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.

EpiPen 2-Pak, (Epinephrine) Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg

Yellow and white cardboard box with black print containing two epinephrine auto-injectors, each in a plastic capsule with a yellow plastic flip top lid. Each auto-injector has a label with illustrated instructions for use.
Description
Yellow and white cardboard box with black print containing two epinephrine auto-injectors, each in a plastic capsule with a yellow plastic flip top lid. Each auto-injector has a label with illustrated instructions for use. Two paper inserts are included with the product: "EpiPen Trainer Instructions for Use" [Note: the Epipen Trainer is not included in this package] and "Patient Information and Instructions for Use." The epinephrine is injected by removing the blue plastic safety release on one end and then firmly pressing the orange plastic tip (needle end) into the thigh until it clicks. It takes about 10 seconds to deliver the drug.
The Epipen was manufactured by Meridian Medical Technologies of Columbia, Maryland, for Mylan Specialty L.P., Morgantown, West Virginia (a Pfizer company). The FDA approved the product in 1987. Meridian launched the 2-Pak in 2001. The first generic version (by Teva Pharmaceuticals) was approved by FDA in 2018.
The EpiPen is an automatic hypodermic injector designed to swiftly and easily inject an emergency dose of epinephrine in the case of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Engineer Sheldon Kaplan developed the auto-injector while working at Survival Technology, Inc. in Bethesda, Maryland. He is one of four individuals listed on the patent, US403189, granted in 1977. For his work on EpiPen Kaplan was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2016
product expiration date
2017-02
maker
Mylan Specialty L.P.
Meridian Medical Technologies
ID Number
2019.0242.01
catalog number
2019.0242.01
accession number
2019.0242

Glycogen de Nitis

Brown and gold-colored tin with hinged lid and decorative motif on sides and borders. Tin is empty. Original contents: one grain capsules of Glycogen. Probably imported from France by E.
Description
Brown and gold-colored tin with hinged lid and decorative motif on sides and borders. Tin is empty. Original contents: one grain capsules of Glycogen. Probably imported from France by E. Fougera and Company of New York.
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In tuberculosis, typhoid fever, scarlatina, furunculosis [infection of the hair follicle], diphtheria, influenza, in neurasthenic conditions, weak heart, migraine, morphinism, tobaccoism, etc.
Antitoxic and distinctly bactericidal, stimulating the natural resistance of the organism to pathogenic invasions.
In the early 1900s, French doctor, Jacques de Nittis, introduced the therapeutic use of glycogen, a naturally occuring substance which stores carbohydrates in the body. The substance was thought to help increase the production of white blood cells and thus help the body fight off infection. It was also employed in wasting conditions such as those brought on by cancer, tuberculosis, and diabetes, to help rebuild strenghth and weight.
SEE: de Nittis, Jacques, "Glycogen, A Therapeutic Aid (Translated from the Tribune Medicale, April 2, 1904.)" in Southern Medicine, Volume 11, No. 3, September, 1904, pp 11-12.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1905
maker
E. Fougera and Company
ID Number
2019.0068.01
catalog number
2019.0068.01
accession number
2019.0068

Plough's Black and White Face Powder, Flesh

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920's - 1930's
maker
Plough
ID Number
1984.0782.347
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.347

Black and White Bleaching Cream

Oval, white glass container with a paper label seal around the perimeter. 1 1/8 oz. Active Ingredients printed on label.
Description
Oval, white glass container with a paper label seal around the perimeter. 1 1/8 oz. Active Ingredients printed on label. "For External Use by Adults"
["Directions for Using Black and White Bleaching Cream" about 1941]
"Nature is constantly replacing the outer layer of normal skin by flaking it off in tiny particles and replacing it with a new layer.
Black and White Bleaching Cream acts in a similar and supplemental manner and may be used in cases where one wishes to hasten exfoliation (peeling off) of the over-pigmented outer skin -- the result of exposure to sun or wind. It acts the same way when applied to freckles ... It is especially useful as a complexion lightener ..."
"Black and White Bleaching Cream is packaged in special, oval-shaped, opal jars so you may easily remove a small quantity of the cream with the fingertips, thereby regulating the amount you wish to apply.'
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Black and White Company
Plough, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0475.156
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.156

