Sputum Flask, Blue Glass with Dual Caps

Object Details

Description: In the 1800s and early 1900s, pulmonary tuberculosis was a major health concern. Those suspected of suffering from the disease might be ostracized, ridiculed, and denied certain civil rights. One of the signs of tuberculosis was the production of large amounts of viscous, sometimes bloody, matter from the lungs. As a result, sufferers used objects like this glass pocket flask to dispose of the coughed up mass, without drawing attention to themselves by spitting.
Location: Currently not on view

early 1900s

Physical Description: glass (overall material); metal (overall material); blue, cobalt (overall color); molded (overall production method/technique)
Measurements: overall: 7.7 cm x 11.2 cm x 4.1 cm; x 3 1/16 in x 4 7/16 in x 1 5/8 in; overall: 4 1/2 in x 3 1/8 in x 4 1/2 in; 11.43 cm x 7.9375 cm x 11.43 cm

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine; The Antibody Initiative; Health & Medicine; Antibody Initiative: Tuberculosis

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-f781-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa