A brown wood monaural stethoscope with detachable trumpet shaped ear plate (a) that screws onto a long hollow cylindrical piece of wood ending with circular chest piece (b); carved into the base are the initials “JKMD”.
A brown wood monaural stethoscope with detachable trumpet shaped ear plate (a) that screws onto a long hollow cylindrical piece of wood ending with circular chest piece (b); carved into the base are the initials “JKMD”.
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - ear plate - Diam. 6.3 cm
b - chest peice - Length 17.6 cm x Diam. 2.3 cm
Provenance
From the estate of Dr. D. Douglas McKercher Queen's Faculty of Medicine Class of 1944. Items belonging to his partner Dr. J. K. M. Dickie an ear nose and throat specialist that practiced in Ottawa, Ontario.
The Monaural Stethoscope. Medical Antiques Online.
Research Facts
The Fergusson model of the monaural stethoscope was designed in England and became the most popular model used in the later half of 19th century medical practice. It was made of straight grained, less dense woods with a small bore central hole such that sounds were readily transmitted. It measured approximately 7 inches in length with a slender stem that had a rounded chest-end bell about 1 inch in diameter that rested comfortably on the patient. The ear plate was approximately 2.5 inches in diameter and fit snugly over the ear in order to prevent dispersion of the transmitted sounds. The Fergusson stethoscopes often had a maker's mark, physician's name or initials, or other identifying characteristic engraved on the ear plate.
The doctor that designed this monaural stethoscope is unknown as there were two British doctors practicing in the 19th century with similar names.