Thick, glass tube with yellow, spiked, oval-shaped glass compartments inside the main chamber. Both ends are made of circular glass chambers and one has a small, glass extension.
The description and alternative text may have been partially generated using an AI tool and may contain errors or omissions.
NO COPYRIGHT – UNITED STATES. The organization that has made the Item available believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. The Item may not be in the Public Domain under the laws of other countries. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. Contact the History of Medicine Collection with questions.
Used to cut ribs and open the thoracic cavity during autopsy
Steel mechanical-action curved shears with a locking clasp at the back of the handles.
Gonorrhea--Treatment--Equipment and supplies
Early treament of gonorrhea included the use of silver nitrate and mercury compounds
Used as a topical treatment for gonorrhea
Three gauze bags with cotton strings in cardboard box enclosed in a case/frame with red lining.
Bladder--Examination--Equipment and supplies
Ureters--Diseases--Diagnosis--Equipment and supplies
Used to examine the interior of the urinary bladder and ureter
Polished chrome instruments with ebony handles. Complete set fitted in wooden box.
Polished chrome blade with pressed horn handle.
Obstetrical and gynecological instruments
A metal instrument with elongated looped handles and curved hook-like tips is displayed against a light background. The device has two large finger loops that extend into a central joint with a small adjustment screw. At the opposite end, two slender arms curve outward into small hooked ends. The metal surface appears darkened with signs of wear.
Body temperature--Measurement--Equipment and supplies
Curved glass thermometer with metal mouthpiece attached to ivory scale in red-lined wooden box.
Used for teaching/demonstration of the anatomy of the human heart
Plaster model heart in two parts painted on wooden stand.
A painted anatomical model of a human heart is mounted on a turned wooden stand. The heart is shown with openings revealing internal chambers. The surface is painted in shades of red, brown, yellow, and black, with branching red and blue lines representing blood vessels. Several circular openings along the side and front indicate cutaway sections of the heart’s structure.
Set includes 1 printed Gemrig gauge bougies and 12 sounds. Set belonged to Dr. Frederick Tice of Virginia.
Used to stretch/dilate the urethra to locate strictures
Twelve curved steel urethral dilator sounds contained in a red lined wooden case.
Used for teaching/demonstration of the anatomy of the human brain
Plaster model brain in three parts hand-painted on wooden stand.
Used for amputation, autopsy and dissection
Polished steel with brass ring and ivory handle.
Ear--Examination--Equipment and supplies
Used for examination of the ears with natural light
Silver plated with three specula in original fitted blue velvet and black leather box.
Medical Supply Association (Edinbugh, Scotland)
Curved silver with hallmarks for London Silversmith H.P. and spring mechanism on top that releases inner blade.
Used for teaching/demonstration of anatomy of the human ear
Painted and numbered papier mache model of ear on metal stand.
A painted anatomical model of the human ear and surrounding structures is displayed on a circular base. The model shows a cross-section of the ear, including the outer ear canal, middle ear cavity, and inner ear structures. The surface is painted in light tones with branching red lines representing blood vessels. The interior of the ear canal and the curved inner structures are visible through the cutaway section.
Urinary catheterization--Equipment and supplies
Urinary Catheterization--instrumentation
Used to drain and collect urine from the bladder
Three Silver urinary catheters contained in a shaped leather velvet-lined case.
Medicine--Storage--Equipment and supplies
Homeopathy--Materia medica and therapeutics—Equipment and supplies
Used to store homeopathic drug preparations
Polished nagging, maple and pine woods, standing on bun feet with ceramic handles on door and 10 drawers. Drug names are written in German on the cabinet.
Adjustable brass lamp on stand with rounded bottom; cross-bar with chin rest, mirror and cylindrical eye-piece with wood handle and magnifying lens.
Eye--Care and hygiene--Equipment and supplies
Brass with glass reservoir, pump, adjustable nozzle, eye screen and catch basin on a tripod base
Used for teaching/demonstration of the anatomy of the human eye
Papier mache eye on stand with moveable parts.
A painted anatomical model of a human eye is displayed on a base. The large eyeball is shown with a clear cornea and visible iris and pupil at the front. Surrounding structures include the eyelid, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, painted in red and white tones. The model exposes internal and external components of the eye and rests on a rectangular display base.
Auzoux, Louis Thomas Je?ro?me, 1797-1880
Chest--Examination--Equipment and supplies
Hard rubber head fixed in a metal ring with ebony and metal handle.
A metal medical instrument with long shafts, finger rings, and a rubber bulb is shown against a light background. The device has scissor-style finger loops near the center and a squeeze bulb attached at one end through a short metal connector. Along the shaft are small circular plates and adjustment components. At the opposite end is a circular ring-shaped tip. The instrument’s metal surface is reflective and shows signs of wear.
