Codman & Shurtleff Inhaler
The Boston-based company, Codman & Shurtleff manufactured, imported, and sold surgical and dental instruments. Introduced in the early 1870s, the inhaler pictured here could be used for the administration of nitrous oxide or either. It could be purchased with optional accessories, including a mouth “hood” or covering, a mask to cover both the nose and mouth, and an attachment for administering ether.
For nitrous oxide administration, tubing connected the end of the inhaler to a nitrous oxide source, such as a gas bag or gasometer. For ether administration, a metal sphere containing an ether soaked sponge was connected to the end of the inhaler. With his nostrils pinched closed, the patient placed his mouth around the rubber mouthpiece and inhaled the nitrous oxide or ether vapor.
Catalog Record: Codman & Shurtleff Inhaler
Access Key: aijs
Accession No.: 2008-08-14-2 C
Title: Codman & Shurtleff [inhaler.]
Corporate Author: Codman & Shurtleff.
Title variation: Alt Title
Title: Codman Shurtleff nitrous oxide inhaler.
Publisher: Boston : Codman & Shurtleff, [1874-1890].
Physical Description: 1 inhaler : metal, rubber ; 6.5 x 4.5 x 19 cm.
Subject: Inhalers, Anesthesia.
Subject: Nitrous Oxide.
Subject: Anesthesia, Dental.
Subject: Anesthesia, Inhalation.
Note Type: General
Notes: Title from the WLM name for the object.
Note Type: Citation
Notes: Codman & Shurtleff. Codman & Shurtleff’s Supplementary Dental Catalogue.
Boston: Codman & Shurtleff; 1874:55-58.
Note Type: Citation
Notes: Lyman HM. Artificial Anaesthesia and Anaesthetics. New York: William Wood &
Co., 1881:42-44.
Note Type: Physical Description
Notes: Tubular metal inhaler with a slight bend just beyond the mouthpiece, near the
expiratory valve; The mouthpiece is made of red-rubber; On top of the
expiratory valve is the instrument maker’s mark: “Codman & Shurtleff,
Boston”; In approximately the middle of the inhaler is an adjustable air
valve.
Note Type: Reproduction
Notes: Photographed by Mr. William Lyle, 7/27/2010.
Note Type: Historical
Notes: The Boston based company Codman & Shurtleff manufactured, imported, and sold
surgical and dental instruments. Introduced in the early 1870s, the inhaler
pictured here could be used for the administration of nitrous oxide or either
It was a basic piece that could be purchased with optional accessories,
including a mouth “hood” or covering, a mask to cover both the nose and mouth
and an attachment for administering ether.
Note Type: Publication
Notes: Illustrated Boston: The Metropolis of New England, Containing Also Reviews of
its principal environs. 2nd ed. New York: American Pub. and Engraving Co.;
1889:184.
