Banner image of a museum exhibit titled “Instruments of Diagnosis: The Practice of Pathology,” showing a glass display case with historical medical books, diagnostic tools, and labeled artifacts related to disease diagnosis.

Fighting the Unseen: Tuberculosis, Pathogens, and Medical Progress

Published Apr 17, 2026 by
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Whether you are a student, faculty member, or a curious community member, exploring the origins of disease treatment, the progression of medical technology, or the lived experiences of patients and practitioners, Laupus Library’s History Collections provides rich context for understanding today’s health sciences. My exhibit Fighting the Unseen: Tuberculosis, Pathogens, and Medical Progress draws directly from these materials, transforming historical objects into powerful stories about innovation, resilience, and discovery.

This exhibit is a study of the evolution of pathological diseases and features several tools commonly used to treat the symptoms of tuberculosis and other pathogens, including stethoscopes, microscopes, radiological scanners, and medicine boxes.

Glass display case featuring historical tuberculosis diagnostic materials

My inspiration for this exhibit came from one of my favorite video games, Red Dead Redemption 2. The story is set in 1899, and when the protagonist contracts tuberculosis, he is essentially doomed because the era predates the invention of antibiotics. This is in stark contrast to the modern age, where those same pathogens can now be effectively cured.

Two‑shelf glass exhibit case displaying historical tuberculosis‑related medical items, including books, diagnostic tools, medicine boxes, carrying bags, and printed exhibit labels about instruments used in pathology and disease diagnosis

While Red Dead Redemption 2 is fictional, it reflects a very real moment in medical history and one that is documented in the materials featured in this exhibit, which also showcases a collection of books dating from 1857 to the late 1990s. These dates are significant, particularly for tuberculosis, because each text details the discoveries, strategies, and perspectives of practitioners who did their best to treat the disease with the limited resources of their time. It was not until the 1940s that an effective antibiotic, called streptomycin, was finally created.

I greatly enjoyed creating this exhibit and exploring the history of pathology and serves as an inspiring testament to the progress of medical innovation. It is a powerful reminder that researchers and future generations must continue to innovate in the ongoing fight against disease.

Please stop by Laupus Library’s 4th floor to see the exhibit and leave comments!

Early 20th‑century metal injection apparatus displayed on a raised platform inside a glass exhibit case, accompanied by a label describing its use in medical treatment.

Many of these resources are also available online. Tours of the History Collections are available by appointment and can be tailored to you or your students’ interests. We welcome faculty, students, classes, community groups, and anyone interested in the history of health care in our region.

 

Schedule a Tour

Email: hslhistmed@ecu.edu
Phone: 252-744-3181 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Learn more about our History Collections 

Come see how the past lives on in the records of those who shaped it and discover what history can teach us about the future of health care.