A Century of Caring: The Health Sciences at the University of Iowa, 1850-1950: Early Medicine

Objects in Early Medicine

Medicine Chest
circa 1845

In the 19th century, doctors often used chests such as this one rather than bags to carry their medicines and equipment. Because this was a time when home remedies were common, similar chests were also kept in private homes. This medicine chest was brought to Iowa from Exeter, England by the donor's grandfather, Charles Edward Leigh, in 1851. Mr. Leigh came to Iowa to visit a cousin in Dubuque County and decided to homestead near Dyersville.

Gift of David Armstrong, Iowa City, IA; 1995.4

Gigli Chain Saw
circa 1872

The Gigli Saw is a type of chain saw used to amputate limbs. It is used primarily for cutting through bone that is inaccessible to a regular blade saw. The T-shaped handles allow the instrument to be drawn from side to side. The Gigli was less expensive than other amputation saws, easily cleaned, and was less apt to bind. It is still used today.

Gift of Phoebe Wilcox, Newton, IA; MM #24.

Trephine
circa 1860

Trephining is a surgical operation that involves cutting out a small, button-shaped piece of the skull. The operation is done with an instrument called a trephine. The procedure is used in the treatment of certain head injuries. It relieves pressure on the brain caused by bleeding between the skull and brain. Also used to remove blood clots and to gain entry to the brain for other surgical procedures; trephining is the earliest known surgical treatment.

On loan from the UI College of Medicine; 6/1997

Barber Sign
1855

This sign advertised the versatility of Henry C. Nicking, a German barber who practiced in Iowa City from 1855 to 1878. It reads:

The tradition of barbers performing medical duties dates to the late Middle Ages, and until health care was placed on a firm scientific and educational foundation, people continued to seek them out for treatment.

On loan from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, 1996

Wheel Chair
circa 1925

MM #37