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: Catarrh, Cough & Cold Drugs

Johnson's American Anodyne Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For diphtheria, coughs, colds, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, cramp and pain in the stomach, bowels, or side; rheumatism, spitting of blood, and all lung complaints; sore throat, spinal complain
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For diphtheria, coughs, colds, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, cramp and pain in the stomach, bowels, or side; rheumatism, spitting of blood, and all lung complaints; sore throat, spinal complaints, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, chapped hands, burns, wounds, sprains and bruises
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881-1906
maker
I. S. Johnson and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.15
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

Dr. J. Walker's Vinegar Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Dyspepsia, indigestion, rheumatism, diarrhea, consumption, catarrh, bronchitis, neuralgia, headache, boils, ulcers, sore eyes, dropsy, scald head, paralysis, erysipelas, scrofula, tetter, skin diseases,
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Dyspepsia, indigestion, rheumatism, diarrhea, consumption, catarrh, bronchitis, neuralgia, headache, boils, ulcers, sore eyes, dropsy, scald head, paralysis, erysipelas, scrofula, tetter, skin diseases, bilious, remittant and intermittant fevers, pains in the back, shoulders, heart and chest, liver and kidney troubles, stomach ache, jaundice, gout and fits, dizziness, colds and coughs, croup, palpitation of the heart, lead colic, nausea, biliousness, constipation, piles, worms
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870-1890
maker
R. H. McDonald Drug Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1284
catalog number
293320.1284
accession number
293320

Bromo Quinine Cold Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For sinus and nasal congestion, headache, feverish feeling, muscular aches and pain, temporary constipationCurrently 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 sinus and nasal congestion, headache, feverish feeling, muscular aches and pain, temporary constipation
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960-1970s
maker
Bristol-Myers Company
ID Number
MG.313462.082
catalog number
313462.082
accession number
313462

Marshall's Med. Cigarettes

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For minor bronchial and throat irritations and nasal congestion due to coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For minor bronchial and throat irritations and nasal congestion due to colds
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1941
maker
Marshall Cigarette Company
ID Number
MG.M-10408
catalog number
M-10408
accession number
246707

Ballard's Horehound Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For the instant relief and certain cure of consumption, coughs, colds, asthma, dry hacking cough, loss of voice, irritation of throat, soreness of chest, croup, spitting of blood, influenza, lung fever, whoopin
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For the instant relief and certain cure of consumption, coughs, colds, asthma, dry hacking cough, loss of voice, irritation of throat, soreness of chest, croup, spitting of blood, influenza, lung fever, whooping cough, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1885
maker
James F. Ballard
Ballard Snow Liniment Company
ID Number
MG.M-10409.17
catalog number
M-10409
accession number
246707

Syrup of Tar with Extract of Cod Liver and Menthol

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For coughs due to colds and minor throat irritationsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For coughs due to colds and minor throat irritations
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Doty and Humphrey Drug Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1311
catalog number
293320.1311
accession number
293320

Kennedy's Laxative Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, croups, la grippe, whooping cough, and bronchitis
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup18]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Pond's Extract Catarrh Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrhCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
Pond's Extract Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.46
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Hoff's Malt Extract (Tarrant's)

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A dietic and healing remedy recommended by European physicians for complaints of the chest and stomach; dyspepsia; obstinate cough; hoarseness, etc.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A dietic and healing remedy recommended by European physicians for complaints of the chest and stomach; dyspepsia; obstinate cough; hoarseness, etc. and especially constipation; also a pleasant table beverage
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1894-1906
maker
Tarrant and Company
Leopold Hoff
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup12]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

Smith's Triple Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrh, dyspepsia, and bloodCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh, dyspepsia, and blood
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1901-1906
maker
W. F. Smith Company
ID Number
MG.M-12151.17
accession number
271464
catalog number
M -12151

Eckman's Alterative

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For all throat and lung diseases including bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, asthma, hay fever, coughs and colds, catarrh of the stomach and bowels, and tuberculosis (consumption)Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For all throat and lung diseases including bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, asthma, hay fever, coughs and colds, catarrh of the stomach and bowels, and tuberculosis (consumption)
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Eckman Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1293
catalog number
293320.1293
accession number
293320

Lane's Vaporizing Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Inflammations, burns, bruises, croup, neuralgia, sore throat, chest colds, cold in head, catarrh, congestions of the air passagesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Inflammations, burns, bruises, croup, neuralgia, sore throat, chest colds, cold in head, catarrh, congestions of the air passages
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1927
maker
Kemp and Lane
ID Number
MG.293320.1254
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1254

Mann's Wonderful Catarrh Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For catarrh, colds, headache, sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For catarrh, colds, headache, sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870-1900
maker
Mrs. E. C. Mann
ID Number
MG.M-12151.24
catalog number
M-12151.24
accession number
271464

Akerue! French Liver and Kidney Regulator

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A liver and kidney regulator; blood purifier.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A liver and kidney regulator; blood purifier. For costiveness and constipation; all forms of liver and kidney complaints; Bright's Disease of the kidney; diabetes; catarrh of the bladder; gravel and stricture; malaria; sick, bilious or nervous headache; neuralgia; rheumatism; loss of sleep, appetite or energy; tired, weary feeling; melancholy; dry, hacking cough or not feeling well; more tired on rising in the morning than on retiring; irregularity of the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
Akerue Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.13
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Aubergier's Pastilles of Lactucarium

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Recommended against colds, irritation of the throat, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Recommended against colds, irritation of the throat, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1915
maker
E. Fougera and Company
Comar and Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1174
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1174

Sulph. Quinine, Keasbey and Mattison, Philadelphia

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For malarial diseases, preventing and curing periodic fevers, remittent fever, yellow fever, inflammatory affections, whooping cough, sunstroke, acute art
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For malarial diseases, preventing and curing periodic fevers, remittent fever, yellow fever, inflammatory affections, whooping cough, sunstroke, acute articular rheumatism, typhus, typhoid fever, puerperal fever, scarlet fever, smallpox, erysipelas, diphhtheria, septicemia, asthenic pneumonia, profuse sweating, pneumonia, ulcers, abscesses, eye inflammations, mucous fluxes, whooping cough, hay fever, auditory vertigo, catarrh, gonorrhea, growths, and ulcers [The National Dispensatory, 4th Edition, 1880]
One of 13 specimens of quinine sulphate manufactured by American and foreign firms donated to the museum in 1923 by pharmaceutical chemist, Dr. Frederick B. Power. The specimens were portions of a series of samples used by an international committee around 1882 to determine standard tests for purity. Frederick Belding Power (1853-1927) was a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (1874) and the University of Strasbourg in Germany (1880). In 1883 he became the first leader of the University of Wisconsin's College of Pharmacy and later directed research in several pharmaceutical firms. Beginning in 1916 until his death, Power led the phytochemical laboratory of the U.S.D.A. Bureau of Chemistry.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
maker
Keasbey & Mattison Company
ID Number
MG.M-01635
catalog number
M-01635
accession number
69510

Kemp's Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cures coughs, colds, bronchitis, catarrh, asthma, influenza and all throat and lung diseases.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cures coughs, colds, bronchitis, catarrh, asthma, influenza and all throat and lung diseases. Affords immediate relief in the severest cases of whooping cough, croup and all throat disorders.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1883
maker
Orator F. Woodward
ID Number
MG.293320.1217
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1217

Rexall Rhinitis Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For colds, chills and influenzaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For colds, chills and influenza
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1913
maker
United Drug Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1358
catalog number
293320.1358
accession number
293320

Clinton's Cough Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For coughs, colds, croup, and all diseases leading to consumptionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For coughs, colds, croup, and all diseases leading to consumption
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Hallock-Denton Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1199
catalog number
293320.1199
accession number
293320

Stonebraker's Vegetable Cough Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, hoarseness, croups, asthma, influenza, difficulty breathing, soreness of throat and all affections of the pulmonary organsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, hoarseness, croups, asthma, influenza, difficulty breathing, soreness of throat and all affections of the pulmonary organs
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
H. Stonebraker and Sons
ID Number
MG.M-10426.41
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Phenyo-Caffein

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For sick and nervous headache; neuralgia; rheumatism; lumbago; nervousness; sleeplessness; feverishness; colds and la grippe.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For sick and nervous headache; neuralgia; rheumatism; lumbago; nervousness; sleeplessness; feverishness; colds and la grippe.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Phenyo-Caffein Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.42
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Cough and La Grippe Combination

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For cough, bronchitis, hoarseness, catarrhal winter colds, la grippe, colds, headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For cough, bronchitis, hoarseness, catarrhal winter colds, la grippe, colds, headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
M. B. Butler
ID Number
MG.M-10426.38
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Jeffries' No. 1 Cough Mixture

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For coughs, colds, hoarseness, throat and lung troubles, whooping cough, croup, catarrh, and asthmaCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For coughs, colds, hoarseness, throat and lung troubles, whooping cough, croup, catarrh, and asthma
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Thomas Tabb Jeffries
ID Number
MG.M-10426.27
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Ka-Ton-Ka

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For all blood diseases, stomach and liver difficulties, such as dyspepsia, biliousness, syphillis, scrofula, salt rheum, erysipelas, liver complaint, catarrh, rheumatism, enlargement of the liver, and diseases
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For all blood diseases, stomach and liver difficulties, such as dyspepsia, biliousness, syphillis, scrofula, salt rheum, erysipelas, liver complaint, catarrh, rheumatism, enlargement of the liver, and diseases of the kidneys
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
Oregon Indian Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup20]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

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.