Model of a foot operated drill, Germany, 1910-1920

Made:
1910-1920 in Hannover
maker:
Richter
Model of a foot-operated dental drill, c.1914 by Richter, German Model of a foot-operated dental drill, c

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Model of a foot-operated dental drill, c.1914 by Richter, German
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Model of a foot-operated dental drill, c
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Model of a foot-operated dental drill, c.1914 by Richter, German

This model represents a dental drill which is powered by pushing the foot pedal up and down. This is known as a treadle drill. The dental drill is used to remove decayed matter from the teeth, which can become infected and painful if left untreated.

The treadle drill was invented in 1871 by James Beall Morrison (1829-1917), an American dentist who also designed dental chairs. His drill was popular with dentists throughout Europe and America and is an example of the first mechanically powered drill, which speeded up dental treatments.

Details

Category:
Dentistry
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600136
Materials:
metal, plated
Measurements:
overall: 362 mm x 190 mm x 130 mm, .41kg
type:
dental drill
credit:
Colchester and Essex Museum. Colchester