Hemorrhoids--Surgery--Equipment and supplies
Used to hold hemorrhoids during cautery/removal procedure
Scissor-shaped with crossbar and nut at the top. Metal with ivory insulating plates.
A metal medical instrument with a long shaft and scissor-style finger rings is shown against a light background. Near the finger rings is a threaded adjustment screw used to control the opening and closing of the instrument. The opposite end has two flat, rounded blades made of a light-colored material, attached to the metal shaft. The instrument shows a combination of polished metal and pale handles or blades with small rivets.
Hand blown glass with glass tube for self-suction.
A clear glass vessel with a rounded bulb-shaped chamber and a long, narrow spout is shown against a dark background. The bulbous section has a wide flared opening at the top. Extending from the side of the chamber is a long glass tube that tapers and curves slightly upward at the tip. The transparent glass surface reflects light and shows the hollow interior of the vessel.
Milled brass wheel with ivory handle. Velvet lined case with accessory lens.
An optical medical instrument with a black metal head and a light-colored handle is shown beside an open rectangular case lined with blue fabric. The instrument features two circular viewing openings at the head and a brass section connecting the head to the handle. The case contains a round lens secured by a strap and an empty compartment for the instrument. The device and case are displayed against a light background.
Juler, Henry E. (Henry Edward), 1866-1921
Eye--Diseases--Diagnosis--Equipment and supplies
Eye Diseases--diagnosis--instrumentation
22 lenses depicting eye diseases in a blue lined wooden case.
An open rectangular case lined with blue fabric contains a collection of circular illustrated slides arranged in two compartments. Several additional slides are placed in a row in front of the case, each showing detailed colored diagrams resembling biological or microscopic structures. Beside the case is a small black viewing device mounted on a short stand, featuring a circular dial with measurement markings. The objects are displayed against a light background.
Box: 18 cm. x 11 cm. x 6 cm. Viewing apparatus 9 cm. lenses 3.5 cm. diameter
Tongue Neoplasms—surgery--instrumentation
Bennion. Antique medical instruments (1979), p. 67
Wire snare originally developed by P.J. Desault for tongue incision in the removal of large tumors.
A long metal medical instrument with a curved shaft and a textured black handle is shown against a light background. The instrument has a double-ended T-shaped crank at the base of the handle and a forked gripping mechanism near the middle of the shaft. The upper end curves slightly and includes a narrow opening along the shaft. A small chain is attached near the top end. The metal surface shows light wear and discoloration.
Desault, P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph), 1744-1795
Prototype of the chain saw created by Drs. Jeffray and Aitken, Scotland, 18th c. Leonardo Gigli developed twisted wire version in 1894. Skippen et al. Scottish Medical Journal, May 2004.
Used to open the skull and in other types of surgery
A flexible chain saw instrument with two metal handles is displayed against a light background. The device consists of a thin chain made of small linked cutting segments forming a loop between the handles. Each end is attached to a cylindrical handle assembly with dark grips and metal fittings. The chain forms a curved shape between the handles, and the metal surfaces show signs of wear.
Sterling silver hollow-stem spoon. Hallmarked Birmingham 1826
"L & Co" engraved inside spoon; several symbols including anchor stamped inside spoon.
A metal medical instrument with a curved, scoop-shaped end and a straight cylindrical handle is shown against a light background. The scoop portion is smooth and slightly upturned at the tip, forming a shallow channel. The handle extends from the scoop and includes a round guard-like disc near the middle and a capped end. The metal surface is polished and reflective.
Includes main stem, plug that inserts into the funnel shaped chest end, ivory chest piece also used as a pleximeter and ivory ear piece.
A handheld instrument with a long wooden handle and a circular white disc at one end is shown against a light background. The handle is smooth and tapers slightly toward the center, widening again at the opposite end. The white disc has a small hole in the middle and is mounted perpendicular to the handle. The materials appear to be wood and a light-colored material such as ceramic or plastic.
Piorry, P. A. (Pierre Adolphe), 1794-1879
Powders (Pharmacy)--Packaging--Equipment and supplies
Drugs--Packaging--Equipment and supplies
Used to make envelopes which held medicine in powder form
A metal mechanical device with a ribbed rectangular base and a hinged cross-shaped arm is displayed against a light background. The base has evenly spaced ridges running across its surface. Two intersecting metal arms are joined at a central pivot and extend upward from the base, forming an adjustable clamp-like structure. One end of the upper arm has a flat rectangular plate, while the other end has a bent tip. The metal surface shows discoloration and wear.
Ear trumpet crafted in heavy silver plate on brass.
