Richardson-type spray, United Kingdom, 1866-1884
The Richardson spray was originally used to spray ether to give a local anaesthetic, especially during tooth extraction. The spray is named after its inventor, Benjamin Ward Richardson (1828-1896). He invented the spray in 1866. The air is pushed through using the hand pump, which forces the liquid ether out of the nozzle. Joseph Lister (1827-1912) later adapted this spray for use in antisepsis. It is believed that this is the only surviving spray of this type.
Object number:
A55289
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: ether spray
No description.
Glossary: tooth pulling
The removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are also routinely performed.
Glossary: antisepsis
The practice of using antiseptic drugs to eliminate harmful micro-organisms.
Glossary: ether
A volatile liquid (resulting from the action of sulphuric acid upon alcohol) formerly used as an anaesthetic. Ether was usually inhaled.
Glossary: local anaesthetic
A drug that reduces or removes sensations from one area of the body.