Skip to main content
At the royal college of Physicians
and surgeons of Glasgow

Advanced Search

Search Results

Browse (47 items)

Your
  • Tags: Neurosurgery

Mounted b&w photograph showing Sir Charles Wilson, Wilder Penfield, and Bryan Jennett

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Mounted b&w photograph showing Sir Charles Wilson, Wilder Penfield, and Bryan Jennett

Description

Black and white photograph of Sir Charles Wilson, Wilder Penfield, and Bryan Jennett at the opening of the Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.

Date

c. 1970

Identifier

RCPSG 131/1

Description

Black and white photograph of Sir Charles Wilson, Wilder Penfield, and Bryan Jennett at the opening of the Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.

Photograph of Barbara Watson

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Photograph of Barbara Watson

Description

This photograph is of Barbara Watson, the first person to successfully survive a brain tumour removal operation in 1879.

This photograph is part of Macewen's surgical casebook in the archive collection.

Creator

Sir William Macewen

Date

c. 1879

Identifier

RCPSG 10/9/1

Description

This photograph is of Barbara Watson, the first person to successfully survive a brain tumour removal operation in 1879.

This photograph is part of Macewen's surgical casebook in the archive collection.

Army Book of Joseph Schorstein

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Army Book of Joseph Schorstein

Description

This notebook gives insight into some neurosurgical operations that Joseph Schorstein performed during the Second World War.

Creator

Joseph Schorstein

Date

c.1944-1954

Identifier

84/1/4

Description

This notebook gives insight into some neurosurgical operations that Joseph Schorstein performed during the Second World War.

Atlas of Head Sections

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Atlas of Head Sections

Description

The ‘Atlas of head sections’ consists of 53 engraved copperplates of frozen sections of the head. Every head section was cut by Macewen himself.

Creator

Sir William Macewen

Date

c. 1893

Identifier

WE 705 MAC

Publisher

Glasgow: James Maclehose and sons

Language

English

Description

The ‘Atlas of head sections’ consists of 53 engraved copperplates of frozen sections of the head. Every head section was cut by Macewen himself.

Private journal of William Macewen

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Private journal of William Macewen

Description

This journal records Macewen’s notes of surgical cases admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1876 and 1879. The College archive contains nine volumes of Macewen’s cases at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, between 1876 and 1895.

Creator

Sir William Macewen

Date

c. 1876-1879

Identifier

RCPSG 10/9/1

Description

This journal records Macewen’s notes of surgical cases admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1876 and 1879. The College archive contains nine volumes of Macewen’s cases at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, between 1876 and 1895.

Trephination Animation

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Trephination Animation

Description

Watch this animation to learn about the unique history of the surgical procedure, trephination.

Description

Watch this animation to learn about the unique history of the surgical procedure, trephination.

Biphasic Stimulator Animation

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Biphasic Stimulator Animation

Description

James Sloan Mutrie Robertson is one of the unsung heroes of neurosurgery. He trained with Wilder Penfield in Montreal, and was one of the first modern neurosurgeons in the UK.

This biphasic stimulator was created by Sloan Robertson to determine the boundaries of brain lesions through electrical impulses.

Description

James Sloan Mutrie Robertson is one of the unsung heroes of neurosurgery. He trained with Wilder Penfield in Montreal, and was one of the first modern neurosurgeons in the UK.

This biphasic stimulator was created by Sloan Robertson to determine the boundaries of brain lesions through electrical impulses.

Barbara Watson Model

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Barbara Watson Model

Description

This 3D model is a representation of the first patient to survive the removal of a brain tumour, Barbara Watson. She was operated on by William Macewen in 1879 and survived the operation. This was the first successful brain tumour removal in history.

Description

This 3D model is a representation of the first patient to survive the removal of a brain tumour, Barbara Watson. She was operated on by William Macewen in 1879 and survived the operation. This was the first successful brain tumour removal in history.

