Item:
Boyle Ether Vaporiser (Boyle Bottle) complete

Date of manufacture:
1920s

Manufacturer:
BOC

Description:
The Boyle bottle ether vaporiser has two controls. The lever to the left of the picture, on the upstream side of the vaporiser, permits a proportion of the gas from the flowmeters to be ducted through the vaporiser or to bypass it. The control is uncalibrated but has extreme markings of 'OFF' and 'ON' and permits continuous proportional adjustment. The rod at the top of the vaporiser, known as the 'plunger', controls the extent to which the incoming gas is delivered to the liquid ether. Within the vaporiser bottle it terminates in a cap that advances over the up-turned u-shaped gas inlet tube. In use, the lever is progressively rotated from OFF until it is fully ON. The plunger, initially fully raised, is progressively lowered. Gas is directed to pass more closely over the liquid ether surface and is ultimatey bubbled through the liquid ether. This is the maximum setting possible. The rate of vaporisation causes rapid cooling so that the vapour concentration begins to diminish. The cooling can be delayed by filling the accessory water bath with water at room temperature. Without the water bath, the bottle will chill until frost forms on the glass to the level of the liquid ether. Depth of anaesthesia is judged clinically. The 'U' shaped inlet tube within the vaporiser and the cap of the plunger are made from unplated copper. This is considered to protect the ether from degradation.

Boyle's original ether bottle did not include the plunger or the water bath. They were added during successive enhancements of the basic design.

Category:
vaporiser

Accession Nr.:
20110083
.
Discussion:
-

References:
-