HIRTZ MEDICAL COMPASS

$995.00 SOLD
Originally $1,200.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 30-1465

Dr. Hirtz of the French Roentgenological Service designed the Hirtz compass. It is a mechanical compass that was designed during WW1 to be used during operations as a surgical guide to better utilizing information acquired by x-rays in location shrapnel. The purpose of the compass was intended to be used in connection with photographic work whereby a permanent record could be made for the later setting of the compass, provided the identifying skin marks were not obliterated. The essential feature of the Hirtz compass is the possibility of adjustment of the movable legs that support the instrument so when resting on fixed marks on the body of the patient the foreign body will be at the center of the sphere a meridian arc of which is carried by the compass.

The compass is enclosed in a 17 inch x 13 inch by 3 1/2-inch wooden box covered with oilcloth. It has two brass hinges and two brass latches. On the top we find Gold lettering in French " Establissements Gaiffe / Compas de Mr Le Medicin Principal Hirtz / pour la Recherche des projectiles". The translation, from the French is: " Establissement Gaiffe (the name of the manufacturer) has provided these calipers belonging to the Chief Medical Officer Hirtz for the locating of projectiles. The inside is covered in tan leather and has compartments for the disassembled compass. The compass is made from brass and steel. It appears that only one small piece may be missing that is identical to the two that are there so it could be reproduced.

Enclosed with the compass is a copy of some pages from MEDICAL WAR MANUAL No 7 which explains how to use it and also has line drawings and photographs of it being used in surgery.

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