Research Collection

This collection includes a full range of machines, instruments and agents used around the world, with a special emphasis on North America. These artifacts date from the origin of modern surgical anesthesia in the 1840s to the present. Supporting materials include extensive files of catalogues and other product literature.

Exhibits and Loans

The best of the museum artifacts is presented in the George and Ramona Bause Collection that is open to the public. Guided tours are easily arranged. These displays are frequently revised to highlight various aspects of anesthesia history. The WLM also mounts a new exhibit at each ASA Annual Meeting. All of these annual productions are available for loan through our traveling exhibits program. Duplicate items from the museum collection also can be loaned for exhibition and educational purposes.

WLM's Recent Museum Acquisitions

Hayes Inhaler  The Hayes Ether Inhaler was patented in 1882 by Dr. Samuel Hayes of Pittsburgh. The actual U.S. Patent model submitted by Hayes is currently displayed in the WLM Gallery. Pictured here is the Hayes commercial model that was donated to the WLM by Dr. Selma Calmes, who sent it to us wrapped as a Christmas present!

Hedley Inhaler This very early inhaler was registered by Act of Parliament to Dr. Hedley of Bedford, England, in April, 1847. When used, it would have held a sponge wetted with ether or even chloroform. Recognizing the growing importance of pain management, the WLM collects information about analgesic as well as anesthetic agents. Advertisements like these are striking examples of graphic art, and reflect the aesthetics of their day.   Doloricure Trade Card  This advertisement for a French rheumatism and arthritis remedy is one of our most recent acquisitions. Its Art Nouveau design suggests a date of the 1930s.  Athlophoros Trade Card Athlophoros neuralgia and rheumatism remedy was well-known in the 1890s. The vine in this picture is the opioid passiflora incarnata.

WLM Virtual Tour

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WLM as seen on ABC’s 190 North

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