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.

Resource Type: Bottles

Oleum ae Valerian

This blown glass urn-shaped drug jar has a long neck and applied foot. The neck in this object has broken. The label has been applied using a cold Paint technique rather than being baked or fused with high heat.
Description
This blown glass urn-shaped drug jar has a long neck and applied foot. The neck in this object has broken. The label has been applied using a cold Paint technique rather than being baked or fused with high heat. The label is a gold oval outlined in red with the text Oleum ae Valerian in black. The jar would have contained oil of valerian, prepared from valerian root. Oil of valerian was sometimes used as a mild sedative and as an anticonvulsant for epilepsy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0401
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05550
collector/donor number
SAP 292
catalog number
1991.0664.0401

TINCT BENZOES

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The bottle has a baked enamel label framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The bottle has a baked enamel label framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label is marked TINCT BENZOES, and would have contained a tincture of benzoin (also known as Friar’s Balsam or Jesuit Drops) which was made from benzoin resin, and aloe steeped in alcohol for weeks. The tincture was used as an external liniment for sores or wounds or ingested as an intestinal tonic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0318
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05467
collector/donor number
SAP 176
catalog number
1991.0664.0318

Apothecary Bottle, POLYCR

Blown and molded rectangular shaped bottle with rounded shoulders. The label, applied with a cold color technique is an oval shield framed by green and red leaves with a shell. The label is marked with the alchemical symbol for salt and is marked POLYCR.Currently not on view
Description
Blown and molded rectangular shaped bottle with rounded shoulders. The label, applied with a cold color technique is an oval shield framed by green and red leaves with a shell. The label is marked with the alchemical symbol for salt and is marked POLYCR.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0426
catalog number
M-05575
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 287
catalog number
1991.0664.0426

SPIR CARMIN SYLV

This square-shaped bottle is marked SPIR CARMIN SYLV. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The bottle would have contained Spirit of Carminative.
Description
This square-shaped bottle is marked SPIR CARMIN SYLV. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The bottle would have contained Spirit of Carminative. Carminatives are used to prevent or expel gastrointestinal gas.
The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0246
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05394
collector/donor number
SAP 103
catalog number
1991.0664.0246

SPIRIT MURIAT AH

This square-shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square-shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.
The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
This blown and molded glass bottle is marked "SPIRIT MURIAT AH.” Muriaticum was used as a tonic, diuretic, and antiseptic.
The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0242
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05390
1991.0664.0242.01
1991.0664.0242.02
collector/donor number
SAP 99

AQUA PRUN PADI

This glass jar has a broken lip. The blue and white baked enamel label is marked AQUA PRUN PADI in black text. Prunus padus is a species of cherry tree native to Europe. Its leaves and flowers would have been distilled in water to make Aqua Prunus Padus.
Description
This glass jar has a broken lip. The blue and white baked enamel label is marked AQUA PRUN PADI in black text. Prunus padus is a species of cherry tree native to Europe. Its leaves and flowers would have been distilled in water to make Aqua Prunus Padus. The solution was used as a narcotic and a digestive. It would have contained hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous in large amounts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0464
catalog number
M-05613
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 325
catalog number
1991.0664.0464

Apothecary Bottle

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a thin neck, a flared lip and a round stopper. The Roman numeral "VII" is etched into the shoulder. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a thin neck, a flared lip and a round stopper. The Roman numeral "VII" is etched into the shoulder. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown. The bottle’s label bears the alchemical symbol for Spirits and Sulphur with the letters <>IS in black. This bottle would have held Spirits Sulphuris which was used to treat coughs and mucus expectoration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0371
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05520
collector/donor number
SAP 232
catalog number
1991.0664.0371.01
1991.0664.0371.02

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0940
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06336
collector/donor number
SAP 1028
catalog number
1991.0664.0940

AG ANALETIC

This square shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a baked enamel shield marked AG ANALETIC. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a baked enamel shield marked AG ANALETIC. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany. This bottle is pictured on page 24, in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0235
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05383
collector/donor number
SAP 92
catalog number
1991.0664.0255.01
1991.0664.0255.02

Chemicals

Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”Currently not on view
Description
Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0979.01
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06375
collector/donor number
SAP 1067
catalog number
1991.0664.0979.01

ANIS

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The alchemical symbols for spirits, salt, and herbs are marked in black just above ANIS. ANIS would have referred to the plant anise hyssop (herb), steeped in an alcohol solution (spirit), with the ash of plant (salt) mixed into the solution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0353
catalog number
M-05503
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 214
catalog number
1991.0664.0353

SP SAL CRUD

This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.Currently not on view
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0215
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05363
collector/donor number
SAP 72
catalog number
1991.0664.0215

SPIR MATRICA

This square shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.
The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0244
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05392
collector/donor number
SAP 101
catalog number
1991.0664.0244