A polished metal device with a conical base and curved tubular component is shown against a light background. The base flares outward and features a decorative beaded edge along the bottom. Rising from the base is a curved tube that loops downward and then upward to a short nozzle at the top. The reflective metal surface shows smooth contours and a seamless construction.
A dark metal instrument with curved arms and flat hooked ends is shown against a light background. The device consists of two opposing arms that curve outward to form hook-like handles. At the opposite end, two flat rectangular tips extend outward in opposite directions. The metal surface appears aged with visible discoloration and wear.
Boat-shaped English glazed pottery vessel with hole in top center.
A smooth white ceramic vessel with an elongated oval body is shown against a dark background. One end tapers into a short rounded spout, while the top of the vessel features a circular opening with a raised rim. The glossy surface shows small speckles and light reflections.
Infants--Nutrition--Equipment and supplies
Silver, circular nipple-shaped with holes throughout.
A polished metal device with a wide flared base and a rounded, dome-like center is shown against a light background. The surface has multiple small circular perforations arranged around the dome and along the sloping sides. The metal finish is reflective and shows light scratches from wear.
Surgical instruments and apparatus--Sterilization
Used to sterilize small surgical instruments
A small rectangular metal device with a hinged lid is shown opened against a light background. The interior reveals a shallow compartment with two curved upright supports at one end and a central metal bar with a rounded button-like top mounted in the lid section. The metal surface is brass-toned with visible tarnish and wear. The two halves are connected by a hinge, allowing the lid to fold back and expose the interior components.
Quassia--Therapeutic use--Equipment and supplies
Made from the wood of the Quassia or “bitter wood” shrub
Used with boiling water to create a medicinal tonic
A simple wooden cup with a cylindrical body and a small pedestal base is shown against a light background. The cup has a smooth, rounded rim and a gently tapered shape that narrows slightly toward the base before widening into the circular foot. The wood surface shows natural grain and signs of wear.
A small brass vessel with a rounded, bulbous body and a wide, flared rim is shown against a plain background. The container has a narrow neck that expands into the outward-curving lip at the top, while the lower portion gently tapers to a flat base. The polished brass surface reflects light, giving the piece a warm golden sheen.
Ceramic; cream with brown trim; oblong, domed with flat resting bottom; screw cap on top and decorative knob at one end.
A rectangular ceramic bottle with rounded edges is shown lying on its side against a plain background. The container has a glossy light-colored glaze and a short screw cap positioned on the top surface near the center. One end features a darker brown section with a protruding stopper-like knob, while the body of the bottle is smooth and slightly curved along the sides.
Anesthetics--Administration—Equipment and supplies
Anesthesiology--Apparatus and instruments
Used to hold items used for the administration of anesthesia
Horseshoe-shaped brown leather case with buckled strap that opens from the back with cloth and small metal pin inside.
A small, rounded brown object with a smooth, slightly worn surface is shown against a plain background. The form is oval and bulbous, tapering slightly toward the top where a narrow leather strap with a small buckle encircles it. The surface shows visible cracks and creases.
Two brass-plated rounded horn-shaped hearing aids with ivory earpieces in black case with brown lining. Inscription on the inside of both earpieces "F.C.Rein &? Lond. Patentees Sole Inventors and Only Makers 108 Strand. London".
Obstetrics--Surgery--Equipment and supplies
Obstetric Surgical Procedures--instrumentation
Used in craniotomy to crush the head of a fetus
A long metal instrument with a slender shaft and a curved hook at one end is shown against a plain background. The opposite end has a dark, bulb-shaped handle made of wood or a similar material, providing a grip for the user. The polished metal rod extends straight before bending into a smooth hook at the tip.
Rectum--Examination--Equipment and supplies
Rectal Diseases--diagnosis--instrumentation
Used to facilitate examination of the rectum
One rounded steel section with ebony handle and tip that fits into larger steel piece with "legs" and moveable side flaps.
Two cylindrical metal medical instruments are displayed against a plain background. One instrument is a hollow metal tube with a hinged handle and clamp-like mechanism attached near one end, allowing the cylinder to open and close. The second piece is a separate cylindrical component with a rounded dark tip and a short handle extending from the side, likely designed to fit or operate with the main tube. Both instruments have smooth metallic surfaces and appear to be part of an older medical or surgical device.
Labor (Obstetrics)--Complications--Equipment and supplies
Shaped like a forceps except that the blade tips are in contact in the closed position.
A metal instrument resembling large forceps is shown against a plain background. It has two long, curved, looped blades at one end that form wide gripping arms, while the opposite end features two straight handles connected by a pivot joint. The darkened metal surface shows signs of age and wear, and the handles appear to have darker grip sections.
Annealed glass with McElroy mineral packing in original box.
