"Matthews Portable Electrocardiograph", developed by Sir Bryan Matthews and Leonard Harrison Matthews (brothers), at the University of Cambridge and with Clifton Instruments Ltd, 1931-1933
Electrocardiographs detect heart rhythms by measuring electrical activity. After finding a need for a portable electrocardiograph, Sir Bryan Matthews, physiologist and his older brother Leonard Harrison Matthews, a zoologist, developed this device. Within the machine is Bryan Matthews’ oscilloscope – a mechanical device used to measure electrical activity and voltage. Together they founded Clifton Instruments Ltd to make the electrocardiograph and oscillograph as well as others of their own design.
Originally, a pen connected to the device on moving paper recorded the electrical activity of a heart. However, these types of electrocardiographs were of limited use when examining the precise changes during heartbeats. Although never a huge commercial success, the Matthews portable electrocardiograph was used in scientific research.
Details
- Category:
- Clinical Diagnosis
- Object Number:
- 2022-1504
- Materials:
- wood, metal and electronic components
- Measurements:
-
overall: 500 mm x 700 mm x 200 mm,
- type:
- electrocardiograph