radium container (?); spinthariscope (?)
radium container (?); spinthariscope (?)
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- Description
- This brass and glass object is part of an accession of materials connected with Dr. Robert Abbe [b. April 13, 1851; d. March 7, 1928], a surgeon and early proponent of radium therapy. The object's purpose is not known and its connection with Abbe is not confirmed. Some possible uses include a spinthariscope (or part thereof) or a container for holding radium.
- 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
- radium container
- spinthariscope
- Physical Description
- glass (overall material)
- ID Number
- 1993.0262.16
- catalog number
- 1993.0262.16
- accession number
- 1993.0262
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Medicine
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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