Apothecary Jar

This vase-shaped drug jar has a turned wooden lid painted red. The blue and yellow baroque-style baked enamel label has been left blank. for the apothecary. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs.
Description
This vase-shaped drug jar has a turned wooden lid painted red. The blue and yellow baroque-style baked enamel label has been left blank. for the apothecary. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced, apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0467
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05616
collector/donor number
SAP 328
catalog number
1991.0664.0467.01
1991.0664.0467.02

ESS ANTISCORB

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The bottle has a white baked enamel label framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS ANTISCORB in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The bottle has a white baked enamel label framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS ANTISCORB in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Essence of Antiscorbutic. Antiscorbutic was used to combat scurvy, so the essence likely would have been made by steeping citrus fruits in alcohol.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0320
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05469.01
collector/donor number
SAP 178
catalog number
1991.0664.0320

SPIR NASTURT

This square shaped-blown and molded glass bottle is marked in SPIR NASTURT. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped-blown and molded glass bottle is marked in SPIR NASTURT. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany. The leaves and seeds of the watercress are used in this preparation. The bottle is illustrated on page 24 of the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0232
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05380
1991.0664.0232.02
collector/donor number
SAP 89
catalog number
1991.0664.0232.01

TINCT ALOES

This blown and molded square-shaped apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked TINCT ALOES. Today aloe is mostly known for the soothing juice extracted from its leaves when applied to burns. Many people keep an aloe plant in their kitchen for such use.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked TINCT ALOES. Today aloe is mostly known for the soothing juice extracted from its leaves when applied to burns. Many people keep an aloe plant in their kitchen for such use. It has also been used for insomnia and as a purgative for stomach ailments. (Freeman, p. 19, Drey, p. 184, Estes pgs. 6–7)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0248
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05396
collector/donor number
SAP 105
catalog number
1991.0664.0248

Lumbric: Alum: UST

This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and a baked enamel cartouche surrounded by a floral arrangement. The label is marked in black Lumbric Alum UST and the alchemical symbol for Spirits.
Description
This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and a baked enamel cartouche surrounded by a floral arrangement. The label is marked in black Lumbric Alum UST and the alchemical symbol for Spirits. Lumbricor is dried and pounded earthworms, alum is potassium aluminum sulfate, and ustum is Latin for heated. This jar would have contained a spirits solution of heated alum and earthworms, which was often used as an emetic, astringent, or diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0424
catalog number
M-05573
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 285
catalog number
1991.0664.0424

OL PETRAE ALB

This square-shaped blown and molded apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black OL PETRAE ALB. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square-shaped blown and molded apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black OL PETRAE ALB. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0238
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05386
collector/donor number
SAP 95
catalog number
1991.0664.0238

LUMBRIC

This urn-shaped blown-glass jar has rounded shoulders and a flared neck with a round glass stopper. The opaqueness of the glass comes from additing tin oxide to the formula in an attempt to mimic porcelain. The jar has a gold shield decorated with red and blue flowers.
Description
This urn-shaped blown-glass jar has rounded shoulders and a flared neck with a round glass stopper. The opaqueness of the glass comes from additing tin oxide to the formula in an attempt to mimic porcelain. The jar has a gold shield decorated with red and blue flowers. The label has the alchemical symbol for Spirits, with the text LUMBRIC in black underneath. This jar would have contained an alcoholic solution of lumbricor, or dried and pounded earthworms. Spirits of Lumbricor was used as a treatment for wounds and ulcers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0474
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05623
1991.0664.0474.01
1991.0664.0474.02
collector/donor number
SAP 335

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0938
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06334
collector/donor number
SAP 1026
catalog number
1991.0664.0938

ESS CROCI

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and is surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS CROCI in black. The first initial of each word is painted red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and is surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS CROCI in black. The first initial of each word is painted red. The bottle would have contained the essence of crocus, obtained by steeping crocus sativus flowers in an alcohol solution. The essence of crocus was used as an aromatic, cordial, narcotic, antihysteric, and emmenagogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0454
catalog number
M-05603
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 315
catalog number
1991.0664.0454

ESS CASTOR

This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked ESS CASTOR in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked ESS CASTOR in black text. The jar would have contained essence of castoreum, a fatty material derived from a beaver gland that was used as a nerve tonic, an antiemetic (to reduce nausea and vomiting), and an emmenagogue (to induce menstruation).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0378
catalog number
M-05527
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 239
catalog number
1991.0664.0378

VITAE

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The alchemical symbol for spirits is just above the word VITAE in black. Spirits of life could have referred to mercury, or to a variety of distilled spirits, including alcohol. The jar is illustrated on page 24 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0354
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 215
catalog number
1991.0664.0354
M-05503

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