Name/TitleEquipment: Electrocardiograph, a portable Both BME Direct Writing Machine
About this objectA brown vinyl cover sits over the machine for transport and storage, the shaped slit at the top allows for the handle to be used. Two end pockets contain either the electrical cord or the leads cable. The brass zips, stitching and pockets are damaged.
A 2.4 metre cable, black covering on 1.4 metre length from which a steel, 6 pin plug attaches. The other end of the cable is sectioned into 5 clear plastic coloured leads, (red, green, black, white and cream) which have a single pin plug each.
The electrical cable, detachable 4 metres long, brown plastic covered, has a brown bakelite, electrical plug at one end. The other end that attaches to the machine has an oblong shaped plug of brown bakelite, cream ceramic and chrome-plated side plates.
The removable cassette with the paper roll for the recording of the investigation is fitted into the machine top plate. The instruction book, heavy card covered, produced by Both, is enclosed. The booklet has a heavy fold through the centre and damage from use and storage. Silver embossed ‘ BME’ logo and ‘Both’ on the cover above a cut-out window showing the title on the first page: ‘Operating instructions for Both BME Direct Writing Electro Cardiograph’. 15 single sided pages detail operating instructions, lead placement, result interpretations, and instructions for changing the paper roll in the cassette. The last page details the accessories supplied with the machine.
Date Made1948
Place MadeAdelaide, Australia
Medium and MaterialsWood, metal, plastic, paper, leather
MeasurementsBooklet: L 19cm x W 10cm x D 8cm
Electrocradiograph: L 47cm x W 23cm x D 32cm
Subject and Association DescriptionBiography file folder contains folder titled "Memorabilia scientific medical instruments - Both" donated to Heritage in 1999 by Ona Butler. This contains a photo of this unit, with notes suggesting it was manufactured circa 1948 and stating that "main design was by our Rob Kranz", and that this was also the first Both electrocardiograph with ink written tracings. File also contains photo of Sister Terry Osmond with the unit at Calvary Hospital. Ref also A0008 RAH / A00016 RAH, Both Equipment Ltd
Object TypeEquipment
Object numberAR#4879