A transparent glass instrument with a cylindrical body is shown against a dark background. Inside the tube are two internal components with tightly wound white coils around glass rods. One end of the device narrows into a small nozzle, while the opposite end features a circular ring handle attached to a short neck. The clear glass construction allows the internal mechanisms to be visible.
Glass with curved end for self-use in original box.
A glass ear syringe is displayed inside a rectangular presentation box lined with light-colored material. The clear glass instrument has a bulb-shaped section near one end and a gently curved nozzle designed for directing fluid. The inside of the lid bears a printed label reading “Maw’s Improved Glass Ear Syringe with Curved End, for Self Use,” along with the maker’s name, “S. Maw, Son & Sons, London, E.C.”
Polished chrome tube with eyepiece on one end and piece to be inserted into the ear on the other end. Set on bell-shaped piece that allows light to enter the instrument.
Alternative medicine--Equipment and supplies
Complementary Therapies--instrumentation
Wilbur, C. Keith, 1923- Antique Medical Instruments, 1998 pg. 118
Used to puncture the skin and "awaken" patient
Hollow ebony tube with coiled spring in handle that when pushed releases sharp steel needles that puncture the skin.
A handheld medical or therapeutic device with a long, dark handle is shown against a plain background. One end features a circular head fitted with a cluster of short metal pins arranged in a tight pattern. A small removable cap sits beside the instrument, likely used to cover the pin head when not in use. The device appears designed for controlled contact with the skin.
A hard rubber anesthesia mask with a wide, funnel-shaped opening that curves outward to fit over the patient’s nose and mouth. The mask narrows toward a cylindrical base with two screw-top openings designed for the introduction of anesthesia. One connector extends from the base for attachment to related equipment, while the smooth dark rubber surface reflects its durable construction.
Used in tracheotomy and throat surgery to create an airway
Sterling silver curved tube with cross piece.
A curved metal medical instrument with a smooth, tubular shape is shown against a plain background. The shaft bends gently along its length and ends in a rounded tip. At the opposite end is a wider metal fitting with slotted openings and a small clamp-like mechanism, likely used for securing or attaching the instrument to other equipment. The polished surface shows discoloration and wear consistent with age and repeated use.
Bistoury is a knife with a long cutting edge of uniform breadth. Bistoury Cache is a Spring loaded double bladed instrument
Used to cut the internal organs of the body
Steel knife with ebony handle, spring loaded, engraved number of handle.
A metal medical instrument with a long, curved handle and a hinged lever mechanism is shown against a plain background. One end features a large, rounded black cup-shaped component that appears designed to fit against the body. The metal shaft extends from the cup and includes a pivoting lever along the top, which likely controls the internal mechanism or pressure when the handles are pressed. The device’s dark and polished metal surfaces show signs of age and use.
Cylindrical ear trumpet crafted in silver plate metal with detailed pattern on bottom.
A compact metal ear trumpet with a cylindrical body and polished surface is shown against a light background. The front end widens slightly and features a decorative perforated grille, while the top has a short curved listening tube ending in a small, pale earpiece. The side of the instrument is engraved with the words “ROYAL [?] PARIS,” indicating the maker and location.
Half a forceps crafted in steel with ebony handle.
A handheld medical instrument with a long, slender metal shaft and a looped end is shown against a plain background. The shaft gradually widens toward a ribbed black handle with a rounded knob at the end, designed for a secure grip. The opposite end forms a smooth oval loop.
Polished chrome with ebony handles; German style lock
A metal forceps is shown against a plain background. The tool has two long, curved looped blades that form open gripping arms at one end, connected by a central pivot joint. The opposite end features two handles fitted with dark grips and light-colored plates secured by small rivets,.
with flattened head that fits into the notch in the female stem.
Kidneys--Calculi--Surgery--Equipment and supplies
Kidney Calculi--surgery--instrumentation
Twenty-one steel instruments contained in a wooden case.
A wooden case opened to reveal a collection of historical surgical instruments arranged neatly inside a fitted interior. The set includes a variety of metal tools such as scissors, forceps, probes, and long tubular instruments, along with a large cylindrical syringe with a rubber bulb. The instruments are organized in two tiers within the box, each held in place by shaped compartments lined with tan material.
Charrie?re, Joseph Fre?de?ric Benoi?t, 1803-1876
Bronze with silver inlay; ringed finial top.
A long metal surgical instrument with a straight shaft and hinged gripping jaws is shown against a plain background. The handle end features a threaded screw mechanism used to tighten or adjust the instrument during use. At the opposite end, the jaws are slightly curved with serrated inner edges designed for gripping or extracting material. The metal surface shows darkened patina and wear consistent with age.
Lithotomy is the surgical removal of stone(s) from the urinary tract
Used for lithotomy and other medical purposes
Steel forceps with white smithing, acorn motif on ring of handles, cut work along sides.
