Summary
A spinal lumbar puncture was routinely done on patients who were thought to have General Paralysis (Paresis) of the Insane (G.P.I.) caused by tertiary infection of syphilis. Used in Victorian mental health hospital circa 1930.
Physical Description
Spinal needle is a stainless steel wire with wedge-shaped point. It has a handle shaped like a tiny round doorknob. It fits into a very fine tubular sheath with scalpel-type, hollow point. The needle reaches exactly to the end of the sheath. The sheath's handle has a square shield above a tapering tubular section. Above that is an oblong section surmounted by a round plate. A tiny pin in the needle's handle fits into a notch in this plate. The shield and the handle of the needle are chrome-plated steel.
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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Inscriptions
S/BRITISH/MADE engraved on handle.
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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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Overall Dimensions
1.5 cm (Length), 13 cm (Height)
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References
card with exhibit. Down Bros. and Mayers & 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
