C1880 Dudgeon’s Sphygmograph

C1880 Dudgeon’s Sphygmograph

$350.00

C1880 Dudgeon's Sphygmograph

Dimensions

See description

Circa

1880

Country of manufacture

UK and Ireland

Categories: Medicine, Diagnostics

Description

Classic nickle-plated Dudgeon’s sphygmograph with intact clockwork mechanism in a square housing, bone inset tension knob, ribbon strap and pressure sensor and recorder for pulse on smoked paper. No maker evident but it almost certainly English in origin and C1880 in date. Mechanism works well. Case shows some wear.  Dimensions of case: 3″ x 2″ x 3″. Wellcome Collection site notes:

“Blood pressure is measured and recorded using a sphygmograph. It is strapped to the wrist. The pulse beat is transmitted to a lever which records it on smoked paper. The first efficient sphygmograph was designed by Étienne-Jules Marey (1830-1904) in 1863. This example belonged to Dr Robert Ellis Dudgeon (1820-1904). He was a prominent figure in homeopathy. Dudgeon also made his own changes to Marey’s original design. It was made by instrument maker J. Gauter in 1876. In the late 1800s, physiology teachers used sphygmographs to visually demonstrate blood pressure. Instruments such as this were also valuable diagnostic aids. They were the predecessor of the modern arm cuffs physicians now use to measure blood pressure.” 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

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US M and R Gordon

Michael and Roberta Gordon have been dealing in medical and dental antiques for more than four decades. They have helped build a number of major private collections and have contributed to the holdings of many museums. They also deal in other scientific and technology related items, including calculating instruments, office machines, patent models and wine-related accessories such as corkscrews. ROBERTA GORDON IS A SKILLED RESTORER WHO CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY INSTRUMENTS AND CASES THAT NEED ATTENTION. Feel free to contact them for details at: mgordon1940@gmail.com or 718-541-5974