Hewitt's modification of Clover's portable ether inhaler
- maker:
- Charles F Thackray Limited
Hewitt's modification of Clover's portable ether inhaler, in case, with glass bottle made by Thackray, Leeds, 1901-1920
Joseph Clover (1825-1882) invented a portable ether inhaler in 1877. Frederick William Hewitt (1857-1916), a British anaesthetist, modified Clover’s invention in 1901. Hewitt’s modifications made the patient more comfortable and reduced the risks associated with anaesthesia. Risks include noisy breaths due to blockage of the upper airways (stertor), laboured breathing and cyanosis, a bluish discoloration caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Hewitt’s design meant more ether could be added to the inhaler during surgery without removing the mask from the patient’s face.
Details
- Category:
- Anaesthesiology
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A608284/1
- Materials:
- case, leatherette, reservoir, nickel (plated) and fillers, nickel (plated)
- Measurements:
-
overall: 162 mm x 140 mm 120 mm, .7kg
case: 185 mm x 334 mm x 170 mm,
- type:
- inhaler
- credit:
- Thackray, C.F.
