Rendle-type inhaler

Made:
1869-1910 in England
Rendle's inhaler for alcohol

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Rendle's inhaler for alcohol
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Rendle's inhaler for alcohol, chloroform and ether mixture anaesthesia, English, 1869-1910

Richard Rendle (1811-1893) invented this particular inhaler to be used with bichloride of methylene in 1867. Inside the flannel a sponge soaked with the anaesthetic was placed inside the cardboard cone and the vapours breathed in by the patient. The inhaler was also adapted to be used with a mixture of alcohol, ether and chloroform.

Rendle’s design was criticised as there was no clear way to regulate the dosage of anaesthetic and it was difficult to clean. Nevertheless, the inhaler was available until 1915.

Details

Category:
Anaesthesiology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A625372
Materials:
leather, covered and flannel, removable lining
Measurements:
overall: 80 mm x 230 mm x 130 mm, .17kg
type:
inhaler