Thionin

Brown glass bottle with a black screw cap, and a paper label that reads in part “GMS / THIONIN / (EHRLICH-HOYER) / For Histological, Bacteriological, Pathological and Bacteriological Staining C.I. No. 920 / Schultz No. 348, 2nd Ed.
Description
Brown glass bottle with a black screw cap, and a paper label that reads in part “GMS / THIONIN / (EHRLICH-HOYER) / For Histological, Bacteriological, Pathological and Bacteriological Staining C.I. No. 920 / Schultz No. 348, 2nd Ed. / PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORIES / NATIONAL ANILINE & CHEMICAL CO., INC. NEW YORK.”
Location
Currently not on view
maker
National Aniline and Chemical Company
ID Number
2017.0184.001.16
catalog number
2017.0184.001.16
accession number
2017.0184

Blood Glucose Meter

A glucometer measures blood glucose. The first example was made by the Ames division of Miles Laboratories and introduced to the market in 1981.
Description
A glucometer measures blood glucose. The first example was made by the Ames division of Miles Laboratories and introduced to the market in 1981. It was developed by Anton Hubert Clemens, a German engineer who began working for this firm in 1965, and obtained several related patents. This example is a Model 5550. An inscription reads “AMES DIVISION MILES LABORATORIES INC., P.O. BOX 70, ELKHART, INDIANA 46515.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1986
maker
Miles Laboratories
ID Number
2001.0031.01
catalog number
2001.0031.01
accession number
2001.0031

Lice and Nit Comb or Infant Comb

Double-sided comb made of ivory, suitable for use on an infant or for removing lice nits. Pratt, Read & Company, the donor, was established in Ivoryton, Ct., in 1798, and produced beads, buttons, and billiard balls from elephant tusks imported from Africa.Currently not on view
Description
Double-sided comb made of ivory, suitable for use on an infant or for removing lice nits. Pratt, Read & Company, the donor, was established in Ivoryton, Ct., in 1798, and produced beads, buttons, and billiard balls from elephant tusks imported from Africa.
Location
Currently not on view
associated dates
1989-01-24
ID Number
1989.0124.02
catalog number
1989.0124.02
accession number
1989.0124

Lice and Nit Comb or Infant Comb

Double-sided comb made of ivory, suitable for use on an infant or for removing lice nits. Pratt, Read & Company, the donor, was established in Ivoryton, Ct., in 1798, and produced beads, buttons, and billiard balls from elephant tusks imported from Africa.Currently not on view
Description
Double-sided comb made of ivory, suitable for use on an infant or for removing lice nits. Pratt, Read & Company, the donor, was established in Ivoryton, Ct., in 1798, and produced beads, buttons, and billiard balls from elephant tusks imported from Africa.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1989-01-24
ID Number
1989.0124.01
catalog number
1989.0124.01
accession number
1989.0124

Pocket Sputum Flask

An inscription on the front of this cardboard flask reads “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK.” The Burnitol Manufacturing Co. The Aseptic Drinking Cup Co., of Boston, Ma., introduced “Burnitol” to commerce in 1906 and obtained a copyright on the term.Currently not on view
Description
An inscription on the front of this cardboard flask reads “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK.” The Burnitol Manufacturing Co. The Aseptic Drinking Cup Co., of Boston, Ma., introduced “Burnitol” to commerce in 1906 and obtained a copyright on the term.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burnitol Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0782.323
catalog number
1984.0782.323
accession number
1984.0782

Pocket Sputum Flask

Disposable cardboard cup with “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK” and “BURNITOL MANUFACTURING CO. / BOSTON, SAN FRANCISCO / PATENT NUMBER 1,719,378 / MADE IN U.S.A.” inscriptions.
Description
Disposable cardboard cup with “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK” and “BURNITOL MANUFACTURING CO. / BOSTON, SAN FRANCISCO / PATENT NUMBER 1,719,378 / MADE IN U.S.A.” inscriptions. The Aseptic Drinking Cup Co., of Boston, Ma., introduced the term “Burnitol” to commerce in 1906. The California branch of the firm was incorporated in 1939.
Ref: Harry J. Potter, “Collapsible Receptacle,” U.S. Patent 888,653 (May 26, 1908), assigned to Burnitol Manufacturing Co.
Harry J. Potter, “Sputum-Cup,” U.S. Patent 920,180 (May 4, 1909), assigned to Burnitol Manufacturing Co.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burnitol Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0782.325
catalog number
1984.0782.325
accession number
1984.0782

