A Digital Exhibit

Childbirth could be a dangerous event, resulting in blood loss, preeclampsia, infection, and other complications. When male physicians introduced tools such as these forceps, the risk of injury and infection increased.  

Another way physicians purged the body of unwanted humors was to administer emetics and laxatives. A number of herbal and compound medicines were used, as seen here. However, some of the common ingredients of the time could be poisonous, like powdered antimony, mercury, or poke berries.

Cough syrups were especially dangerous at the turn of the century. Most of them used morphine, and later heroin, to calm coughs. In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act required manufacturers to list the quantity of alcohol, opium, morphine, cocaine, heroin, or chloroform used in their medicines on the packaging for the first time.  

 Medical devices were also popular at-home remedies, especially for patients weary of harsh medicines. This hand-cranked machine produced small amounts of electricity by spinning magnets. It came with two hand electrodes and one rectangular plate. When the current passed between any two of these attachments, it caused involuntary muscle spasms. It was marketed as a treatment for nervous diseases, toothaches, and foot pain.  

These electric devices were very popular at the beginning of the 20th century to treat skin problems like acne and dandruff, as well as bruising, inflammation, rheumatism and even bronchitis. They emitted ultraviolet rays, which are visible as a purple glow, and had several clear glass attachments. These attachments could be used on your hair, nostrils, or other surface areas of your body. Their use decreased after a stronger Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was passed in 1938. This new law covered medical devices and required proof of their efficacy before they were sold.