A new exhibit on the first floor of Sterne Library explores medical items whose now frequent use belies their rich histories — from the everyday nail clipper to the testing devices used by optometrists and bottles used to contain lifesaving or quackery medications.

“Tools of the Trade” was curated by the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences, and curatorial contributions were made by Hannah Martinez, a senior majoring in art history, who interned with the museum in summer 2026. Select items also are featured from the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library and the UAB Archives.

Displays feature historical items like inhaler masks from the early 1900s, medicine bottles from the late 1800s, a phoropter — or an eye testing device used by optometrists during eye exams — from 1925, and autoclaves and sanitizing tools from the mid- to late 1900s.

“We don’t think of nail clippers as an essential healthcare tool, but it is essential to podiatry,” said Christina McClellan, curator for the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences. “Some are more aesthetically interesting — like our selection of vintage optometry testing tools or medicine bottles— and some are less common in healthcare practice now, like the tuning forks, some of which date to circa 1900 or before. This exhibit shows us the breadth of tools we may or may not think about as an essential to our healthcare.”

“Tools of the Trade” will be exhibit on display through the spring 2027 semester.

Get a sneak peek of the exhibit in the photos below.