Boyle's-type anaesthetic machine, with sphygmomanometer, "Bosun" oxygen failure warning device, flowmeters, fluotec vaporizer, Boyle's-type ether vaporizer, absorber, and accessories, by British Oxygen Company Ltd., 1955-1965
Henry Gaskin Boyle’s 1917 anaesthetic machine was the basis for a range of British anaesthetic machines. This example has meters for measuring gas flow, an oxygen failure warning device and a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. Made by The British Oxygen Co Ltd, the machine was used at Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire, England.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Oxygen failure warning device for use with anaesthetic machine
"Bosun" oxygen failure warning device, by British Oxygen Company Ltd., 1955-1965
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When the oxygen levels being provided by cylinders dropped below a certain pressure, a battery powered red light came on. If nitrous oxide gas was impacted, an audible whistle sounded. Original designs of the ‘Bosun’ oxygen warning device could be turned off accidentally, so many users were advised to remove the tap lever to prevent this from happening.
When first introduced warning devices, critics thought the devices might lull anaesthetists into a false sense of security, relying on machines rather than their observations and clinical knowledge.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Boyle-type anaesthetic machine
Trolley with drawer for Boyle's-type anaesthetic machine, with sphygmomanometer, "Bosun" oxygen failure warning device, flowmeters, fluotec vaporizer, Boyle's-type ether vaporizer, absorber, and accessories, by British Oxygen Company Ltd., 1955-1965
More
Henry Gaskin Boyle’s 1917 anaesthetic machine was the basis for a range of British anaesthetic machines. This example has meters for measuring gas flow, an oxygen failure warning device and a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. Made by The British Oxygen Co Ltd, the machine was used at Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire, England.