History of Medicine Artifacts

Historical medical instruments, artifacts and other objects ranging in age from the 16th to 20th centuries

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Amputation set, early to mid-19th century homst13001
View the highlight item: Cupping set, 19th century
Cupping set, 19th century homst31001
View the highlight item: Mortar and pestle, approximately late...
Mortar and pestle, approximately late... homst04034
View the highlight item: Telescopic ear trumpet with swivel bell, undated
Telescopic ear trumpet with swivel bell, undated homst54046
View the highlight item: Pocket hypodermic kit, undated
Pocket hypodermic kit, undated homst45003

Source Collection

This digital collection comprises selected materials from the following archival collection at David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library:

History of Medicine artifacts collection 1550-2000s

Collection #RL.10155 | 51.5 Linear Feet (about 855 items)

ABSTRACT
Collection consists of historical medical instruments and artifacts, art objects, realia, and other three-dimensional objects related to the history of medicine, primarily originating from Europe and the United States, but including some artifacts from China and Japan. Ranging in age from the late 16th to the early 21st centuries, objects include medical kits and pharmaceutical items (often in the original cases and bags); equipment used in amputation, obstetrics, opthalmology, surgery, urology, neurology, early electrical therapies, and in research and diagnostic settings; instructional objects such as anatomical models and figurines; and other objects such as apothecary jars, cupping glasses, infant feeders, a bas-relief memento mori, and fetish figures. There are many models of microscopes, ear trumpets, and stethoscopes, dating from the 17th to the 20th century. Includes some original medicines, such as pills and capsules. Accquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.

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Adopted by Harsha Murthy T'81 in memory of M.S.N. Murthy, M.D.