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.

Place: United States

Antipneumococcic Serum - For Diagnostic Purposes Only - 5 cc., Bio. 43, Type 3

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04678.03
catalog number
M-04678.03
accession number
147292

Melorose Beauty Cream

Round, metal jar with lid. Embossed on lid: "Melorose / Beauty Cream / 50[cents] / WILLARD WHITE CO., CHICAGO." Jar is empty.Currently not on view
Description
Round, metal jar with lid. Embossed on lid: "Melorose / Beauty Cream / 50[cents] / WILLARD WHITE CO., CHICAGO." Jar is empty.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.293320.0861
catalog number
293320.0861
accession number
293320

Intubation Set

An intubation kit sold by Haussmann, McComb & Dunn, 122 Randolph St., Chicago. The kit is contained in a leather-covered, hinged case with metal clasp and red fabric lining.
Description (Brief)
An intubation kit sold by Haussmann, McComb & Dunn, 122 Randolph St., Chicago. The kit is contained in a leather-covered, hinged case with metal clasp and red fabric lining. The kit contains: 5 gold plated O'Dwyer's intubation tubes with metal obturators; 1 O'Dwyer's Scale (original style); 1 O'Dwyer's Introducer (with wood handle); 1 O'Dwyer's intubation tube extracto (with wood handle); 1 Waxham's mouth gag.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1886 - 1891
maker
Haussmann, McComb & Dunn
ID Number
MG.M-04708
catalog number
M-04708
accession number
148567

Richard Hudnut DuBarry Special Cleansing Preparation

Pink metal powder tin with dark pink and blue print label and decorative gold and white border. "For Cleansing the Skin and Removing Superficial Blackheads." Net weight 4 ozs.; price $1.00.
Description
Pink metal powder tin with dark pink and blue print label and decorative gold and white border. "For Cleansing the Skin and Removing Superficial Blackheads." Net weight 4 ozs.; price $1.00. Directions for use on the back label: "Firm but gentle meal-like cleanser that sloughs off parched and lifeless cuticle . . . gives your skin radiant beauty. Cleanse with Cleansing Cream, Skin Freshener, Mix teaspoonful Special Cleansing Preparation with water to make thin paste. Apply paste with massage, covering neck and face completely, except area around eyes. Let dry, rub off with dry washcloth, concentrating on affected (blackhead) areas. Follow treatment for 7 days. For daily use, to replace soap and water, use dry on wet cloth. A hypo-allergenic product used in the Dubarry Success School."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 1950s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.272
catalog number
1985.0481.272
accession number
1985.0481

Vaccination Shield

Vaccination shields were designed to protect the patient’s skin from damage or infection following the procedure. The inscription on this example refers to Harry K. Mulford, a Philadelphia pharmacist who, in 1894, opened a laboratory to produce diphtheria antitoxin.Ref: Harry K.
Description
Vaccination shields were designed to protect the patient’s skin from damage or infection following the procedure. The inscription on this example refers to Harry K. Mulford, a Philadelphia pharmacist who, in 1894, opened a laboratory to produce diphtheria antitoxin.
Ref: Harry K. Mulford, “Vaccination Shield,” U.S. Patent 703,290 (June 24, 1902).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1902 - 1915
patent filed
1901-11-02
patent date
1902-06-24
maker
H. K. Mulford Company
ID Number
1980.0337.01
catalog number
1980.0337.01
accession number
1980.0337
collector/donor number
3460
patent number
703,290

Lashbrow Pomade, Black - for Beautiful Eylashes and Eyebrows

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Lashbrow Laboratories Co.
ID Number
MG.293320.0941
catalog number
293320.0941
accession number
293320

Plate 72. Medical Supply Boat Planter, on the Appomattox

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Historically connected with the closing scenes of the great rebellion, this river will forever be interesting.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Historically connected with the closing scenes of the great rebellion, this river will forever be interesting. This picture was taken about a mile above City Point, the boats being a portion of the fleet in the service of the Medical Department. The well-known supply boat, Planter, is lying at the little pier, formed by a section of a pontoon bridge. In the foreground is another pier, somewhat more solidly constructed on piles, driven into the oozy bed of the river. The opposite bank forms a part of Bermuda Hundreds, occupied by Gen. Butler after the failure of his advance upon Richmond.
When the combined forces besieged Petersburg, the Army of the James was encamped near Bermuda Hundreds, Gen. Butler's headquarters being close upon the river, near Point of Rocks, where a pontoon bridge was laid, to connect the lines of the two armies. The bridge was well guarded by a squadron of gunboats, and although the rebels repeatedly attempted its destruction, remained undisturbed until the close of the war.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-01
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.22
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.22