Animation on First Brain Tumour Removal

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Animation on First Brain Tumour Removal

Description

In 1879, Barbara Watson came under the care of William Macewen, presenting with a large tumour over the left eye. Macewen tended to Miss Watson with his well-known skill and compassion, but little did he know that this case would become a world first in neurosurgery.

At this time, there were no methods of imaging the body non-invasively- Rontgen did not discover X-rays until 1895. Therefore, determining the dimensions of brain lesions relied on the practitioner's observations of the patient's symptoms alone. This would have required an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the brain. Thankfully, Macewen was well-read on the current theories on the brain at that time. Miss Watson truly could not have asked for a better surgeon to help her.

Due to Miss Watson's frequent convulsions, Macewen suspected that the tumour above the left eye was in fact passing through the skull into the brain. Hence, he decided to cut into the mass and follow its trajectory. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the tumour did indeed pass through the skull and was putting pressure on the dura mater. Macewen successfully removed the tumour, under antiseptic conditions, and closed the wound. Miss Watson survived the operation and died some years later from kidney problems completely unrelated to this case.

This case became the first successful removal of a brain tumour in the world.

Description

In 1879, Barbara Watson came under the care of William Macewen, presenting with a large tumour over the left eye. Macewen tended to Miss Watson with his well-known skill and compassion, but little did he know that this case would become a world first in neurosurgery.

At this time, there were no methods of imaging the body non-invasively- Rontgen did not discover X-rays until 1895. Therefore, determining the dimensions of brain lesions relied on the practitioner's observations of the patient's symptoms alone. This would have required an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the brain. Thankfully, Macewen was well-read on the current theories on the brain at that time. Miss Watson truly could not have asked for a better surgeon to help her.

Due to Miss Watson's frequent convulsions, Macewen suspected that the tumour above the left eye was in fact passing through the skull into the brain. Hence, he decided to cut into the mass and follow its trajectory. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the tumour did indeed pass through the skull and was putting pressure on the dura mater. Macewen successfully removed the tumour, under antiseptic conditions, and closed the wound. Miss Watson survived the operation and died some years later from kidney problems completely unrelated to this case.

This case became the first successful removal of a brain tumour in the world.

3D Scan of Biphasic Stimulator

Details

Dublin Core

Title

3D Scan of Biphasic Stimulator

Description

c. 1960s

This bi-phasic stimulator was owned (and probably built) by the neurologist James Sloan Robertson. Although the exact purpose of the machine is unclear, it was most likely used during surgical treatment of patients suffering from epilepsy. An electrode would be attached to the machine, which would help the surgeon to locate a lesion for removal, and also ensure that an undamaged part of the brain was not about to be removed. The device is clearly handmade, and is most likely an early prototype or precursor to machines used in later deep brain recording techniques.

James Sloan Robertson was one of the first modern neurosurgeons in the UK. After graduating in medicine from the University of Glasgow in 1920, he worked as a surgeon at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He then trained in Canada for a year under renowned neurosurgeon, Wilder Penfield, at the Neurological Institute, Montreal.
During the Second World War, Robertson worked as a specialist in neurosurgery at the EMS Hospital in Killearn. He was one of the men behind the creation of the Institute of Neurological Sciences at Glasgow.

Description

c. 1960s

This bi-phasic stimulator was owned (and probably built) by the neurologist James Sloan Robertson. Although the exact purpose of the machine is unclear, it was most likely used during surgical treatment of patients suffering from epilepsy. An electrode would be attached to the machine, which would help the surgeon to locate a lesion for removal, and also ensure that an undamaged part of the brain was not about to be removed. The device is clearly handmade, and is most likely an early prototype or precursor to machines used in later deep brain recording techniques.

James Sloan Robertson was one of the first modern neurosurgeons in the UK. After graduating in medicine from the University of Glasgow in 1920, he worked as a surgeon at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He then trained in Canada for a year under renowned neurosurgeon, Wilder Penfield, at the Neurological Institute, Montreal.
During the Second World War, Robertson worked as a specialist in neurosurgery at the EMS Hospital in Killearn. He was one of the men behind the creation of the Institute of Neurological Sciences at Glasgow.

