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ENT

Otolaryngology, or the study of diseases of the ear (1-3), nose, and throat (4-6) became a recognized branch of medicine at the end of the 19th century when craftsmen began to make instruments of ebony, ivory, brass, and silver. Since electricity was not available, reflected light from oil lamps and candles was used for illumination (7). The absence of sophisticated surgical procedures resulted in the production of very ornate aids to hearing (8).

Pulmonary

The anatomy of the lungs and chest had been studied hundreds of years before there was an understanding of the underlying physiology and pathology (9). Antibiotics were not available so that the only respiratory therapy available was by medications delivered through an inhaler (10-12). Indeed, pneumonia had always been a common cause of death and was referred to as the "old man's friend". Occasionally instruments were used to remove fluid from the chest (13), but chest surgery of any complexity was not available prior to the anesthetic era.

Physicians paid little attention to preventive medicine and biostatistics so that many preventable diseases were overlooked. Smoking was a popular habit in the American colonies and was exported to England and Europe; the health costs are only now beginning to be realized (14-18a).

1-3) Tongue Blade, Otoscope, and Ear Syringe

Three nice ENT instruments, including an ivory handled tongue blade by Tiemann, a silver cased otoscope set by Arnold and Sons, and a brass and ivory ear syringe by Maw, Son, and Thompson.

4-6) Tonsillectomy and Tracheotomy

Tonsillectomy was a common procedure until the mid part of the 20th century. This procedure is nicely illustrated by Bernard and Huette in "Illustrated Manuel of Operative Surgery and Surgical Anatomy" (1855) and a tonsillotome by Mathieu is shown in a nice boxed set. This beautiful ivory tracheostomy set by Maw, Son, and Thompson confirms that this procedure was performed in the 19th century.

7) ENT Set and Head Mirror

This nice boxed set was made by Tiemann and was used to provide light for instruments prior to the advent of electricity.

8) Ear Trumpet by FC Rein and Son

Hearing aids came in many strange forms. This is a fine example of an etched silver cornet with ivory earpiece.

9) Lung Pathology

Probably the finest pathologic illustrations ever produced are found in "Anatomie Pathologique du Corps Humain" by J. Cruveilhier (1835-1842). The included representation of pulmonary pathology is characteristic of the fine illustrations found in this massive two volume text.

10-12) Inhalers and an Atomizer

Respiratory therapy was via inhalers in the in the 19th century. The most common type is represented by a porcelain inhaler manufactured by Maw, Son, and Thompson. A very unique hand painted inhaler was made by Rorstrand (1874), and an unmarked fancy atomizer for the aerosol distribution of medications is also seen here.

13) Boxed Aspiration Syringe

This extensive aspirator set by Arnold and Sons was used for removing fluids from body cavities; occasionally medications were injected into the same cavities with this apparatus.

14-18a) Cigarette Advertising

Beginning in the 1930's, cigarette manufacturers involved the medical community along with actors and athletes in their advertising campaigns. Physicians in the armed services (mid 20th century) ironically used marked smoking accessories. There were certainly those who spoke out about the dangers of smoking, but without scientific evidence, the government remained silent.

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3) Brass Ear Syringe

6) Ivory Tracheotomy Set

7) Head Mirror

8) Silver Ear Trumpet

9) Pulmonary Pathology

10) Maw Inhaler

13) Arnold Aspirator

14) Cigarette Ad, Luckies