Hill and Barnard-type sphygmomanometer, London, England, 1891-1900

Hill and Barnard-type sphygmomanometer, London, England, 1891-1900

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

Hill and Barnard sphygmomanometer with case, by J.Hicks, English, c.1897, lead for Hill and Barnard

A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure. A rubber cuff was inflated above the elbow to block the pulse in the lower arm. When the pulse disappeared, the sphygmomanometer needle stopped vibrating to give a reading. This type of sphygmomanometer was invented in the 1890s by Sir Leonard Hill (1866-1952), a British physiologist, and Harold Barnard (1868-1908), a British surgeon. Measuring blood pressure as part of a health check did not become common practice until the 1920s. The device was made by James Joseph Hickman (1837-1916), a scientific instrument maker. It is shown here in a display depicting a consultation with a doctor in 1900.

Details

Category:
Clinical Diagnosis
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600280
Materials:
complete, leather, silk, brass (copper, zinc alloy), glass and rubber (unidentified)
Measurements:
overall - case open: 112 mm x 230 mm x 368 mm, .658 kg
overall - tubing - lying flat: 147 mm x 325 mm x 380 mm, .106 kg
overall - case closed: 80 mm x 230 mm x 188 mm, .658 kg
overall - sphygmomanometer: 54 mm x 160 mm 120 mm, .772 kg
type:
sphygmomanometer
credit:
St. Marylebone and Western General Disp.

Parts

Pump with lead for Hill and Barnard sphygmomanometer

Pump with lead for Hill and Barnard sphygmomanometer

Pump with lead for Hill and Barnard sphygmomanometer, by Ross Courtney and Co., c.1897

Materials:
metal (chrome-plated)
Object Number:
A600280 Pt1
type:
sphygmomanometers