Anaesthesia mask (a) and attachment (b); both components are largely comprised of solid, smooth, metal wires; the mask (a) is a circular frame with a looped arm at one end; four thinner wires are attached to each side of the frame, so that they intersect at a midpoint; several fabric threades tie t…
Anaesthesia mask (a) and attachment (b); both components are largely comprised of solid, smooth, metal wires; the mask (a) is a circular frame with a looped arm at one end; four thinner wires are attached to each side of the frame, so that they intersect at a midpoint; several fabric threades tie the wires together at the midpoint; the frame tapers at one end to form the looped arm; a thin band of metal holds the wires together, and they separate at the other end of this band and form a loop; a small, round, solid metal rod extends from the outer surface of this band, and is capped by a metal button; attachment (b) joins the mask by this button; (b) is composed of one thin round wire; it is roughly the same size and shape as the frame of (a); the metal arm extending from (b) is much shorter than the arm of (a); it extends only as far as the button on the mask, and there is no flat band of metal joining its wires.
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - mask - Size: Length 16.0 cm x Width 9.0 cm x Depth 5.5 cm
b - attachment - Size: Length 13.0 cm x Width 9.0 cm x Depth 0.2 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
1900
1920
circa 1900-1920
Material
metal: silver
fabric: light brown
Inscriptions
None
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-F3-12
Temporary Location
On exhibit “The Century: Medical Innovations of the 1800s” at Museum of Health Care, 25 June 2017.
Condition Remarks
The wires holding the objects to the mount board caused small patches of corrosion to transfer; some small scratches, slight signs of wear and marks from securing wires exist along rims of both metal frames; no dents; slight wearing of plating where mask wires are attached to frame (a); #2: metal is tarnished.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams; "Illustrations of Surgical Instruments of Superior Quality," The Kny-Scheerer Co., ca. 1915, p. 2002 (similar to item #B/-53)
Research Facts
Dr. Williams identified the item as an "ether mask"; similar to item shown in catalogue, but artifact has one additional mask wire, and no clip at the top; the artifact also has a securing button on the lower arm to attach (b)
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.