Perpetual calendar

Perpetual calendar Perpetual calendar

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

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

Perpetual calendar, for calculating time of parturition, wood and ivory, in leather case, by Ferguson of London, 1822-1869

A Perpetual calendar calculates the time of parturition (childbirth) if the date of conception is known. This example is made of wood and ivory. The central disc is rotated to move the calendar with respect to the outer scale. The outer wheel is divided into four labeled parts: Conception, Quickening (movement or foetal activity), Foetus Viable (weeks 25-28), and Parturition (birth). The calendar was manufactured by Ferguson of London. It was used at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. An expected due date (EDD) is after a full 40 weeks of pregnancy. Predicting an EDD is not an exact science. However, it is common to give birth between 38-42 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors now use ultrasound scanning to assess foetal development and estimate due dates.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A615358/1
Materials:
wood and ivory
Measurements:
overall: 16 mm x 119 mm,0.1066 kg
overall (no case): 14 mm 118 mm, .1kg
type:
perpetual calendar
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust