The instrument consists of a metal and bakelite introducer (a) and a larynx tube (b); the introducer has a solid, octagonal oblong bakelite handle with a pointed tip; on the bottom side of the handle nearing the metal implement there is a round, metal, barrel-shaped piece with gripping lines stampe…
The instrument consists of a metal and bakelite introducer (a) and a larynx tube (b); the introducer has a solid, octagonal oblong bakelite handle with a pointed tip; on the bottom side of the handle nearing the metal implement there is a round, metal, barrel-shaped piece with gripping lines stamped around its middle; this small piece is attached to a movable metal lever; on the opposite side of the handle, there is an open metal finger grip; when the lever is pushed forward using the barrel-shaped piece, the upper metal arm extends; the bakelite handle is joined to the metal rod-like arm by a metal bell-shaped connector; the arm is round and possibly hollow; the arm flares near its end to form an oval-shaped bump connected to a metal wire coiled around an inner rod; at the end of this coiled wire is a metal attachment with two curved hooks; from between these hooks, a small curved rod with a shallow cup at the end extends, connecting to a large metal cylinder; this tapers and is joined to a thin round, short, straight rod; this rod is connected to a similar rod by a small joint; a small metal ball is at the end of this last rod; the larynx tube (b) fits on over top of the two jointed rods and small cylinder; the ball at the end of the last rod of the introducer protrudes partially from the lipped end of the larynx tube; the larynx tube is brass and consists of a hollow oval tube; on one end there is a thick lip, with a small round hole running through one side; an oval hole can be seen on each end; this piece is hollow.
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - introducer - Size: Length 28.0 cm x Width 4.5 cm x Depth 2.0 cm
b - larynx tube - Size: Length 5.7 cm x Diam. 1.3 cm
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.
Dates
1890
1910
circa 1890-1910
Material
metal: silver; yellow
plastic: brown
Inscriptions
None
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E5-9
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
Near the top of the handle there is a bubbling, flaking patch; it is 2.7 cm wide and 1.2 cm long; a large, white lump of corrosion by-product had accumulated around the bottom of the open finger grip; brown rust has also accumulated on the oval bump at the end of the first straight rod; #2: brass is corroding and tarnished; plastic is scratched.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams; "Aloe's Illustrated and Priced Catalogue of Superior Surgical Instruments, Physicians' Supplies and Hospital Furnishings," by the A.S. Aloe Co., 189–, p. 327 (very similar to item 6177)
Research Facts
Identified by Dr. M. Williams as a "O'Dwyer Intubation Set"; for introducing intubation tube; similar to item 997.001.270; intubation is the introduction of a tube into a hollow organ to keep it open, especially the larynx to ensure the passage of air; used in edema of the glottis and in the acute stages of diphtheria.
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.