Hemoglobinometer used in the early 20th century to measure hemoglobin levels in blood, ca. 1940.Hemoglobinometer used in the early 20th century to measure hemoglobin levels in blood, ca. 1940.
COLLECTIONS BLOG

Blood Work

Processing the William D. Hawker Clinical Chemistry Collection.

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Pink bacteria on a blue background.Pink bacteria on a blue background.
DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

The Philly Killer at 50

Legionnaires’ disease has never been more prevalent. So how did we forget it?

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woman crouching to feel lower part of Bakelizerwoman crouching to feel lower part of Bakelizer
EVENTS

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This tour offers a private learning experience for blind and visually impaired guests.

Second Tuesday of each month | 10:30am-12pm

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painting of an alchemist doing an experiment that caught firepainting of an alchemist doing an experiment that caught fire
DISTILLATIONS PODCAST

The History of Clinical Trials: From Fake Exorcisms to Testing Today

How do we know whether a treatment truly works?

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Color illustration of fireworks on the Seine, Paris

Flash! Bang! Boom!
A History of Fireworks

Part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, this sparkling exhibition explores the origins of and the science behind fireworks. 

On view through July 31, 2027

Collect. Preserve. Interpret. Share.

Through research, storytelling, public programming, and educational outreach, we reveal how science is embedded in our daily lives.

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