History through material culture.
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18th Century Spring Lancet- Mansfield, CT
Doctors John Hunter and Benjamin Rush championed bloodletting as a cure for inflammation, however, opinions varied as to how often it should be done in a single day.
Merry Widows Condom Tin- Western Science Center, CA
The Merry Widows was a popular condom brand in the early 20th century. Tins could be bought for fifty cents and contained three reusable condoms.
Boyd’s Battery- Fredericksburg, VA
Boyd’s Miniature Galvanic Battery was a personal wellness device that eliminated ailments using gentle, electrical currents. The device is an example of the late19th century believe that electricity could purify the body and the blood.
Dr. F. Wilhoft's (Original) Lady’s Syringe- Iowa City, IA
The unconventional shape of Dr. F. Wilhoft's lady’s syringe makes one question its effectiveness for feminine douching.