A long metal surgical instrument with scissor-like handles and a slender, curved shaft is shown against a plain background. The handles form large looped grips and include small screw mechanisms that allow the tension to be adjusted. The shaft extends forward and curves gently toward the tip, which appears narrow and slightly textured for gripping. The darkened metal surface shows patina and wear consistent with age.
Teeth--Extraction--Equipment and supplies
E. Bennion, Antique Dental Instruments, p. 32
Double-ended iron with two serrated bolsters and two claws fixed on a swivel joint.
A small antique metal medical instrument with a hinged, three-part structure is shown against a plain background. Two slender arms extend downward from a central pivot, while a third upright shaft rises above it, ending in a small, curved, textured pad. A similar curved pad appears at the lower end of the central shaft. The decorative turned detailing along the shafts and the aged metal surface suggest a historical surgical or medical device designed for controlled pressure or expansion.
Six glass cups and brass mechanical scarificator in a wooden box with brass corners and hinges lined in blue velvet.
An open wooden case lined with dark blue velvet displays a cupping therapy set. Inside are seven clear glass cups of varying sizes arranged in fitted compartments. A wooden-handled torch wrapped with white material lies across the center, used to create suction by heating the air in the cups. A small rectangular metal container sits in one corner of the case. The case has brass fittings and a central latch on the front.
Eleven pieces of polished chrome, two with ebony handles in a fitted, velvet-lined box.
An open wooden case lined with tan fabric displays a collection of antique dental instruments arranged in fitted compartments. The set includes several metal tools with turned handles, brushes, pliers, and long-handled instruments used for dental procedures. A small pair of scissor-like tools and additional attachments are also visible. The hinged wooden box has brass hardware and a latch, indicating it was designed to safely store and transport the dental kit.
An ivory syringe with a slender, cylindrical body is shown against a dark background. The instrument features a smooth, tapered shaft that narrows toward a rounded nozzle at one end, while the opposite end widens into a bulb-shaped plunger handle. Decorative turned rings appear around the midsection, and the polished ivory surface highlights the material’s pale color and fine craftsmanship. The simple, elongated form reflects its use as a handheld medical syringe.
Respiratory therapy--Equipment and supplies
Blue earthenware Nelson's type inhaler. Directions for use are printed on the back.
A small earthenware inhaler with a rounded, bulb-shaped body and narrow neck is shown against a plain background. The ceramic surface has a light gray and white marbled pattern resembling stone. A short side spout extends from the upper portion of the vessel, while the top opening forms the mouth of the inhaler. A printed label on the front reads “Improved Earthenware Inhaler, Manufactured by S. Maw & Thompson, London,” identifying the maker and type of device.
Steel and glass in red -lined case with extra tips.
An antique metal syringe set is displayed in an open presentation case lined with red velvet. The syringe has a cylindrical glass barrel framed by metal supports and large circular finger rings for grip, with a long, narrow metal needle extending from the front. Additional interchangeable components and attachments are arranged in fitted compartments inside the case. A small label inside the lid reads “Charrière à Paris,” indicating the Parisian maker.
Charrière, Joseph Frédéric Benoît, 1803-1876
Eight small bronze surgical instruments mounted on glass including needles, forceps, etc.
A display case presents a collection of antique surgical instruments mounted upright on clear supports. The tools vary in shape and size, including narrow probes, small spatula-like blades, and broader paddle-shaped instruments. Each piece is made of darkened metal and shows signs of age and wear. The instruments are arranged in a row against a light background, allowing the different forms and specialized tips to be easily compared.
Instruments range in length from 5.7 cm. to 16.5 cm.
Indigenous surgical tool in the form of a small spoon.
A long, slender metal instrument with a narrow shaft and small spoon-shaped tip is shown against a dark background. The shaft tapers slightly along its length and ends in a small rounded loop or ring at the opposite end. The metal surface shows discoloration and wear, suggesting age and repeated use.
Four steel lancets in shagreen leather case.
A small pocket medical kit is shown with its green patterned metal case open. The hinged lid reveals several small internal compartments holding compact tools and components. A folding metal lancet with a tortoiseshell-pattern handle extends from the lower edge of the case, suggesting the kit was used for minor medical procedures such as bloodletting or lancing. The textured exterior and compact design indicate it was made for portability.
One pan is for the items being weighed, one is for the weights
Brass crank arm scale with two pans suspended from the end of a beam attached to a center pole set on a wooden box with a drawer holding weights.
A standing balance scale is mounted on a wooden base with a small drawer at the front. The vertical metal column supports a horizontal beam with two suspended weighing pans: one circular pan hanging by chains on the left and a shallow metal pan attached by a rod on the right. The beam includes a central pivot and adjustment mechanisms at the top for precise measurement.
