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.

Date: 1930s

Emerson Iron Lung

This early respirator for producing artificial respiration over long periods of time was designed and constructed by the donor, John Haven Emerson. Completed in July 1931, it was first used in the summer of that year at the Providence City Hospital, Providence, R.I.
Description
This early respirator for producing artificial respiration over long periods of time was designed and constructed by the donor, John Haven Emerson. Completed in July 1931, it was first used in the summer of that year at the Providence City Hospital, Providence, R.I. The original features claimed for this machine when it was introduced are: the leather diaphragm, which replaced the noisy vacuum-cleaner blower on earlier machines; a hand pump to be used in case of electrical failure; improved gears to simplify adjustment of respiration rate to suit the patient; and simplification of fastenings to permit rapid entry of the patient. The machine is 2.25 m L x 1.8 m H x 95 cm W.
Poliovirus belongs to a family of very small, single-stranded RNA viruses that also includes the pathogens of common cold and infectious hepatitis (Hepatitis A). Many strains of the virus that do not produce serious disease exist, and are capable of inducing immunity. Ironically, improvements in sanitation reduced this natural resistance and opened the way for more and worse epidemics after World War I.
The most serious polio patients suffered respiratory failure, and as early as the 1860s, inventors had experimented with apparatuses for artificial breathing. In 1928, Philip Drinker and Dr. Louis Agassiz Shaw, in Boston, first used the term "iron lung" for their machine that varied pressure to aid polio victims' respiration. John Haven Emerson, who ran a machine shop at Harvard Square making medical and scientific instruments, saw Drinker's and Shaw's device and imagined improvements, which he completed three years later. His respirator not only worked better, it sold for less than half the price of the original "iron lung." Legal battles followed, but Emerson's designs prevailed commercially as the virus created a growing demand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1931
early developer
Drinker, Philip
Shaw, Louis Agassiz
business owner
Emerson, John Haven
maker
Emerson, John Haven
John Haven Emerson Company
ID Number
MG.M-04998
catalog number
M-04998
accession number
160980

Hump Hair Pins

Sol H. Goldberg (1887-1940) was a Chicagoan who, having invented Hump Hair Pins, established and presided over the Hump Hairpin Manufacturing Co. Later, when bobbed hair became fashionable, Goldberg began manufacturing bobby pins.Ref: “RITES TOMORROW / FOR HAIRPIN KING / SOL H.
Description
Sol H. Goldberg (1887-1940) was a Chicagoan who, having invented Hump Hair Pins, established and presided over the Hump Hairpin Manufacturing Co. Later, when bobbed hair became fashionable, Goldberg began manufacturing bobby pins.
Ref: “RITES TOMORROW / FOR HAIRPIN KING / SOL H. GOLDBERG,” Chicago Tribune (June 6, 1940), p. 30.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915 - 1930
ID Number
1979.0798.498
accession number
1979.0798
catalog number
1979.0798.498

Lucky Brown Pressing Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Presses You Hair in Place. Keeps Your Hair Pretty.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Presses You Hair in Place. Keeps Your Hair Pretty.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
copyright date (on packaging)
1938
maker
Famous Products Co.
ID Number
1986.0933.03
catalog number
1986.0933.03
accession number
1986.0933

Hanford's Balmur Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For chapped skin, chafing, sunburn, minor burns, scalds, cuts, callouses, baby rashes, tender burning feet, irritation associated with pilesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For chapped skin, chafing, sunburn, minor burns, scalds, cuts, callouses, baby rashes, tender burning feet, irritation associated with piles
Location
Currently not on view
trademark registration date
1932-11-02
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
manufacturer
G.C. Hanford Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1985.0460.009
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.009

Hydraseptine Vaginal Suppositories

A box with brown paper wrapping and blue print. The box contains 24 suppositories and was priced at $1.00.
Description
A box with brown paper wrapping and blue print. The box contains 24 suppositories and was priced at $1.00. Text on wrapper includes: "Hy'ne Vaginal / Suppositories / Has been on the / market since 1887" The Hy'ne trademark also appears on the wrapper: a woman's head in profile surrounded by a halo of light rays with the HY'NE name above. The box is sealed and unopened. Made by the Hy'ne Company, 1737-1741 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago, IL.
Trademark registered 1932.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
ID Number
1985.0481.073
catalog number
1985.0481.073
accession number
1985.0481

Foley Family Pills for Constipation (Box of 12 Packages)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For constipation, biliousness and headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For constipation, biliousness and headache
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.076
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.076

Thoxine

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common sore throat and coughs due to colds and throat irritations. Very valuable to singers and speakers. Quickly relieves thoat irritation due to smoking.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common sore throat and coughs due to colds and throat irritations. Very valuable to singers and speakers. Quickly relieves thoat irritation due to smoking.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Reese Chemical Company
ID Number
1985.0460.228
catalog number
1985.0460.228
accession number
1985.0460

Chaces Pine Balsam

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Valuable in treatment of bronchitis, hoarseness, coughs, and coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Valuable in treatment of bronchitis, hoarseness, coughs, and colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
N. F. Ames and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.019
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.019

Liquid Thymoform

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Antiseptic, or disinfectant, when undiluted, with a pleasant odor. Inhibits the multiplication of bacteria. As a deodorant, it destroys many bad odors.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Antiseptic, or disinfectant, when undiluted, with a pleasant odor. Inhibits the multiplication of bacteria. As a deodorant, it destroys many bad odors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1938
1908-1918
maker
Thymoform Company
ID Number
1984.0782.195
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.195

Menthol Inhaler, 7 Grains

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use in upper respiratory infections [Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, Seventh Edition, 1927]Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For use in upper respiratory infections [Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, Seventh Edition, 1927]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920s-1930s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
National Pharmacy Company
ID Number
1984.0351.057
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.057

