Selections from the clinical works of Duchenne / Translated and edited by G.V. Poore.

  • Duchenne, G.-B. (Guillaume-Benjamin), 1806-1875.
Date:
1883
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Selections from the clinical works of Duchenne / Translated and edited by G.V. Poore. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    the consequent movement of the index from left to right shows the power exerted in kilogrammes (from 1 to 100). If the handles (b) be not crossed as in fig. 1, but be arranged as in fig. 2 (which can be effected by slipping them clown to the round ends of the limbs and simply turning them round as in fig. 3), the dynamometer may be used for testing other partial move- ments. Thus to test the force of flexion of the elbow, attach a Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. band, such as a folded handkerchief or a strap, above the wrist and fasten it to the handle of the dynamometer, then, while the patient strives his utmost to flex the elbow, seize the free handle of the dynamometer and pull upon it until extension of the elbow is produced. The needle will indicate the force exerted. A more sensitive instrument with longer limbs (fig, 4) is used for testing (in grammes) the power of paretic patients. In using these dynamometers care must be taken not to jerk them lest their delicacy become impaired.] The index of my dynamometer is intended also to show the amount of nervous incitability (incitabilite ner- veuse). Some persons having attained their maximum in a partial movement, can maintain it by continuing their effort for a greater or less time. Others again can only maintain their effort for a very short time after I call this the exhaustion of nervous incitability. Thus, of ten persons measuring their power of grasp and using my instrument to mark the maximum, some Fig. 4. reaching their maximum.