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: Art

EMETIC

This baked enamel label is marked, EMETIC", along with the alchemical symbol for Tartarus (Tartar). Emetic Tartar is the same as Antimonium Tartarisatum. It was used to induce vomiting because of poisoning, intoxication, and other conditions.Currently not on view
Description
This baked enamel label is marked, EMETIC", along with the alchemical symbol for Tartarus (Tartar). Emetic Tartar is the same as Antimonium Tartarisatum. It was used to induce vomiting because of poisoning, intoxication, and other conditions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0199
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05347
1991.0664.0199.01
1991.0664.0199.02
collector/donor number
SAP 56

Drug jar

This blue monochrome drug jar has a cobalt blue stylized floral motif and scrolls. There is a cobalt blue and yellow-brown escroll in the center of the container inscribed with gothic script.Currently not on view
Description
This blue monochrome drug jar has a cobalt blue stylized floral motif and scrolls. There is a cobalt blue and yellow-brown escroll in the center of the container inscribed with gothic script.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
Date made
1500 - 1550
ID Number
1991.0664.0497
catalog number
M-05709
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 421
catalog number
1991.0664.0497

TINCT KALINA

This blown and molded bottle is marked TINCT KALINA. The bottle would have contained tincture of kalina, a solution of powdered potassium carbonate in alcohol.
Description
This blown and molded bottle is marked TINCT KALINA. The bottle would have contained tincture of kalina, a solution of powdered potassium carbonate in alcohol. The tincture of kalina was prescribed as a blood thinner, diaphoretic, antacid, diuretic, or laxative.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0308
catalog number
M-05457
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 166
catalog number
1991.0664.0308

Measure Jar

This jar served as a measure for liquids. The jar has a white background with blue slip decoration and applied handle. A round metal button is imbedded into the glaze on the left side of the container.Currently not on view
Description
This jar served as a measure for liquids. The jar has a white background with blue slip decoration and applied handle. A round metal button is imbedded into the glaze on the left side of the container.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0667
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05879
collector/donor number
SAP 591
catalog number
1991.0664.0667

SACCH LACTIS

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an unusally wide neck, a flared lip, and a large round stopper. The number 32 has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an unusally wide neck, a flared lip, and a large round stopper. The number 32 has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar is marked with the alchemical symbol for powder. It is also marked SACCH LACTIS in black below it. The jar contained a powdered form of Saccharum Lactis, Latin for sugar milk, or lactose, which was used to dilute other drugs. It was also used as a diuretic and is still used today in homeopathic preparations.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0360
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 221
catalog number
1991.0664.0360
M-05509

TRAC AROMAT

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck with a round stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves and capped by a yellow crown. The label is marked in black TRAC AROMAT.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck with a round stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves and capped by a yellow crown. The label is marked in black TRAC AROMAT. Aromata is Latin for spices, and this apothecary jar would have held some sort of solution mixed with spices. Aromatic spices such as myrrh, cloves and various flowers were used to make the air clean and healthful. Reference: Paul Freedman, Out of the East: Spices and the Medieval Imagination (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009), p. 81.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0355
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 216
catalog number
1991.0664.0355.01
1991.0664.0355.02
M-05504

Albarello

This blue and white albarello is decorated with a landscape of hills, trees, and several buildings.Currently not on view
Description
This blue and white albarello is decorated with a landscape of hills, trees, and several buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0602
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05814
collector/donor number
SAP 526
catalog number
1991.0664.0602

ELIX PPT PARAG

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ELIX PPT PARAG in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ELIX PPT PARAG in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained a prepared Paregoric Elixir. This elixir was a mixture of opium that often contained other herbs like benzoin, camphor, or anis. The elixir was a soothing tonic that served as a narcotic and a cough suppressant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0321
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05470
collector/donor number
SAP 321
catalog number
1991.0664.0321

TMR SIMPL

This square-shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a flat circular collar. The container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped by a crown.
Description
This square-shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a flat circular collar. The container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped by a crown. According to Urdang this bottle was manufactured in the last third of the 18th century. It is marked in black TMR SIMPL. TMR is the abbreviation for Tinctura Martis, or tincture of iron. This bottle is illustrated on page 20 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0190
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05338
collector/donor number
SAP 47
catalog number
1991.0664.0190

