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: Birth Control/Contraception

Certane Hygienic Douche Powder

In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California.
Description
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Vogarell Products Company
ID Number
1979.1144.142
accession number
1979.1144
catalog number
1979.1144.142

Low-Dose Demulen Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Searle & Company produced this Low-Dose Demulen brand oral contraceptive in San Juan, Puerto Rico, around 1976. Searle was the first company to manufacture birth control pills. These Low-Dose Demulen pills came in a yellow plastic compact case. Inside the compact is a 21-pill blister pack that organizes the monthly pill regimen into weekly rows, labeled by day of the week.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
G. D. Searle and Company
ID Number
1981.0760.013
catalog number
1981.0760.013
accession number
1981.0760

Certane Hygienic Douche Powder

In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California.
Description
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Vogarell Products Company
ID Number
1979.1144.144
accession number
1979.1144
catalog number
1979.1144.144

Demulen Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Searle & Company produced this Demulen brand oral contraceptive in San Juan, Puerot Rico, around 1975. The Demulen pills came in a yellow plastic compact case. Inside the compact is a 21-pill blister pack that organizes the monthly pill regimen into weekly rows, labeled by day of the week. The starter kit includes a prescription blank and a paper insert with directions for use for the patient, as well as a promotional booklet for “the Pill.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
maker
G. D. Searle and Company
ID Number
1981.0760.012.B
catalog number
1981.0760.012.B
accession number
1981.0760

Ovral Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Wyeth Laboratories Inc. produced this Ovral brand oral contraceptive around 1982. The 21 pills are in a blister pack that is inserted into a white plastic holder. The holder has the days of the week embossed around the perimeter. The pills come with a carrying sleeve decorated with flowers and a butterfly. The pill pack includes a paper insert with instructions for the user.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
maker
Wyeth Laboratories Inc.
ID Number
1981.0760.042
accession number
1981.0760
catalog number
1981.0760.042

Merrell's Dousan

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: A delightful aid for personal hygiene.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging: A delightful aid for personal hygiene. 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls to a quart of water.
By the early twentieth century, the idea that regular vaginal douching was a necessary part of women’s hygiene had gained traction and spurred the creation of a whole category of consumer products for women. Douching involves the insertion of fluids into the vagina to “cleanse” it, and manufacturers offered a range of powders and liquids for making up these solutions. Douche products at this time typically included antiseptic and astringent ingredients such as boric acid, zinc sulphate, salicylic acid, alum, thymol, and menthol. While advertising emphasized the cleansing, deodorizing, refreshing and soothing effects of douching, douching after sexual intercourse was widely employed (however ineffectively) for the purpose of contraception. Historian Andrea Tone states that by the 1940s, douching had become the most prevalent form of birth control used by women in the United States and remained so until the introduction of oral contraceptives in the 1960s.
The William S. Merrell Chemical Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, first marketed Dousan douche powder in late 1929. Like many personal hygiene products for women, the package design is decidedly feminine. The bottle’s distinct shape, and the metallic colors and design of the label, reflect the art deco style popular at this time. The label on the bottle does not include ingredients or provide directions for use although this information may have been on an outer box and/or package insert. Based on newspaper advertisements in the 1930s, Dousan sold for 50 cents to $1.25 (probably representing two different sizes) but could be found on sale for half that amount. The product appears to have been discontinued by 1950.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930-1950
trademark renewed (Dousan)
1950-05-06
trademark registered (Dousan)
1930-05-06
maker
William S. Merrell Company
ID Number
1980.0698.149
accession number
1980.0698
catalog number
1980.0698.149

Zorane 1/50 Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Lederle Laboratories Division of the American Cyanimid Company produced this Zorane 1/50 brand oral contraceptive in 1974. The green and white packaging has a cover with a floral print and an image of a butterfly. The 28-pill regimen consists of 21 hormone pills and 7 inert pills. The pills are contained in a rectangular green plastic compact. A booklet entitled “What you should know about ‘the pill,’” with an image of a man and a woman on the cover, is included.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980
maker
American Cyanamid Company. Lederle Laboratories Division
ID Number
1981.0760.070
catalog number
1981.0760.070
accession number
1981.0760

NYC Dept. of Health, Bureau of HIV Program Services Package, Containing 2 LifeStyles Condoms and Lubricant

Condoms came into fashion beause they offered protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.Currently not on view
Description
Condoms came into fashion beause they offered protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995
expiration date (condom)
1995-12
package maker; provider
City of New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
condom maker
Ansell Healthcare Inc.
lubricant maker
Mayer Laboratories, Inc.
Maker
Burgel, James A.
maker
NYC Department of Health
ID Number
2000.0168.04
catalog number
2000.0168.04
accession number
2000.0168

