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In 1851, Dr. Marsh of Cincinnati made the first binaural stethoscope. His revision was too bulky to be successful and was modified by Dr. George Cammann of New York (11) to become the stethoscope with which we are now familiar (12,13).

Recording Temperatures

The thermometer was invented by Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1720 though it was not given a medical application until the 19th century by Karl Wunderlich (1815-1872)(14-16). Diseases were categorized by their temperature curves and although nurses and physicians noted pulse rates, they could not be completely accurate until watches had second hands (17,18). A rapid pulse was one sign of significant disease which could be "controlled" by bloodletting and in fact slowing of the pulse, sometimes to near shock, was the endpoint of a good bleeding session.

Radiology

With the turn of the century came a major leap in the diagnosis of disease as Wilhelm Roentgen discovered the x-ray (19-21). Early x-ray tubes were powered by electrostatic generators (22-24), though household current eventually took over when it became universally available.

11) Cammann Stethoscope

by Leach and Green Note the original tin case with extra chest piece. This model is a little unusual in that it separates to fit the case.

12-13) Evolution of the Stethoscope

The stethoscope has evolved from a roll of 24 pieces of paper to the binaural stethoscope with which we are now familiar. Norman Rockwell incorporated this instrument in his famous 1929 print, "Doctor and Doll".

14-16) Thermometers by L'Utile, Tiemann, Faichney, and Immisch

These unusual thermometers were used in the latter part of the 19th century. Most of them were placed in the axilla, though the round Immisch could be used in the mouth also. The Faichney was stored in a beautiful mother of pearl case with gold chain that probably was used by a nurse.

17-18) The Pulse as a Measure of Health

Note the dress of this 17th century physician in "The Doctor's Visit" (1657), by Frans van Mieris, the Elder as he decides on the type of therapy based on his patient's pulse. Nurses used a 30-second "hour" glass to monitor progress.

19-21) X-ray Apparatus from the Early 20th Century

These are early x-ray tubes and a beaver fur lined Patterson fluoroscopic viewer that was held against the patient as x-rays were passed through. Early physicians were not aware of the danger and did not have the lead protection used today.

22-24) A Toepler-Holtz electrostatic generator, ca. 1900

Fabulous static machine with 24 glass plates, in sets of four, which turned to provide static electricity to power early x-ray devices. The cabinet was hand carved while the glass is beveled. The large leyden jars in the front were capable of storing very large amounts of electricity. The illustration came from the 1904 -1905 Sears catalogue.

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11) Cammann Stethoscope

13) Norman Rockwell

15) Axillary Thermometer

17) The Doctor's Visit

19) X-ray Tube

24) Electrostatic Generator