Center pole: 34 cm. beam: 19 cm. Box: 28 cm. x 14 cm. x 7 cm.
Marshall's improved compound magneto-electric machine
Electric Stimulation Therapy--instrumentation
Used to treat multiple ailments with a magnet and electricity
Wooden box with large metal magnet,wheel and spools inside; external crank attached to wheel; two external handles with cords.
A wooden electrotherapy device is displayed with its lid open, revealing internal electrical components. The box contains coils, metal fittings, and a hand crank on the side used to generate electrical current. The inside of the lid features a printed label with instructions and the name of the device. In front of the box lie two handheld electrodes with cloth-covered ends connected by wires, which would have been applied to the body during treatment.
Nose--Intubation--Equipment and supplies
Throat--Intubation--Equipment and supplies
3 cannula, one pair forceps and 2 slender curved tubes made of steel in purple lined black wooden box; "INSTS. DE CHIRURGIE ? MICHEL? PARIS" stamped on box. Set may be missing original pieces.
An antique intubation set is displayed inside an open fitted case lined with purple fabric. The set includes several polished metal instruments used to place and manage airway tubes, including curved tubular intubation tubes, a scissor-handled instrument for insertion or extraction, and long slender probes with looped handles. Each tool is arranged in shaped compartments within the case, which features a hinged lid and small front latch. The specialized forms and careful organization indicate the kit was designed for medical airway procedures.
Instruments range in length from 5 cm. to 15 cm. Box 22 cm. x 10.5 cm. x 5 cm.
Metal lever release lancet with removable back, locking cardboard case.
An antique phlebotomy set is shown with a small handheld bloodletting instrument placed in front of its textured leather carrying case. The instrument has a dark, curved handle and a hinged metal blade mechanism used to make controlled incisions during bloodletting procedures. The leather case features a flap closure with decorative metal hardware and was designed to store and transport the instrument. The compact design reflects the portability typical of historical phlebotomy tools used by physicians.
Metal cube with 10 blades contained in cardboard case.
A compact cylindrical medical device is partially enclosed in a worn brown leather protective case. The exposed end of the device is made of metal and features a flat face with a series of horizontal slots. The leather cover, stitched along the edges and aged from use, fits snugly around the body of the instrument, suggesting it was designed for portability and protection.
Patent no. 139,039. 2/1/1873; Missing drill bit
Metal with loop for finger; spring mechanism operates drill; two round metal attachments.
A thumb-operated dental drill made of metal is shown against a plain background. The instrument features a cylindrical body with a spring-loaded mechanism and a small ring designed for thumb operation, allowing the user to rotate the drill manually. Two rounded metal wheels are attached near the base of the device as part of the gearing or drive mechanism that transfers motion to the drill shaft. The long, narrow end holds the drill bit used in dental procedures, and the metal surface shows patina and wear from use.
Johnathan W. Baxter (Firm : Vevay, Ind.)
Surgical dressings--Storage--Equipment and supplies
Bandages and bandaging--Storage--Equipment and supplies
Bandage/dressing tins marked "Ferris & Co's Patent"
Used to store surgical dressings and bandages
Glass-fronted locking cabinet with tin boxes for various surgical dressings and storage drawer.
A wooden surgical dressings case with a glass-front door is shown against a plain background. Inside the cabinet are multiple labeled tins arranged in rows, each containing surgical dressings and related medical supplies. The tins are labeled “Ferris & Co., Bristol,” identifying the manufacturer. Two small round drawers at the bottom of the cabinet provide additional storage. The polished wooden frame and organized compartments indicate it was used to store and dispense sterile dressings in a medical setting.
Sterling silver bowl with lip, engraved with bright-work along the rim. Hallmarked Peter & Ann Bateman, London.
An English pap feeding boat made of polished metal is shown against a plain background. The vessel has an oval, shallow bowl with a gently pointed spout designed to pour soft food directly into an infant’s mouth. A decorative band runs along the rim of the bowl, and the reflective surface shows the smooth, curved contours of the object. Pap boats like this were historically used to feed infants soft foods such as pap or gruel.
Peter & Ann Bateman (Firm : London, England)
Used for teaching/demonstration of the anatomy of the human larynx
Anatomically-correct papier-mache model of the human larynx.
An anatomically correct papier-mâché teaching model of the human larynx is shown against a plain background. The model depicts the larynx with surrounding anatomical structures, including the upper portion of the trachea with its ringed cartilage segments. Painted details highlight muscles, connective tissues, and blood vessels in red and other naturalistic tones. The model appears to separate along a central seam to allow examination of internal structures, indicating its use as an educational aid in medical instruction.
