Centuries of medicinal practices and tools have found a permanent home on UB's North Campus at the school of pharmacy's Apothecary Museum.
The museum, located in 114 Cooke Hall, was established in 1986 to commemorate the centennial of the School of Pharmacy and is home to three centuries of pharmaceutical inquiry.
"We wanted to have a depiction of an actual pharmacy from an earlier time," said Cindy Konovitz, assistant dean of admissions and a pre-pharmacy advisor. "And the museum is just that."
Upon entering via the big wooden door leading into the museum, the visitor is transported back to the 18th century. The apothecary is stunningly authentic, complete with hardwood floors, ornate tin ceiling, antique cash register, and show globes.
"Show globes were traditionally associated with a pharmacy, much like the red, white, and blue barber pole," Konovitz said.
In addition to the show globes, the museum is home to numerous items such as mortars and pestles and a few unique contraptions.
"The museum houses artifacts that depict how medicine was practiced in the 1800s up until the early 1900s," Konovitz said.
"We have a blood-letting device that contains twelve hooked blades that when pressed into the finger would let blood and other impurities flow out," Konovitz said.
According to Konovitz, an artifact that is unique to the museum is a mortar and pestle previously owned by Gen. Lewis Morris, who was among those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
The museum also showcases several artifacts from pharmacies that were once located in the Buffalo area, such as The Branston Generator, which was manufactured by Chas A. Branston Inc. at 815 Main Street in Buffalo.
According to Konovitz, the museum is also home to photos and written history of the Parkside Pharmacy, once located close to South Campus.
Hanging in high reverence on the museum walls is a collection of portraits of past Deans of the pharmacy school, which was a gift of the UB Pharmacy Alumni Association.
Konovitz said there are also photographs of the first graduating pharmacy class from 1888 located in the museum to give visitors a better idea of the amount of history this museum holds.
The museum has had an effect on pharmacy students who are directly benefiting from the School of Pharmacy's rich past.
"It's interesting to see, being in the pharmacy profession, how far things have come, and how things have changed, yet in a lot of ways stayed the same," said Christina Spoonley, a senior pharmacy major.
Spoonley also stated that as a pharmacy student, the mortar and pestle are still used today and this is an example of how history has impacted the present.
Today the museum is frequented by alumni and is part of the School of Pharmacy open house tour, but it is open to students and faculty.
Although the museum is very specific in the niche it occupies, some students say it's an important collection nonetheless, helping to educate people about the past and possible future of the pharmacy field.
"It's got a really good historical perspective on pharmacy and where it's headed," said Amanda Johnson, senior pharmacy major.
The Pharmacy Museum and Turn of the Century Apothecary are open to the public by appointment only. To make an appointment to view the museum, call 645-3002. A virtual tour is available online at the UB pharmacy school's Web site.
Konovitz said there is no question in her mind that the museum is a campus gem and a source of pride for the pharmacy school in particular.
"I think it's important to the school and the university to remember our traditions as we forge into the future," Konovitz said.
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Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
