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.

Polio Pioneer Button Given to a Participant in the 1954 Polio Vaccine Field Trials

In 1954, Jonas Salk’s early success with a killed polio virus vaccine led the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to implement a large-scale trial of his vaccine. James M.
Description
In 1954, Jonas Salk’s early success with a killed polio virus vaccine led the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to implement a large-scale trial of his vaccine. James M. Norton, a third-grade student at Thornton Heights School in South Portland, Maine, was one of many children who took part in this trial. This is the button he was given at that time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
ID Number
1996.0336.01
accession number
1996.0336
catalog number
1996.0336.01

Polio Pioneer Card

In 1954, Jonas Salk’s early success with a killed polio virus vaccine led the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to implement a large-scale trial of his vaccine. James M.
Description
In 1954, Jonas Salk’s early success with a killed polio virus vaccine led the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to implement a large-scale trial of his vaccine. James M. Norton, a third-grade student at Thornton Heights School in South Portland, Maine, was one of many children who took part in this trial. This is the card he was given at that time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
ID Number
1996.0336.02
accession number
1996.0336
catalog number
1996.0336.02

Rubber Bristle Toothbrush and Gum Massager

Wood-handled toothbrush with red rubber bristles. Toothbrush is part of a boxed set that came with a tube of Pearl-Mint toothpaste (1984.0782.277) and a small vial of Pearl-Mint dental tape (1984.0782.277.2).
Description
Wood-handled toothbrush with red rubber bristles. Toothbrush is part of a boxed set that came with a tube of Pearl-Mint toothpaste (1984.0782.277) and a small vial of Pearl-Mint dental tape (1984.0782.277.2). The box for the set states: "A Packet Containing All Three Essentials for Clean, Healthy Teeth and Gums." Set manufactured by Associated Dental Products, Inc., New York City. Associated Dental Products was in business by 1925 and selling Pearl-Mint by 1927.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1984.0782.227.1
catalog number
1984.0782.227.1
accession number
1984.0782

Pearl-Mint Dental Tape

Glass vial with metal screw lid, and paper label that reads “3 Yds.
Description
Glass vial with metal screw lid, and paper label that reads “3 Yds. Waxed / PEARL-MINT / DENTAL TAPE / Flatten before using / ASSOCIATED DENTAL / PRODUCTS, Inc./ NEW YORK, N.Y.” Associated Dental Products was in business by 1925 and selling Pearl-Mint by 1927.
Dental tape is part of a boxed set that came with a tube of Pearl-Mint toothpaste (1984.0782.227) and a toothbrush /gum massager (1984.0782.227.1). The box for the set states: "A Packet Containing All Three Essentials for Clean, Healthy Teeth and Gums."
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Associated Dental Products
ID Number
1984.0782.227.2
catalog number
1984.0782.227.2
accession number
1984.0782

Hypodermic Syringe

Cardboard box containing one hypodermic needle, and carrying a text that reads in part “LILLY’S ILETIN SYRINGE NO. 280” AND “ELI LILLY & CO. Indianapolis, U.S.A.” The inscription on the needle tube reads “Lilly 35787 / NO. 280 ILETIN SYRINGE / ELI LILLY & CO.
Description
Cardboard box containing one hypodermic needle, and carrying a text that reads in part “LILLY’S ILETIN SYRINGE NO. 280” AND “ELI LILLY & CO. Indianapolis, U.S.A.” The inscription on the needle tube reads “Lilly 35787 / NO. 280 ILETIN SYRINGE / ELI LILLY & CO. INDIANAPOLIS, U.S.A.” Iletin was the Eli Lilly trade name for insulin. The firm filed for a trademark on the term in 1922.
In the early 1920s, Eli Lilly collaborated with the research team at the University of Toronto to develop the commercial manufacture of insulin. Along with the production of insulin, the company marketed accessories such as insulin syringe kits and testing kits for urine sugar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1982.0498.13
catalog number
1982.0498.13
accession number
1982.0498

Blood Diluting Pipette

Two glass pipettes in a cardboard box. Inscriptions on the box read in part, “YANKEE CERTIFIED / BLOOD DILUTING PIPETTE—WITH TUBING AND MOUTHPIECE / CERTIFIED BY CLAY-ADAMS, INC.
Description
Two glass pipettes in a cardboard box. Inscriptions on the box read in part, “YANKEE CERTIFIED / BLOOD DILUTING PIPETTE—WITH TUBING AND MOUTHPIECE / CERTIFIED BY CLAY-ADAMS, INC. MADE IN U.S.A.” AND “PATENT 2,726,549 / ALL MARKINGS ARE PERMANENT AND WILL NOT WASH OR WEAR OFF.”
Ref: James H. Geffen, “Graduated Measuring Device,” U.S. Patent 2,726,549 (Dec. 13, 1955), assigned to Clay-Adams, Inc.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1955-12-13
maker
Clay Adams
ID Number
1980.0851.04
catalog number
1980.0851.04
accession number
1980.0851
patent number
US2726549

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

Razor

The Gem Safety Razor Co. introduced the Gem Micromatic Clog Proof Razor in the 1930s.Ref: Marcus B. Behrman, “Razor and Blade Therefor,” U.S. Patent 1,739,280 (Dec. 10, 1929), assigned to American Safety Razor Co.Currently not on view
Description
The Gem Safety Razor Co. introduced the Gem Micromatic Clog Proof Razor in the 1930s.
Ref: Marcus B. Behrman, “Razor and Blade Therefor,” U.S. Patent 1,739,280 (Dec. 10, 1929), assigned to American Safety Razor Co.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1982.0030.06
accession number
1982.0030
catalog number
1982.0030.06

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

Cutex Manicure Kit

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
brand launched (Cutex)
1911
maker
Northam Warren
ID Number
1985.0481.330
catalog number
1985.0481.330
accession number
1985.0481

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

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