Traditional medical practices during most of the 19th century relied on symptomatic treatment, consisting primarily of bloodletting, blistering, and high doses of mineral poisons. These medical regimens resulted in high rates of death in patients unfortunate enough to undergo treatment. In the latter part of the century, practices began to shift toward something more recognizable as actual care.
By the 1870s, smaller doses of more effective medicines and a recognition of the importance of rest and personal hygiene became more popular. When germ theory became widely accepted in the 1880s, it was significantly less dangerous to undergo treatment. At the turn of the century the social and political climate of the Progressive Era resulted in an expanded system of medical licensing and regulations.
While far from what we expect from modern medicine, these objects exemplify advancement in medical practices. This exhibit demonstrates stronger regulation of medicines, which were less likely to be the poisonous tonics or useless nostrums of bygone quacks.
Please click on the images to view details of the artifacts
International Pocket Medical Formulary, compiling a list of treatments and drugs, and their effects; 1888
Donated by Juliana E Schano
Postcard of Long Beach Sanitarium. Postcards advertising sanitariums were common during the early 20th century when tuberculosis was a large problem; doctors often prescribed rest at a California sanitarium for Midwesterners plagued with tuberculosis or other respiratory diseases.
Donated by Col. & Mrs. Harrington
Medicine kit containing 10 vials of pills c. 1900
Donated by Juliana E Schano
Measuring cup for dosage of medicines
Donated by Juliana E Schano
Medicine tin containing Schenck’s Mandrake Pills
Donated by George Holmes
The first silver tea pot was created in England for the East India Company just ahead of the time the company started to officially trade tea in 1699. It was a tall, ineffective design and sported a wooden handle.
Medicine tin containing boil salve
Donated by George Holmes
Medicine bottle containing Watkin’s Cream of Camphor Liniment
Medicine bottle containing Chamberlin’s Colic Remedy
Donated by George Holmes
Prescription medicine box with handwritten notation; 1896
Donated by Ruth Adams Miller
Medicine bottle from The Owl Drug Co., Long Beach
Bottle containing Sole-eze Sun Burn Remedy, Los Angeles
Donated by George Holmes
Medicine bottles donated by Florence L. Bixby
Medicine tin containing Pancrobilin Tablets for Constipation
Donated by Juliana E Schano
Tin box for pills
Donated by Juliana E Schano
Medicine bottle with handwritten label marking “Mineral Oil”
Donated by George Holmes
