G. BoulitteElectrocardiograph with a string galvanometer - Wood, Brass, Glass, Iron, Ceramic

Rare complete clinical workstation for electrocardiography, built in Paris by G. Boulitte, successor of the historic Maison Ch. Verdin. One of the first instruments used to register the electrical signal of the heart, at the dawn of modern cardiology. The heart of the system is the Einthoven string galvanometer, in its mahogany glass case: a powerful electromagnet with toroidal coils between whose poles a very fine cord of silvered quartz was stretched, which vibrated as the extremely weak cardiac current passed. It is the same principle by which Willem Einthoven won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1924. The set also includes the light mahogany optical recorder for printing the tracing, the brass control panel with rotary switches for selecting derivations and resistances, bells, bushings and measuring instruments, all mounted on the original oak table with a double-door front and auxiliary modules on the lower frame. It bears the original manufacturer plates: "Ancienne Mon Ch. Verdin · G. Boulitte · Ingénieur-Constructeur · 15 à 21, Rue Bobillot, Paris" and "Breveté S.G.D.G. en France et à l'Étranger". The signature is engraved also on the panel and on the body of the galvanometer. Georges-Charles Boulitte took over in 1907 the house founded by Charles Verdin in 1878 — famous, under the direction of Prof. Marey, for recording devices of physiological phenomena — and specialized in precision medical instruments, collaborating with Lucien Bull of the Marey Institute on the development of his own electrocardiographs. Conditions: in the complete set with the natural patina of time — oxidized bronzes, woods with signs of use, original cabling. Possible pieces missing of which we are not aware. Sold as a collectible item, not tested for use. The imperfections are consistent with age and attest to its authenticity. An authentic museum piece for collectors of scientific instruments and the history of medicine.