ModiCon Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this ModiCon brand oral contraceptive around 1977. The foil package contains a 21-pill Dialpak dispenser. Ortho trademarked the term DialPak in 1965, and was the first company to release their medication in a memory-aid device, now ubiquitous among makers of oral contraceptives.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978-1979
product expiration date
1979-12
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2002.0136.150
accession number
2002.0136
catalog number
2002.0136.150

Nordette Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Wyeth Laboratories of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, produced this Nordette brand oral contraceptive around 1982. The 28-pill regimen is in a grey blister pack, in a grey plastic holder with the days of the week inscribed around the rim. The pills slide into a grey plastic sleeve for carrying. The monthly regimen consists of 21 peach hormonal tablets, and 7 inert pink tablets. The prescription comes with a booklet containing user information entitled “On your way with Nordette.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994
maker
Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
ID Number
2004.0118.05
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.05

Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28 Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Tri-Cyclen 28-pill oral contraceptive around 1999. The pills are in a blister pack that fits into a pink plastic DialPak dispenser. A foil pack with one blister pack refill ring is included.The center dial in the Dialpak was set by the user to the first day of the pill cycle before inserting the blister pack refill. Each subsequent pill was dispensed on the correct day through the bottom of the DialPak.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.14
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.14

Ortho-Cept Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Tri-Cyclen 28 oral contraceptive around 1992. The 28-pill regimen is in a red foil wrapper that contains a DialPak dispenser and a booklet entitled “Questions and answers on Ortho-Cyclen tablets.” Ortho trademarked the term DialPak in 1965, and was the first company to release their medication in a memory-aid device, now ubiquitous among makers of oral contraceptives.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994-1996
product expiration date
1996-12
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
Diosynth bv
ID Number
2004.0118.08
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.08

Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28 Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Tri-Cyclen 28 oral contraceptive around 1996. The pills are in a ring-shaped blister pack that fits into a blue and white plastic compact. The inside lid of the compact had a space for a prescription label and notes the patent number for the compact, 4,165,708. A black arrow in the center points to the days of the week around the wheel. This allowed the user to set the day of her first pill and track her daily use from there. This prescription contains 28 pills: 7 green pills, 14 blue pills, and 7 white pills. The package includes directions for use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1996
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.12
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.12

Alesse -28 Oral Contraceptive Starter Pack

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Wyeth Laboratories Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, produced this Alesse-28 brand oral contraceptive starter pack around 1998. Alesse-28 is in a soft blue plastic zippered pouch that contains two foil-wrapped dial dispensers. This dial dispenser contains 21 pink combination hormone pills and 7 green inert pills. The starter pack includes five paper inserts detailing patient and product information including the booklet “Starting Out Right with New Alesse.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1998
maker
Wyeth Laboratories Inc.
ID Number
1997.0360.11
accession number
1997.0360
catalog number
1997.0360.11

The Visible Woman Assembly Kit

This is an anatomical model of a woman, complete with removable parts. The kit includes a clear plastic body or shell, a "complete" skeleton, "all vital organs," and a round plastic display stand. The kit was designed as an educational tool to teach basic anatomy.
Description
This is an anatomical model of a woman, complete with removable parts. The kit includes a clear plastic body or shell, a "complete" skeleton, "all vital organs," and a round plastic display stand. The kit was designed as an educational tool to teach basic anatomy. The intructions explain how to assemble and disassemble the model. The "Visible Woman" was inspired by the success of another anatomical model for children, "The Visible Man." The kit includes a pamphlet, "Introduction to Anatomy," and the manufacturer's guarantee. This kit was never assembled.
One of the more interesting features or non-features of this kit is the lack of genitalia. Manufacturers of anatomical models offered male and female models with and without sexual organs. Americans in the 19th century used phrases such as "after nature" and "organs of generation" to gently refer to reproductive organs. This practice continued well into the 20th century, when paper models and later plastic model kits produced for the general public lacked sexual organs.
A note to parents in the lower left corner of the top of the box warned that the contents included the "Optional Feature: The Miracle of Creation." Separated from the other parts of the model in a brown box, the adapter kit for a 7-months pregnant female includes special instructions for assembling the eight additional parts, which include an expanded breast plate for the pregnant uterus, the small intestines, and the fetus.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Renwal Products Company
ID Number
1998.0185.01
catalog number
1998.0185.01
accession number
1998.0185

Mircette 28 Day Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Organon International of Oss, Holland, produced this Mircette oral contraceptive at their American subsidiary in West Orange, New Jersey, around 2003. The yellow foil wrapper contains a professional sample consisting of a 28-day monthly regimen of pills, including seven inert pills. Many companies included a fourth week of inert pills so women could maintain their routine of taking a daily pill.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2003
maker
Organon Inc.
ID Number
2004.3030.37
nonaccession number
2004.3030
catalog number
2004.3030.37

