QMD Timeline

ca. 400 B.C.E. Greek physicians begin the tradition of taking the Hippocratic oath, promising to harm no one and to refrain from medical misconduct.

1796. Dr. Elisha Perkins receives the first medical patent in the United States. Other members of the Connecticut Medical Society dismiss his metal tractors as quackery.

1847. The American Medical Association forms, and immediately establishes a code of medical ethics and standards for medical education. Two years later, the AMA establishes a board to enlighten the public about the dangers of quack remedies.

1906. The U.S. Pure Food and Drug Act prohibits the misbranding or adulteration of foods, beverages, condiments, and drugs. Many charlatans respond by promoting fraudulent medical devices and "drugless" treatments that authorities have little power to regulate at the time.

1938. The U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to regulate medical devices.

2002. The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices closes when curator Bob McCoy retires. Much of the collection moves to the Science Museum of Minnesota.