Paper, 'A description of a new sphygmoscope, an instrument for indicating the movements of the heart and blood-vessels; with an account of observations obtained by the aid of that instrument' by S [Somerville] Scott Alison

Description

Alison describes the sphygmoscope, 'a small chamber containing spirits of wine or other liquid, provided with a thin india-rubber wall, where it is to be applied to the chest. At the opposite extremity the chamber communicates with a glass tube, which rises to some height above the level of the chamber. Liquid is supplied to the instrument until it stands in the tube a little above the level of the chamber. The pressure of the column of liquid in the tube acts upon the elastic or‘yielding wall of india-rubber and causes it to protrude. This protruding part or chest-piece is very readily affected by external impulse; it yields to the slightest touch, and being pushed inwards, causes a displacement of the liquid in the non-elastic chamber, and forces a portion of liquid up the tube'.

Includes three figures in the text of the sphygmoscope. Annotations in pencil and ink throughout.

Subject: Scientific apparatus and instruments

Received 12 January 1856. Communicated by G O [George Owen] Rees.

This paper was published in full in volume 8 of volume 8 of the Proceedings of the Royal Society as 'A description of a new sphygmoscope, an instrument for indicating the movements of the heart and blood-vessels; with an account of observations obtained by the aid of that instrument'.

Reference number

AP/38/6

Earliest possible date

12 January 1856

Physical description

Ink and graphite pencil on paper

Page extent

21 pages

Format

Drawing
Manuscript