ESS TFRIFOL FIBR

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The bottle has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS TFRIFOL FIBR in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The bottle has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS TFRIFOL FIBR in black text. The first initial of each word is painted red. This bottle would have contained Essence of Trifolium fiber. The Trifolium genus of plants contains a variety of clovers used in different medications that were prescribed as aperients, deobstruents, stomachics, diuretics, and diaphoretics.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0455
catalog number
M-05604
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 316
catalog number
1991.0664.0455

VITR ANTIMON

This blown and molded square jar has a flared lip. The white oval baked enamel shield is framed by a chain of blue leaves interspersed with four yellow flowers. The container is marked VITR ANTIMON.
Description
This blown and molded square jar has a flared lip. The white oval baked enamel shield is framed by a chain of blue leaves interspersed with four yellow flowers. The container is marked VITR ANTIMON. Antimony Vitrum, or glass of antimony, is very strong emectic on its own and is also used in the preparation of other alchemical compounds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0219
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05367
collector/donor number
SAP 76
catalog number
1991.0664.0219

El. PLIRI. ARGO

This albarello has a yellow background surrounded by a green wreath with yellow and blue berries. An image of an angel stands above a blue and white scroll reads EL PLIRI ARGOR in black.An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica.
Description
This albarello has a yellow background surrounded by a green wreath with yellow and blue berries. An image of an angel stands above a blue and white scroll reads EL PLIRI ARGOR in black.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
Date made
1600 - 1699
ID Number
1991.0664.0538
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05750
collector/donor number
SAP 462
catalog number
1991.0664.0538

DENT APLI

This blown glass drug jar has a label marked in red and black, DENT APLI. The jar opening is secured with a paper label and tied with a string at the neck. The jar contains a white powder substance.Currently not on view
Description
This blown glass drug jar has a label marked in red and black, DENT APLI. The jar opening is secured with a paper label and tied with a string at the neck. The jar contains a white powder substance.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0443
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05592
collector/donor number
SAP 304
catalog number
1991.0664.0443

ELLEET E EVC ROS

This albarello features a painted yellow oval baroque shield with a knight’s helmet at the top. The shield is framed by blue flowers. The interior of the shield features an image of a castle tower with three stars above, and the initialsG C in between the stars.
Description
This albarello features a painted yellow oval baroque shield with a knight’s helmet at the top. The shield is framed by blue flowers. The interior of the shield features an image of a castle tower with three stars above, and the initialsG C in between the stars. Below the lower shoulder the jar is also marked ELLEET E ESVC ROS. The jar would have contained an electuary of rose, a paste composed of rose water and rose petals that was used as a salve.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0575
catalog number
M-05787
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 499
catalog number
1991.0664.0575

ELIX UTERIN CR

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked ELIX UTERIN CR in black, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked ELIX UTERIN CR in black, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained an elixir of uterinum, a compound of sabin, leaves from the Juniper bush grown in Europe, castor, and myrrh which was used to stimulate menses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0453
catalog number
M-05602
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 314
catalog number
1991.0664.0453

D, R FELiX

This square-shaped clear glass bottle has an applied neck and a flat circular collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped with a crown. It is marked D. R FELiX.
Description
This square-shaped clear glass bottle has an applied neck and a flat circular collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by yellow stylized leaves and capped with a crown. It is marked D. R FELiX. According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue this bottle was manufactured in the last third of the 18th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0194
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05342
collector/donor number
SAP 51
catalog number
1991.0664.0194

R. Nardi Yndica

This urn–shaped drug jar has a grayish–white glaze, a straight neck and a round domed foot. A rectangular label is formed at the center of the jar by thin brown and yellow stripes topped by four C–scrolls to form a blue cartouche with a yellow center.
Description
This urn–shaped drug jar has a grayish–white glaze, a straight neck and a round domed foot. A rectangular label is formed at the center of the jar by thin brown and yellow stripes topped by four C–scrolls to form a blue cartouche with a yellow center. The label creates a frame for the jar’s inscription. The outer frame is surrounded at the top and bottom with blue and green vines and yellow swags of beads.
The jar is marked R. Nardi Yndicae.” Correspondence in 1954 between Division of Medicine Associate Curator George Griffenhagen and George Urdang notes that the jars appear to be of Catalonian–Aragonese origin. The jar would have contained Radice Nardus Indica. Nardi (Nard or Nardus) Indica comes from the root of Indian nard or spikenard. Nard comes from the Valerian family of plants and was used as incense in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Nard was also used to induce menstruation and reduce gas in the stomach. It also served as a sedative, a perfume, and a cure for insomnia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0567
catalog number
M-05779
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 491
catalog number
1991.0664.0567

