Summary
Due to prevalence of syphilis in the 19th and early 20th century the incidence of 'general paralysis of the insane' (GPI) was very common. Spinal lumbar puncture was a routine test for any patient in asylums considered to have GPI. Fluid extracted from spine & tested for syphilis spirochetes. Also known as "Vienna model".Used in Victorian mental health hospital circa 1930.
Physical Description
Dattner's spinal needle is hollow with scalpel-type point and a tubular hilt with open bulb-shaped head. This fits into a very fine tubular sheath which also has a scalpel point. When fully inserted the needle extends 2cm beyond the end of the sheath. Sheath has a rounded oblong-shaped, ridged handgrip, above which the tube widens to 5mm. There is a small screw with button-shaped handle to lock the needle in place. Made of stain steel.
Significance
Example of surgical equipment used in Victorian mental health hospitals
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Place & Date Used
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Exhibition Collection Management
140 mm (Length), 20 mm (Width), 10 mm (Depth)
Measurement From Conservation.
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overall dimensions
1 cm (Length), 2 cm (Width), 14.5 cm (Height)
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References
card with exhibit. Down Bos. and Mayer & Phelps, Ltd. "Surgical Instruments, Appliances and Hospital Equipment", Vol.2. London. 1955
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Keywords
Psychiatric Hospitals, Surgical Apparatus & Instruments, Syphilis, Making History - Psych Services
