Author: imsschicago

The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically thematized exhibitions and programs, in addition to a strong contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. In support of this, we are committed to: -Portraying through exhibits and other appropriate media, the art and science of surgery, and related subjects. -Providing programs and services for the education and enjoyment of the public, students, and the medical profession. -Preserving our collection for the education, inspiration, and aesthetic enrichment of future generations. -Gaining recognition as a leader among medical and health museums worldwide.
Posted on

Museum Re-Opens Friday, June 26

Published by Michelle Rinard The City of Chicago announced the next phase of reopening to begin this Friday, June 26th, 2020, under Phase IV: Gradually Resume at the direction of Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The International Museum of Surgical Science will reopen following the industry-specific guidelines, which align with the State of Illinois and phase four … Continue reading Museum Re-Opens Friday, June 26

Posted on

IMSS Receives Voya-funded Grant for STEM Activities Outreach During COVID-19

Contact: Michelle Rinardmichelle@imss.org312-642-6502 ext. 3118 For immediate release: International Museum of Surgical Science Wins Highly Competitive Grant to Support STEM Engagement During COVID-19 Pandemic Chicago—The International Museum of Surgical Science is one of 20 science centers and museums around the country selected to receive $5,000 in support of STEM engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic from … Continue reading IMSS Receives Voya-funded Grant for STEM Activities Outreach During COVID-19

Posted on

A Note from the Collections – From Assassinations to Witches’ Brews: The Troubled History of the Belladonna Plant

Published by Bailey Kirsten “Beauty is pain!” one may think as they stuff their feet into 6-inch pumps, or meticulously tweeze their brows into the perfect arch. How far, however, might someone be willing to step over the line separating minor discomfort and extreme agony in order to get that special compliment from a stranger … Continue reading A Note from the Collections – From Assassinations to Witches’ Brews: The Troubled History of the Belladonna Plant

Posted on

A Note from the Library – A Horrible Laceration: The Impact of the Minié Ball in the American Civil War

Published by Kelly Christian Many of the surgical textbooks held in the Thorek Manuscripts and Rare Books Collection reference how to operate on and care for wounds from war. The nuance of military surgery varied based on a book’s publication date, which accounts for the many differences in medical technology. Books from the late 19th … Continue reading A Note from the Library – A Horrible Laceration: The Impact of the Minié Ball in the American Civil War

Posted on

A Note from the Library: Florence Nightingale Through Letters

Published by Erin Newton While surgical textbooks and treatise on diseases can tell us much about the history of medicine, it is important to remember that the men and women who labored in medicine—as doctors, surgeons, nurses and midwives—are as much a historical object as the procedures and theories of the body. In addition to … Continue reading A Note from the Library: Florence Nightingale Through Letters

Posted on

A Note from the Collections: Dangerous “Soothing Syrups:” Patent Medicines

Published by Education Intern, Lillian Climo Patent medicine trading card. Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. xx1999.255, International Museum of Surgical Science Collection. Advertisement for “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup”, from 1887. The syrup is advertised as a cure for teething and shows a mother administering the medicine to her infant in a peaceful outdoor setting. Patent medicines … Continue reading A Note from the Collections: Dangerous “Soothing Syrups:” Patent Medicines