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: European Apothecary

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

Drug Jar

This turned wooden drug jar has been painted several times, with traces of blue, yellow, and red paint visible. One side of the container has traces of an ivory-colored, oval medallion framed by a ribbon and a gold-colored bead motif.
Description
This turned wooden drug jar has been painted several times, with traces of blue, yellow, and red paint visible. One side of the container has traces of an ivory-colored, oval medallion framed by a ribbon and a gold-colored bead motif. Within the medallion are traces of black letters. The opposite side has traces of an ivory colored shield outlined in blue and gold. Traces of red and black markings can be seen.
This container is a good example of how pharmaceutical containers were used over and over. When the contents changed from one medicinal to another, the original label was removed and another label was painted in its place.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0881
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06091
collector/donor number
SAP 803
catalog number
1991.0664.0881.01
1991.0664.0881.02

Albarello

This blue monochrome albarello is sparsely decorated with stylized vines and flowers and bands of blue dots and solid stripes.Currently not on view
Description
This blue monochrome albarello is sparsely decorated with stylized vines and flowers and bands of blue dots and solid stripes.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1500 - 1599
ID Number
1991.0664.0512
catalog number
M-05724
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 436
catalog number
1991.0664.0512

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

REGUL ANTIMON MED

This blown and molded square-shaped jar has a wide neck and 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 label is marked REGUL ANTIMON MED in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped jar has a wide neck and 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 label is marked REGUL ANTIMON MED in black text. Antimony is a toxic chemical used as an emetic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0391
catalog number
M-05540
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 252
catalog number
1991.0664.0391

Albarello

This albarello jar has a white glazed background. At the front of the container is a large oval cartouche with a cobalt blue and orange border. The back of the albarello has a floral motif. Yellow, green, and orange bands are at the neck and just above the base of the container.
Description
This albarello jar has a white glazed background. At the front of the container is a large oval cartouche with a cobalt blue and orange border. The back of the albarello has a floral motif. Yellow, green, and orange bands are at the neck and just above the base of the container. The interior of the cartouche has radiating lines and clusters of small dots in a triangular pattern. At the bottom of the cartouche is an orb with a cross resembling the alchemical symbol for powder. The letters P and B flank either side of the cross, they may have denoted several different medicines contained within the jar, identified the apothecary the jar belonged to, or served as the jar’s maker’s mark. When describing this container on page 65 of the The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, George Urdang felt the letters PB may refer to "Patres Benedictini" (Benedictine Fathers).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
ID Number
1991.0664.0516
catalog number
M-05728
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 440
catalog number
1991.0664.0516

AQ/ FENICV

This ovoid–shaped drug container has a slender neck and a pinched spout. The jar is decorated with a blue floral design, and is marked around the center “FENICV.” The jar would have contained Feniculum (or foeniculum), also known as fennel.
Description
This ovoid–shaped drug container has a slender neck and a pinched spout. The jar is decorated with a blue floral design, and is marked around the center “FENICV.” The jar would have contained Feniculum (or foeniculum), also known as fennel. Fennel was used as a carminative, an expectorant, and a diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1700
ID Number
1991.0664.0642
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05854
collector/donor number
SAP 566
catalog number
1991.0664.0642

PULV ANTISP RUB

This jar is marked PULV ANTISP RUB. It is free blown glass with a flattened collar and an applied round foot.
Description
This jar is marked PULV ANTISP RUB. It is free blown glass with a flattened collar and an applied round foot. The clear glass container is decorated with a baked enamel cartouche bearing a white medallion that is framed by blue stylized leaves and ribbons, and topped by a crown
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0167
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05315
1991.0664.0167
collector/donor number
SAP 24

Albarello

This albarello is painted with the image of a blue bird on a yellow background with green foliage and blue flowers. A white diagonal scroll reads Ilelrosa.exfo. in blue.An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica.
Description
This albarello is painted with the image of a blue bird on a yellow background with green foliage and blue flowers. A white diagonal scroll reads Ilelrosa.exfo. in blue.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
Date made
1500 - 1599
ID Number
1991.0664.0531
catalog number
M-05743
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 455
catalog number
1991.0664.0531

LAP, CANCR

This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flared lip, an applied foot, and a baked enamel cartouche. The white shield is framed by blue stylized leaves and a yellow ribbon and capped by a crown.
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flared lip, an applied foot, and a baked enamel cartouche. The white shield is framed by blue stylized leaves and a yellow ribbon and capped by a crown. It is marked LAP, CANCR, above the abbreviation PPT (prepared) which has two lines running horizontally through the stems.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0176
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05324
1991.0664.0176
collector/donor number
SAP 33

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