Illustrations of Different Aneurisms

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Illustrations of Different Aneurisms

Description

Four colour illustrations of different types of aneurism.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/6

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Four colour illustrations of different types of aneurism.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain showing a potential lesion surrounding the central sulcus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/55

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain showing a potential lesion surrounding the central sulcus.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting parts of the parietal and temporal lobes.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/56

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting parts of the parietal and temporal lobes.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain showing a potential lesion of the frontal lobe.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/53

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain showing a potential lesion of the frontal lobe.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting a region of the pre-central gyrus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/54

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting a region of the pre-central gyrus.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting an area around the lateral sulcus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/51

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting an area around the lateral sulcus.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting potential lesions on either side of the central sulcus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/52

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting potential lesions on either side of the central sulcus.

Diagram of Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting an area around the central sulcus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/49

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting an area around the central sulcus.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting a region around the central sulcus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/50

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting a region around the central sulcus.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of the brain highlighting an area of the central sulcus.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/46

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of the brain highlighting an area of the central sulcus.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print diagram of the brain highlighting regions of the pre- and post-central gyri.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/47

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print diagram of the brain highlighting regions of the pre- and post-central gyri.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Print of a diagram of the brain highlighting a region of the temporal lobe.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/48

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Print of a diagram of the brain highlighting a region of the temporal lobe.

Diagram of the Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Diagram of the Brain

Description

Small print of a lateral view of the brain, highlighting a potential lesion in the frontal lobe.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/45

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper

Description

Small print of a lateral view of the brain, highlighting a potential lesion in the frontal lobe.

Sketch of the Temporal Bone

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Sketch of the Temporal Bone

Description

Pencil sketch of the temporal bone.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/34

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper, pencil

Description

Pencil sketch of the temporal bone.

Sketch of the Frontal Bone

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Sketch of the Frontal Bone

Description

Pencil sketch on tracing paper of the inner surface of the frontal bone.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/25

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Tracing paper, pencil

Description

Pencil sketch on tracing paper of the inner surface of the frontal bone.

Sketch of Frontal Bone

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Sketch of Frontal Bone

Description

Pencil sketch on tracing paper of anterior view of the frontal bone.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/23

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Tracing paper, pencil.

Description

Pencil sketch on tracing paper of anterior view of the frontal bone.

Sketch of Ventral Surface of Brain

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Sketch of Ventral Surface of Brain

Description

Pencil sketch of the ventral surface of the brain, showing a portion of the Circle of Willis

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/10

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper, pencil.

Description

Pencil sketch of the ventral surface of the brain, showing a portion of the Circle of Willis

Sketch of Brain Hemisphere

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Sketch of Brain Hemisphere

Description

Sketch of lateral view of the brain.

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/12

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper, pencil.

Description

Sketch of lateral view of the brain.

Sketch of the Cerebellum

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Sketch of the Cerebellum

Description

Sketch of the cerebellum by Dr Anglin Whitelock, House Surgeon to Sir William Macewen

Date

c. 1887-1909

Identifier

RCPSG 1/20/2/10/11

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Paper, coloured pencil

Description

Sketch of the cerebellum by Dr Anglin Whitelock, House Surgeon to Sir William Macewen

Crown Trephine

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Crown Trephine

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.11

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

8.1cm in length, 1.8cm in diameter.

Materials

Steel

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Crown Trephine

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Crown Trephine

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.10

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

8.1cm in length, 2cm in diameter.

Materials

Steel.

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Crown Trephine

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Crown Trephine

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.9

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

8.1cm in length, 2cm in diameter.

Materials

Steel

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Crown Trephine

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Crown Trephine

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.8

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

8.1cm in length, 1.7cm in diameter.