OUT VOGL

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar is labeled with the alchemical symbol for powder and the text OUT VOGL in black.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0367
catalog number
M-05516
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 228
catalog number
1991.0664.0367

Apothecary Jar: TUT

This widemouthed glass jar has a flattened collar and an applied round foot. It is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche framed by blue stylized vines and topped by a yellow crown which is typical of German pharmaceutical containers of the 17th and 18th century's.
Description
This widemouthed glass jar has a flattened collar and an applied round foot. It is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche framed by blue stylized vines and topped by a yellow crown which is typical of German pharmaceutical containers of the 17th and 18th century's. It is marked TUT above the an alchmical sysmbol, two letter Ps, with two lines running horizontally through the stems.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0155
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05303
1991.0664.0155
collector/donor number
SAP 12

ESS L SANET

This blown and molded bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The bottle has a baked enamel label framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS L SANET in black, with the first initial of each word in red.Currently not on view
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The bottle has a baked enamel label framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads ESS L SANET in black, with the first initial of each word in red.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0313
catalog number
M-05462
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 171
catalog number
1991.0664.0313

Medicine Chest

This small wooden drug chest has a hinged lid with a bale handle and two hinged side compartments. The exterior of the chest is embellished with metal straps, hinges, and incised stylized flowers.
Description
This small wooden drug chest has a hinged lid with a bale handle and two hinged side compartments. The exterior of the chest is embellished with metal straps, hinges, and incised stylized flowers. Inside are four drawers with stamped pewter knobs and three compartments for bottles. The chest and drawers are lined with marbled paper. All of the bottles are blown and molded glass. Five of the bottles have pewter caps, and two have glass stoppers. The four pewter containers have pewter caps. One drawer is filled with a white powder.
By the 18th century medicine chest of this type had become more or less standardized and available to the general population. They were used in the home as well as for travel over land and on the water. The Deutsche Apotheken Museum has a similar but slightly larger medicine chest in their collection which is illustrated in Das Deutsche Apotheken Museum, figure 256.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0975
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06371
collector/donor number
SAP 1063
catalog number
1991.0664.0975

TINCT APERITIV

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked TINCT APERITIV. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked TINCT APERITIV. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0247
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05395
collector/donor number
SAP 104
catalog number
1991.0664.0247

FE: URTIC: ROM

This albarello has a white glazed background with an elaborate cobalt blue cartouche. A basket of fruit sits atop the cartouche, flanked by two peacocks. Also included in the design are scrolls, vines, tassels, and the face of an angel with a pendant cross.
Description
This albarello has a white glazed background with an elaborate cobalt blue cartouche. A basket of fruit sits atop the cartouche, flanked by two peacocks. Also included in the design are scrolls, vines, tassels, and the face of an angel with a pendant cross. The center of the cartouche is marked “C FE: URTIC: ROM.” Urticaria is a skin rash that the medication in this jar was used to treat.
The bottom of the glazed base bares a maker’s mark, a small dot above the letter P. This is the mark of the Pennis family who owned two ceramic factories in the Netherlands from about 1723 to 1789. In addition to apothecary jars they made small utilitarian objects for the home. The family included:
Pennis, Johannes, Sr. d. 1774
Pennis, Anthoney d. 1770
Pennis, Johannes, Jr. d. before 1789
The family owned two factories, the De Porceleyne Schotel from 1723 to 1763 and the De Twee Scheepjes (the two little ships) from 1750 until around 1789.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1723-1789
maker
Pennis, Johannis
ID Number
1991.0664.0827
catalog number
M-06039
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 751
catalog number
1991.0664.0827

Matthaeus Keller, Phat Macopaeus

Portrait print of Matthaeus Keller (1620-1661), a Nuremberg pharmacist. This was engraved by J. Sandrart, after a drawing by R. Warenfels, ca. 1665.Currently not on view
Description
Portrait print of Matthaeus Keller (1620-1661), a Nuremberg pharmacist. This was engraved by J. Sandrart, after a drawing by R. Warenfels, ca. 1665.
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Keller, Matthaeus
ID Number
1991.0664.0022
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 898

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.