Last week I installed the first exhibits in the lower level of Cushwa Hall near the auditoriums. This is a busy hallway and I noticed many students looking at the displays as soon as I finished them. I am very excited to have these spaces to feature cool stuff from the museum's collection. In the… Continue reading New exhibits in Cushwa Hall
Tag: surgery
Dr. Betterman and the story of how modern medicine came to a small town (1868-1910)
"All doctors have to put on a bold front. [...] I am not ashamed to confess that I do not know it all. Probably never will. I do try to use the best things and methods that rational science has to officer. All medicine has much yet to learn." So writes Dr. Amos Betterman in… Continue reading Dr. Betterman and the story of how modern medicine came to a small town (1868-1910)
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Recently, I did some light research on operating table design. I was looking for changes in design and materials so that I could help a researcher date their newly-acquired artifact. What I found was that after about 1920, operating tables didn't change much. They all looked about the same and had similar features. The biggest… Continue reading If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
A Yacht, A Mustache: How a President Hid His Tumor
In 1893, President Grover Cleveland noticed a lump on the top of his mouth. It grew over the next few months and was diagnosed as cancer. The physician recommended that it be removed as soon as possible. However, President Cleveland did not want to alarm the county by announcing that he had cancer. The U.S.… Continue reading A Yacht, A Mustache: How a President Hid His Tumor
Dr. Peter D’Onofrio speaks about Civil War medicine
On Wednesday evening, Dr. Peter D'Onofrio spoke to a full-capacity crowd about the many medical advancements made during the Civil War. Most of the improvements had to do with the organization of the military and provisions for wounded soldiers and veterans: The Army organized an effective method to evacuate wounded soldiers which included an Ambulance… Continue reading Dr. Peter D’Onofrio speaks about Civil War medicine
Medical Advancements of the Civil War
To recognize the beginning of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011- 2015), the Melnick Medical Museum, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, and the History Department of Youngstown State University are hosting this FREE event which is open to the public. The presentation will be given by Dr. Peter D'Onofrio, who will be dressed in a Civil… Continue reading Medical Advancements of the Civil War
“With Bullets Singing All Around Me”
The Civil War Sesquicentennial kicks off this year with many events planned around the country and online. Check out the Civil War Preservation Trust website for news and events near you! The Rose Melnick Medical Museum is pleased to loan our Civil War- era surgical kit to a Pennsylvania museum putting on an exhibit about… Continue reading “With Bullets Singing All Around Me”
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.
19th century amputation and surgical kits
The artifact collection at the Rose Melnick Medical Museum includes one amputation set and one surgical kit, both from the 19th century. Both kits contain tools for general surgical procedures of the time including tourniquets, knives and scalpels, capital saws, tenacula, and artery forceps. Both kits also include trephining tools for cutting the skull. Although… Continue reading 19th century amputation and surgical kits
Melnick Medical Museum 