The Museum Of Medical History In Pennsylvania Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

A fascinating journey through medical history awaits at the Mutter Museum in Pennsylvania. But, be forewarned, if you easily get queasy, you might have a bit of difficulty when passing some of the exhibits, like the preserved specimens from each part of the body. While a trip to this medical museum certainly isn't for the faint of heart, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Warning: some of the pictures below are quite graphic.

Walk through the front doors of the Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and you'll feel as though you've stepped into a 19th century medicine cabinet.

The museum is designed to give visitors insight into the human body as well as the history of diseases and their treatment. Take a closer look at the 139 skulls that comprise the skull collection, including...

Those with the eyeballs still intact.

Stop for a look at the Soap Lady, whose body was exhumed in 1875 in Philadelphia. Scientists have determined that the woman likely died of yellow fever when she was anywhere from her late 20s to 40 years of age.

Specimens from all parts of the body are also on display. Below are several brains and...

You're now looking at kidneys.

Below is a photo of pieces of the brain of Charles J. Guiteau, who murdered President Garfield. The assassin's brain weighed just 50 ounces.

The museum also houses medicines and poisons, like the bottles of chocolate covered strychnine seen below. People used it in past centuries, according to the Mutter Museum, because they believed the convulsions that resulted would be beneficial. In reality, the strychnine was lethal.

Browse other exhibits that include artificial limbs (seen below), parts of Albert Einstein's brain, skeletal specimens, wet specimens, and historical medical instruments.

Visitors can also have some lighthearted fun at the Mutter Museum, attending, for example, the interactive Mutter Murder Mystery and...

Joining the museum when it hosts a day of crafts and other free activities.

The Mutter Museum welcomes guests daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

Address:

Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

19 S 22nd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

215-560-8564

Click here for more information.

The Mutter Museum in Pennsylvania, although not really the place for the faint of heart, promises a fascinating journey through medical history. For a historical trip of a different sort, visit Austin Dam Memorial Park.