Noxzema Skin Cream - Greaseless, Medicated

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Noxzema Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0798.213
catalog number
1979.0798.213
accession number
1979.0798

Richard Hudnut DuBarry Eye Shadow, Gray

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.270
catalog number
1985.0481.270
accession number
1985.0481

Maybelline Mascara, Sable Brown

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
maker
Maybelline Cosmetics
ID Number
2008.0018.268
accession number
2008.0018
catalog number
2008.0018.268

Cuticle Acid

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
MG.M-11464.03
catalog number
M-11464.03
accession number
260557

Lifebuoy Deodorant Soap with Puralin Plus, Spice Fragrance

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960-1962
maker
Lever Brothers Company
ID Number
1986.0734.01
accession number
1986.0734
catalog number
1986.0734.01

Richard Hudnut Formula A-10 For Men

Round glass bottle with ribbing round top and bottom. Black plastic screw on cap. Black and silver-colored paper labels. 8 fl. ozs.; price $1.00. Label on back of bottle has directions, product information and ingredients.
Description
Round glass bottle with ribbing round top and bottom. Black plastic screw on cap. Black and silver-colored paper labels. 8 fl. ozs.; price $1.00. Label on back of bottle has directions, product information and ingredients. Bottle is full of brown liquid.
Indictions/Use from product label: Apply generously to scalp each day. Rub in briskly for extra stimulation. Removes loose dandruff. Imparts healthy sheen to hair. Banishes unpleasant scalp odor. Tends to prevent scalp disturbances created by fungi and bacteria. An excellent hair dressing. For unruly hair use Richard Hudnut Hair Dressing Cream also.
Hudnut Formula A-10 for Men was introduced in 1950. Advertisements claimed it was developed by an "eminent dermatologist." The product remained on the market until about 1962.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
maker
Richard Hudnut
ID Number
1985.0481.284
catalog number
1985.0481.284
accession number
1985.0481

Pepsodent Chlorophyll Toothpaste

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
maker
Lever Brothers Company
ID Number
1981.0219.037
accession number
1981.0219
catalog number
1981.0219.037

Pond's Make-up Pat, Peach

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid-1940s
maker
Pond's Extract Company
ID Number
1985.0475.206
catalog number
1985.0475.206
accession number
1985.0475

AntiStreptococcic Serum Poliomyelitis (Rosenow)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929
maker
H. K. Mulford Company
ID Number
MG.M-02696
catalog number
M-02696
accession number
107349

2 in 1 Goodluck Perfume and Love Powder

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
ca 1930s - 1940s
maker
Curio Products Company
ID Number
1986.0873.52
catalog number
1986.0873.52
accession number
1986.0873

Digitalis Duo-Test McNEIL Standard, 100 Black Capsules

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use as a cardiac stimulant and diurecticCurrently 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 use as a cardiac stimulant and diurectic
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1937
maker
McNeil Laboratories
ID Number
MG.308863.20
catalog number
308863.20
accession number
308863

Razor

An inscription in the lid of the case of this safety razor reads “VALET / Auto Strop Razor / MADE IN U.S.A.” That on the razor head reads “Patented / April 9, 1912 / Other patents pending.” Another reads “STAR SUPER. . .” The Autostrop Safety Razor Company, Inc.
Description
An inscription in the lid of the case of this safety razor reads “VALET / Auto Strop Razor / MADE IN U.S.A.” That on the razor head reads “Patented / April 9, 1912 / Other patents pending.” Another reads “STAR SUPER. . .” The Autostrop Safety Razor Company, Inc. was established in 1906 by Henry J. Gaisman, R. E. Dwight, H. K. Stockton and Henry Audley in New York City.
Ref: Full page ad for Valet Auto Strop Razor, “The World’s Fastest Shave,” in Popular Science Monthly (Oct. 1922), p. 81.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1912
maker
Auto Strop Safety Razor Company
ID Number
2012.0046.11
catalog number
2012.0046.11
accession number
2012.0046

Razor

Gilette Safety Razor.Currently not on view
Description
Gilette Safety Razor.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Gillette Company
ID Number
2012.0046.12
catalog number
2012.0046.12
accession number
2012.0046

Sensodyne Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, Fresh Mint, Starter Samples

Cardboard box with inscriptions that read “Sensodyne / TOOTHPASTE FOR SENSITIVE TEETH / Recommended by Dentists for Sensitive Teeth / Sensitive teeth relief / in a mint flavor” and “FROM / BLOCK DRUG COMPANY, INC.
Description
Cardboard box with inscriptions that read “Sensodyne / TOOTHPASTE FOR SENSITIVE TEETH / Recommended by Dentists for Sensitive Teeth / Sensitive teeth relief / in a mint flavor” and “FROM / BLOCK DRUG COMPANY, INC. / JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302.” The Block Drug Company was established in Brooklyn in 1907 and relocated to Jersey City in 1938. It applied for a trademark on the term Sensodyne in 1960.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Block Drug Company
ID Number
1993.0107.026
catalog number
1993.0107.026
accession number
1993.0107

Dental Floss

Two cylinders of dental floss in a cardboard box. The inscription on one side of the box reads “Butler / RIGHT KIND / UnWaxed Dental Floss / For Personal Oral Hygiene / John O. Butler Co. / Chicago, Ill. 60611 / Printed in U.S.A.
Description
Two cylinders of dental floss in a cardboard box. The inscription on one side of the box reads “Butler / RIGHT KIND / UnWaxed Dental Floss / For Personal Oral Hygiene / John O. Butler Co. / Chicago, Ill. 60611 / Printed in U.S.A. Made in U.S.A.” That on another side adds “Conforming to the Optimum Characteristics / of Dental Floss for Personal Oral Hygiene / as specified by Dr. C. C. Bass / For Personal Oral Hygiene.”
John O. Butler (1873-1973) was a Chicago dentist who, in 1923, established the John O. Butler Company, a firm that manufactured sundry oral-care products. Charles C. Bass (1875-1975) was a physician on the faculty of the Tulane University Medical School. Zip codes were introduced on July 1, 1963.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1963
maker
John O. Butler Company
ID Number
1993.0107.199
catalog number
1993.0107.199
accession number
1993.0107

Bugtite Cup Holder for the Pocket Cup

Disposable cup marked “POCKET SPUTUM FLASK ‘XL’ / Patented / BURNITOL MANUFACTURING CO. / BOSTON, CHICAGO, SAN FRANCISCO.” The inscription on the cardboard box reads “ONE / BUGTITE CUP HOLDER / For The Pocket Cup / D. R. Bulla Co.
Description
Disposable cup marked “POCKET SPUTUM FLASK ‘XL’ / Patented / BURNITOL MANUFACTURING CO. / BOSTON, CHICAGO, SAN FRANCISCO.” The inscription on the cardboard box reads “ONE / BUGTITE CUP HOLDER / For The Pocket Cup / D. R. Bulla Co. / Sophia, N.C.” The Aseptic Drinking Cup Co., of Cambridge, Ma., introduced the term “BURNITOL” to commerce and obtained a trademark in 1906.
Ref: Harry J. Potter, “Collapsible Receptacle,” U.S. Patent 888,653 (May 26, 1908), assigned to Burnitol Manufacturing Co.
Harry J. Potter, “Sputum-Cup,” U.S. Patent 920,180 (May 4, 1909), assigned to Burnitol Manufacturing Co.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burnitol Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MG.M-11458.01
catalog number
M-11458.01
accession number
260557

Culture Media Set - for Growing Bacterial Cultures - Parke, Davis & Co.

The pharmaceutical firm, Parke, Davis & Company of Detroit, Michigan, began selling culture media for bacteriological work beginning about 1897.
Description
The pharmaceutical firm, Parke, Davis & Company of Detroit, Michigan, began selling culture media for bacteriological work beginning about 1897. This box of fifty glass culture media tubes was intended for use by universities, medical colleges, boards of health, and hospitals.The set includes samples of eight different culture media: Nutrient Gelatin, Glucose Gelatin, Litmus Gelatin, Nutrient Agar, Glycerin Agar, Glucose Agar, Blood Serum according to Dr. Koch, Blood Serum - Loeffler's mixture for diptheria, and several empty tubes. The box also includes tubes containing a sterilzed cotton swab used for making throat cultures to diagnose diphtheria. All of the tubes were sterilized, plugged with cotton and rubber-capped. A box of fifty tubes cost $2.50 in 1897. This specimen was given to the Smithsonian in 1898 by the company. (See objects MG.142336.02 through MG.142336.12 for examples of the individual tubes.)
reference: Parke, Davis & Co. Price List, 1897, pp.108, 180.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1898
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.142336.01
catalog number
142336.01
accession number
33542

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