Medical equipment

The War Heritage Institute’s collection also contains some medical equipment, including surgical instruments. One of the dangers associated with these collection items is accidental stabbing or cutting. Such accidents can be avoided by wearing cut-resistant gloves and by storing and labelling the pieces correctly.

Another risk with this collection is the exposure to chemicals used in the medical profession. The risk is especially high in collections dating back to the 19th century, when medication was kept in glass bottles. These medicines, such as morphine and cocaine, are considered addictive today, and some chemicals are carcinogenic.

1. Chromic acid | Chromic acid (H₂CrO₄) is an inorganic acid used today in chromium plating, coloured glass, and ceramic glazes.
2. Sulphanilamide | Sulphanilamide (C₆H₈N₂O₂S) is part of the sulphonamide group and has a white to yellowish-white colour.
3. Mercury chloride | Mercury chloride (HgCl₂) is an inorganic colorless to white salt.

In the War Heritage Institute collection chromic acid is present in 19th century medical kits. Exposure to the acid can result in skin burns and allergies, irritation of the nose and throat, eye damage, and is possibly carcinogenic.

Sulphanilamide was used to treat infections since the discovery of its antimicrobial properties in 1931. The Allies used the drug in the Second World War as of 1941.

The museum collection contains sulphanilamide in the Carlisle Bandage packet. The drug remains on the market to this day (although to a lesser extent), but present-day medicine mainly uses sulphanilamide derivatives. Sulphanilamide can cause skin irritation, premature birth, low birth weight and congenital malformations.

Mercury chloride (HgCl₂) was used for a variety of purposes throughout history, but is best known as a treatment against syphilis. Mercury chloride was also used as a disinfectant; dentistry applied it as a ‘corrosive sublimate’ to alleviate ulcerative symptoms. Outside medicine mercury chloride was used not only in 19th century photography, but also in historical preservation in order to prevent the destruction of biological specimens by moths, mites and moulds.

Mercury chloride is both an acute and a cumulative poison. It can cause internal damage such as ulcers, corrosion and kidney failure. Other effects of mercury chloride poisoning are stomach pain, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, vomiting of blood, corrosive bronchitis, severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, insomnia, delayed reflexes, excessive salivation, bleeding gums, fatigue, tremor, and dental problems.

Table of content

Heavy metals | Old pesticides  | Medical equipment  | Chemical warfare equipment  | Asbestos