The division conducts research in the general fields of the history of science and history of medicine, and collects in the fields of biological, medical, and physical sciences. For more specific areas of research, please see the staff listing below. The biological sciences collections include molecular biology and biotechnology instrumentation, special apparatus and instrumentation used for field and laboratory research and in classroom education, artifacts documenting the social and political history of biology, artifacts relating to the roles of women and minorities in science, and trade literature associated with these areas. The medical sciences collection includes crude drugs, patent medicines, drug-manufacturing apparatus and containers, laboratory equipment, eyeglasses, cardiac and other surgical instruments, dental equipment, microscopes, radiology apparatus, diagnostic instruments, quack medical devices, and veterinary medicines and equipment. These are supplemented by trade catalogues, posters, advertising literature, business records, and audiovisual and manuscript materials.
Trade literature supplements the collection.
Judy Chelnick, Specialist. Case Western Reserve University. Jon B. Eklund, Curator. Patricia Gossel, Curator. Johns Hopkins University.