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: Medicine

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
1895-1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.085
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.085

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

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.086
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.086

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

Concentrated "Barkola" Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A diuretic and tonic indicated in rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and prostate gland affections.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A diuretic and tonic indicated in rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and prostate gland affections.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Old Fort Chemical Company
ID Number
1984.0351.081
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.081

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

Stanley's Instant Headache Cure

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desiredCurrently not on v
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For headache in all its forms, neuralgiac, rheumatic, la grippe, muscular pains of malaria and disordered stomach, and in all cases where speedy and pleasant relief from pain is desired
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1918
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Pierson, Stanley K.
ID Number
1985.0460.221
catalog number
1985.0460.221
accession number
1985.0460

Sal Ethyl Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Among its more prominent indications are headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tebetic crises, colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Among its more prominent indications are headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tebetic crises, colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Parke, Davis and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.088
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.088

A-C Troches

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For simple coughs due to throat irritation caused by colds, excessive use of the voice, or smoking. Also to prevent gagging before the introduction of tongue depressors or dentures.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For simple coughs due to throat irritation caused by colds, excessive use of the voice, or smoking. Also to prevent gagging before the introduction of tongue depressors or dentures.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1941
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Abbott Laboratories
ID Number
1984.0351.044
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.044

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

DeWitt's Laxative Cold Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For common colds, headache due to colds, and simple neuralgia. Gently move the bowels.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For common colds, headache due to colds, and simple neuralgia. Gently move the bowels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930 - 1950
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.093
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.093

Bacon's Celery King

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A laxative tea. For the relief of the various symptoms due to constipation, or faulty intestinal elimination.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A laxative tea. For the relief of the various symptoms due to constipation, or faulty intestinal elimination.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
S. C. Wells and Company
ID Number
1985.0460.008
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.008

Arzen Nasal Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Promotes nasal cleanliness and depletion of the minor congested nasal membranes. Relieves colds right at the start. Alleviates minor congested conditions.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Promotes nasal cleanliness and depletion of the minor congested nasal membranes. Relieves colds right at the start. Alleviates minor congested conditions. Local application in minor nasal irritations and chest colds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1932
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Arzen Laboratories, Inc
ID Number
1984.0351.051
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.051

Ammen's Antiseptic Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:promotes relief from conditions arising from excessive heat, exposure and minor skin troubles. Especially reommended for Prickly Heat and Foot Irriation.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
promotes relief from conditions arising from excessive heat, exposure and minor skin troubles. Especially reommended for Prickly Heat and Foot Irriation. Insect Bites, sunburn, nettle rash, chafing.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Charles Ammen Company
ID Number
1985.0475.346
catalog number
1985.0475.346
accession number
1985.0475

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

Anestol Analgesic Liniment

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and painsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Counterirritant for relief of pain and discomfort associated with muscular, neuralgic, or rheumatic aches and pains
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
ID Number
1985.0460.005
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.005

Tafon Appetite Appeasement

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A mineral-water-soluble-vitamin dietary supplement and an aid to appetite appeasementCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A mineral-water-soluble-vitamin dietary supplement and an aid to appetite appeasement
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
after 1953
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Tafon Distributors, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0460.100
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.100

DeWitt's Catarrhal Cream

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For nasal catarrh, cold in the head and inflammation of the nasal passages. Cleansing, antiseptic and germicidal.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For nasal catarrh, cold in the head and inflammation of the nasal passages. Cleansing, antiseptic and germicidal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.042
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.042

Dr Pierre's Boro-Pheno-Form

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An inhibitory antiseptic for vaginal useCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An inhibitory antiseptic for vaginal use
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Dr. Pierre Chemical Co.
ID Number
1984.0351.055
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.055

Cuticura Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general healthCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A gentle alterative tonic, digestive, and aperient for use in the treatment of skin and scalp affections and for promoting the general health
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation
ID Number
1984.0351.098
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.098

Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For women having the symptoms often associated with Change of Life, "Female Nerves," and periodic menstrual pain, due to functional causes only.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For women having the symptoms often associated with Change of Life, "Female Nerves," and periodic menstrual pain, due to functional causes only. (If these symptoms are due to any organic cause you should consult your doctor.) Gentle stomach tonic effect.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1949
retailer
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0460.039
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.039

McKesson's Camphor Ice

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For the relief of the discomfort of chapped hands and lipsCurrently 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 the relief of the discomfort of chapped hands and lips
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
McKesson and Robbins
ID Number
1985.0475.384
catalog number
1985.0475.384
accession number
1985.0475

Hanford's Balsam of Myrrh

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:External antiseptic dressing and liniment.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
External antiseptic dressing and liniment. For minor cuts, abrasions, burns, scalds, bruises, muscular aches, insect bites, sunburn, chafing, sprains, swellings, soreness from over exertion, chilblains, frostbite.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1937
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
G.C. Hanford Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1984.0351.028
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.028

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