![](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/51/906/large_thumbnail_a135433.jpg)
Scoliometer, London, England, 1874-1902
- maker:
- Down Brothers and James Chesterman and Company
![Scoliometer, metal strip with cloth tape (Chesterman)](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/62/665/small_thumbnail_a606058__0001_.jpg)
![Scoliometer, metal strip with cloth tape (Chesterman)](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/62/666/small_thumbnail_a606058__0002_.jpg)
![Scoliometer, metal strip with cloth tape (Chesterman)](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/1/904/small_thumbnail_a606058.jpg)
Scoliometer, metal strip with cloth tape (Chesterman), in wood case, by Down Bros. of London, 19th century
A scoliometer is used by physicians to measure the curvature of the spine. This simple Chesterman scoliometer uses a combination of a long strip of bendable metal and a tape measure in order to quantify curvature of the spine. Such curvature can be due to congenital factors, but can also be due to infectious diseases such a polio and skeletal tuberculosis.
The scoliometer was made by Down Brothers, a leading British surgical instrument maker.
Details
- Category:
- Clinical Diagnosis
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A606058
- Materials:
- boxwood, lead alloy, textile and complete
- Measurements:
-
overall: 33 mm 56 mm, .18kg
lead tape: 17 mm 43 mm,
tape (approx length): 17 mm x 1520 mm
- type:
- scoliometer
- credit:
- Down Brothers