Laennec monaural stethoscope in ash wood, C 1820
Stock Number: 440929 Y
P.O.A.
Circa
C 1820
Description
In 1816, the French physician Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laënnec (1781–1826) invented the stethoscope. Using this new instrument, he investigated the sounds made by the heart and lungs and determined that his diagnoses were supported by the observations made during autopsies. He was inspired to do so because of contemporary feelings of embarrassment. Laënnec was reluctant to start immediate auscultation (placing the doctor’s ear on the patient’s chest) because of the age, sex and plumpness of the patient.
After careful experimenting, Laënnec decided upon a hollow tube of wood, 3.5 cm in diameter and 25 cm long, which was the forerunner of the modern stethoscope. His instrument was fitted with a plug when used to listen to the heart and to make it portable, was made in parts that could be disassembled.
See the Wellcome collection for an overview of this type of stethoscopes.
Height: 21,2 cm, diameter: 3,1 cm.
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Dealer information
Van Leest Antiques
Van Leest Antiques
Van Leest Antiques, based in Utrecht in the Netherlands, specialises in antique scientific and medical instruments. Their collection covers mainly scientific and medical antique instruments: barometers, globes and planataria, nautical instruments, anatomical models, and pharmacy items. Toon Van Leest travels regularly in Europe and visits trade fairs, auctions, and antique dealers to collect stock and to find pieces to fulfil his clients' unusual requests.
As well as being an avid antique collector and dealer, Toon Van Leest is also a dentist. He believes that antiques are a stable investment, not reliant on trends or fashion, and have truly lasting value. Above all, he says, antiques are timeless and never lose their beauty.
