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

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

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
1991.0664.0940
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06336
collector/donor number
SAP 1028
catalog number
1991.0664.0940

AG ANALETIC

This square shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a baked enamel shield marked AG ANALETIC. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a baked enamel shield marked AG ANALETIC. 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 bottle is pictured on page 24, in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0235
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05383
collector/donor number
SAP 92
catalog number
1991.0664.0255.01
1991.0664.0255.02

Chemicals

Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”Currently not on view
Description
Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0979.01
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06375
collector/donor number
SAP 1067
catalog number
1991.0664.0979.01

Dees Aap Zwetstop Zyn Zalve

Satirical print of medical charlatans. The “M. Pool excu. Amsterdam” inscription refers to the Dutch artist, Matthijs Pool (1676-1740).Currently not on view
Description
Satirical print of medical charlatans. The “M. Pool excu. Amsterdam” inscription refers to the Dutch artist, Matthijs Pool (1676-1740).
Location
Currently not on view
artist
Pool, M (atthys)?
ID Number
1991.0664.0010
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 963

APOBL

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white 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 flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The label is marked with the alchemical symbol for spirits and APOBL in black text.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0381
catalog number
M-05530
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 242
catalog number
1991.0664.0381

Christian Wilhelm Hufeland

Lithographed portrait of Christian Wilhelm Hufeland (1762-1836), an accomplished Geman physician and naturopath.Currently not on view
Description
Lithographed portrait of Christian Wilhelm Hufeland (1762-1836), an accomplished Geman physician and naturopath.
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Hufeland, Christian Wilhelm
ID Number
1991.0664.0025
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 935

SIR DI CORALL

This syrup jar has an applied handle that is decorated with a cross supported by two arms. The body of the jar is marked “SIR DI CORALLI.” The jar likely contained syrup of coral.
Description
This syrup jar has an applied handle that is decorated with a cross supported by two arms. The body of the jar is marked “SIR DI CORALLI.” The jar likely contained syrup of coral. Coral was used for centuries to treat 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 the protection of infants from convulsions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0613
catalog number
M-05825
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 537
catalog number
1991.0664.0613

SAL. SEDATiV. H

This wide mouth blown glass jar has an applied foot and a baked enamel cartouche decorates the clear glass container with a white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon, and topped by a crown. It is marked SAL, SEDATiV, H.Currently not on view
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has an applied foot and a baked enamel cartouche decorates the clear glass container with a white shield framed by blue stylized leaves and yellow ribbon, and topped by a crown. It is marked SAL, SEDATiV, H.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0172
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05320
1991.0664.0172
collector/donor number
SAP 29

Wilhelm Stirn, Apothectes In Nurnberg

Wilhelm Stirn (1628-1677) was a German apothecary. The “J. Sandrart sculpsit” inscription on this portrait print refers to either Joachim van Sandrart (1606-1688), or his nephew, Jacob van Sandrart (1630-1708).Currently not on view
Description
Wilhelm Stirn (1628-1677) was a German apothecary. The “J. Sandrart sculpsit” inscription on this portrait print refers to either Joachim van Sandrart (1606-1688), or his nephew, Jacob van Sandrart (1630-1708).
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Stirn, Wilhelm
ID Number
1991.0664.0053
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06201
collector/donor number
SAP 894

Jar, Elec. Rosal Sol

This wide mouthed waisted drug jar has a yellow square border that frames a scene with a monk kneeling in prayer in front of a tree. The jar bears the text Elect. Rosat. Sol.
Description
This wide mouthed waisted drug jar has a yellow square border that frames a scene with a monk kneeling in prayer in front of a tree. The jar bears the text Elect. Rosat. Sol. The jar would have contained Electuary Rosatus Solutivus, a solution made from rose petals and sweetened with the addition of sugar. The solution was used as an aperient, or appetite stimulant. In a letter dated 7 October 1983, pharmaceutical historian and author Dr. D. A. Wittop Koning speculates that this drug jar is probably not authentic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
Date made
1756
ID Number
1991.0664.0513
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05725
collector/donor number
SAP 437
catalog number
1991.0664.0513

ANIS

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a 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.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a 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 alchemical symbols for spirits, salt, and herbs are marked in black just above ANIS. ANIS would have referred to the plant anise hyssop (herb), steeped in an alcohol solution (spirit), with the ash of plant (salt) mixed into the solution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0353
catalog number
M-05503
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 214
catalog number
1991.0664.0353

PULV FOL MENTH PIP

This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The label is marked PULV FOL MENTH PIP in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The label is marked PULV FOL MENTH PIP in black text. The jar would have contained pulverized Folliae Mentha Piperita, or pulverized peppermint leaves. Peppermint leaves were used as an antispasmodic and to relieve flatulence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0379
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05528
collector/donor number
SAP 240
catalog number
1991.0664.0379

SY D ABSINTI

This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora.
Description
This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora. Just below the spout is a blue, yellow, and white shield with a yellow lion standing on one hind leg. The escroll is inscribed in cobalt blue, SY D ABSINTIO which would have contained Absinthum, Absinthium or Syrup of Wormwood. Leaves and the tops of flowers of the wormwood plant were used to make this tonic, which was taken for a variety of stomach ailments and as a cure for intestinal worms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1600 - 1625
ID Number
1991.0664.0502
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05714
1991.0664.0502.01
1991.0664.0502.02
collector/donor number
SAP 426

SP SAL CRUD

This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.Currently not on view
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0215
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05363
collector/donor number
SAP 72
catalog number
1991.0664.0215

SPEC DIATART M

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC DIATART M in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC DIATART M in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Species Diatartari Mynsichti.” Adrian von Mynsicht (1603–1638) was a German alchemist who introduced tartar emetic into medical practice. “Species” refers to a powder often used in teas. This medicine would have been a tea made from the cream of tartar using Mynsicht’s formulation. The tea was used as a cathartic to speed bowel movement and an antiscorbutic to combat scurvy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0336
catalog number
M-05485
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 179
catalog number
1991.0664.0336

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