Aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel

Aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel, in leather case, from Parkes Weber collection, by Becker of London, 19th century.

Skin sensitivity is tested, particularly in relation to touch, by an aesthesiometer. The instrument has a number of designs. This example is one of the simplest. It measures how far a patient could discriminate between two points on the skin. It is inscribed with the name of English physician Sir Edward Henry Sieveking (1816-1904). He invented this type of aesthesiometer in 1856. Sieveking was physician to Queen Victoria from 1873 onwards. He was knighted for his services aged 70.

The object is from the collection of physician Frederick Parkes Weber (1863-1962). He wrote widely on dermatology (the study of the skin) and pathology. He also amassed a large coin collection, which is now at the British Museum. This instrument was made by F. E. Becker and Company of London. It is made from brass and nickel and has its original leather case.

Details

Category:
Psychology, Psychiatry & Anthropometry
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A606063
Materials:
complete, leatherette, velvet, silk, brass (copper, zinc alloy) and nickel (plated)
Measurements:
overall - case closed: 17 mm x 125 mm x 65 mm, 0.084 kg
depth: 65mm
height: 17mm
weight: 0.08kg
weight: 0.17637lbs
width: 120mm
overall - as displayed: 15 mm x 125 mm x 133 mm, 0.084 kg
type:
aesthesiometer
credit:
Weber, P.

Parts

Aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel

Aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel

Aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel, from Parkes Weber collection, by Becker of London, 19th century

More

Skin sensitivity is tested, particularly in relation to touch, by an aesthesiometer. The instrument has a number of designs. This example is one of the simplest. It measures how far a patient could discriminate between two points on the skin. It is inscribed with the name of English physician Sir Edward Henry Sieveking (1816-1904). He invented this type of aesthesiometer in 1856. Sieveking was physician to Queen Victoria from 1873 onwards. He was knighted for his services aged 70.

The object is from the collection of physician Frederick Parkes Weber (1863-1962). He wrote widely on dermatology (the study of the skin) and pathology. He also amassed a large coin collection, which is now at the British Museum. This instrument was made by F. E. Becker and Company of London. It is made from brass and nickel and has its original leather case.

Measurements:
overall: 9 mm x 108 mm x 48 mm, 0.0642 kg
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and nickel silver (nickel, copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
A606063/1
type:
aesthesiometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Leather case for aesthesiometer

Leather case for aesthesiometer, Sieveking, brass and nickel, by Becker of London, 19th century

Materials:
leather and felt
Object Number:
A606063/2
type:
case
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum