The Science and Art of Medicine

Bourdalon female urinal, blue and white, c. 1805, Spode

• Bourdalon, or female urinal, English, c. 1805.

These lancets belonged to Edward Jenner (1749-1823). In 1796 Edward Jenner (1749-1823) used a lancet to introduce fluid from a cowpox sore through a person's skin, in order to inoculate them against smallpox, a similar but more dangerous disease. He

• Lancets, late 18th-early 19th century.

A bag probably made from monkey-skin, used by healers in Africa. Clothes and accessories such as this bag are important to identify healers and show their high status in the community.

• Healer's bag, Africa, 1880-1930

Gold angel, used as a touchpiece in the ceremony of healing by touch, mint mark in form of a castle, 2nd or 3rd coinage, issued by James I, 1603-1625

• Jacobean touchpieces, English, 1610-1625.

A wooden divination board, known as an itombwa. It is carved in the form of an animal and was used by diviners of the Kuba people to answer questions about an illness. The flat back is covered in oil and water and rubbed with the wooden block. When

• Itombwa, wooden divination board, in the form of an animal, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1880–1920

Pale green glass balloon retort, long neck, projecting stopper hole, hand blown, possibly Italian, 1650-1800

• Glass retort, Italian, 1650-1800.

Pale green glass alembic with cucurbit, probably English, 19th century

• Combined alembic and cucurbit, probably 19th century.

This instrument is made out of vulcanite, horn and silk. Insufflators are used to blow air, or in this case medicated powder, into the lungs or into a body cavity.

• Powder insufflator, 1871-1900.

Metal pill die

• Brockedon's metal pill die with three boxes of pills, 1843.

Laryngeal syringe, Tobold type, steel and glass, by Down Bros. of London

• Tobold's laryngeal syringe, early 20th century.