This image is released under a Hydraulic dental chair, Europe, 1891-1910
The first hydraulic dental chair was invented in 1877 by American dentist Basil Manly Wilkerson (1842-1910). The chair was easier to adjust than the older wooden ones that worked using a hand-cranked mechanism. With a padded linoleum seat and head rest, the chair was also more comfortable than previous designs. As a specialised piece of furniture it is representative of the emergence of dentistry as a separate profession. The quality of the chair further suggests that there was a wealthy clientele willing to pay for dental services.
- Materials:
- frame, iron, cast , seat (padding), leatherette , foot rest, linoleum, red , arm rests, wood, carved , fittings, brass and fittings, nickel (plated)
- Object Number:
- A602077/1
- type:
- hydraulic dental chair