Jenest-28 Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as a discreetly designed case for easy carrying in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corp. produced this Jenest-28 brand oral contraceptive for Organon Inc. of West Orange, New Jersey, around 1995. The foil wrapper contains a physician’s sample of Jenest-28, consisting of 21 hormonal tablets and seven inert green tablets. The pills were dispensed in a “cyclic tablet dispenser.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1995
maker
Organon Inc.
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2004.0118.03
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.03

Tri-Levlen 28 Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Berlex Laboratories, a subsidiary of Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Wayne, New Jersey, produced this Tri-Levlen 28 brand oral contraceptive around 1996. The object consists of a white paper box containing a physician’s sample of Levlen 28 and a user’s information booklet entitled “What You Should Know About Your New Oral Contraceptive.” Tri-Levlen 28 includes Wyeth’s patented Slidecase dispenser. The monthly dosage consists of 6 brown tablets, 5 white tablets, 10 yellow tablets, and 7 green inert tablets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1996
maker
Berlex Laboratories, Inc.
Wyeth Laboratories Inc.
ID Number
2004.0118.11
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.11

Norminest Fe Oral Contraceptive (Family Planning Pills)

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Syntex laboratories, Inc. of Palo Alto, California, produced this Norminest Fe brand oral contraceptive between 1979 and 2008. The logo of the “blue lady” taking her pill adorned all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) oral contraceptive packages that were distributed worldwide to family planning programs. Compared to other oral contraceptives of the time, these USAID pills are packaged very simply, lacking any kind of reusable container or memory aid. The "blue lady" packaging was introduced in the late 1960s in order to standardize packaging, provide three months supply in one package, and to provide adequate protection for the pills in tropical conditions.
This opened package contains two blister packs of 28 pills; 21 hormonal white pills and 7 brown iron supplement pills. The pills are arranged in a switchback pattern with arrows marking the correct order to take the pills.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1979-08
maker
Syntex Laboratories, Inc.
ID Number
1997.0360.10
accession number
1997.0360
catalog number
1997.0360.10

Garnet Ortho Personal Pak

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, marketed the Personal Pak pill case in 2000. Women could choose from six different cases, including this “Garnet” style. The Personal Pak was used in conjunction with the Ortho Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen brand birth control pills, which came in a blister pack ring that allowed the Personal Pak to be refilled every month.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.15.2
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.15.2

Ortho-Novum SQ Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Novum SQ brand oral contraceptive around 1965. This monthly prescription of 21 pills (14 white and 7 blue) are contained in Ortho’s trademarked DialPak dispenser. The DialPak, introduced in 1963, was the first oral contraceptive package to incorporate a “memory aid” which Ortho advertised as “the package that remembers for her.” The center wheel of the DialPak reveals the day of the week and aligns with a pill on the outer ring. When the user turned the dial to dispense the next pill, the wheel in the center advanced a day, allowing the user to see if she had taken her pill.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1970
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.02
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.02

Micronor Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Micronor brand oral contraceptive around 1978. This monthly prescription of 28 pills are contained in Ortho’s trademarked DialPak dispenser. The DialPak, introduced in 1963, was the first oral contraceptive package to incorporate a “memory aid,” and Ortho advertised it as “the package that remembers for her.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981-1984
product expiration date
1984-04
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2002.0136.001
accession number
2002.0136
catalog number
2002.0136.001

Norlestrin Fe 1/50 Oral Contraceptives

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Parke Davis Corporation of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, produced these Loestrin Fe 1/50 brand oral contraceptives around 1981. The white and green box contained five green plastic compact cases. There is an embossed image of a woman with long hair imprinted on the front of each compact. Each compact contains a gold blister pack holding a monthly prescription of 28 pills and a pamphlet with directions for use. The monthly dosage was arranged in four rows of 7, with 21 yellow hormonal pills and 7 iron pills. Some companies included a fourth week of iron supplements to keep women in the habit of taking a daily pill.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
maker
Parke-Davis Laboratories
ID Number
2002.0136.033
accession number
2002.0136
catalog number
2002.0136.033

Ovral Oral Contraceptive

The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time.
Description (Brief)
The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
The Wyeth Pharmaceutical Company of Münster, Germany, manufactured this Ovral brand oral contraceptive between 1993 and 1995. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) distributed these contraceptives worldwide to family planning programs. The distinctive logo of the “blue lady” taking her pill adorned all USAID oral contraceptive packages no matter which brand of contraceptive the package contained. Compared to other oral contraceptives of the time, these USAID pills are packaged very simply, lacking any kind of reusable container or memory aid. The "blue lady" packaging was introduced in the late 1960s in order to standardize packaging, provide three months supply in one package, and to provide adequate protection for the pills in tropical conditions. This package contains three silver blister packs of 28 pills, 21 hormonal white pills and 7 brown iron supplement pills. A white paper insert in four languages is also included.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1993-05
maker
Wyeth-Pharma GmbH
ID Number
1997.0360.01
catalog number
1997.0360.01
accession number
1997.0360

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