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.

Date: 1990s

LifeScan OneTouch Basic

Light and dark gray plastic glucose monitor with LCD display panel on the front with dark blue print.Currently not on view
Description
Light and dark gray plastic glucose monitor with LCD display panel on the front with dark blue print.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1992
maker
LifeScan Inc.
ID Number
2014.0140.16
accession number
2014.0140
catalog number
2014.0140.16

Botulism Immune Globulin - Human, for Intravenous Use, 500 mg Lyophilized - Prepared for the California Department of Health Services Infant Botulism Program

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1991
maker
Massachusetts Public Health Biologic Laboratories
ID Number
1999.0106.1
catalog number
1999.0106.1
accession number
1999.0106

Humulin L, LENTE

Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases.
Description (Brief)
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases. Developed by Genentech, the first American biotechnology company, Humulin was licensed to Eli Lilly and became the first marketable product created through recombinant DNA technology. Its licensing by the FDA in October 1982 also made it the first recombinant pharmaceutical approved for use in the United States.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human insulin are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce insulin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Humulin.
Humulin L is an intermediate-acting insulin with a slower onset of action than regular insulin and a longer duration of activity (up to 24 hours). Due to declining use of longer-acting insulins, Humulin L was discontinued in 2005.
Object is a sealed white cardboard box with black and red printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before March 1995
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
2012.0046.46
accession number
2012.0046
catalog number
2012.0046.46

Drawing, Gene Therapy

In September 1990, four-year-old Ashanti DeSilva became the first patient to participate in the National Institutes of Health’s first human gene therapy trial.
Description (Brief)
In September 1990, four-year-old Ashanti DeSilva became the first patient to participate in the National Institutes of Health’s first human gene therapy trial. She made this colored pencil drawing, depicting her experience undergoing apheresis for her treatment, on October 9, 1991.
To learn more about the first NIH gene therapy trials, see object
1999.0008.01, the blood cell separator.
Source:
Accession File
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1991
artist
DeSilva, Ashanthi
ID Number
1993.3185.01
catalog number
1993.3185.01
nonaccession number
1993.3185

Syva Rapidtest d.a.u. 2 for Cannabinoids and Cocaine - Test for Illegal Drug Use Using Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique

Rectangular white plastic housing with a small sample well near the bottom and a results window above. Lines for Date and ID are near the top edge.
Description (Brief)
Rectangular white plastic housing with a small sample well near the bottom and a results window above. Lines for Date and ID are near the top edge. The results window is labelled along the side: C for control, THC for cannabinoids, COC for cocaine.
The sample well has a graphic of three drops and a downfacing arrow above.The device tests for the presence of THC and cocaine in the urine. The EMIT (Enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique) test was developed in the early 1970's by Syva.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1998
maker
Syva Company
Dade Behring
ID Number
2014.0247.14
accession number
2014.0247
catalog number
2014.0247.14

Microbiology / A Million and One...

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999
ID Number
2000.3047.012
catalog number
2000.3047.012
nonaccession number
2000.3047

Palmer's Skin Success Fade Cream with Vitamin E + Sunscreen

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
ID Number
1998.0102.14
catalog number
1998.0102.14
accession number
1998.0102

LifeScan OneTouch II Complete Blood Glucose Monitoring System

Blood glucose monitoring kit with packaging, clam shell case, soft carrying case, lancets, normal glucose control solution, test strips, Penlet II lancing device, two Owner's Booklets (1990,1992), warranty card, Procedure Guide, trifold coupon for test strips, three "Important In
Description
Blood glucose monitoring kit with packaging, clam shell case, soft carrying case, lancets, normal glucose control solution, test strips, Penlet II lancing device, two Owner's Booklets (1990,1992), warranty card, Procedure Guide, trifold coupon for test strips, three "Important Information" cards, and Logbook.
Box is blue and white with red, black, and white print with picture of blood glucose monitor on the front and back of the box and pictorial instructions on the back. Kit includes a hard plastic "clam shell" case containing a gray plastic blood glucose monitor with dark gray print, LCD display panel, and one dark gray button. Handwritten "J. Roe" on the back of the blood glucose monitor. The case also holds three light blue, plastic lancets, and one white, black and purple test strip. Case has "J. Roe" handwritten on the back. The kit also includes a spiral-bound Owner's Booklet (1992), a black vinyl carrying case with black metal zipper, two small white and blue plastic bottles of normal glucose control solution, white and black plastic canister of test strips, and a grey plastic Penlet II lancing device and deep penetration cap.
Printed on box: Simple one touch testing. / Full featured for easier diabetes management : / 250-test memory with date and time, / Automatic 14-day test average, / Event marker - to organize test results. / Accurate results in only 45 seconds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994
maker
LifeScan Inc.
ID Number
2014.0140.17
accession number
2014.0140
catalog number
2014.0140.17

