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

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

Ortho-Novum 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 Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Novum 1/50 brand oral contraceptive around 1970. The monthly prescription of 21 yellow 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” 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
2000.0090.06
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.06

Ortho-Novum 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.
This is the first DialPak manufactured by the Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, in 1963. The DialPak contained a monthly regimen of 20 white pills. The DialPak was the first oral contraceptive package to incorporate a “memory aid,” which Ortho advertised as “the package that remembers for her.” The circular calendar in the center of the DialPak reveals the day of the week and aligns with a pill on the outer ring. The user turned the dial to dispense the next pill, and the user could readily see if she had taken her daily pill.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1963
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.10
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.10

The Forecaster

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1948
maker
Forecaster Company
ID Number
2002.0225.02
accession number
2002.0225
catalog number
2002.0225.02

Lorate - A Medicinal Powder for Feminine Daintiness

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A Medicinal Powder for Feminine DaintinessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A Medicinal Powder for Feminine Daintiness
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1947
maker
Marcy Laboratories
ID Number
2005.0100.019
accession number
2005.0100
catalog number
2005.0100.019

The Sanitary Hygienic Sponge

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2000.0137.027
accession number
2000.0137
catalog number
2000.0137.027

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. The DialPak, introduced by Ortho 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
2000.0090.07
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.07

Ortho Tri-Cyclen 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 Ortho-Tri-Cyclen 28 oral contraceptive around 1991. The 28-pill regimen is in a purple foil wrapper that contains a 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
1991
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2004.0118.07
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.07

Ortho-Novum 1/80 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 1/80 brand oral contraceptive around 1971. Three monthly cycles of 21 pink pills (63 total) 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. Instructions for use were included on the back of this DialPak.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1971
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.03
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.03

Ovacon 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.
Syntex Laboratories of Palo Alto, California, produced this Ovacon brand oral contraceptive around 1988-2003. Ovacon was marketed as a “genuine low dose” pill containing .5 milligrams of norethindrone and .035 milligram of ethinyl estradiol. This sample of Ovacon is in a white cardboard envelope that contains one silver blister pack. The 28-pill blister pack contains 21 blue hormonal pills and 7 brown iron supplement pills arrayed in a switchback pattern with arrows directing the user in the correct order to take the medication. A white paper insert contains directions in both English and Arabic, and the bottom of the insert notes that Ovacon was “marketed and distributed by Family Planning Social Marketing Project of Dhaka, Bangladesh.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1988-03
maker
Syntex Laboratories
ID Number
1997.0360.02
catalog number
1997.0360.02
accession number
1997.0360

Preven Demonstration Emergency Contraceptive Kit

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.
Gynétics Medical Products of Somerville, New Jersey, produced this Preven demonstration emergency contraceptive kit around 1999. The kit contains a patient information book, a pregnancy test, and four pills in two pairs inside a silver blister pack. The kit opens into three panels bearing step-by-step instructions on how to use the emergency contraceptive kit. Unlike the version of Preven seen in object 1999.0226.1, this kit was for demonstration purposes only.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999
maker
Gynetics
ID Number
1999.0226.2
catalog number
1999.0226.2
accession number
1999.0226

Onyx 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 “Onyx” 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
2000.0090.15.5
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.15.5

Triphasil-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.
Wyeth Laboratories Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, produced this Triphasil-28 brand oral contraceptive around 1998. The box contains a foil wrapped mini-cycle pack dispenser, informational leaflet, and pink plastic wallet for the dispenser. The monthly dosage consists of 28 tablets, 6 brown tablets, 5 white tablets, 10 yellow tablets, and 7 green tablets. The green tablets are inert pills that are taken to maintain the routine of taking a daily pill. The cycle pack dispenser has a center wheel inscribed with the days of the week and an outer ring of pills that can be aligned with the day of the week corresponding to the start of the pill cycle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1998
maker
Wyeth Laboratories Inc.
ID Number
2004.0118.09
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.09

