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

TMR SIMPL

This square-shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a flat circular collar. The container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped by a crown.
Description
This square-shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a flat circular collar. The container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped by a crown. According to Urdang this bottle was manufactured in the last third of the 18th century. It is marked in black TMR SIMPL. TMR is the abbreviation for Tinctura Martis, or tincture of iron. This bottle is illustrated on page 20 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0190
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05338
collector/donor number
SAP 47
catalog number
1991.0664.0190

ESS TFRIFOL FIBR

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The bottle has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS TFRIFOL FIBR in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The bottle has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS TFRIFOL FIBR in black text. The first initial of each word is painted red. This bottle would have contained Essence of Trifolium fiber. The Trifolium genus of plants contains a variety of clovers used in different medications that were prescribed as aperients, deobstruents, stomachics, diuretics, and diaphoretics.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0455
catalog number
M-05604
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 316
catalog number
1991.0664.0455

ELIX UTERIN CR

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked ELIX UTERIN CR in black, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked ELIX UTERIN CR in black, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained an elixir of uterinum, a compound of sabin, leaves from the Juniper bush grown in Europe, castor, and myrrh which was used to stimulate menses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0453
catalog number
M-05602
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 314
catalog number
1991.0664.0453

D, R FELiX

This square-shaped clear glass bottle has an applied neck and a flat circular collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped with a crown. It is marked D. R FELiX.
Description
This square-shaped clear glass bottle has an applied neck and a flat circular collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped with a crown. It is marked D. R FELiX. According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue this bottle was manufactured in the last third of the 18th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0194
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05342
collector/donor number
SAP 51
catalog number
1991.0664.0194

OUT VOGL

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar is labeled with the alchemical symbol for powder and the text OUT VOGL in black.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0367
catalog number
M-05516
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 228
catalog number
1991.0664.0367

ESS L SANET

This blown and molded bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The bottle has a baked enamel label framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS L SANET in black, with the first initial of each word in red.Currently not on view
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The bottle has a baked enamel label framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS L SANET in black, with the first initial of each word in red.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0313
catalog number
M-05462
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 171
catalog number
1991.0664.0313

TINCT APERITIV

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked TINCT APERITIV. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked TINCT APERITIV. 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
1991.0664.0247
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05395
collector/donor number
SAP 104
catalog number
1991.0664.0247

SPIR MASTICHIN

This blown and molded bottle is marked SPIR MASTICHIN, and would have contained Spirit of Mastichinae. This solution contained gum resin from the Pistacia lentiscu tree, wormwood, aloes, and canella bark.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked SPIR MASTICHIN, and would have contained Spirit of Mastichinae. This solution contained gum resin from the Pistacia lentiscu tree, wormwood, aloes, and canella bark. Spirit of Mastichinae would have been used as a cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0309
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05458
collector/donor number
SAP 167
catalog number
1991.0664.0309

AQ FL SAMBUC

This blown and molded bottle is marked reads AQ FL SAMBUC in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. It would have contained Aqua Florum Sambucus, or Elderberry Flower Water.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked reads AQ FL SAMBUC in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. It would have contained Aqua Florum Sambucus, or Elderberry Flower Water. Aqua Florum Sambucus was prescribed as a cathartic, deobstruent, diuretic, and diaphoretic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0297
catalog number
M-05446
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 155
catalog number
1991.0664.0297

TINCT OPII SIMPL

This square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck for pouring liquids. It is marked TINCT OPII SIMPL. Tinctures, mixtures of alcohol and herbs were popular forms of administering medications.
Description
This square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck for pouring liquids. It is marked TINCT OPII SIMPL. Tinctures, mixtures of alcohol and herbs were popular forms of administering medications. Numerous opiate tincture recipes could be used to relieve a variety of ailments as antispasmodics, antidiarrhetics, pain relievers, cough suppressants, and as sedatives.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0243
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05391
collector/donor number
SAP 100
catalog number
1991.0664.0243

TR CINAM

This glass bottle has a white baked enamel label framed by a blue border that is marked TR CINAM in black text. The bottle would have contained a tincture of cinnamon used as a tonic for stomach ailments or topically as an astringent.Currently not on view
Description
This glass bottle has a white baked enamel label framed by a blue border that is marked TR CINAM in black text. The bottle would have contained a tincture of cinnamon used as a tonic for stomach ailments or topically as an astringent.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0465
catalog number
M-05614
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 326
catalog number
1991.0664.0465

Apothecary Jar

This square blown and molded bottle has an applied neck and a flared collar. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. It is marked ESS STOMACH M.Currently not on view
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has an applied neck and a flared collar. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. It is marked ESS STOMACH M.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0212
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05360
collector/donor number
SAP 69
catalog number
1991.0664.0212

AQ SCLOPETAR

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield, with a yellow tassel below. The jar’s label reads AQ SCLOPETAR in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield, with a yellow tassel below. The jar’s label reads AQ SCLOPETAR in black text. The jar would have contained Aqua Sclopetaria, a solution that was used to help heal bullet wounds. The solution was very similar to Aqua Vulneraria, also used to heal wounds.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0395
catalog number
M-05544
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 256
catalog number
1991.0664.0395

