Bloch type sphygmomanometer, Paris, France, 1881-1913

Made:
1881-1913 in Paris
maker:
Charles Verdin
Bloch sphygmomanometer by Verdin Bloch sphygmomanometer by Verdin

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Bloch sphygmomanometer by Verdin
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bloch sphygmomanometer by Verdin
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bloch sphygmomanometer by Verdin, in silk (deteriorating) lined case, by C. Verdin, French

The first sphygmomanometer was devised by Samuel Von Basch (1837-1905) in 1881. It measured blood pressure by slowly applying a measured force to the skin over an artery until the pulse disappeared. However, the instrument was not widely used as doctors were wary of replacing traditional methods of using their fingers to determine pulse or that any information from the sphygmomanometer was useful. This variation was devised by A. M. Bloch. It uses a spring to record the weight necessary to obliterate the pulse. The device was made in Paris by scientific instrument maker Charles Verdin.

Details

Category:
Clinical Diagnosis
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600404
Materials:
case, wood, case, leather, case, silk, cream, case, velvet, purple, case, brass, case, steel, instrument, brass, instrument, steel and instrument, steel (blue)
Measurements:
overall: 30 mm x 163 mm x 40 mm, .11kg
type:
sphygmomanometer
credit:
Brunton, Sir Thomas Lauder