Last week, while leafing through a 1890s medical book from the museum's library, I found a small slip of paper between the pages. It was a prescription recipe for the pharmacy of H. Waterman in Ravenna, OH. As I looked over the neat handwriting, I realized that the drug names were written in Latin and… Continue reading 1890 Rx
Category: Exhibit
Interesting Smithsonian exhibits on medicine
Common Threads exhibit by Jean Shin at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art: This exhibit is made out of a collection of similar everyday objects. For example, "Chemical Balance III" makes lighted stalactite- and stalagmite-like sculptures out of empty prescriptions containers. According to the artist, this part of the exhibit speaks to a dependency on… Continue reading Interesting Smithsonian exhibits on medicine
Physical vs. technological diagnosis
In modern medicine, physicians are greatly aided in diagnosis by new machines and technology. Undoubtedly these devices provide more accurate and detailed information than the old, low-tech methods, which usually leads to better treatment for the patient. However, some vestiges of the old methods are still in use and still provide valuable information for a… Continue reading Physical vs. technological diagnosis
19th century doctors in the U.S.
During the late 1800s, many advances in medical knowledge and technology resulted in dramatic changes to many areas of the profession. The two major advances were the acceptance of the germ theory of disease and the use of anesthesia during surgery. These two discoveries, in combination with continued research of the human body and the… Continue reading 19th century doctors in the U.S.
Early pharmaceutical tools
Before the industrial production of medicines, all syrups, ointments, pills, and salves were made by hand- often by a trained apothecary or pharmacist. Over the years, specialized tools were developed to assist these specialists in making a variety of medicines. Mortars and pestles were used to grind, pulverize, and mix herbs and powdered medicines. They… Continue reading Early pharmaceutical tools
Abraham Lincoln’s DNA
February 12, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Many events are planned to honor him and bring attention to new historical research about his life. Some of this new research has focused on the former President's health and DNA. The speculation centers around Mr. Lincoln's remarkable physique. He was an extraordinarily tall… Continue reading Abraham Lincoln’s DNA
When the President is the Patient, by Brian Brennan
After clicking on the start button (center of the splashcast screen), roll your cursor over the bottom of the presentation to activate controls. This is a self guided Tour. [splashcast NGEL5527QC]
Melnick Medical Museum 