Hedley-type inhaler for ether anaesthesia, England, 1847-1867

Made:
1847-1867 in England
maker:
Hedley
Hedley's inhaler, for ether anaesthesia Hedley's inhaler, for ether anaesthesia

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Hedley's inhaler, for ether anaesthesia
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Hedley's inhaler, for ether anaesthesia
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Hedley's inhaler, for ether anaesthesia

Dr Hedley of Bedford, England patented this inhaler in 1847. It was used with ether anaesthetic. The two valves, made from ivory and porcelain, are used for inhaling and exhaling. The inhaler was simple and easy to use. An ether-soaked sponge would have been placed in the bottom of the bottle and heated so the vapours could be inhaled. As the inhaler was made of wood it could easily be kept warm, unlike its glass predecessors.

Details

Category:
Anaesthesiology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A87601
Materials:
wood, ivory and cotton wool
Measurements:
overall: 190 mm 81 mm, .25kg
type:
inhaler