Yes, Kari, it was an easy one — a test tube rack. Next time we'll stump you!
What is this called and what was it used for? Lucy Berk wrote, "It is a sputum cup into which a reddish, waxed, cardboard insert was placed to hold the expectoration of sputum from the lungs of the TB patient. It was at the time the most sanitary way to get rid of the germy stuff. I recall that the cardboards came flat in a package and were scored for easy folding when a replacement was needed. Even a child could do it."
What is this called and what was it used for? Kimmey Decker answered, "It is a "stone pig"—filled with hot water, it was used to warm up the bed, when a patient was "curing" out on the cold porches.
Mystery Object
These mystery objects have been displayed until recently in the Saranac Laboratory. Rich Loeber answers: "They are pipes from a pipe organ" Correct! They are from the pipe organ at St. Luke's church. Thanks for your answer, Rich.
Mystery Object
Thank you for your guesses about the Mystery Object. Marcy, you were close, guessing that it was used as a bed warmer. Our best guess is that it was a foot warmer. The object was part of a collection of artifacts from St. Luke's Church. The box has a small metal bowl inside to hold hot coals perhaps, and it might have been used in the church to warm someone's feet. It is ornately decorated, and so perhaps was used by someone important, like the priest.
Mystery Object
It's easy enough to tell what this is— the question is "Where is it?"
You could spot it in the Wiki, if you look hard enough!
2009-03-15 08:21:37 On the Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power and Rail Road Company Building —Marcy1999
2009-03-15 20:32:26 Yes, Marcy1999, you guessed the mystery picture — It is a fixture on the Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power and Railroad Company Complex Thanks for your response! —amycatania