Dr. Pierce's Lotion Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:One of these lotion tablets crushed and dissolved in a pint of hot water makes a cleansing lotion or washCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
One of these lotion tablets crushed and dissolved in a pint of hot water makes a cleansing lotion or wash
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
World's Dispensary Medical Association
ID Number
1984.0351.043
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.043

Oxy-Cue, Pop for Corns, X-L Concentrate

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
"Oxy-Cue" antiseptic dusting powder - easing, soothing, cooling, deodorizing - for tired feet. "Pop" for Corns - works on your corns or callus while you're on the job or asleep. "X-L" Concentrate - to relieve the discomfort of athlete's foot, and itching toes.
date made
1941-1945
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Radio Drugs
ID Number
1985.0460.110
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.110

Lucky Brown Hair Dressing for Men and Women

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Slicks Hair In Place/For Men and Women/ Have Beautiful Hair/Have Straighter Looking Glossy HairCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Slicks Hair In Place/For Men and Women/ Have Beautiful Hair/Have Straighter Looking Glossy Hair
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1937
copyright date (on packaging)
1937
maker
Famous Products Co.
ID Number
1986.0933.02
accession number
1986.0933
catalog number
1986.0933.02

Carter's Little Iron Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A compound iron tonic to make redder bloodCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A compound iron tonic to make redder blood
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1937
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Carter Medicine Company
ID Number
1985.0460.017
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.017

Squibb Tooth Powder

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1942
maker
E. R. Squibb and Sons
ID Number
1984.0782.232
catalog number
1984.0782.232
accession number
1984.0782

Anna Health Sponge Trade Literature

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1938 - 1939
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
American Sponge and Chamois Company
ID Number
1984.0351.318
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.318

Bukets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:To stimulate the flow of urine and lessen its acidity, thus aiding nature in effecting better eliminationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
To stimulate the flow of urine and lessen its acidity, thus aiding nature in effecting better elimination
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1931
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Keller Company
ID Number
1984.0351.003
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.003

Hill's Cascara Quinine Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common colds, headaches due to constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common colds, headaches due to constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
W. H. Hill Company
Larned Corporation
ID Number
MG.293320.1309
catalog number
293320.1309
accession number
293320

Buckingham's Dye for the Whiskers

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:dye, to color whiskers and moustachesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
dye, to color whiskers and moustaches
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1937
product expiration date
1937-10-19
maker
R. P. Hall & Company
ID Number
MG.M-10417.01
catalog number
M-10417.01
accession number
246707

Omin Tonic Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:TonicCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
Omin Products
E. M. Sekunna
ID Number
MG.293320.1271
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1271

Oil Flask for Carrel-Lindbergh Perfusion Pump

This oil flask, designed by Charles Lindbergh, was used in conjunction with the Lindbergh-Carrel perfusion pump (see record MG*M-09361) in experiments at Rockefeller Institute to keep small animal organs alive outside of the body.
Description (Brief)
This oil flask, designed by Charles Lindbergh, was used in conjunction with the Lindbergh-Carrel perfusion pump (see record MG*M-09361) in experiments at Rockefeller Institute to keep small animal organs alive outside of the body. The organ was kept sterile within the inner chambers of the perfusion pump while a nutrient-rich fluid was pumped into the organ’s artery. The oil flask provided the pulsating power for the system. When connected to the pump, the flask operated like an oil piston to drive the nutrient solution through the animal organ. The flask, like the perfusion pump, was made from Pyrex glass by master glassblower Otto Hopf, who worked at Rockefeller Institute at the time Alexis Carrel (1873–1944) was carrying out his investigations in tissue and organ culture.
The oil flask consists of two chambers and seven openings. When in operation it was partially filled with oil and connected through rubber tubing to a gas cylinder, an air tank, and several perfusion pumps. Pulses of air entered the outer chamber of the flask at the lower valve, driving oil up through the inner chamber and compressing the control gas, which entered the upper chamber at one of the top valves. This compressed gas transmitted pulses of pressure to the perfusion pumps, which drove the perfusion fluid through the pump and to the animal organ resting in the upper chamber. The oil flask was designed to operate three perfusion pumps, a configuration that was utilized by Lindbergh and Carrel in their experiments. Lindbergh describes in detail the perfusion pump, oil flask, and the apparatus assembly in his 1935 article “An Apparatus for the Culture of Whole Organs” and in the 1938 book The Culture of Organs.
Sources:
Carrel, Alexis, and Charles A. Lindbergh. The Culture of Organs. New York: P.B. Hoeber, Inc., 1938.
Lindbergh, C. A. “An Apparatus for the Culture of Whole Organs.” The Journal of Experimental Medicine 62.3 (1935): 409–31. PMC. Web. 14 July 2015. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2133279/
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
designer
Lindbergh, Charles A.
ID Number
MG.M-09362
catalog number
M-09362
accession number
224610
catalog number
224610.14

Dr. Donnelly's Tonic Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Relieves tired feeling and fatigueCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Relieves tired feeling and fatigue
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1938
maker
Griffin Drug Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.05
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

A.D.S. Carbolic Salve

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For bruises and soresCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For bruises and sores
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
American Druggists Syndicate
ID Number
MG.293320.1168
catalog number
293320.1168
accession number
293320

Powdered Ginger, Jamaica (unbleached)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For use as an intestinal stimulant and carminative [relief of flatulence] in colic and diarrhea [Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, Seventh Edition,1926]Cu
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For use as an intestinal stimulant and carminative [relief of flatulence] in colic and diarrhea [Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, Seventh Edition,1926]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
W. H. Schieffelin and Company
ID Number
MG.M-02977
catalog number
M-02977
accession number
112193

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.