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: Art

RUBR

This blown and molded glass jar has a baked enamel label surrounded by a gold escutcheon topped by a gold crown. The label is marked with the alchemical symbols for Mercury and Precipitate and RUBR.
Description
This blown and molded glass jar has a baked enamel label surrounded by a gold escutcheon topped by a gold crown. The label is marked with the alchemical symbols for Mercury and Precipitate and RUBR. The jar would have contained red mercuric oxide, which was used as an escharotic, a salve to kill tissue and remove dead skin cells.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0463
catalog number
M-05612
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 324
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.0463

Vinzenz Priessnitz

Vinzenz Priessnitz (1799-1851), a peasant farmer in Silesia, is now considered the father of modern hydrotherapy.
Description
Vinzenz Priessnitz (1799-1851), a peasant farmer in Silesia, is now considered the father of modern hydrotherapy. This portait of him was attributed to Ruprecht, and printed by Johann Hőfelich in Vienna.
The portrait is surrounded by an oval frame composed of branches holding vignettes related to water and bathing. Posiden holds a trident in one hand and a glass in his other hand; and Putti pour cornucopias of water over bathers.
Location
Currently not on view
artist
Hofelich, Johann
printer
Ruprecht
depicted
Priessnitz, Vinzenz
ID Number
1991.0664.0016
catalog number
M-06247
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 940

TR. RHEI. APU

This blown and molded square glass bottle has a flared lip and a baked enamel cartouche with a white shield which is framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon and capped by a crown. It is marked TR. RHE. APU.Currently not on view
Description
This blown and molded square glass bottle has a flared lip and a baked enamel cartouche with a white shield which is framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon and capped by a crown. It is marked TR. RHE. APU.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0179
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05327
1991.0664.0179
collector/donor number
SAP 36

TR THEBUIC

This blown and molded glass jar has a baked enamel label marked, TR THEBUIC. The jar would have contained tincture of thebaica. The tincture was made by letting opium steep in two pints of alcohol.
Description
This blown and molded glass jar has a baked enamel label marked, TR THEBUIC. The jar would have contained tincture of thebaica. The tincture was made by letting opium steep in two pints of alcohol. The resulting tincture was used as a sedative, a narcotic, an antitussive, or an antidiarrheal.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0462
catalog number
M-05611
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 323
catalog number
1991.0664.0462

BOLUS RUBER

This majolica drug jar is decorated with a painted garland of blue and purple flowers. Green leaves create an oval medallion outlined in yellow and black.
Description
This majolica drug jar is decorated with a painted garland of blue and purple flowers. Green leaves create an oval medallion outlined in yellow and black. The interior of the garland is marked, “BOLUS RUBER” in black, and the bottom of the jar is marked “HN.” A bolus is a large pill, and ruber would likely refer to the pill’s red color.
Historian George Urdang attributes the containers 1991.0664.0760 through 1991.0664.0825 to Hanau in the late 18th century, based on the floral design surrounding the medallion and the initials HN on the bottom of many of the jars in the series. However, in a letter dated August 1983, the pharmaceutical history scholar Wolfgang Hagen Hein states that he believes the unmarked containers and those marked FH were made in Florsheim in the German state of Hesse.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0798
catalog number
M-06010
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 722
catalog number
1991.0664.0798

Cinms Cassia Donz

This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Cinms Cassia Donz.
Description
This waisted drug jar has a flared foot and a deep blue glaze over a white background. The jar is decorated with stylized flowers and leaves on the upper and lower shoulders. The label at the center of the waist is marked, Cinms Cassia Donz. The jar would have contained the plant Cinnamon cassia, also known as Cinnamomum aromaticum. The plant was often used in alcoholic solutions as a mild tonic. This jar belongs to a set of drug containers seen in objects 1991.0664.0589 through 1991.0664.0596.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0595
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05807
collector/donor number
SAP 519
catalog number
1991.0664.0595

ESS PINI

This blown and molded bottle is marked ESS PINI, and would have contained the Essence of Pine.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked ESS PINI, and would have contained the Essence of Pine. Pini would have referred to a variety of different evergreen pine trees whose sap or distilled leaves would have been used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, detergent, or cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0311
catalog number
M-05460
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 169
catalog number
1991.0664.0311

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

Crucible

This wrought-iron cooking bowl has tripod legs and two triangular shaped applied handles. An “S” hook is attached to one of the handles.Currently not on view
Description
This wrought-iron cooking bowl has tripod legs and two triangular shaped applied handles. An “S” hook is attached to one of the handles.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0947
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 1035
catalog number
1991.0664.0947

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

Albarello

This blue and white albarello dates to the 17th century and is attributed to the city of Faenza, Italy. The jar has a flared neck, and likely would have been used as a medicine container.
Description
This blue and white albarello dates to the 17th century and is attributed to the city of Faenza, Italy. The jar has a flared neck, and likely would have been used as a medicine container. The jar bears the image of a house or other architectural structure that is rendered with a painterly quality and is surrounded by stylized flowers and vines. The back of the container is white.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1600 - 1650
ID Number
1991.0664.0503
catalog number
M-05715
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 427
catalog number
1991.0664.0503

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

Ung: Santalum

This waisted drug jar has a white background decorated with stylized garlands of blue and orange flowers surrounded by green leaves. The waist has a band of gothic–style letters that read Ung Santalinum. The foot has a green wash and the lid has a band of blue flowers.
Description
This waisted drug jar has a white background decorated with stylized garlands of blue and orange flowers surrounded by green leaves. The waist has a band of gothic–style letters that read Ung Santalinum. The foot has a green wash and the lid has a band of blue flowers. The lid has a crack down the center and the finial has broken off. Historian George Urdang attributes this piece to mid–eighteenth century Strasbourg. The jar would have contained Unguentum santalum, or ointment from the "Santalum", or sandalwood tree. The oils from sandalwood were well known for their strong aromas, and were used as an antivenereal and astringent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
Date made
1725 - 1775
ID Number
1991.0664.0678
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05890
collector/donor number
SAP 602
catalog number
1991.0664.0678.01
1991.0664.0678.02

Die Mondsüchtigen

Satirical image of moonstruck charlatans offering quacks cures for cholera, probably created at the time of the cholera epidemic of 1831-1832.
Description
Satirical image of moonstruck charlatans offering quacks cures for cholera, probably created at the time of the cholera epidemic of 1831-1832. The inscription reads “DIE MONDSÜCHTIGEN / oder / allerneuste Gespensterfurcht ver der so gräfslich genannten / aber schon seit Jahrtausenden bekannten—Cholera.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0011
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 969

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

Drug Jar

This small earthenware jar was made to contain extracts used in the preparations of apothecary medicines.
Description
This small earthenware jar was made to contain extracts used in the preparations of apothecary medicines. The jar has a label that is marked “Extract Salicis.” It would have contained white willow bark extract, salicin, which becomes salicylic acid, a forerunner of aspirin.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1091
catalog number
M-06112
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 824
catalog number
1991.0664.1091

Ell di Sebesten

This blue monochrome albarello is decorated with cobalt blue vines and leaves. The escroll in the center of the container is marked in gothic script that reads Ell di Sebesten. Albarelli with wide mouths held dry bulk materia medica.
Description
This blue monochrome albarello is decorated with cobalt blue vines and leaves. The escroll in the center of the container is marked in gothic script that reads Ell di Sebesten. Albarelli with wide mouths held dry bulk materia medica. Inscriptions of the jar's contents begin to appear about 1450. This jar would have contained Sebestena, the sweet plum fruit from the Cordia myxa tree that was used to soothe the throat.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
Date made
1500 - 1550
ID Number
1991.0664.0491
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05703
collector/donor number
SAP 415
catalog number
1991.0664.0491

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

Syr Papaver Er

This baluster shaped syrup jar has a white tin glazed background with two continuous bands of stylized blue, orange and red flowers. The spout resembles the stem of a plant.
Description
This baluster shaped syrup jar has a white tin glazed background with two continuous bands of stylized blue, orange and red flowers. The spout resembles the stem of a plant. The handle has two applied brown stems that overlap and terminate with green leaves at the widest point of the jar. Historian George Urdang suggests this jar was made in or around the town of Niderville in the Lorraine region of eastern France. The jar would have contained Syrup of Papaver Erraticum, the juice of red poppy, which was used as an analgesic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0683
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05895
collector/donor number
SAP 607
catalog number
1991.0664.0683.01
1991.0664.0683.02

L SANCTI

This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is marked L SANCTI with the alchemical symbol for powder above. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This dark green blown glass jar has a wide mouth to accommodate dried plant material. The label is marked L SANCTI with the alchemical symbol for powder above. The label is applied with the cold paint method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint loss.
The decoration appears as an upside–down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. Lignum Sancti, also known as holy wood or guaicacum, consisted of the powdered leaves, resin, and wood from the Guiacum officiale tree. The powder had medicinal properties and was used as an antivenereal (curative for venereal diseases), a stimulant, and a cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0348
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05497
collector/donor number
SAP 209
catalog number
1991.0664.0348

PULV EPILEPT M

This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flattened collar and applied round foot.
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flattened collar and applied round foot. The glass container is decorated with a baked enamel cartouche with a white medallion framed by blue stylized leaves and a yellow ribbon, topped by a crown which is typical of German pharmaceutical containers of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is marked PULV, EPiLEPT, N.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0169
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05317
1991.0664.0169
collector/donor number
SAP 26

Syrup de Pomis s

This blue and white syrup jar has an applied strap handle, a spout, a flared foot, and a round wooden lid painted red. The jar is decorated with a stylized floral motif and a central white band inscribed in gothic lettering that reads S de pomis s.
Description
This blue and white syrup jar has an applied strap handle, a spout, a flared foot, and a round wooden lid painted red. The jar is decorated with a stylized floral motif and a central white band inscribed in gothic lettering that reads S de pomis s. The jar could have contained Syrupus de Pomis compositus, a syrup made from senna leaves, borage, and apple juice that was used as a purgative.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
Date made
1500 - 1599
date made
ca 1550
ID Number
1991.0664.0499
catalog number
M-05711
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.0499.02
collector/donor number
SAP 423
catalog number
1991.0664.0499.01

Albarello

This albarello depicts a cat–like animal standing on its hind legs, surrounded by flowers and trees in blue. Blue bands encircle the jar’s upper and lower shoulders.Currently not on view
Description
This albarello depicts a cat–like animal standing on its hind legs, surrounded by flowers and trees in blue. Blue bands encircle the jar’s upper and lower shoulders.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0605
catalog number
M-05817
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP ?
catalog number
1991.0664.0605

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