Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, Kiel, Germany, 1925-1935

Made:
1925-1935 in Kiel
maker:
Ernst Pohl Company
Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1925-1935, used by Dr Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1910, used by Dr Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1910, used by Dr

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Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1925-1935, used by Dr
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1910, used by Dr
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1910, used by Dr
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1925-1935 with control panel unit, used by Dr. Rachwalsky until 1962, German

This impressive machine is known as an ‘Omniskop’. During the 1920s, it belonged to Ernst Rachwalsky, a doctor working in Berlin who specialised in the treatment of stomach problems. Both his family and his highly successful practice were firmly established in the German capital, yet in 1936 Dr Rachwalsky felt compelled to emigrate and take his chances in London. Why did he feel he had to go and why was he so keen to take this device with him?

By the early 1930s the Nazi Party was in power in Germany. Life became increasingly dangerous for Jewish people like Rachwalsky and his family. Eventually, rather than stay and face the growing threat he decided get out of the country and travel to England. His family joined him shortly afterwards. Rather than leaving his machine behind, Rachwalsky shipped the Omniskop over in parts to England. There he carried on using it in the new London medical practice he established until his retirement in 1962.

Rachwalsky had bought this cutting edge, and very expensive, machine to assist his work on stomach disorders. Using counterweights and a motor, the Omniskop could position patients at a variety of angles. This meant Dr Rachwalsky could take x-ray images of many different views of his patient’s stomachs, for more effective diagnosis. Some patients apparently found it a frightening experience. Others found it a fascinating machine to ride in. In its own retirement, the Omniskop has been the centrepiece of exhibitions and inspired Hollywood movie set designers. It certainly seems to be a machine that people get very attached to.

Details

Category:
Radiomedicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600315
Materials:
wood, steel and rubber
Measurements:
overall: 490kg with pallet
overall (when horizontal): 1640 mm x 2400 mm x 880 mm,
type:
x-ray machine
credit:
Rachwalsky, E. (Ealing)

Parts

Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, Kiel, Germany, 1925-1935

Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, Kiel, Germany, 1925-1935

Main component of Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1925-1935 , used by Dr. Rachwalsky until 1962, German

Measurements:
overall: 2800 mm x 860 mm x 1680 mm,
Materials:
wood , steel and rubber
Object Number:
A600315/1
type:
x-ray machine
Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, Kiel, Germany, 1925-1935

Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, Kiel, Germany, 1925-1935

Control panel unit for Pohl Omniskop X-ray apparatus, c.1925-1935 used by Dr. Rachwalsky until 1962, German

Measurements:
weight: 465kg
weight: 1025.15488lbs
depth: 1680mm
height: 2800mm
width: 860mm
Materials:
wood , steel and rubber
Object Number:
A600315/2
type:
x-ray machine