Radium Ampoule, Shorter

Radium Ampoule, Shorter

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Description
This ampoule containing radioactive material, very likely a radium compound, is part of an accession of objects connected with Dr. Robert Abbe [b. April 13, 1851; d. March 7, 1928], a surgeon and early proponent of radium therapy. It is believed, but not confirmed, that Abbe used this object to treat to his patients.
In 1903, Dr. Abbe started experimenting with radium on seeds, animals, himself, and patients, becoming one of the first American physicians to do so. He found success in treating some abnormal growths and cancers, publishing his findings and becoming an authority in the field of radiotherapy. Abbe was a surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital in New York. Near the end of his life, Abbe suffered from the effects of aplastic anemia, likely caused by years of radium exposure, requiring regular blood transfusions.
Abbe, R., “Radium and Radio-Activity," Yale Medical Journal 10 (1904) p. 436-447.
Gibson, C., "Robert Abbe 1851-1928," Annals of Surgery 88 (1928) p. 794-797.
Stark, R., "Robert Abbe: Pioneer in Plastic Surgery," Bull. N. Y. Acad. Med. 31 (1955) p. 927-950.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Pharmaceutical, Vial of
ampoule, radium therapy
Other Terms
Pharmaceutical, Vial of; Pharmaceutical; Powder
Physical Description
radium (overall material)
light brown (overall color)
glass (overall material)
Measurements
estimated from images: 3/4 in x 5/32 in; 1.8796 cm x.381 cm
ID Number
1993.0262.01
catalog number
1993.0262.01
accession number
1993.0262
Credit Line
Gift of New York Academy of Medicine, through Steven A. Pelovitz, Vice President for Management and Fiscal Affairs
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Pharmacy
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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