Historical information

H. Bellamy Gardner, an anaesthetist at the Charing Cross Hospital, was the first to use open ether in England and was responsible for popularizing the technique. Bellamy Gardner's mask consists of a wire frame which was covered with layers of gauze. He recommended constructing a face-pad consisting of several layers of gauze which were rolled together and tied to make an oval. This was applied to the face and the mask rested on the top. Ether was then administered directly on to the mask.

Physical description

Oval chrome-plated steel wire frame designed to fit around a face. The wire-framed dome has both vertical and horizontal wire components to sit over a patient's nose and mouth. Ether was applied to a gauze pad which was held securely in place by a hinged wire lid. This is a modified version of Bellamy Gardner's original mask.

Inscriptions & markings

Etched on clasp: BELLAMY / GARDNER'S / ETHER MASK