Florentine Bottle

Free blown green glass container with a long neck, a round squat body and an applied curved spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
Free blown green glass container with a long neck, a round squat body and an applied curved spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0929
collector/donor number
SAP 1017
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06325
1991.0664.0929

TINCT CORALL cSP PAN

The baked enamel label on this glass bottle is marked TINCT CORALL c SP PAN in red and black.
Description
The baked enamel label on this glass bottle is marked TINCT CORALL c SP PAN in red and black. Coral was used for centuries for a variety of ills including but not limited to the reduction of fever, the prevention of bleeding in pregnant women, the relief of gastric pain, and to protect infants from convulsions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0250
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05398
collector/donor number
SAP 107
catalog number
1991.0664.0250

Apothecary Bottle, COCHLEAR

This blown glass drug jar is decorated with a floral wreath and ribbons. The jar is marked with an alchemical symbol and, COCHLEAR. The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide meant to imitate porcelain.Currently not on view
Description
This blown glass drug jar is decorated with a floral wreath and ribbons. The jar is marked with an alchemical symbol and, COCHLEAR. The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide meant to imitate porcelain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0483
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05632
1991.0664.0483.01
1991.0664.0483.02
collector/donor number
SAP 344

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
1991.0664.0937
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06333
collector/donor number
SAP 1025
catalog number
1991.0664.0937

CEPHAL CAR

This bottle is marked CEPHAL CAR in black, along with the alchemical symbol for water, and a second unknown symbol. The front shoulder of the container is etched with a Z and 9. Cephalics were remedies for headaches.
Description
This bottle is marked CEPHAL CAR in black, along with the alchemical symbol for water, and a second unknown symbol. The front shoulder of the container is etched with a Z and 9. Cephalics were remedies for headaches. This jar would have contained an liquid solution to cure headaches.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0374
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05523
collector/donor number
SAP 235
catalog number
1991.0664.0374

Apothecary Bottle

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red 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 white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar is labeled with the alchemical symbol for Spirit, Tartar, and the letters RI in black. Tartar, also known as cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate is a by product of the winemaking process, crystallizing from the must (juice, pulp, and skin of grapes) in the fermenting barrel. Tartar was used as a diuretic and as a cathartic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0365
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05514
collector/donor number
SAP 226
catalog number
1991.0664.0365

PULV R SERPENT VIRG

This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a white oval cartouche and is marked "PULVR SERPENT VIRG." The jar would have contained pulverized radice serpentaria virginiana, or pulverized roots of Virginia snakeroot.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a white oval cartouche and is marked "PULVR SERPENT VIRG." The jar would have contained pulverized radice serpentaria virginiana, or pulverized roots of Virginia snakeroot. Virginia snakeroot, Aristolchia serpentaria was used as a tonic, a diuretic, and a menses suppressant.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0460
catalog number
M-05609
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 321
catalog number
1991.0664.0460

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
1991.0664.0933
collector/donor number
SAP 933
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06329
1991.0664.0933

COCHLEAR

This blown and molded wide-mouth jar has a white oval baked enamel label that is surrounded by a blue ribbon and topped with a golden crown. The jar is marked COCHLEAR with the alchemical symbol for spirits above.
Description
This blown and molded wide-mouth jar has a white oval baked enamel label that is surrounded by a blue ribbon and topped with a golden crown. The jar is marked COCHLEAR with the alchemical symbol for spirits above. This jar would have contained Spiritus Cochlearia, or Spirits of Cochlearia. Cochlearia, or scurvygrass, would have been steeped in alcohol to create a spirit solution. As the name scurvygrass would imply, the solution was used as an antiscorbutic to combat and prevent scurvy as well as a diuretic and an aperient, a mild laxative.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0440
catalog number
M-05589
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 301
catalog number
1991.0664.0440

ELIX PECTORAL WED

This blown and molded bottle is marked ELIX PECTORAL WED, and would have contained Wedel’s Pectoral Elixir. Pectoral medicines were remedies for a variety of chest or lung illnesses that had antitussive or expectorant properties.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked ELIX PECTORAL WED, and would have contained Wedel’s Pectoral Elixir. Pectoral medicines were remedies for a variety of chest or lung illnesses that had antitussive or expectorant properties. Georg Wolfgang Wedel (1645–1721) was a German physician who composed several of his own medicinal solutions. Wedel’s Pectoral medicine consisted of benzoic acid, ground irises, sugar, fennel oil, and sulphur.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0312
catalog number
M-05461
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 170
catalog number
1991.0664.0312

Apothecary Bottle, ELIX PECTOR

This blown glass drug container has a round, flat-shaped stopper and an applied foot. A blue, red and yellow floral wreath is connected at the top with a pink ribbon and at the bottom with a blue ribbon. The Roman numeral XI is etched into the glass just above the shoulder.
Description
This blown glass drug container has a round, flat-shaped stopper and an applied foot. A blue, red and yellow floral wreath is connected at the top with a pink ribbon and at the bottom with a blue ribbon. The Roman numeral XI is etched into the glass just above the shoulder. The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The inside of the wreath is marked, ELIX: PECTOR:. It wasa liquid remedy for ailments of the chest and lungs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0480
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05629
1991.0664.0480.01
1991.0664.0480.02
collector/donor number
SAP 341

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