Used to collect blood during bloodletting
English or French silverplate; coat of arms engraved on an inset of silver indentation for chin on the rim of the dish.
A polished metal barber-surgeon’s bowl with a wide, shallow basin is shown against a plain background. The bowl has a curved notch along one side, allowing it to fit comfortably against a patient’s neck or arm during procedures such as bloodletting or shaving. The reflective surface highlights its smooth contours and rounded rim, typical of bowls used historically by barber-surgeons.
Used to store pharmaceutical/drug preparation
Greek key design with japanned tin lid. Marked: TINCT: ZIN GIB:FT
A dark glass drug jar with a cylindrical body and short neck is shown against a plain background. The jar features a decorative band with a gold geometric pattern around the neck. A worn paper label on the front reads “TINCT: ZIN GIB:FT,” indicating the contents as a tincture preparation. The deep amber or black glass would have helped protect the medicine inside from light, a common feature of historical pharmaceutical containers.
Used to store leeches used in bloodletting
English ceramic covered jar with pale blue ground, navy blue and gold painted details, and double handles.
A decorative ceramic leech jar with a rounded body and pedestal base is shown against a plain background. The white glazed surface is embellished with blue and gold painted scrollwork and the word “LEECHES” prominently displayed on the front. Two curved side handles extend from the body, and the domed lid is perforated with small holes to allow air circulation. Such jars were historically used in medical settings to store live leeches for therapeutic bloodletting.
Double spoon which can be folded at each end. Holds two ounces.
A small folding spoon made of polished metal is shown against a plain background. The utensil consists of two oval spoon bowls connected by a decorative central hinge with openwork detailing. The hinged design allows the spoons to fold together for compact storage, suggesting it was intended as a portable utensil for travel or medical use, such as administering medicine.
State University of New York at Buffalo. Health Sciences Library
Used for teaching the anatomy of the human ear
Pedagogical model of the human ear made of human bone.
An anatomical ear model made from human bone is mounted on a small metal stand with a curved support and three-footed base. The specimen shows the internal structures of the ear, including the surrounding bone and cavities, with some areas highlighted in painted colors to indicate anatomical features such as blood vessels and tissue regions. The cutaway preparation exposes the inner ear structures for study, illustrating the complex anatomy within the temporal bone.
Toxic waste seepage in the basement of a south 99th Street residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
In 1978, after heavy rains, many Love Canal residents complained of dark, thick, and chemical smelling liquids appearing in their basements. Interior view of a concrete‐walled corner with peeling green and gray paint. A green-and-white cardboard carton lies open on the stained concrete floor beside scattered wood pieces and metal rods. A small, partially visible window near the ceiling provides limited natural light; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Libraries
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View of ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Outdoor view through a weathered metal chain-link fence enclosing an overgrown grassy lot in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Behind the fence, a single-story brick structure with a flat roof stretches left to right under a pale sky, partially framed by bare tree branches; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 791 97th Street, ring 1 residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Exterior view of a dark-paneled single-story house with a white gable and boarded-up windows and door in the ring 1 of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. A paved driveway runs along the left side, and untrimmed bushes and patchy grass border the front steps. Leafy trees are visible behind the house under a clear blue sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Sign from Love Canal protest on a pile of demolition debris on 99th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A weathered cardboard sign with red spray-painted text reading “LOVE CANAL PRISONER” rests amid discarded boards and other debris at the base of a tree. The scene appears to be on a sidewalk edge, partially shaded by overhanging branches; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association's swale map showing distribution of symptoms believed to be caused by Love Canal pollutants, Niagara Falls, New York
A color-toned map showing a grid of streets and housing plots in a residential neighborhood. Numerous red and black marks are dispersed across the map, indicating certain properties. A newspaper clipping and a cartoon of three figures with a target on one appear pasted in the lower left quadrant. A section of curved highway and shaded green space is shown in the bottom portion; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 925-929 97th Street, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View from the street of two single-story houses flanking a cracked, weed-filled driveway that leads to a blue garage in the background. Both houses have windows and doors boarded with plywood and the surrounding lawns are overgrown. Trees with sparse leaves frame the scene under a clear sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Debbie Cerrillo in the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices with banner reading, "Love Canal Victims, Niagara Falls, New York, Created by Hooker's chemical negligence," January 1981
Indoor scene showing a large red banner with white painted letters criticizing chemical negligence in Love Canal, Niagara Falls. The banner hangs on a wall above a cluttered table and chairs. Additional handwritten signs, flyers, and papers are visible on the adjacent wall, and a person sits at a desk in the corner of the room; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of Ring 1 residences, 97th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A daytime view of several single-story homes on a suburban street. All houses have their windows and doors boarded up with plywood. The lawns are overgrown in some areas, and the concrete driveways and sidewalks show signs of wear. Leafless trees line the street; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 921 97th Street, ring 1 residence with a view of clay capping in the background, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A front view of a single-story dark brown house with boarded-up windows and doors. The house has a paved driveway and a patchy lawn bordered by bushes. A metal awning extends over the entry, and a ramp or piece of wood rests against the side of the structure. The neighboring house is partially visible, and the area behind the home opens into a grassy field; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street and Frontier Avenue, Ring 1 residences behind fencing, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, January 1981
