Medical Museums

Institutions that acquire, preserve, research and exhibit permanent and/or travelling collections of artifacts which relate to the history of medicine and the health sciences. Included may be fluid-preserved anatomical and pathological specimens; medical and surgical instruments from earlier eras; replicas of early operating theatres or other health care venues; materials documenting significant discoveries or innovations in medicine; medical textbooks, archival materials, illustrations and/or photographs; pharmaceuticals; models and interactive exhibits which illustrate the human body, its organs and how each body system works to preserve health; journals and other memorabilia relating to famous scientists and physicians; and medical devices and "cures" associated with quackery. Some medical museums may focus on a particular medical specialty such as women's health, rural medicine or substance abuse; and many have educational programs for school children and other visitors.