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.

Place: Illinois

Foley Cathartic Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For disorders of the stomach, liver, and bowels caused by constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For disorders of the stomach, liver, and bowels caused by constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.29
catalog number
M-10413.29
accession number
246707

Crane's Corn Remover - for Corns and Callouses

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Removal of corns and callousesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Removal of corns and callouses
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
Crane Medicine Co.
ID Number
MG.293320.1205
catalog number
293320.1205
accession number
293320

Dr. Sawyer's Ko-Ro-No Tablets

[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
maker
Sawyer Squaw Root Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.01
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Foley Family Pills for Biliousness Constipation & Headaches

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Biliousness, constipation and headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Biliousness, constipation and headache
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.074
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.074

Dr. X. Stone's Throat Wafers

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For throat irritations, coughs, hoarseness, tickling of the throat, minor cough due to irritation, and children's coughsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For throat irritations, coughs, hoarseness, tickling of the throat, minor cough due to irritation, and children's coughs
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1933
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Stone Medicine Company
ID Number
1984.0351.002
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.002

20-Mule-Team Borax Soap Chips

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1985.3007.01
catalog number
1985.3007.01
nonaccession number
1985.3007

Radio Girl Perfume

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Consolidated Royal Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1986.0749.01
accession number
1986.0749
catalog number
1986.0749.01

DeWitt's Creosant Troches

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For coughs due to colds, also soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations associated with common coldsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For coughs due to colds, also soothing for minor bronchial and throat irritations associated with common colds
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.007
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.007

Pepsodent Ammoniated Tooth Powder

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Lever Brothers Company. Pepsodent Division
ID Number
1988.0717.35
catalog number
1988.0717.35
accession number
1988.0717

DDD Prescription

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A remedial agent for the relief of itching caused by irritations of the skin and scalpCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A remedial agent for the relief of itching caused by irritations of the skin and scalp
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s-1960s
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Campana Corporation
ID Number
1985.0460.028
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.028

Dr. Blumer's Dentone Tooth Paste

date made
ca 1920s
maker
Lincoln Chemical Works
ID Number
1986.0873.11
accession number
1986.0873
catalog number
1986.0873.11

Enovid 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 G. D. Searle Company of Chicago, Illinois, produced these Enovid 5-milligram tablets for the drug's clinical trials in the late1950s. The oral contraceptive was originally tested in a 10-milligram dose, but when many women experienced unpleasant side effects the dosage was dropped to 5-milligrams. Before the introduction of "memory aid" packaging, Enovid was dispensed in 20 tablet vials. This sample was donated to the Smithsonian by the Margaret Sanger Center of New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1955-1960
maker
G. D. Searle and Company
ID Number
1982.0531.032
catalog number
1982.0531.032
accession number
1982.0531

Stillman's Medicated Jell Refill

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Stillman Company
ID Number
1985.0481.440
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.440

Calocide

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For professional and home use to ease tired, tender, uncomfortable feet, hard corns, and callouses.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For professional and home use to ease tired, tender, uncomfortable feet, hard corns, and callouses. Package also contains special plasters used in conjunction with foot bath to treat hard corns.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1945-01
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Consolidated Royal Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1984.0351.036
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.036

Castoria

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A special laxative for infants and growing childrenCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A special laxative for infants and growing children
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1948-1956
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Sterling Drug Inc. Centaur-Caldwell Division
ID Number
1984.0351.049
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.049

DeWitt's Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A diuretic stimulant for the kidneys. Promotes the flow of urine. Intended to relieve sluggish flow of urine caused by non-functional disturbances.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A diuretic stimulant for the kidneys. Promotes the flow of urine. Intended to relieve sluggish flow of urine caused by non-functional disturbances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.001
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.001

Stillman's Medicated Jell - Especially Prepared for the Particular Woman in Her Practice of Personal Hygiene

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Stillman Company
ID Number
1985.0481.439
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.439

Dr. West's Toothpaste

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Western Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.246
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.246

Orange Blossom Suppositories

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For the local irritation of simple vaginitisCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For the local irritation of simple vaginitis
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Dr. J. A. McGill Company
ID Number
1985.0460.077
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.077

DeWitt's Compound Gaduol Tonic Pills, Cod Liver Oil Extract

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic alterative and nutritive. Valuable preparation in case of malnutrition, loss of weight, nervousness, failing appetite, lack of energy, and run-down condition.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic alterative and nutritive. Valuable preparation in case of malnutrition, loss of weight, nervousness, failing appetite, lack of energy, and run-down condition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s-1930s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.054
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.054

Cuticura Medicated Liquid

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Helps relieve itching and irritation of insect bites, dandruff, cold sores, chafing, poison ivy, heat rash, acne pimples, athlete's foot, eczema, razor irritationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Helps relieve itching and irritation of insect bites, dandruff, cold sores, chafing, poison ivy, heat rash, acne pimples, athlete's foot, eczema, razor irritation
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1963
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Purex Corporation
ID Number
1985.0460.027
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.027

Bovinine (Plain)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Prescribed to supplement the diet in convalescence, undernourishment, and other conditions where the nutritive properties of beef blood are indicated.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Prescribed to supplement the diet in convalescence, undernourishment, and other conditions where the nutritive properties of beef blood are indicated.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Bovinine Company
ID Number
1984.0351.149
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.149

Wakefield's Golden Ointment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An excellent remedy for old sores, burns, scalds, bruises, cuts, sore nipples, sore breasts, salt rheum, chapped hands, sore throat, piles, felons, etc.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An excellent remedy for old sores, burns, scalds, bruises, cuts, sore nipples, sore breasts, salt rheum, chapped hands, sore throat, piles, felons, etc. Relieves nearly every kind of a sore containing either inflammation or a soft or flabby condition of the skin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Dr. C. Wakefield and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.109
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.109

DeWitt's Aspirin

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache, colds, neuralgia, and gargleCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache, colds, neuralgia, and gargle
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.084
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.084

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