Dental Powder “Orthoform” ca. 1920s

Orthoform is a white, crystalline, odorless, and tasteless powder that is slightly soluble in water. Dentists would prepare a compound of the powder with water, then give to patients to relieve pain after a tooth extraction or to treat oral diseases. The compound worked as a local anesthetic and antiseptic, but was only effective when… Continue reading

Night Sky Update: May 21 – May 29, 2021

This is the Saint Louis Science Center’s NIGHT SKY UPDATE for the week of Friday, May 21, 2021. Information updated weekly or as needed. Times given as local St. Louis time, which is Central Daylight Time (CDT). For definitions of terminology used in the night sky update, click the highlighted text. If relying on times… Continue reading

Farmers’ Almanac – 1955

Since 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac has provided the American public with long-range weather predictions, calendars, and articles on various topics such as the full moon, advice on gardening, conservation, natural remedies and more. This particular year includes an article entitled, “How to Drive… And Stay Alive.” Connect with curiosity!

Night Sky Update: May 14 – May 22, 2021

This is the Saint Louis Science Center’s NIGHT SKY UPDATE for the week of Friday, May 14, 2021. Information updated weekly or as needed. Times given as local St. Louis time, which is Central Daylight Time (CDT). For definitions of terminology used in the night sky update, click the highlighted text. If relying on times… Continue reading

Three-Toed Box Turtle Collected from Missouri

Did you know that Missouri is home to 18 species of turtles? The official state reptile of Missouri, the three-toed box turtle can be found in forested area with open grassy ranges. The name “three-toed” signifies the three toes on the hind legs of most specimens, while “box turtle” refers to the ability of this… Continue reading

Infinity Companion Book – 2014

All roads lead to Infinity! This book contains the complete collection of 32 comics that tie-in to the Infinity story. With Earth’s mightiest heroes off in space fighting to save the world, Thanos has attacked Earth on a second front. Some of Marvel’s biggest names, like Black Widow, Captain Marvel, Spider Woman and more, unleash… Continue reading

Motor Annual Magazine January 1931

With over 300 pages of articles, photographs, illustrations, renderings, and advertisements, the Motor Annual Show Number was the premier automotive magazine each year in the early 20th century. Nearly every car manufacturer at the time advertised in these magazines showcasing the newest automobile models on the market. The full color cover illustrates the popularity of… Continue reading

Impala Skull Collected from Southern Africa

The Impala is an antelope native to the savannas and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Did you know that impalas bark? When a predator is sensed, an impala will bark to warn the rest of the herd. This causes the entire herd to flee, making them very difficult to catch. Impalas are very fast… Continue reading

Visitors line up to visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium on its opening day, April 16, 1963.

Happy 58th Birthday, McDonnell Planetarium!

The James S. McDonnell Planetarium marks its 58th birthday on April 16! When the Planetarium opened in 1963, the U.S. was in the midst of the space race, and there was a great deal of interest in learning about astronomy and the possibilities of space travel. It was named for the American aviation pioneer James… Continue reading