A row of residential houses in winter, viewed through a chain-link fence in the foreground. The ground is covered in snow, and several leafless trees and evergreen shrubs are present. The houses vary in exterior materials and colors, including green and red siding, with visible porches and awnings. Power lines cross the upper portion of the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 902-906 97th Street, ring 1 residences, looking south, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A wide, cracked residential street extends into the distance, flanked by sidewalks, power poles, and lawns on both sides. On the left, a row of leafless deciduous trees and evergreens lines the sidewalk. On the right, single-story houses with grassy yards are partially visible behind trees and shrubs. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a spring or early fall season; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 911 97th Street, a ring 1 residence with a view of the clay capping in the background, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A wide, cracked residential street extends into the distance, flanked by sidewalks, power poles, and lawns on both sides within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. On the left, a row of leafless deciduous trees and evergreens lines the sidewalk. On the right, single-story houses with grassy yards are partially visible behind trees and shrubs. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a spring or early fall season; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 903-907 97th Street, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A small single-story house painted light green is shown with its windows and doors boarded up. The front yard is overgrown with grass and scattered debris, and a narrow concrete path leads to the front steps. To the right, a large evergreen tree partially obscures a neighboring house that is also boarded up. The scene is lit by clear daylight and trees in the foreground are beginning to bud; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
99th Street Elementary School viewed from Read Avenue with 99th Street residences at left, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A wide view of an open grassy field leads to a rectangular brick school building with multiple windows and a central chimney. Behind the school, several small residential homes are visible, partially obscured by trees without leaves. The scene is brightly lit under a clear blue sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Clay-capped and seeded section of Love Canal with the 99th Street Elementary School (at left) and hazardous waste treatment facility and 97th Street residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, Summer 1982
The photo shows a wide grassy field stretching into the distance, flanked on the left by a low brick school building and on the right by a cluster of residential houses and another structure. The lighting suggests it is taken during daytime under a clear sky, with no people visible in the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street and Frontier Avenue, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, January 1981
The image depicts a snowy street scene viewed from behind a locked chain-link gate. Power lines and utility poles run along both sides of the road, and leafless trees line the street. Residential houses are partially visible on the right side of the frame. The ground and rooftops are covered with snow, and the scene appears overcast; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Dark interior of 9905 Colvin Boulevard, the new Love Canal Homeowners Association Office, with a view outside from the window, Niagara Falls, New York, 1980
The image shows a dimly lit interior with a window on the left and a protest sign or decorated wreath on the right in the new Love Canal Homeowners Association offices at 9905 Colvin Boulevard, Niagara Falls, New York. The sign includes the words “Love Canal,” “Broken Hearts,” and mentions “Carter,” “Carey,” “Hooker Chemical,” and “Niagara Falls.” Because the room is dark, much of the text and detail are difficult to read. Snow and trees are visible through the window, indicating a winter scene outside; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Clay-capped and seeded southern section of Love Canal with hazardous waste treatment facility and 97th Street residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, Summer 1982
The image depicts a wide open grassy area under a clear sky. In the background, there is a row of single-story houses and a few utility poles running parallel to the homes. A dark, rectangular building is visible to the left. The field appears patchy in places, and the lighting suggests early morning or late afternoon; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Residence of Joann Hale at 97th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
The image shows a small white house with a red roof, centrally located in a residential neighborhood. The windows and door of the house are boarded up and a yellow fire hydrant is visible in front. Leafless trees and utility poles line the area, and other homes and a brick structure appear partially in the background. The scene is framed by a patchy grassy field in the foreground; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of Ring 1 residences behind a chain link fence at Frontier Avenue and 99th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, January 1981
A chain-link gate in the foreground blocks access to a snow-covered residential street. Behind the gate, small houses with snow on their roofs are visible, along with leafless trees and power lines. A yellow diamond-shaped traffic sign is attached to the fence, and utility poles lean slightly under the weight of cables. The setting appears quiet and deserted; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street, Ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A quiet residential street lined with small, single-story houses. One of the houses has windows and a door that are boarded up. The surrounding yard areas appear overgrown, and trees without leaves line the sidewalk. The road in the foreground is cracked, suggesting minimal recent upkeep; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.