University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Military Medicine
Classification
Military Medicine
Respirology
Accession Number
1969.177.7
Description
Macpherson respirator gas mask consists of a multi-layer canvas hood designed to completely cover the head and neck, with two metal-rimmed mica eyepieces and a circular metal valve at the mouth; from interior of mouth valve extends a thin metal tube, 10 cm long, designed to be held in the wearer's …
Macpherson respirator gas mask consists of a multi-layer canvas hood designed to completely cover the head and neck, with two metal-rimmed mica eyepieces and a circular metal valve at the mouth; from interior of mouth valve extends a thin metal tube, 10 cm long, designed to be held in the wearer's mouth.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine.
Dates
1915
Date Remarks
Date printed on the object
Material
fabric: cream, brown, black
metal: grey, black, brown
mica: clear
Inscriptions
At back: "H. OLNEY // 28.8.15"
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-C6-6
Temporary Location
On-site exhibit: "Trench Menders: Health Care in the First World War," 25 Feb, 2015.
Dimension Notes
Length 54.5 cm x Width 49.4 cm
Condition Remarks
#2: some corrosion on metal parts; #3: dark staining around eyepieces and mouth valve; minor tearing of one layer of canvas near top of head at front.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Internet
JPG
Reference Comments
"Dr. Cluny Macpherson Biographical Sketch." Dr. Cluny Macpherson (1879-1966) - Reflections of a Newfoundlander. Memorial University of Newfoundland website [Accessed March 2014]; "PH Helmet" article wikipedia [Accessed March 2014]; CD #3
Research Facts
Dr. Cluny Macpherson (1879-1966) served in World War I as part of 1st Newfoundland Regiment. He served in France, Belgium, Egypt, Salonica and Gallipoli. He is credited with inventing the gas mask based on a helmet taken from a captured German prisoner. This model is also known as a P Helmet, a Phenate Helmet, or a Tube Helmet. It was introduced by the British Army in July of 1915. The canvas portions are treated with sodium phenolate and glycerin to protect the wearer against chlorine and phosgene gases.