Object Details
maker
Wyeth Laboratories
Description
Bifurcated needles used for Smallpox vaccination. Stainless steel needles in plastic dispenser case.
The bifurcated needle was designed to hold a small drop of vaccine between the two small prongs. Invented by Benjamin Rubin, MD, of Wyeth Laboratories who received patent no. 3,194,237, July 13, 1965, for his "Pronged Vaccinating and Testing Needle." This method of vaccination used much less vaccine and was easier to perform. It was the primary method of vaccination used for the WHO eradication of smallpox campaign 1966 - 1977.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Donald A. Henderson, M.D. M.P.H.
date made
1965 - 1977
patent date
1965-07-13
ID Number
1985.0768.01
catalog number
1985.0768.01
accession number
1985.0768
patent number
US3194237A
Object Name
needles, bifurcated
biological
vaccinator
Physical Description
metal, steel (needles material)
plastic (container material)
Measurements
overall: 4 in x 1 in; x 10.16 cm x 2.54 cm
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
The Antibody Initiative
Antibody Initiative: Smallpox
Data Source
National Museum of American History
associated subject
Vaccination
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_722803