Historical information

Between 1867 and 1920, anaesthesia for dental operations was often maintained by blowing the vapour of ether or chloroform into the patients' oral or nasal pharynx. Junker's inhalers are a "blow over" device used with a hand-held bellows to bubble air through liquid chloroform and to the patient. It was initially intended for use with bichloride of methylene, a mixture of chloroform and methyl alcohol.

Ferdinand Ethelbert Junker introduced his inhaler in 1867 as appointed physician to Samaritan Free Hospital for Women (although it didn't have that name until c.1904).

Physical description

Glass jar with liquid measure markers etched onto. The jar has a metal lid, with a metal tube descending into the jar. Two metal tubes are protuding out of the top of the lid, and each has a small section of rubber tubing attached. There is also a metal hook, used to attached the jar to the physicians (anaesthetist's) lapel.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped into frame of metal lid: LONDON MADE