Stethoscope, England, 1834-1840
René Laennec (1781-1826) invented the monaural stethoscope in 1816. It was devised as a diagnostic tool to listen to the heart and breathing in the human body. His design was modified by others over time. This example was developed by pioneering French physician Pierre Piorry (1794-1879). It is made of wood with a metal inner tube. The Piorry-type stheoscope is considered to be the first easily portable stethoscope. The holes in the stem are a further modification attributed to distinguished British surgeon Dr William Crowfoot. The plug was removed when listening to the lungs. It was retained when listening to the heart.
Object number:
A608198
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: stethoscope
A device which is used to listen to sounds produced by the human body. Ordinarily a stethoscope consists of rubber tubing in the shape of a Y.
Glossary: clinical diagnosis
A diagnosis given based on the signs and symptoms of a disease.