Pocket Sputum Flask

Disposable cardboard cup with a “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK” inscription. The Aseptic Drinking Cup Co., of Boston, Ma., introduced the term “Burnitol” to commerce in 1906.Ref: Harry J. Potter, “Collapsible Receptacle,” U.S.
Description
Disposable cardboard cup with a “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK” inscription. The Aseptic Drinking Cup Co., of Boston, Ma., introduced the term “Burnitol” to commerce in 1906.
Ref: Harry J. Potter, “Collapsible Receptacle,” U.S. Patent 888,653 (May 26, 1908), assigned to Burnitol Manufacturing Co.
Harry J. Potter, “Sputum-Cup,” U.S. Patent 920,180 (May 4, 1909), assigned to Burnitol Manufacturing Co.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burnitol Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0782.324
catalog number
1984.0782.324
accession number
1984.0782

Pocket Sputum Flask

Disposable cardboard cup with “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK” inscription.Currently not on view
Description
Disposable cardboard cup with “BURNITOL / ‘XL’ / POCKET SPUTUM FLASK” inscription.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burnitol Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0782.326
catalog number
1984.0782.326
accession number
1984.0782

Seals from Pasteur Laboratories Lino-Vaccin Blackleg Vaccine Packets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2014.3012.0767
catalog number
2014.3012.0767
nonaccession number
2014.3012

Lipstick Case

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1985.0605.09
catalog number
1985.0605.09
accession number
1985.0605

Fitch Ideal Hair Tonic

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Grove Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0475.181
accession number
1985.0475
catalog number
1985.0475.181

Burma Shave Razor Blade

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940s-1950s
maker
Burma-Vita Company
ID Number
1986.0873.36
accession number
1986.0873
catalog number
1986.0873.36

Guerlain Shalimar Dummy Bottle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1955-1960
maker
Guerlain
ID Number
2009.3030.37
catalog number
2009.3030.37
nonaccession number
2009.3030

Streptococcus Immunogen Arthritis - Bacterial Antigen made from 2000 million per cc. hemolytic and non-hemolytic Streptococci isolated from rheumatic cases

According to 1940 product literature supplied by Parke, Davis & Company:"The name 'I'mmunogen' identifies the specific antigenic substances obtained from he surface or ectoplasm of bacterial cells.
Description
According to 1940 product literature supplied by Parke, Davis & Company:
"The name 'I'mmunogen' identifies the specific antigenic substances obtained from he surface or ectoplasm of bacterial cells. This type of antigen has been designated as 'ecto-antigen'"'
"The power of Immunogens to stimulate the production of immune bodies is high and compares favorably with that of other specific antigen used for similar purposes. / Immunogens are indicated when stimulation of the natural defense mechanism of immunity is desirable in the prophylaxis or treatment of acute and chronic infections."
"Immunogens are administered by injection. Intracutaneous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes are used most commonly; Immunogens may be given intravenously in small doses if desired. Subcutaneous injection is usually followed by more local reaction than intramuscular."
"Clinical Indications: Immunogens are applicable in the same class of cases as bacterial vaccines - for specific immunization. Both are antigenic - capable of stimulating the production of antibodies; and both are specific, the bacteriology of the infection under treatment pointing to the proper vaccine or Immunogen to be used. / The advantage of Immunogens lies, not in greater specificity, but in greater freedom from nonessential and possibly irritating elements. They contain comparatively little protein. Therefore, they can often be used with good effect in acute infections where vaccines would be less desirable."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1937
expiration date
1937-03-01
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
MG.M-04671
catalog number
M-04671
accession number
147292

Black and White Genuine Pluko Hair Dressing Ointment, Ultra-White Blend

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Plough
ID Number
1985.0475.244
catalog number
1985.0475.244
accession number
1985.0475

Grip-tite Braid Holders

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950s
maker
Solo Products Corporation
ID Number
2012.0046.08
catalog number
2012.0046.08
accession number
2012.0046

Rexall Foot Powder

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Rexall Drug Company
ID Number
1993.0384.018
catalog number
1993.0384.018
accession number
1993.0384

Tiger Balm

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1956
maker
Eng Aun Tong Tiger Medical Hall Rangoon
ID Number
MG.M-06892.07
catalog number
M-06892.07
accession number
210760

Wylon Pressing Oil with Lanolin - Improved

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mecos
ID Number
1985.0475.263
catalog number
1985.0475.263
accession number
1985.0475

Maltine-branded Smith's Wire Folding Tongue Depressor

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2017.0184.002.02
catalog number
2017.0184.002.02
accession number
2017.0184

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