Sphygmograph
by
Karl von Vierordt
Whereas earlier methods of measuring blood pressure had involved
inserting a tube into an artery, the sphygmograph invented by Karl von
Vierordt, in 1854, enabled the tracing of a human pulse by a
non-invasive technique. He originated the important principle that
blood pressure could be determined by measurement of the counter
pressure that would suppress the pulse. This was obtained using a
mechanical balance and weights. Although
still rather crude and cumbersome to operate, it was nevertheless an
improvement in accuracy over earlier techniques.
From:
Die Lehre
vom Arterienpuls in gesunden und kranken Zustanden, by Karl
von Vierordt, publ. Brunswick (1855) (source)
See also:
- Today in Science History event description for birth date of
Karl von Vierordt on 1 Jul 1818.
