Welcome to our Online Collections Database!
(when finished searching you may click on the banner to return to the Dittrick website)
The Dittrick collections database is an evergrowing work in progress. Currently, there are several thousand records available for viewing, including:
Objects: Forceps (hemostatic, delivery), Contraceptives (birth-control pills, condoms, diaphragms, intracervical and intrauterine devices, cervical caps), Stethoscopes, Microscopes, Thermometers, Blood Pressure Apparatus
Images/artwork: Photographs (dissection, respiratory therapy, portraits), Medical illustrations
Archives: Postcards (dissection, contraception, medical museums)
Quick Searches:
Click on a link to view one of our most commonly searched collections
Tips for Searching
Keyword Search
The Keyword Search button allows you to perform a general search across multiple fields for any catalog records online. Keyword searches use OR as the default connector between words (e.g. a search for City Hospital will return records associated with City OR Hospital). If you want to find records where both keywords are found, type in AND between the two words. To search for a specific phrase, be sure to put the phrase within quotes (e.g. "Forest City Hospital"). You can also use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard (e.g. a search for histor* would come up with records containing history, histories, historical, etc.). Searches are not case sensitive.
Search by Term
The Search by Term button allows searching by terms that are found within the description of the artifact.
Advanced Search
The Advanced Search button can help you be more specific with your search. You can search for a word or phrase within a particular search category or use multiple categories to further narrow down your search results. For example, searching Cushing in the People field will bring up any records associated with a member of the Cushing family. You can also search People and Creator records through Advanced Search. Phrase searching with quotes and use of wildcards (*) are available in Advanced Search.
Random Images
The Random Images button is a great way to just browse the collection. Each Random Images page displays a random assortment of images from the records online. If something piques your interest, click the thumbnail to view a larger version of the image.
Catalog Searches (Archives / Photos / Libraries / Objects)
The catalog buttons can also help narrow down your search, by only searching with a selected catalog. If you only want to search for Photos, click the Photos button and type in your keyword(s) or phrase. You can also browse records within that catalog without performing a search. Phrase searching, wildcards (*) as well as AND/OR statements are available when performing catalog searches.
Due to the wide variety of our collections, it is possible that some online collections items are of unknown original origins. All users are responsible for complying with all privacy and publicity rights, rules, and applicable laws when accessing and utilizing the collections.