1851, London: Arthur Leared presents a model of a "double" or biaural stethoscope (one using both ears) at the Great Exhibition. Three weeks later a prominent surgeon, Sir Norwood Holsapple, purchases a similar stethoscope from Leared and discovers that the tubing connecting the diaphragm with the earpieces melts in the summer heat. He returns the device and receives a new one, along with strict instructions to avoid exposing it to excessive temperatures. With the assistance of a local tanner, Sir Norwood fabricates a heavy pouch similar to a mail bag and packs it with ice, followed by his stethoscope.
The stratagem is extremely successful, and Sir Norwood is able to listen to naked backs for the next twenty years without any damage to his beloved instrument. His little trick is adopted by physicians all across England, the continent and eventually the American medical schools. While modern stethoscopes are no longer made with india rubber, Sir Norwood's tradition survives even to this day. Just ask anyone who went to their doctor today and heard him or her say "Now take a deep breath..."
Comments
You have a great blog here. I've been reading your posts for a couple of weeks and enjoy them very much. I'm a pediatric oncologist, so I particularly enjoy the thoughts of a colleague. This post, in particular, cracked me up... I frequently joke with my patients about storing my stethoscope in the freezer. I ask them if the bell is too cold, and if they try to be brave and say "No" I act disappointed and tell them I need to go turn down the temperature in the storage freezer.
I'd love to hear from you offline, if you have the time, about how you find the time to keep up with this.
David Loeb, MD
Baltimore, MD
Posted by: David Loeb | April 17, 2007 3:05 PM