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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.