Guessing tubes : the story of the stethoscope.

Graham Easton talks to doctors about stethoscopes. Invented by Laennec when he was to examine a corpulent young woman, its utility was appreciated by doctors who could now keep 12 inches away from contagious or verminous patients. This programme has lots of sound effects, doctors' descriptions of what they hear, and how they interpret the noises, the wheeze of asthma, crackling of chest infections, white water rapids whoosh of turbulence in the valves. Ultrasound electronic stethoscopes have honed the doctor's skills of interpretation. Digital technology is bringing more changes.