Description

Dr Potain vacuum cleaner in its case - Antique medical instrument

Late 19th century - 1885-1894

By MATHIEU, manufacturers of surgical instruments in Paris.

Dated between 1885, when the company moved to 113 Boulevard St Germain under the management of the founder's son, Raoul, and 1894, when the company name changed with the arrival of his brother.

This instrument was used to evacuate liquids, notably for pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs, which often contains liquid in the pleural cavity.

It could also be used to evacuate urine from a retained bladder, or gas from an intestine strangled by a hernia. But it could also be used to inject liquid.

(Source: conservatoire du patrimoine hospitalier de Rennes).

The set is complete, but the rubber tubes have not survived the ages; the rubber has hardened and breaks into small pieces if handled. The paper under the box is falling apart and coming loose.

Please note: The felt has faded and is no longer bright purple: see photos.

Includes:

-A steel pump with two spigots at the end.

-A hollow metal rod with a double conduit branching into two branches, each fitted with a tap.

-Trocars of different gauges, cannulas and blunt punches.

-1 glass tube containing wire for needle cleaning is located in the housing beneath the trocars.

Case dimensions: 27.5 x 12 x 5.5 cm: in good condition, lined inside with purple velvet.

MATHIEU marking on interior felt.

Box sheathed in black grained leather with heat-stamped fillets on top. Push-button lock. Typical of the casket production of the 1870s/1895s.

non-functional