Cardioplan 531, portable electrocardiograph with accessories including carry case, ECG leads, original mains lead and plug, two rolls of wax paper – one installed and one spare in original packaging, made by Philips, c.1970s.

An ECG (electrocardiograph) records the rhythm, rate and electrical activity of a person’s heart. The leads are attached to a person’s chest, arms and legs, using sticky patches. As their heart beats, the electric activity is recorded.

This portable ECG device is believed to have been owned by Dr Khan who lived and worked as a General Practitioner in South East Cornwall during the 1960s and 1970s. After purchasing this device, he had it serviced annually to ensure that it was in working order and safe to use. As it has a carry case, it is likely that Dr Khan took the machine with him to his patients.