Specification of William Edward Newton : pneumatic apparatus for treating disease.

  • Newton, William Edward.
Date:
1867
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Specification of William Edward Newton : pneumatic apparatus for treating disease. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Newtons Improved Pneumatic Apparatus for Treatment of Diseases. re-enter the receiver when desired. B is a large receiver intended to accom¬ modate the entire body of the patient ; this receiver is composed of several parts or sections. The base F is made of wood or metal; it is oval, and has a rim about four inches high raised above and around it, in which is cut a small groove/1; into the bottom (with an air-tight joint) is inserted the 5 pipe E, the base being raised on a block to permit this pipe to pass under it, or it may be inserted in the side ; on this base sets the conical case B which is made in two parts, as shewn in Fig. 1 ; it has a base setting upon and having a rim fitting within the base /. The framework G is covered with tin H, and is provided with a collar fitting around the neck of the patient. 10 Over the whole is fitted an india-rubber cloak I with an elastic collar which fits closely around the chin and face of the patient and comes down to the base, and is bound close by a cord tied around the groove fl, thus rendering the entire receiver perfectly air-tight. The instruments for local applications, as shown in Figures 4 to 8 inclusive, 15 are made of thin metal having india-rubber rims where they are to be fitted against the skin, and attached by a flexible tube to the air pump. Fig. 4 shews the form proper for attachment to the ear; Fig. 5, to the penis ; Fig. 6, to the spinal column or other part of the body ; Fig. 7, to the testicles ; and Fig. 8, to the limbs. In Fig. 8 the exhaust is attached at L, and the 20 case is drawn over the limb (either arm or leg), and the elastic band M fits it closely to the limb and prevents the entrance of air. In operating with this improved portable apparatus, it may be taken apart for convenient transportation to the room of the patient. The air pump is connected with the base, and the patient is seated upon an adjustable stool; 25 the two parts of the conical case B are fitted upon the base, and over the whole is stretched the india-rubber cloak which is made fast at /*, and fitted accurately about the face; the air is then gradually exhausted by means of the pump ; experiment can alone shew the extent to which this exhaustion should be carried, as one patient can bear far more than another, and even 30 with the same patient it varies with atmospheric changes. Should it be carried too far, the attendant by opening the stop-cock D will at once afford the requisite relief. I do not limit myself to the conical shape for the receiver, as a box may be made (Fig. 9) of wood or metal of sufficient size to contain a person when 35 seated, as shown in Fig. 10. This box is entered through an opening in its top which is surrounded by an upright flange a with a bead on its top ; this opening is provided with a cover which fits snugly within the flange a, and is