Desogen Remember Me Oral Contraceptive Compliance Kit

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 Desogen Remember Me Compliance Kit around 1993. The kit contains a package of contraceptives, a toothbrush, and a small bar of soap. There is a “Remember Me” sticker meant to be affixed to the bathroom mirror. The box bears the slogan “Brush your teeth, wash your face, take your pill . . . once a day. Everyday. At the Same Time.” This professional sample of Desogen is still in its foil wrapper, which contained a tablet dispenser with 21 white hormonal tablets and 7 inert green tablets. The 28-pill monthly dosage is arranged in four weekly rows of seven pills in the blister pack and came with a slipcover.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993
maker
Organon Inc.
N.V. Organon
ID Number
2004.0118.12
accession number
2004.0118
catalog number
2004.0118.12

Amethyst Floral 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 “Amethyst Floral” 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
2000.0090.15.4
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.15.4

Oviprem 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.
Syntex Incorporated produced this Oviprem 35 brand oral during the 1960s and 1970s. Oviprem 35 was manufactured in Mexico, and the instructions on the cardboard packaging are in Spanish. The silver blister pack has 21 pills laid out in an S pattern. "Para uso exlusivo del Sector Salud" is printed on the box; this product was for the exclusive use of the public health sector.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Syntex
ID Number
1997.0360.08
catalog number
1997.0360.08
accession number
1997.0360

Ortho DialPak 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 oral contraceptive during the 1970s. A monthly prescription of 21 pink tablets is 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.” 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 1970s
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.04
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.04

Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 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-McNeil Pharmaceutical of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 oral contraceptive around 2000. The pills are contained in a peach and white plastic compact. There is a black arrow in the center that points to the various 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. The prescription includes directions for use. The 7/7/7 in the brand name referred to the three weeks of taking active pills. Each week consisted of varying doses of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, followed by seven inert pills to finish the 28 pill cycle. Each week of pills is differentiated by color.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999-2000
product expiration date
2002-09
maker
Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical
ID Number
2000.0090.11
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.11

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 Levlen 28 brand oral contraceptive around 1997. The object consists of a white paper box containing a physician’s sample of Levlen 28 with two user information leaflets. Levlen 28 came in Wyeth’s patented Slidecase dispenser. The monthly dosage consists of 21 orange hormonal pills and 7 pink inert pills.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1997
maker
Berlex Laboratories, Inc.
Wyeth Laboratories Inc.
ID Number
2004.0118.02
catalog number
2004.0118.02
accession number
2004.0118

Ortho-Novum 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 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 oral contraceptive around 1965. The monthly dose of 21 yellow 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.” 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. The manufacturer's label is missing from this object.
date made
ca 1965
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.09
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.09

Mala-N 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.
Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of Dundahera, Gurgaon, India, produced this Mala-N oral contraceptive in 1989. Mala-N came in a 28 pill blister pack (missing from the object) that was contained in a yellow paper envelope with pouch. The inside of the envelope contains instructions for use, and an instruction leaflet is inside the pouch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1989-04
maker
Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
ID Number
1997.0360.12
accession number
1997.0360
catalog number
1997.0360.12

Marin AIDS Project LIFE PRESERVER Condom

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
ca 1988
expiration date (condom)
1993-06
maker
Marin AIDS Project
ID Number
2002.0225.13
accession number
2002.0225
catalog number
2002.0225.13

Ortho-Novum 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 Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation of Raritan, New Jersey, produced this Ortho-Novum 1/50 brand oral contraceptive around 1974. The monthly dose of 21 yellow hormonal pills and 7 inert 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.” The center wheel of the DialPak reveals the day of the week, which 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 for that day. The pills are dispensed sideways to accommodate the 28 pills in the cycle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
ID Number
2000.0090.08
accession number
2000.0090
catalog number
2000.0090.08

Desogen 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 Desogen oral contraceptive at their American subsidiary in West Orange, New Jersey, around 1993. This professional sample of Desogen is in a sealed foil wrapper that contains a tablet dispenser with 21 white hormonal tablets and 7 inert green tablets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993
maker
Organon Inc.
ID Number
2004.0118.01
catalog number
2004.0118.01
accession number
2004.0118

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