Copy of the Squire-type ether inhaler first used in 1846

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Copy of the Squire-type ether inhaler first used in 1846. Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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The original Squire-type ether inhaler was used by Robert Liston (1794-1847) on 21 December 1846 to perform the first operation in England under anaesthetic, at University College Hospital London. He amputated a leg from Frederick Churchill, a chauffeur. After surgery was completed, the patient reported that he was unaware that the operation had even taken place. Vapours from ether-soaked sponges in the top of the inhaler collect in the chamber at the bottom. The vapours are inhaled by the patient through the metal face mask. The device is named after Peter Squire, a pharmacist commissioned by Liston to make the inhaler. production details: Squire, Peter, maker: Unknown maker Place made: Europe

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