discomforts of colds by its fourfold action -- as an analgesic, as an antipyretic, as an expectorant, and as a laxative.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Aids in relieving distress and discomforts of colds by its fourfold action -- as an analgesic, as an antipyretic, as an expectorant, and as a laxative. For relief of coughs, simple headaches and neuralgia, muscular aches, pains, and reducing fever due to colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1947
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Monticello Drug Company
ID Number
1985.0460.097
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.097
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For chapped skin, chafing, sunburn, minor burns, scalds, cuts, callouses, baby rashes, tender burning feet, irritation associated with pilesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For chapped skin, chafing, sunburn, minor burns, scalds, cuts, callouses, baby rashes, tender burning feet, irritation associated with piles
Location
Currently not on view
trademark registration date
1932-11-02
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
manufacturer
G.C. Hanford Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1985.0460.009
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.009
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common sore throat and coughs due to colds and throat irritations. Very valuable to singers and speakers. Quickly relieves thoat irritation due to smoking.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common sore throat and coughs due to colds and throat irritations. Very valuable to singers and speakers. Quickly relieves thoat irritation due to smoking.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0460.228
catalog number
1985.0460.228
accession number
1985.0460
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Valuable in treatment of bronchitis, hoarseness, coughs, and coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Valuable in treatment of bronchitis, hoarseness, coughs, and colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
N. F. Ames and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.019
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.019
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desiredCurrently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desired
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1918
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Pierson, Stanley K.
ID Number
1985.0460.221
catalog number
1985.0460.221
accession number
1985.0460
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A laxative tea. For the relief of the various symptoms due to constipation, or faulty intestinal elimination.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A laxative tea. For the relief of the various symptoms due to constipation, or faulty intestinal elimination.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.008
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.008
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.005
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.005
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A mineral-water-soluble-vitamin dietary supplement and an aid to appetite appeasementCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A mineral-water-soluble-vitamin dietary supplement and an aid to appetite appeasement
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
after 1953
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Tafon Distributors, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0460.100
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.100
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep. "X-L" Concentrate - to relieve the discomfort of athlete's foot, and itching toes.
date made
1941-1945
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Radio Drugs
ID Number
1985.0460.110
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.110
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For women having the symptoms often associated with Change of Life, "Female Nerves," and periodic menstrual pain, due to functional causes only.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For women having the symptoms often associated with Change of Life, "Female Nerves," and periodic menstrual pain, due to functional causes only. (If these symptoms are due to any organic cause you should consult your doctor.) Gentle stomach tonic effect.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1949
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0460.039
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.039
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For minor burns, cuts, bruises. For man and beast.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For minor burns, cuts, bruises. For man and beast.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.053
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.053
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A pectoral, intended for affections of the chest and throat, such as chest colds, coughs, croup, asthma, hoarseness, bronchitis, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A pectoral, intended for affections of the chest and throat, such as chest colds, coughs, croup, asthma, hoarseness, bronchitis, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1913
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
St. Jacobs Oil Company
ID Number
1985.0460.050
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.050
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A compound iron tonic to make redder bloodCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A compound iron tonic to make redder blood
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1937
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Carter Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.017
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.017
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic and nerve sedative for women. For disordered menstruation, ovarian neuralgia, and bearing down pain.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic and nerve sedative for women. For disordered menstruation, ovarian neuralgia, and bearing down pain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1927
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Nyal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.076
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.076
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For soothing counterirritant relief in muscular aches, pains, stiffness of neck, shoulders, back, sides and limbs when due to overexertion or exposure.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For soothing counterirritant relief in muscular aches, pains, stiffness of neck, shoulders, back, sides and limbs when due to overexertion or exposure. Eases the pain of minor strains and sprains, minor frost bites, mild sunburn and non-venomous insect bites and stings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941-1946
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Hamlin's Wizard Oil Company
ID Number
1985.0460.051
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.051
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For the relief of painful menstruationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For the relief of painful menstruation
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
C. I. Hood and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.069
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.069
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Iron and vitamin B dietary supplementCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Iron and vitamin B dietary supplement
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1956
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Crookes-Barnes Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0460.078
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.078
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache, biliousness, and indigestion arising from constipation; liver complaint, constipation, jaundiceCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache, biliousness, and indigestion arising from constipation; liver complaint, constipation, jaundice
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1906
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Dr. A. W. Chase Corporation
ID Number
1985.0460.231
catalog number
1985.0460.231
accession number
1985.0460
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A remedy for sour or acid stomach, heartburn, gas, bloating, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A remedy for sour or acid stomach, heartburn, gas, bloating, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Jackson Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.036
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.036

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.