Materials

Steel

Description

Steel unmarked crown trephine, with central locating/piercing pin, and conical section body with spiral outer ridging, and spiral cutting teeth.
Has a keyed end for locating into the receiving shaft of the T-shaped trephine handle.

Extracting Forceps

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Extracting Forceps

Description

Extracting forceps. Steel, unmarked. Hinged, leaf spring assisted on one arm.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.6

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

14cm in length.

Materials

Steel.

Description

Extracting forceps. Steel, unmarked. Hinged, leaf spring assisted on one arm.

Trephine Brush

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Trephine Brush

Description

Trephine brush, which was used to clean the trephine teeth during use. Body of brush made of bone with black (probably horsehair) bristles.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.5

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

2.1cm in width, 5cm in length, 1.15cm in thickness.
Bristles: 1.9cm in width, 1.5cm in length, 0.9cm in thickness.

Materials

Bone, horsehair.

Description

Trephine brush, which was used to clean the trephine teeth during use. Body of brush made of bone with black (probably horsehair) bristles.

Double-ended Elevator

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Double-ended Elevator

Description

Double ended elevator. One end is curved, pointed, grooved laterally on its concave surface, and the other end is curved, grooved laterally on its concave surface, and square ended.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.4

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

15.6cm in length.

Materials

Steel.

Description

Double ended elevator. One end is curved, pointed, grooved laterally on its concave surface, and the other end is curved, grooved laterally on its concave surface, and square ended.

Lenticular

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Lenticular

Description

Lenticular. Steel, with dark hardwood handle.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.3

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

17.8cm total length.
Steel section: 8.9cm in length.
Hardwood handle: 8.9cm

Materials

Wood, metal.

Description

Lenticular. Steel, with dark hardwood handle.

Raspatory

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Raspatory

Description

Raspatory. Steel, with dark hardwood handle

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.2

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

17.8cm total length.
Steel section: 8.8cm in length.
Hardwood handle: 9cm

Materials

Metal, wood.

Description

Raspatory. Steel, with dark hardwood handle

 T-shaped Detaching Handle

Details

Dublin Core

Title

T-shaped Detaching Handle

Description

Single steel T-shaped detaching handle.
Transverse portion consists of two steel arms, each individually shaped to be used as:
a) A pointed elevator, and
b) A square-ended elevator.

The central receiving portion is 1.0cm in diameter and accepts the square ended trephines and the perforator. Has a steel activating clip button on the shaft.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.12

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

Transverse arms: 16.7cm
Receiving central section: 6cm

Materials

Steel

Description

Single steel T-shaped detaching handle.
Transverse portion consists of two steel arms, each individually shaped to be used as:
a) A pointed elevator, and
b) A square-ended elevator.

The central receiving portion is 1.0cm in diameter and accepts the square ended trephines and the perforator. Has a steel activating clip button on the shaft.

Perforator

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Perforator

Description

Perforator. Steel, unmarked. Has keyed end in order that it can be received into the trephine handle for use.

Date

c. 1740s

Identifier

2008/4.1.7

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

7.7cm in length.

Materials

Steel.

Description

Perforator. Steel, unmarked. Has keyed end in order that it can be received into the trephine handle for use.

Trephine Brush

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Trephine Brush

Description

This brush would have been used to brush debris away from the teeth of a trephine, a hole saw used to remove a circle of tissue or bone.

Date

c. 1901

Identifier

2003/202.5

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Materials

Ebony; Horsehair

Description

This brush would have been used to brush debris away from the teeth of a trephine, a hole saw used to remove a circle of tissue or bone.

Semi-circular Trephine

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Semi-circular Trephine

Description

Metal semi-circular trephine, part of amputation set from 1860s.

Date

c. 1860s

Identifier

2003/12.20

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

11.8 cm length

Materials

Metal

Description

Metal semi-circular trephine, part of amputation set from 1860s.

Trephine Set Case

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Trephine Set Case

Description

Hardwood, probably mahogany, hinged case with carrying handle and unmarked lock. Inset brass hooks (one each side) for securing lid of case.
Lining of case is padded green velvet with a fitted recess for each instrument.

Date

c. 1700s

Identifier

2008/4.1

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

22cm in width, 20.5cm in depth, 5cm in height.

Materials

Mahogany, velvet, brass.

Description

Hardwood, probably mahogany, hinged case with carrying handle and unmarked lock. Inset brass hooks (one each side) for securing lid of case.
Lining of case is padded green velvet with a fitted recess for each instrument.

Portrait of William Macewen, CB DCL FRS 1848-1924

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Portrait of William Macewen, CB DCL FRS 1848-1924

Description

Seated three-quarter length in a black suit against a dark background.
Macewen was a surgeon who worked in several hospitals in Glasgow, including the Royal Infirmary and the Western Infirmary. He was a pioneer of modern brain surgery and developed a number of operating techniques in bone surgery. He was also an early proponent of aseptic procedures in the operating theatre and often had surgical instruments and theatre furniture designed to his own specifications.

Date

20th century

Identifier

91

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

36" x 28"

Materials

Oil on canvas

Description

Seated three-quarter length in a black suit against a dark background.

Horsley's Skull Trephine

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Horsley's Skull Trephine

Description

Complete with detachable T-handle. 1 inch diameter trephine in this instance, but instrument could be obtained with 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch diameter trephines. Nickel plated.

A trephine is a medical device used to burr a hole into the patient's skull. This trephine dates from 1890-1940, and would have been turned manually to make a cut into the skull. This procedure would allow the surgeon to access the brain without removing the entire skull bone.

Date

c. 1890-1940

Identifier

2006/7.37

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

11.6 x 11.3 cm

Materials

Metal

Description

Complete with detachable T-handle. 1 inch diameter trephine in this instance, but instrument could be obtained with 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch diameter trephines. Nickel plated.

A trephine is a medical device used to burr a hole into the patient's skull. This trephine dates from 1890-1940, and would have been turned manually to make a cut into the skull. This procedure would allow the surgeon to access the brain without removing the entire skull bone.

Hey Saw

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Hey Saw

Description

Hey's saw, ebony and metal, c 1860s.

Pictured here is an example of a Hey Saw, which would have been used to saw through bones of the skull. The small head of the saw was designed in such a manner so as to reduce shards of bone from flying into the face of the surgeon.

Date

c. 1860s

Identifier

2003/12.3

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

Length: 19 cm

Materials

Metal and ebony.

Description

Hey's saw, ebony and metal, c 1860s.

Pictured here is an example of a Hey Saw, which would have been used to saw through bones of the skull. The small head of the saw was designed in such a manner so as to reduce shards of bone from flying into the face of the surgeon.

Bi-phasic Stimulator

Details

Dublin Core

Title

Bi-phasic Stimulator

Description

This bi-phasic stimulator was owned (and probably built) by the neurologist James Sloan Robertson. Although the exact purpose of the machine is unclear, it was most likely used during surgical treatment of patients suffering from epilepsy. An electrode would be attached to the machine, which would help the surgeon to locate a lesion for removal, and also ensure that an undamaged part of the brain was not about to be removed. The device is clearly handmade, and is most likely an early prototype or precursor to machines used in later deep brain recording techniques.

Date

c. 1960s

Identifier

2001/3

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

Length: 19.2 cm

Materials

Glass; metal; plastic; wood

Description

This bi-phasic stimulator was owned (and probably built) by the neurologist James Sloan Robertson. Although the exact purpose of the machine is unclear, it was most likely used during surgical treatment of patients suffering from epilepsy. An electrode would be attached to the machine, which would help the surgeon to locate a lesion for removal, and also ensure that an undamaged part of the brain was not about to be removed. The device is clearly handmade, and is most likely an early prototype or precursor to machines used in later deep brain recording techniques.

Search Again

Output Formats

atom, csv, dc-rdf, dcmes-xml, json, omeka-xml, rss2