Health & Medicine

Iron Lung

The Museum's collections of medical science artifacts represent nearly all aspects of health and medical practice. Highlights include early X-ray apparatuses, such as one of Wilhelm Roentgen's tubes, penicillin mold from Alexander Fleming’s experiments, and Jonas Salk's original polio vaccine. More recent acquisitions include the first artificial heart implanted in a human, the earliest genetically engineered drugs, and materials related to David, the "Bubble Boy." Other artifacts range from artificial limbs and implant devices to bloodletting and dental instruments, beauty products, and veterinary equipment. The contents of a medieval apothecary shop and an 1890s drugstore form part of the collections, along with patent and alternative medicines. The collections also document the many differing perspectives on health and medical issues, from patients, family members, doctors, nurses, medical students, and out-of-the-mainstream health practitioners.

Resource Type: Bottles

ELIX APERIT CLAUD

This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and round glass stopper. it has a baked white enamel label surrounded by stylized blue vines with yellow ribbons. The label is marked ELIX APERIT CLAUD in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and round glass stopper. it has a baked white enamel label surrounded by stylized blue vines with yellow ribbons. The label is marked ELIX APERIT CLAUD in black text. APERIT CLAUD means Open/Closed in Latin. Prescriptions indicate that this elixir contained Aqua foenicul or fennel water, and tincture Opii crocut. The elixir was used to help alleviate some of the symptoms, cramps, and excessive bleeding associated with menses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0434
catalog number
M-05583
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 295
catalog number
1991.0664.0434.01
1991.0664.0434.02

AQ VERONIC VINO

This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads AQ VERONIC VINO in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Aqua Veronicæ Vino, or water of veronica with wine.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads AQ VERONIC VINO in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Aqua Veronicæ Vino, or water of veronica with wine. The herb Veronica beccabunga (also known as Brooklime or European speedwell) was used in this solution as a bitter aromatic or mild stimulant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0276
catalog number
M-05425
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 134
catalog number
1991.0664.0276

Apothecary Bottle, SPIR: LAVEND

This blown glass bottle is marked SPIR: LAVEND: The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests.
Description
This blown glass bottle is marked SPIR: LAVEND: The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests. Lavender was used as a medicinal by mixing it with other herbs. It was also used to cure headaches, apoplexy and loss of speech.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0478
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05627
collector/donor number
SAP 339
catalog number
1991.0664.0478

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
1991.0664.0941
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06337
collector/donor number
SAP 1029
catalog number
1991.0664.0941

Chemicals

Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Each bottle is marked. 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. Each bottle is marked. 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
1991.0664.0979.02
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06375
collector/donor number
SAP 1067
catalog number
1991.0664.0979.02

Apothecary Bottle, AQ ARTHEMIS

This square-shaped bottle has a blue, yellow, and white Baroque-style baked enamel label is marked in red and black, "AQ ARTHEMIS". The reverse side of the container has a stained paper label marked, "Spirit Rorismarin."Currently not on view
Description
This square-shaped bottle has a blue, yellow, and white Baroque-style baked enamel label is marked in red and black, "AQ ARTHEMIS". The reverse side of the container has a stained paper label marked, "Spirit Rorismarin."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0397
catalog number
M-05546
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 258
catalog number
1991.0664.0397

Apothecary Bottle

Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary’s needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced with different ingredients the apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion.
Description
Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary’s needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced with different ingredients the apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion. This example is decorated in blue and white baked enamel and is blown and molded with a flared lip.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0422
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05571
collector/donor number
SAP 283
catalog number
1991.0664.0422

ESS CROC

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label encircled by a stylized golden wreath. A red bow is at the bottom of the label, and a crown with a red interior at the top.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label encircled by a stylized golden wreath. A red bow is at the bottom of the label, and a crown with a red interior at the top. The label is marked ESS CROC in black text. The bottle would have contained the essence of crocus, obtained by steeping the crocus sativus flowers in an alcohol solution. The essence of crocus was used as an aromatic, cordial, narcotic, antihysteric, and emmenagogue, herbs used to promote the flow of blood.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0459
catalog number
M-05608
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 320
catalog number
1991.0664.0459

SP VITRIOL ACID

This square blown and molded bottle has a flared collar and a glass stopper. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche. The white circle is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow flowers and red ribbon. It is marked in black SP VITRIOL ACID.
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flared collar and a glass stopper. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche. The white circle is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow flowers and red ribbon. It is marked in black SP VITRIOL ACID. Spirits of Vitriol Acid was imbibed as a tonic or applied topically as an astringent and an antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0218
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05366
collector/donor number
SAP 75
catalog number
1991.0664.0218.01
1991.0664.0218.02

ELIX ACID DIPP

This blown and molded bottle has a naqrrow neck and a flared lip. The baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads “ELIX ACID DIPP” in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a naqrrow neck and a flared lip. The baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads “ELIX ACID DIPP” in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Dippel’s Acid Elixir, which consists of 1 part sulphuric acid, 5 parts spirits, and 2 parts kermes and saffron. Johann Conrad Dippel (1673–1734) was a German alchemist who is credited with several alchemical recipes. Dippel’s Acid Elixir was used as an astringent or antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0299
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05448
collector/donor number
SAP 157
catalog number
1991.0664.0299

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
1991.0664.0936
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06332
collector/donor number
SAP 1024
catalog number
1991.0664.0936

