Apparatus for continuous infusion of penicillin, London, England, 1945-1955
Penicillin has been used as a treatment since 1941. It was, however, broken down in the stomach so it had to be injected into the body. Penicillin was given at a patient at a constant rate via a needle inserted into a muscle – a technique called infusion. An electric motor provides the power. Dr C E Last invented this machine in 1945 while working at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children in Carshalton, Surrey, England. He claimed that his invention was practically pain free. He also considered it a time-saver for nursing staff as constant adjustments were unnecessary.
Object number:
A648101
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: penicillin
The first antibiotic drug to treat infections which is made from the mould penicillium. Its discovery is attributed to Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Glossary: penicillin machine
No description.
Glossary: infusion
The introduction of a fluid other than blood into a vein.