Health & Medicine
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.
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Lanolor Cream for Face and Hands
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- E. R. Squibb and Sons
- ID Number
- 1977.0941.13
- accession number
- 1977.0941
- catalog number
- 1977.0941.13
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Mulford Pollen Extract Concentrated - Orchard Grass
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Sharp and Dohme
- ID Number
- 1978.0882.71
- accession number
- 1978.0882
- catalog number
- 1978.0882.71
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Smallpox Vaccine Virus - Improved Tube-Point - H.K. Mulford
- Description (Brief)
- According to the packaging: 1 Capillary Tube-Point - Adapted to the use of either the 'Scratch" or "Multiple Pressure" Method of Vaccinating / Vaccination sufficient for one vaccination in each point / The Multiple Pressure Method is the Last Word in Aseptic Vaccination
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1934
- expiration date
- 1934-06-27
- maker
- H. K. Mulford Company
- ID Number
- 1978.0882.15
- accession number
- 1978.0882
- catalog number
- 1978.0882.15
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Tetanus Toxoid - Alum Phosphate Adsorbed Ultrafined - Wyeth
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1961
- expiration date
- 1961-07-01
- maker
- Wyeth Laboratories
- ID Number
- 1978.0882.34
- accession number
- 1978.0882
- catalog number
- 1978.0882.34
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Measure Jar
- 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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Apothecary Bottle
- Description (Brief)
- This 17th-century blown and molded glass bottle has a spiral pattern and a pewter top that is missing its cap. The bottom of the bottle is embossed with two marks, one round and the other in the form of a shield.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1991.0664.1046
- catalog number
- M-06110
- accession number
- 1991.0664
- collector/donor number
- SAP 822
- catalog number
- 1991.0664.1046
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Velvetina Complexion Soap
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Goodrich Drug Company
- ID Number
- 1978.0883.131.01
- accession number
- 1978.0883
- catalog number
- 1978.0883.131.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Gillette Razor
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Gillette Company
- ID Number
- 2012.0165.394
- accession number
- 2012.0165
- catalog number
- 2012.0165.394
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Rubelogen - Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1972
- expiration date
- 1972-04-29
- maker
- Parke, Davis and Company
- Philips Roxane Inc.
- ID Number
- 1982.0043.005A
- catalog number
- 1982.0043.005A
- accession number
- 1982.0043
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Poliomyelitis Vaccine, 3 cc
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1955
- expiration date
- 1955-10-12
- maker
- Parke, Davis and Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0043.009
- accession number
- 1982.0043
- catalog number
- 1982.0043.009
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Influenza Virus Vaccine Types A & B, 30 CC.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1950s
- maker
- Parke, Davis and Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0043.014A
- accession number
- 1982.0043
- catalog number
- 1982.0043.014A
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Type A Influenza (Ws/33) Antiserum (Chicken) - N.I.H. Research Reagent
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1966-06
- maker
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- ID Number
- 1982.0043.039A
- catalog number
- 1982.0043.039A
- accession number
- 1982.0043
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Roferon-A, Interferon alfa-2a recombinant, Sterile Powder for Injection
- Description (Brief)
- Roferon-A is an injectible, recombinant pharmaceutical used to treat different types of leukemia, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, AIDS-related sarcoma, and hepatitis. It was discontinued in October 2007, as new therapies for the diseases it treated were developed.
- Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human interferon are inserted into bacteria. Interferon is a substance that is naturally made by the body to fight infections and tumors. Bacteria produce the interferon, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Roferon-A.
- Object consists of a sealed white cardboard box with red and black print.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1988
- product expiration date
- 1988-06-01
- maker
- Hoffmann-La Roche
- Roche Laboratories
- ID Number
- 1987.0786.03
- accession number
- 1987.0786
- catalog number
- 1987.0786.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Genora 1/35 Oral Contraceptive
- Description (Brief)
- The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
- Rugby Laboratories, Inc. of Rockville Centre, New York, produced this Genora 1/35 brand oral contraceptive around 1987. The 21-pill blister pack is contained inside a clamshell-shaped plastic compact case. The packaging contains a pamphlet with illustrations of various women with the claim “manufactured with 25 years of norethindron/estrogen combinations experience.” Another insert touts the low cost of Genora as compared to the brand-name Ortho-Novum.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1987
- maker
- Rugby Laboratories, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1988.0655.11
- catalog number
- 1988.0655.11
- accession number
- 1988.0655
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Colgate Tartar Control Formula Toothpaste
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Proctor & Gamble
- ID Number
- 1988.0717.06
- catalog number
- 1988.0717.06
- accession number
- 1988.0717
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Reliable Brand Tr. Arnica U.S.P.
- Description
- The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Use locally to parts affected.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- ca 1920
- maker
- McCormick and Company
- ID Number
- 1979.0798.006
- accession number
- 1979.0798
- catalog number
- 1979.0798.06
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Warner's Original Compound Lithia Water Tablets
- Description
- The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Diuretic. Antacid. Recommended by many practitioners in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, gravel and lithaemia.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- after 1916
- ID Number
- 1979.0798.064
- accession number
- 1979.0798
- catalog number
- 1979.0798.64
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Litefoot Corn and Callus Remover
- Description
- The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Corn and callus remover
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1930
- maker
- Lite Foot Company
- ID Number
- 1979.0798.171
- catalog number
- 1979.0798.0171
- accession number
- 1979.0798
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Cascarets Candy Cathartic
- Description
- The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Laxative for constipation.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- ca 1925
- maker
- Sterling Products
- ID Number
- 1979.0798.174
- accession number
- 1979.0798
- catalog number
- 1979.0798.174
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Good Samaritan Ointment
- Description
- The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: To be used as an external poultice. Good Samaritan ointment, an antiphlogistic and antiseptic preparation, is to be used as an aid in the treatment of the following affections: surface burns and scalds, sunburn, windburn, chapped hands, dry or cracked skin, relief of corn pains, and other skin irritations. Acts beneficially when used as a poultice for strains and minor muscular aches, caused by fatigue or exertion, and tender, tired, or burning feet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- after 1929
- maker
- Good Samaritan Ointment Company
- ID Number
- 1979.0798.176
- accession number
- 1979.0798
- catalog number
- 1979.0798.176
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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- Beauty and Health 2210
- The Antibody Initiative 1193
- Art 531
- European Apothecary 521
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- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Oral Care 462
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Hair Care and Enhancement 343
- Women's Health 281
- People with disabilities 280
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Skin 279
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Make-up 253
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Fragrance 242
- Laxatives 242
- Antibody Initiative: New York City Public Health Collections 226
- Catarrh, Cough & Cold Drugs 218
- Indigestion & Nausea Drugs 199
- Antibody Initiative: Infectious Disease, Allergy, and Immunotherapy Collections 198
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Marketed to Men 190
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Bathing 186
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- Medicine 1148
- slide, lantern 674
- biological 639
- personal hygiene product 515
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- Health & Medicine 6723
- Medicine and Science: Medicine 6508
- Beauty and Health 2210
- The Antibody Initiative 1193
- Balm of America 865
- Art 530
- European Apothecary 521
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Oral Care 462
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Hair Care and Enhancement 343
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Skin 279
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Make-up 253
- Disabilities 248
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Fragrance 242
- Antibody Initiative: New York City Public Health Collections 226
- Antibody Initiative: Infectious Disease, Allergy, and Immunotherapy Collections 198
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Marketed to Men 190
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Bathing 186
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Hair Removal 178
- Antibody Initiative: Smallpox 151
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Cure-alls 136
