Bronze medal commemorating the introduction of Tuberculin, Berlin, Germany, 1890
When tuberculin was introduced by the German bacteriologist Robert Koch (1843-1910) in 1890, it was hoped that a cure for one of the biggest killers of the 1800s, tuberculosis, had been found. Unfortunately this was not the case but tuberculin was, and is, used in diagnostic tests to see whether a person has been exposed, or has immunity, to tuberculosis-causing bacteria. This medal commemorates Koch's achievement and was designed by a group of German artists and medallists.
Object number:
A675995
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Glossary: vaccination
The introduction of vaccine into the body for the purpose of inducing immunity. Coined originally to apply to the injection of smallpox vaccine, the term has come to mean any immunising procedure in which vaccine is injected.
Glossary: medal
Small pieces of metal, usually gold, silver, or bronze, bearing a relief design on one or both sides and having a commemorative purpose; not used as a medium of exchange. Medals may also be created to commemorate individuals or events or even as works of artistic expression in their own right.
Glossary: commemorative
Use for items produced, issued, or worn to commemorate a person, event, or occasion. For structures erected to preserve the memory of persons or events, use "memorials."
Glossary: tuberculin
A protein extracted from the tuberculosis causing bacterium. It is used in tests to determine if a person has been exposed to the bacteria and is in danger of coming down with the disease.