Health & Medicine - Overview 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.