Minnitt gas-air analgesia apparatus, England, 1943-1960

Made:
1943-1960 in Middlesex
maker:
British Oxygen Company Limited
Minnitt gas-air analgesia apparatus for use by midwives

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Minnitt gas-air analgesia apparatus for use by midwives
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Minnitt gas-air analgesia apparatus for use by midwives, in "Queen Charlotte" case, by British Oxygen Co. Ltd., England, 1943-1960

Robert James Minnit (1889-1974) – with the assistance of Arthur Charles King (1888-1965) – developed the first nitrous oxide and air machine used as pain relief for women during childbirth. These machines let mothers self-administer the appropriate mixture of ‘gas and air’. A techniques still used today.

This apparatus was made by British Oxygen Co. Limited. It was carried in a leather box known as a “Queen Charlotte” case. The portable box let it be used both in the hospital and during home births. This particular model was used between the 1940s and the 1960s.

Details

Category:
Anaesthesiology
Object Number:
1982-561/92
Materials:
machine, plated, machine, plastic, machine, rubber and case, leather
Measurements:
overall: 135 mm x 480 mm x 320 mm,
type:
anaesthetic machine
credit:
Mirrielees, Esther