The inhaler is a hollow, metal cylindrical instrument with two hollow metal tubes leading to two plastic anaesthetic delivery cups; at the bottom of the cylinder, there is a metal cap that was once removable; it has gripping lines stamped into the metal and two vertical rectangular slots on opposiā¦
The inhaler is a hollow, metal cylindrical instrument with two hollow metal tubes leading to two plastic anaesthetic delivery cups; at the bottom of the cylinder, there is a metal cap that was once removable; it has gripping lines stamped into the metal and two vertical rectangular slots on opposite ends of the diameter of the cap; the bottom of the cap is flat; a metal disk caps this cylinder; from the curved top of this disk, two hollow metal tubes extend, curving outwards slightly away from each other, and forwards; these tubes are each capped by a brown plastic applicator; each applicator has a rounded conical shape with a round hole at the top.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Originally owned by Dr. Publow, who practised in Prince Edward County between 1850 and 1900. Given to Dr. M. Williams, head of Otolaryngology at Queen's University.
"HARTZ CO", "DETROIT, CLEVELAND, TORONTO" and "PAT. APPL'D FOR" stamped into the metal cylinder
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-F2-1
Length
15.0 cm
Width
3.5 cm
Depth
2.8 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Dimension Notes
Length x Width x Depth
Condition Remarks
Accretion of a white deposit on nasal applicators at rim of metal attachment; moderate patches of corrosion on metal surface; cap at the bottom of the instrument cannot be removed; #2: tarnished.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams; "Illustrated Catalogue of a Complete Line of Standard Surgical Instruments," by Codman & Shurtleff, 1920, p. 23 (item #1253)
Research Facts
This anaesthetic inhaler was filled with cotton batting saturated with ether or chloroform; the anaesthetic was delivered to the patient by inserting the delivery cups into the nostrils. Dr. Williams identified this item as a "nasal douche."
Exhibit History
On display at Hotel Dieu Hospital circa 1983-1993; the item was mounted on an acidic board with copper-covered wires to secure it.