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: Pharmacy

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

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

SPIR MATRICA

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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0244
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05392
collector/donor number
SAP 101
catalog number
1991.0664.0244

Albarello

This albarello has a yellow baroque shield framing the image of a saint. In the saint’s left hand is a cross and a palm frond. In his right hand the saint is holding the leash of a dog (possibly a lamb).
Description
This albarello has a yellow baroque shield framing the image of a saint. In the saint’s left hand is a cross and a palm frond. In his right hand the saint is holding the leash of a dog (possibly a lamb). The palm frond symbolizes the saint was a martyr, and the inclusion of the dog or lamb points to a variety of saints associated with healing and animals including Saint Roch, Saint Hubert of Liege, Saint Catherine of Siena, or Saint Agnes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0572
catalog number
M-05784
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 496
catalog number
1991.0664.0572

Apothecary Jar: CRUD

This widemouthed blown glass jar has a flattened collar and an applied round foot. The jar is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche framed by blue stylized vines and topped by a yellow crown.
Description
This widemouthed blown glass jar has a flattened collar and an applied round foot. The jar is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche framed by blue stylized vines and topped by a yellow crown. Marked CRUD/ PP it bears two alchemical symbol for Antimony and the abbreviation for prepared. The jar is pictured on page 18 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0159
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05307
1991.0664.0159
collector/donor number
SAP 16

Apothecary Jar

This vase-shaped drug jar has a turned wooden lid painted red. The blue and yellow baroque-style baked enamel label has been left blank. for the apothecary. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs.
Description
This vase-shaped drug jar has a turned wooden lid painted red. The blue and yellow baroque-style baked enamel label has been left blank. for the apothecary. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced, apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0467
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05616
collector/donor number
SAP 328
catalog number
1991.0664.0467.01
1991.0664.0467.02

Carolus Clusius

A portrait of Carolus Clusius (also know as Charles de l'Escluse). Born in Arras in 1526, Clusius was a Flemish doctor and horticulturists. He was prefect of the imperial medical garden in Vienna under Maximilian II and professor at the University of Leiden.
Description
A portrait of Carolus Clusius (also know as Charles de l'Escluse). Born in Arras in 1526, Clusius was a Flemish doctor and horticulturists. He was prefect of the imperial medical garden in Vienna under Maximilian II and professor at the University of Leiden. He helped create the Hortus Academicus, one of the earliest formal botanical garden.
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Clusius, Carolus
ID Number
1991.0664.0051
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06226
collector/donor number
SAP 919

MACIS BL GE

This is a straight walled pewter drug canister with a lid. The body has two round handles that are soldered to the body, and the lid has a round flattened finial. The engraved decoration on the canister creates a cartouche of leaves and scrolls topped by a crown.
Description
This is a straight walled pewter drug canister with a lid. The body has two round handles that are soldered to the body, and the lid has a round flattened finial. The engraved decoration on the canister creates a cartouche of leaves and scrolls topped by a crown. The center of the cartouche is inscribed with the merchant’s mark, a reversed numeral four incorporated with the initials G H M. Above the cartouche the canister is marked “MACIS: BIL: GE.” Mace or Macis is the dried red outer coating of the Nutmeg seed. In addition to its use as a flavoring for foods Mace was used as a narcotic, astringent, aromatic tonic and to curb diarrhea.
The three hallmarks inside the lid are not very legible. With the aid of a high-powered Leica microscope it is possible to see what appears to be two identical maker marks and the town mark. The maker mark is a horse standing on three legs carrying a banner within a scalloped shield. The initials directly above the horse may possibly be I. G. H.
The town mark is a scalloped shield with three towers, the tallest in the middle. All three towers have long vertical windows. The area below the towers is not legible. Both the makers and town marks look very similar to marks used in the eastern Germanic towns and cities of the 18th century.
George Urdang identified the material used to make the canister as heavy tin which may be another term for pewter.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0893
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06103
collector/donor number
SAP 815
catalog number
1991.0664.0893

CASTOR EUM

The label applied in the cold paint technique is marked in black and red CASTOR Eum. The jar is blown green glass and is covered with paper secured with string. The late historian J.
Description
The label applied in the cold paint technique is marked in black and red CASTOR Eum. The jar is blown green glass and is covered with paper secured with string. The late historian J. Worth Estes, former professor of pharmacology at Boston University describes Castoreum as a fatty material from the glands lying between the anus and external glands of the Russian beaver. It was used as a nerve tonic, an antiemetic, and an emmenagogue to hasten menstruation. Today Castoreum is still used in perfumes. The jar contains two folded paper packets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0442
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05591
collector/donor number
SAP 303
catalog number
1991.0664.0442

Basilius Besler

Portrait of Basil Bressler (1561-1629), an important apothecary and botanist in Nuremberg. Copper plate engraving from Bressler, Hortus Eystettensis (Nuremberg, 1613).Currently not on view
Description
Portrait of Basil Bressler (1561-1629), an important apothecary and botanist in Nuremberg. Copper plate engraving from Bressler, Hortus Eystettensis (Nuremberg, 1613).
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Besler, Basilivs
ID Number
1991.0664.0074
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06200
collector/donor number
SAP 893

ESS ANTISCORB

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The bottle has a white baked enamel label framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS ANTISCORB 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. The bottle has a white baked enamel label framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS ANTISCORB in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Essence of Antiscorbutic. Antiscorbutic was used to combat scurvy, so the essence likely would have been made by steeping citrus fruits in alcohol.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0320
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05469.01
collector/donor number
SAP 178
catalog number
1991.0664.0320

SPIR NASTURT

This square shaped-blown and molded glass bottle is marked in SPIR NASTURT. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped-blown and molded glass bottle is marked in SPIR NASTURT. 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. The leaves and seeds of the watercress are used in this preparation. The bottle is illustrated on page 24 of the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0232
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05380
1991.0664.0232.02
collector/donor number
SAP 89
catalog number
1991.0664.0232.01

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