PedvaxHIB - Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate), MSD

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1994
expiration date
1994-10
maker
Merck Sharp and Dohme
ID Number
2017.0291.07
catalog number
2017.0291.07
accession number
2017.0291

At Last II blood glucose monitor

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998
ID Number
2014.3066.09
nonaccession number
2014.3066
catalog number
2014.3066.09

First Choice Reagent Strips for blood glucose testing (for use with Glucometer 3 meter)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1989
product expiration date
1996-02
ID Number
2014.3066.01
nonaccession number
2014.3066
catalog number
2014.3066.01

HemaWipe Take-Home Occult Blood Test - The "Civilized" Take Home Test for the Detection of Fecal Occult Blood

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
maker
MedTek Diagnostics
ID Number
1999.0172.1
accession number
1999.0172
catalog number
1999.0172.1

Protropin, Somatrem for injection

Protropin is an injectable, recombinant pharmaceutical that is used to treat children with growth problems stemming from an inability to produce their own growth hormone.Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast o
Description (Brief)
Protropin is an injectable, recombinant pharmaceutical that is used to treat children with growth problems stemming from an inability to produce their own growth hormone.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human growth hormone are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce the growth hormone, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Protropin.
Object consists of a light blue, white, and red cardboard box with dark blue and red printing. Box contains two product inserts and a white plastic tray with a clear plastic lid. Tray holds four glass bottles with plastic and metal lids and white and blue labels. The two bottles with light blue lids contain white powder (active drug) and the two bottles with dark blue lids contain a clear solution (bacteriostatic water for injection).
date made
before December 1993
maker
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0046.53
catalog number
2012.0046.53
accession number
2012.0046

At Last II design prototype

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998
ID Number
2014.3066.13
nonaccession number
2014.3066
catalog number
2014.3066.13

Humulin 70/30

Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases.
Description (Brief)
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases. Developed by Genentech, the first American biotechnology company, Humulin was licensed to Eli Lilly and became the first marketable product created through recombinant DNA technology. Its licensing by the FDA in October 1982 also made it the first recombinant pharmaceutical approved for use in the United States.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human insulin are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce insulin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Humulin.
Humulin 70/30 is an intermediate-acting insulin combined with the more rapid onset of action of regular human insulin. The duration of activity may last up to 24 hours following injection.
Object is a sealed white cardboard box with black and red printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1995
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
2012.0046.44
accession number
2012.0046
catalog number
2012.0046.44

Cardiac STATus, CK-MB/Myoglobin - Blood Test for Markers of Myocardial Infraction

This handheld device detects the presence of CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-MB) and Myoglobin in whole blood, which are markers for myocardial infraction (heart attack).
Description (Brief)
This handheld device detects the presence of CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-MB) and Myoglobin in whole blood, which are markers for myocardial infraction (heart attack). The device is used by health care professionals to quickly diagnosis cardiac events and to determine whether there is damage to the heart muscle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
maker
Spectral Diagnostics Inc.
Princeton BioMeditech Corporation
ID Number
2014.0247.21
accession number
2014.0247
catalog number
2014.0247.21

Tom's Of Maine Natural Mouthwash with Aloe and Vitamin C, Spearmint

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
ID Number
1998.0102.02
catalog number
1998.0102.02
accession number
1998.0102

Lifescan Genuine One Touch 100 test strips (for use with One Touch meters)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
product expiration date
2000-01
ID Number
2014.3066.05
nonaccession number
2014.3066
catalog number
2014.3066.05

Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF 30+ Waterproof Sweatproof

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
ID Number
1998.0102.06
catalog number
1998.0102.06
accession number
1998.0102

Actimmune, Interferon gamma-1b injection

Actimmune is a recombinant pharmaceutical used to treat children and adults with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD, an immune system disorder) and severe, malignant osteopetrosis (a disease which causes bones to become extremely dense and can lead to blindness, scoliosis, and a
Description (Brief)
Actimmune is a recombinant pharmaceutical used to treat children and adults with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD, an immune system disorder) and severe, malignant osteopetrosis (a disease which causes bones to become extremely dense and can lead to blindness, scoliosis, and a number of other problems).
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human interferon are inserted into bacteria. Interferon is a substance that is naturally made by the body to fight infections and tumors. Bacteria produce the interferon, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Actimmune.
Object is a plastic clamshell-style box with tabs for opening labeled "HOLD" and "LIFT." Box contains 12 single-dose vials, which are round, clear glass bottles with blue plastic tops and white labels with black and green printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before November 1993
maker
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0046.49
accession number
2012.0046
catalog number
2012.0046.49

PFB Bump Fighter Razor - Helps Reduce Razor Bumps - Made For The Way A Black Man Shaves

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
maker
American Safety Razor Corporation
ID Number
1998.0102.20
catalog number
1998.0102.20
accession number
1998.0102

Persona - Personal Hormonal Fertility Monitor and Contraceptive System

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
maker
Unipath, Ltd.
ID Number
2014.0247.01
accession number
2014.0247
catalog number
2014.0247.01

Ames Glucometer Encore Diabetes Care System

Blood glucose monitor with packaging, box of test strips, automatic lancing device, lancets, check paddle, quick reference cards, Clinilog record book, important notice card, user's guide, "Diabetes in the News" subscription offer card, warranty card, Video Training Program reque
Description
Blood glucose monitor with packaging, box of test strips, automatic lancing device, lancets, check paddle, quick reference cards, Clinilog record book, important notice card, user's guide, "Diabetes in the News" subscription offer card, warranty card, Video Training Program request card, "Important Training Information Enclosed" envelope, normal control package insert, automatic lancing device package insert, and bottle of normal control solution.
Blood glucose monitor is gray and dark blue plastic with LCD display panel and dark blue button on the front. Box is white and gray paper with orange, dark blue, and gray print and picture of blood glucose monitor and kit on the front and side. Box of test strips is white and gray paper with orange, teal, and gray print and picture of test strip on the front. Glucolet lancing device is gray plastic with metal clip. Bag of lancets is clear plastic with light gray plastic lancets and dark gray plastic tip. "Check Paddle" (calibration device) is in a clear and black square plastic case with a hinged opening and includes a white card with orange, dark blue, and gray print as well as a gray plastic "check paddle" and black foam liner. The Quick Reference Guide is 7 bound paper cards that are white paper with dark blue and black print and include pictorial instructions in English and Spanish. Clinilog record book is blue paper with red and white print and inside pages are white with black print. User's Guide is white paper with orange, dark blue and black print and has a picture of the blood glucose monitor on the front. Inside pages are white with black, green, pink, mustard, burgundy, and peach print and includes pictorial instructions for use. " Important Training Information Enclosed" envelope is white with blue print and contained Encore Normal Control package insert and Glucolet Automatic Lancing Device package insert.
Printed on box: No Timing, No Wiping / Laboratory Accuracy / Test Results in 15-60 Seconds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994
maker
Miles, Inc.
ID Number
2014.0140.24
accession number
2014.0140
catalog number
2014.0140.24

Magic Fragrant Cream Shave - Razorless Beard Remover (Depilatory) - Formulated Especially for Black Men to Help Stop Razor Bumps

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
ID Number
1998.0102.21
catalog number
1998.0102.21
accession number
1998.0102

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