Pair of chest callipers, England, 1950-1965

Pair of chest callipers by Phillips, used in x-ray department, Prince of Wales Hospital, Tottenham, London, 1950-1965

Chest measurements were taken using this pair of callipers. They were used in the X-ray department of the Prince of Wales Hospital, Tottenham, London. Taking such measurements let physicians assess lung function. This was effective when combined with X-rays to diagnose diseases such as tuberculosis, which had traditionally been very difficult to diagnose. People who appeared ‘healthy’ could still show signs of the disease and therefore spread TB. Signs include lesions in the lungs, which could be revealed by X-ray. The callipers are made of wood and metal and were manufactured by Dutch company Philips.