Infant weighing machine

Made:
1890-1930 in London
maker:
George Salter and Company
Infant weighing machine, 1890-1920, by Salter, English

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Infant weighing machine, 1890-1920, by Salter, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Infant weighing machine, 1890-1920, by Salter, English

These cast iron scales weighed infants up to 25lbs. They were made by Salter and supplied by W. H. Bailey & Son. The removable basket is made of cane. Weighing babies at special infant welfare clinics became common in many Western countries after the First World War. Monitoring a child’s growth rate checks their early development. It can also highlight medical conditions or the presence of disease. Clinics monitored babies and advised mothers on childcare.

Details

Category:
Nursing & Hospital Furnishings
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A200718
Materials:
body, iron (cast), zeroing weight, brass and pan, cane
Measurements:
overall: 460 mm x 635 mm x 455 mm, 5.82 kg
type:
scales - weighing device
credit:
Knight, Frank and Rutley