Arm wrestle, anyone?

On Friday I'll be installing part of my collection of antique medical equipment at the Solebury Township Historic Museum (a little room in the front of the Township building).

I have to shore up my research for a few items. One of the first images I came across was this beautiful 19th century prosthetic arm at Science Museum's Web site.


From the site:

Made from steel and brass, this unusual prosthetic arm articulates in a number of ways. The elbow joint can be moved by releasing a spring, whereas the top joint of the wrist allows a degree of rotation and an up-and-down motion. The fingers can also curl up and straighten out. The leather upper arm piece is used to fix the prosthesis to the remaining upper arm. The rather sinister appearance of the hand suggests the wearer may have disguised it with a glove. Among the most common causes of amputation throughout the 1800s were injuries received as a result of warfare.

Disguised it with a glove? No way!

The prosthetic arm I have isn't as cool as this one, but it's still really neat. Plus it comes with a hook.

The collection will be up for a few months. You should check it out.