Health & Medicine - Overview
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.
"Health & Medicine - Overview" showing 4 items.
Spectacles
- Description
- These silver-framed eyeglasses with round lenses are know as Martin's Margins. They were invented by Benjamin Martin (1704–1782), an instrument maker from London, England. The dark rims were supposed to protect wearers from excessive light and improve their vision. This pair probably dates from the second half of the eighteenth century. Most Martin's Margins frames are made from steel or silver and have either horn or tortoiseshell rims.
- date made
- 1750-1800
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- MG*M-11223
- accession number
- 260033
- catalog number
- M-11223
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Spectacles
- Description
- These gold-plated eyeglass frames with rectangular glass lenses connected by a broad bridge date from about 1850 to 1880. The straight temples terminate in teardrop-shaped fenestrations.
- date made
- 1850-1880
- 1850-1900
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 1981.0828.12
- catalog number
- 1981.0828.12
- accession number
- 1981.0828
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Spectacles
- Description
- This pair of Harlequin-shaped eyeglasses dates from about 1960. The frame is made from 12KT white gold and has a black enamel-like design on the rim and temples. The Ultex bifocal lenses are made each from one piece of ground glass. The nose pads and earpieces are covered in plastic. By the mid-twentieth century, the variety of styles, colors, and materials for eyewear had become limitless.
- date made
- ca 1955
- ca 1960
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 1984.0140.417
- catalog number
- 1984.0140.417
- accession number
- 1984.0140
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Spectacles
- Description
- In the nineteenth century this type of eyewear was referred to as eye protectors or railroad glasses. They have four colored lenses and were worn to help protect weak eyes from bright light, dust, and the wind when out riding or driving. They have steel frames with double lenses (sometimes referred to as Double-D lenses) and are tinted different shades of blue and blue-green. Lenses could be found in shades of blue, green, amber, and gray. The bows are sliding extension temples terminating in a teardrop-shaped fenestration. This pair of eyeglasses date from about 1850.
- date made
- ca 1850
- ID Number
- MG*317912.064
- accession number
- 317912
- catalog number
- 317912.064
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center