ESS ASAR

According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, the two "eagles" flying toward the sun indicate that this jar was made for the orphanage pharmacy (Waisenhaus Apotheke) in Halle, Germany.
Description
According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, the two "eagles" flying toward the sun indicate that this jar was made for the orphanage pharmacy (Waisenhaus Apotheke) in Halle, Germany. Urdang also states that the manufacturer of this particular jar and 1991.0664.0231 can be attributed to the Globsow glass works, dating from about 1775.
The bottle is marked ESS ASAR. Asarum is also known as Asarabacca and Hazelwort. The rhizome's roots and leaves are used to make tonics, cathartics, and diuretics.
The Deutsche Apotheken-Museum in Heidelberg, Germany has very similar containers from the same Waisenhaus Apothecary. This blown glass bottle with a round stopper is illustrated on page 22 of the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue. It is a similar decoration to 1991.0664.0230.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0231
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05379
collector/donor number
SAP 88
catalog number
1991.0664.0231.01
1991.0664.0231.02

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
1991.0664.0932
collector/donor number
SAP 1020
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06328
1991.0664.0932

VULNER THND

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 a yellow stylized flower. 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 a yellow stylized flower. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar’s label has the alchemical symbol for water just above the text VULNER THND in black. The jar would have contained Aqua Vulneraria Thedenii, a solution used to treat wounds and stop bleeding.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0364
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05513
collector/donor number
SAP 225
catalog number
1991.0664.0364

ESS CORT CITR

This blown and molded bottle is marked ESS CORT CITR, and would have contained the Essence of Cortex Citron, or the essence of citron bark.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked ESS CORT CITR, and would have contained the Essence of Cortex Citron, or the essence of citron bark. The rind of the citrus fruit Citrus Medica would have been steeped in alcohol to create a solution that would have been prescribed as an aromatic stomachic, cooling antiseptic, or antiemetic (to relieve vomiting and nausea).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0310
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05459
collector/donor number
SAP 168
catalog number
1991.0664.0310

ESS MUERREN

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 yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar’s label reads ESS MUERREN.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
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 yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar’s label reads ESS MUERREN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0363
collector/donor number
M-05512
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 224
catalog number
1991.0664.0363

TINCT CASCARIL

This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel label is flanked by blue flowers and ribbons. The label reads TINCT CASCARIL in black. The bottle would have contained a Tincture of Cascarilla, a plant native to the Caribbean.
Description
This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel label is flanked by blue flowers and ribbons. The label reads TINCT CASCARIL in black. The bottle would have contained a Tincture of Cascarilla, a plant native to the Caribbean. It's bark was used in a variety of solutions to help cure stomach ailments.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0423
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05572
collector/donor number
SAP 284
catalog number
1991.0664.0423

ESS ASSA FOXTIDAE

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The white baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS ASSA FOETIDAE 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 white baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS ASSA FOETIDAE in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. Assafoetidae (asafetida) is the gum resin from a variety of plants belonging to the ferula genus. The Essence of Assafoetidae would have been used as an antispasmodic, an expectorant, or a diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0322
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05471
collector/donor number
SAP 180
catalog number
1991.0664.0322

ESS VALERIAN

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle is marked ESS VALERIAN in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Essence of Valerian—the oil of valerian root or valerian salt in an alcoholic solution.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle is marked ESS VALERIAN in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Essence of Valerian—the oil of valerian root or valerian salt in an alcoholic solution. The solution was used as a tonic or weak sedative.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0317
catalog number
M-05466
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 175
catalog number
1991.0664.0317

OX SIMPL

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck, flared lip and, a round glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield with the letter "B" is etched into the glass.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck, flared lip and, a round glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield with the letter "B" is etched into the glass. The jar’s label reads OX SIMPL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0394
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05543
collector/donor number
SAP 255
catalog number
1991.0664.0394.01
1991.0664.0394.02

TINT V?...

This blown and molded glass bottle is decorated with red, white, and yellow flowers. The white cartouche in the center of the jar is surrounded by stylized blue leaves and a red ring. The jar is labeled in red.
Description
This blown and molded glass bottle is decorated with red, white, and yellow flowers. The white cartouche in the center of the jar is surrounded by stylized blue leaves and a red ring. The jar is labeled in red. It may have contained a tincture, but the text has deteriorated and is illegible.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0413
catalog number
M-05562
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 274
catalog number
1991.0664.0413

ELIX APERITIV CLAUD

This blown and molded bottle is marked ELIX APERTIV CLAUD, and would have contained Clauder’s Apertivium Elixir. Gabriel Clauder (1633–1691) was a German physician who formulated his own elixirs.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked ELIX APERTIV CLAUD, and would have contained Clauder’s Apertivium Elixir. Gabriel Clauder (1633–1691) was a German physician who formulated his own elixirs. This elixir consisted of potassium carbonate, ammonium chloride, elder flower water, aloe, myrrh, and saffron. The elixir was used as a laxative or as an emmenagogue to induce menstrual flow.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0314
catalog number
M-05463
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 172
catalog number
1991.0664.0314

ELIX BALS PECT

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 yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The Roman numeral X is etched into the shoulder.
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 yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The Roman numeral X is etched into the shoulder. The jar’s label reads ELIX BALS PECT in black text. The jar would have contained an elixir of balsam, which was prescribed for its pulmonary benefits in treating the lungs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0358
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 219
catalog number
1991.0664.0358
M-05507

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
1991.0664.0942
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06338
collector/donor number
SAP 1030
catalog number
1991.0664.0942

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.