History of Medicine artifacts collection, 1550-1999

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Summary

Creator:
History of Medicine Collection (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
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 late 20th 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 and stethoscopes, dating from the 17th to the 20th century. Accquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.
Extent:
51.5 Linear Feet (about 855 items)
Language:
English
Collection ID:
RL.10155

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consist of historical medical instruments and artifacts, art objects, realia, and other three-dimensional objects, 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 late 20th centuries, objects include physician's medical kits and pharmaceutical items (often in the original cases and bags); clinical equipment used in amputation, obstetrics, opthalmology, surgery, neurology, early electrical therapies, and in research and diagnostic settings; instructional objects such as anatomical models; and art objects such as apothecary jars, a bas-relief memento mori, a marble skull, and fetish figures.

There are many models of microscopes, from a small monocular "flea glass" to mid-20th century models. Other early medical instruments and supplies include amputation saws, bleeding bowls, cupping glasses, hypodermic needles, infant and invalid feeders, lancets, opthalmoscopes, pill rollers, stethoscopes, syringes, and other items. A more unusual item - and one of the larger pieces - is an adult walker made of wood, dating perhaps to the 19th century or earlier.

Of interest is a large collection of early anatomical and diagnostic human models from China and continental Europe, in the shape of small, intricately detailed manikins, most crafted from ivory. Some feature removable anatomical parts, and female figures often include a removable fetus. There is also a model illustrating acupuncture points. Other instructional artifacts include glass slides used in medical school lectures.

Most of these objects were photographed by Medical Library staff; at a later time, digital images of almost all of the objects in the collection were added to the online Duke University Historical Images in Medicine database, linked in this collection guide and now available through the Duke Digital Repository. Many of the original black-and-white photographic prints are filed in the History of Medicine Picture File collection. See the Related Materials section in this collection guide for links to these resources.

Acquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.

Biographical / historical:

The History of Medicine Collections artifacts collections began in 1956 with the donation of the Josiah C. Trent Collection, which formed the nucleus of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke Unversity's Medical Library. The Trent family's donation included many artifacts related to the practice of medicine. Subsequent acquisitions over the years from many other donors make up the rest of this collection, which forms part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University. The collection continues to receive additions.

Acquisition information:
The History of Medicine artifacts collection were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a transfer in 2011. Additions to the collection were received as gifts in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Processing information:

Originally processed by Duke Medical Center and Rubenstein Library staff, various dates.

Described by Levi Crews, Noah Huffman, and Paula Jeannet, 2014.

Preservation treatment and custom enclosures created by Conservation staff, 2016-2017.

Accessions added later include 2021-0157, 2023-0123, 2024-0017. 2024-0153.

Arrangement:

Arranged by donor's last name, and within by the unique identifier assigned to each object by library staff. Items of unknown or uncertain provenance are listed in a large "Anonymous" category following the named collections.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Access note. Collection contains fragile materials which may involve extra assistance from staff. Types of items include glass, ceramics, rare instruments, or other vulnerable materials. Contact Research Services with questions.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], History of Medicine artifacts collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

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https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1g90q