19th Century Instruments and Pharmaceuticals

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The stethoscope was invented in 1816 by René Théophile-Hyacinthe Laënnec, a French physician. By placing the foot-long wooden cylinder on the chests of his patients, he was able to hear the various sounds made by the lungs and heart. The diameter of this instrument is approximately 1½".

Small homeopathic medicine chests began to be used in households during the early to mid-nineteenth century. Each vial was labeled and numbered, and a book describing the drug and its uses was included so that the patients could treat themselves, should a physician not be available. (Wilbur, C. Keith. Antique medical instruments. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.; 1987:83.) The wooden box on the right is designed to hold 54 vials. There are presently 44 vials, some of which still contain medication. A handwritten inventory lists the original contents of the kit. This kit measures 7½" x 4 ¾" x 2½".

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For larger view, click on photo

Late 19th century surgeons carried various surgical instruments in leather bags well-suited for travel. Wilhelm Walb, a company in Heidelberg, Germany, manufactured this surgeon's bag. It measures 10" x 13" x 2½" when folded for traveling, and 23" x 13" when unrolled. Some of the instruments found in this bag are sutures, needles, bandages, and knives.

Diagnostic instruments were invented and developed throughout the 19th century as advances in medicine were made. In the latter years of the century, medical bags replaced the frock coats as a physician's means of carrying the medicines and instruments necessary for treating illnesses and disease. (Cross, Claire. What would a doctor have carried in his bag? Friends of the Wellcome Institute newsletter. 2000; 20:6.) Physicians' bags came in many shapes and sizes. This one measures 12½" x 4½" x 6¼", and is made of leather.

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For larger view, click on photo

The ophthalmoscope was invented in 1850. Throughout the rest of the century, many and rapid improvements were made to the instrument. Displayed is the 1878 Loring reflecting ophthalmoscope, which has 16 Rekoss discs and a secondary set of 4 lenses in a moveable quadrant. It measures 6¾" in length, and on the reverse side, an oblong mirror approximately 1¾" long is hinged to reflect light.

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Up to the end of the 19th century, light for examinations was often used with reflecting mirrors. The reflectors were circular, concave mirrors, and had round central apertures through which the physician inspected the illuminated parts. The ear reflector was constructed for use with a handle, but was also usually supplied with a post and ball that allowed a headband to be attached. The instrument on the left measures 5¼" in length, and the mirror measures 1¼" in diameter. The mirror on the right measures 5½" in length, and it's mirror measures 1" in diameter. (Truax, Charles. The Mechanic of Surgery. San Francisco: Norman Publishing; 1988: 622, 762.)

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Baunscheidt's Lebenswecker (German for "life awakener") was an instrument used as a counter-irritant in local blood-letting practices. The thirty needles at the end of the cylinder punctured the skin and sidetracked the flow of blood from diseased, engorged areas. With its cap screwed on, the instrument measures 11" in length. (Wilbur, C. Keith. Antique medical instruments. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.; 1987:118.)

Forceps were invented in the mid-eighteenth century to aid in the child-birth process. This instrument made it possible for male physicians to be more involved in the birthing process, while at the same time decreasing the role of midwives in that process. These forceps date to the mid-nineteenth century, and measure 10¾" in length.

For larger view, click on photo

For larger view, click on photo

The hypodermic syringe in the upright metal case was a very popular set at the turn of the 20th century. The six slim vials contain soluble hypodermic tablets:

Cocaine hydrochlorate
Apomorphine hydrochlorate
Strychnine nitrate
Morphine sulphate
Atropine sulphate
Morphine and atropine

When closed, the metal case on the left measures 3¼" x 1½" x ¾".

The largest syringes were usually used for injections of alcoholic stimulants. Medium-sized syringes held 2 to 4 drachms, and were used for the injection of antitoxins. (Truax, Charles. The Mechanic of Surgery. San Francisco: Norman Publishing; 1988: 199.) This syringe case measures 6½" x 2½" x 1¼".

For larger view, click on photo

For larger view, click on photo

Hypodermic syringes were manufactured in a variety of cases, most of which were small enough to fit into coat or vest pockets. The syringes varied in sizes, from having the capacity of 10 or 15 drops to 1 to 4 ounces. (Truax, Charles. The Mechanic of Surgery. San Francisco: Norman Publishing; 1988: 199.) This syringe case measures 3½" x 2½" when folded and snapped shut.

Physicians' bags front page
20th century instruments and pharmaceuticals

Posted: February 9, 2001