EH102079

Sphygmomanometer

Medisco Mercurial Sphygmomanometer

Medisco – W. Germany

1945

This mercurial sphygmomanometer was made by Medisco Company in West Germany. This instrument is dated to after 1945, because that is the year that Germany was divided into Eastern and Western blocs following its defeat in World War II. This model is in a white metal case with a push button to open. There is green rubber tubing, a black rubber pump, and a green cloth arm cuff. It has a capacity of 300 millimeters mercury. It was given to the EHMHF by Dr. David Wiley.

W–4 L–13.3 inches

In 1917, the Baumanometer was developed by William A. Baum, a worker in a large clinic which engaged in pre–employment physical exams. Baum's design was the first of the sphygmomanometers which needed no adjustments or recalibration, and its well–sealed tube prevented oxidation of the mercury used for measurement. Its simplicity and striking accuracy caused it to catch on with physicians across America, and variations of Baum's simple design stand today as some of the most popular blood pressure instruments. Although this sphygmomanometer was made by Medisco Company, its design is similar to the ones manufactured by Baum.