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History of Science Museum

Microdialysis instrument, Norman Heatley, mid 20th century

Inventory Number 18645.1


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.18645.1

Brief Description
A microdialysis set invented and used by Norman Heatley likely in the development of Penicillin
Item type
Object
Provenance
Passed from Norman Heatley's daughter to the Dunn School of Pathology to be donated to the History of Science Museum
Primary inscriptions
Long glass tube has handwritten descending markings in black ink from 0 to 50
Physical material
Wood
Glass
metal
Object type
Instrument
Dimensions
Height: 70cm Width: 20.5cm Depth: 16.8cm Weight: 1kg
Inventory No
18645.1

Description

Microdialysis instrument used in the development of Penicillin at the Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. This was likely designed and used by Norman Heatley, who was an expert at designing equipment to fulfil a specific function.

Consisting of a wooden stand with long glass tube with graduations. Below the long glass tube is what appears to be a vertically adjustable wood and metal platform with a block of wood with three nails protruding upwards that can be adjusted horizontally. There is a bent metal bar protruding from the side. The long glass tube has handwritten markings from 0 at the top to 50 towards the bottom. Attached to the top of the glass tube is a rubber or plastic tube which in turn is connected to a small glass vial attached to the side of the device. Attached to the back of the stand is another glass vial connected to a mechanism that moves up and down.