Bottle of trichloroethylene, England, 1940-1960

Made:
1940-1960 in Wilmslow
maker:
Imperial Chemical Industries Limited
Unopened metal bottle containing trichloroethylene

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Unopened metal bottle containing trichloroethylene
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Unopened metal bottle containing trichloroethylene, made by ICI Ltd., English, 1940-1960

Trichloroethylene is known as Trilene. It is a volatile liquid introduced as an anaesthetic agent in 1934. Trilene was used during labour. It was inhaled via a mouthpiece before each contraction. This provided pain relief rather than full anaesthesia. The use of Trilene in obstetrics has declined since the development of portable inhalers delivering nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen. Nitrous oxide is pleasanter to inhale and has fewer side effects.

Details

Category:
Anaesthesiology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A625468
Materials:
aluminium and cork
Measurements:
overall: 310 mm 65 mm, 0.3229 kg
type:
anaesthetic bottle