Thomas Lewis’ electrocardiograph

Electrocardiograph, 1930. Front three quarter detail view Electrocardiograph, 1930. Front three quarter detail view

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Electrocardiograph, 1930. Front three quarter detail view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electrocardiograph, 1930. Front three quarter detail view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electrocardiograph, used by Sir Thomas Lewis at University College Hospital, London, by the Cambridge Instrument Co., Cambridge, England, 1930

An electrocardiograph produces graphical records of the electrical activity in a person’s heart. The records are examined by physicians for irregularities that may be a sign of disease.

Thomas Lewis (1881-1945) was a British physician who contributed to the development of cardiology – the study of the structure and diseases of the heart. Made by the Cambridge Instrument Co., Lewis used the machine during his research on the heart at University College Hospital. Lewis wanted to apply laboratory methods to the patient through the use of the electrocardiograph. This move was opposed by some physicians who felt machines devalued their clinical skills and that medical specialities made it impossible to consider the patient as whole person.

Details

Category:
Clinical Diagnosis
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A602426
Materials:
table, wood
Measurements:
overall: 1444 mm x 570 mm x 1730 mm, 118 kg
type:
electrocardiograph
credit:
University College Hospital