Historical information

Curt Theodor Schimmelbusch (November 16, 1860 – August 2, 1895) was a German physician and pathologist who invented the Schimmelbusch mask, for the safe delivery of anaesthetics to surgical patients. In 1890, Schimmelbusch invented a mask for the delivery of anaesthetics to surgical patients. It was primarily designed for ether anaesthesia, but he also proposed its use for chloroform anaesthesia. Schimmelbusch designed a metal mask, over which a gauze could be stretched and secured. The mask was placed over the patient's mouth and nose, and anaesthetic was applied to the gauze, allowing the patient to inhale the anaesthetic as they breathed normally. Around the edge of the mask, a trough collected the residual anaesthetic, rather than allowing it to drip onto the patient's face.

Physical description

Oval shaped metal mask with a collapsible cross-shaped dome, hinged clamp and flat handle

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped into underside of handle: ELLIOTT SYDNEY