L0004448 Ink polygraph, Sir J. Mackenzie
Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images
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Ink polygraph- tracings showing attack of paroxysmal tachycardia
The future of medicine
Mackenzie, Sir James
Published: 1919
Copyrighted work available under Creative Commons Attribution only licence CC BY 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Mackenzie Ink Polygraph, crafted around 1908 by Sir James Mackenzie with the assistance of Mr. Shaw, a skilled watchmaker, is an intriguing piece of medical history. Housed in a compact box measuring 10.5” x 6.5” x 4.25”, this remarkable device is a testament to early 20th-century innovation, where medical and technological expertise came together to advance diagnostic tools. The polygraph’s winding mechanism remains functional, spinning impressively, although the machine itself is currently untested. Despite some wear, particularly to the box, the set is considered museum-grade, highlighting its historical importance and craftsmanship.
Designed to record the physical manifestations of heart and pulse activity, the Mackenzie Ink Polygraph represented a significant leap in medical diagnostics at the time. Its ability to trace cardiovascular signals, such as the venous pulse and other physiological responses, marked an important advancement in the understanding and recording of cardiac functions. This device allowed physicians to obtain detailed tracings of the right atrial pulse, with the option to capture left atrial tracings through more invasive methods, such as introducing a tube into the esophagus, though the latter proved less practical due to patient discomfort.
The polygraph’s historical value is further enriched by its provenance. It was donated to the Luzerne County Medical Society by Dr. Charles H. Miner of Wilkes Barre, PA, adding a personal connection to its legacy. For collectors, historians, and museums focused on preserving the evolution of medical technology, this polygraph represents a unique and extraordinary find. Its role in the development of diagnostic tools, combined with its beautifully engineered design, makes it a key artifact from an era when medical science was rapidly advancing.
The polygraph was not only used to measure pulse and heart sounds, but also served as a versatile tool in cardiac research. It incorporated a continuous roll of smoked paper, capable of producing extended, precise tracings of various physiological functions. The use of three tambours allowed simultaneous recordings of different body signals, such as the jugular, radial, and carotid pulses, as well as respiratory movements. This made the polygraph a multifaceted instrument, valuable for research despite its complexity, which often limited its routine clinical application.
In its day, this device was paired with a mercurial sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure, and its portability made it a practical choice for physicians and researchers who needed to transport diagnostic tools. While time-consuming and intricate, the Mackenzie Ink Polygraph was an essential stepping stone in the history of medical diagnostics, demonstrating the possibilities of early physiological recording and laying the groundwork for future advancements in cardiac care.
Modification of the Mackenzie Ink Polygraph: Contributions by R. Edwin Morris and Advancements in Early Medical Diagnostics
The Modification of the Mackenzie Ink Polygraph by R. Edwin Morris, a Teaching Fellow at the Medical School, University of Minnesota, represents an important evolution in the original design of Sir James Mackenzie’s diagnostic tool. This modification aimed to refine the capabilities of the polygraph to better meet the needs of clinical and educational applications in early 20th-century medicine. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on June 17, 1916 (vol. bxvi, p. 1922), Morris’s work demonstrated a focus on enhancing the accuracy and functionality of the device.
The original Mackenzie Ink Polygraph was already a groundbreaking tool for recording heart and pulse activity, but Morris’s modifications likely introduced improvements to address some of the limitations observed in practical use. These might have included adjustments to the recording mechanisms, such as improving the sensitivity of the tambours or refining the way the device captured and traced different physiological signals. Enhancements could also have involved making the polygraph easier to use in routine clinical settings, where earlier versions had proved somewhat cumbersome due to the complexity and discomfort of certain procedures, like esophageal tracings.
By the time Morris introduced his modifications, the Mackenzie Ink Polygraph had already established itself as a vital tool in cardiovascular research, but it still faced challenges in broader medical use. Morris’s work likely helped bridge that gap, making the polygraph more adaptable and accessible to medical professionals and students. His contribution to this device continued the trajectory of innovation that Sir James Mackenzie and Mr. Shaw initiated, ensuring that the polygraph would remain relevant in the ongoing development of medical diagnostics.
