2011.0686

DOWN BROS PATTERN, SCHIMMELBUSCH INHALER MASK, WITH CLAMPING CLIP FRAME MEDIUM SIZE COLLAPSIBLE FOR ANAESTHETIC

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This device was invented by German physician Dr Curt Schimmelbusch in 1889 and was in use until the 1950s. Its purpose was to deliver anaesthetic such as ether or chloroform to a patient without it coming in contact with the skin, which could cause irritation. The metal frame would be covered with a thick layer of gauze, held in place by the hinged portion. The mask was placed over the patient's nose and mouth and liquid anaesthetic was dropped onto the gauze, allowing the patient to breathe a mixture of evaporated anaesthetic and air. The rim of the mask forms a trough to collect any excess liquid.