Historical information

Professor Arthur Barrington (Barry) Baker was the first Australian anaesthetist to gain a DPhil in anaesthesia. He completed his DPhil at Oxford University at the Nuffield Department of Anesthesia in 1971, titled, Physiological Responses to Artificial Ventilation. The Waveform Ventilator is the machine developed to illustrate his DPhil. The waveform ventilator was used in several scientific studies on 'the effects of varying inspiratory flow waveforms and time in intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV)', published in the 'British Journal of Anaesthesia'. Professor Arthur Barrington Baker had an extensive career in research and clinical practice including holding the position as the Nuffield Professor of Anaesthetics at Sydney university (1992 - 2005) and also as the Dean of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) (1987-1990).

Significance

The variable waveform ventilator is of national significance, due to its association with Professor Arthur Barrington Baker (Prof. Baker) the first Australian academic anaesthetist, and the representation of historical social themes and research and design, in anaesthesia.
Historic significance – It is a rare type of ventilator in good condition and well provenanced. It is a tangible record of the beginning of the long established and distinguished career of Prof. Baker, the first anaesthetist in Australia to gain a DPhil. Prof Baker has a strong involvement in the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) organisation. The object is a product of Prof Baker’s Doctorate of Philosophy (DPhil) on respiratory physiology and is associated with the prestigious Oxford University and the well-known Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics.
It also represents the social theme of migration to England from Australia in the 1960s and 1970s to access and experience academic and artistic opportunities limited in Australia at the time.
Scientific Value – The object is of scientific value as it offers major potential for education and interpretation in anaesthesia. Although ventilators are common equipment, this specific design and construct prototype is one of a kind, designed and used specifically for research purposes.

Physical description

A rectangular shaped object on a trolley with four wheels. The top half of the object consists of two panels, one of cream coloured painted wood, the other black plastic, both containing several dials of different shapes and sizes. The wood surface also contains several gauges and a safety pressure clear plastic box. The plastic surface also contains a pin board. The bottom half of the object consists of two shelves. The whole object's perimeter is lined with perforated metals. The top wooden surface has several metal pieces of equipment and a long tube. The rear of the object contains numerous types of tubing and wire, a gas cylinder and two leather straps with buckles. The bottom half of one side of the objects has 3 electrical power outlets.

Inscriptions & markings

Waveform Generator, Drs Colliss N Cowie, Dr Baker Dr Murray Willson, Dr Babbington, Safety Pressure, Error POS F/B, Position, Feedback, Set Balance, Reset, Full Stroke, Velocity, Converter Current, line Pressure, Low Pressure, Bias Pressure, Start, Stop, Stop, Reset Press, Max Press, W/G Output, A/CRO B/2.