Specification of William Robert Lake : artificial breasts.

  • Lake, William Robert.
Date:
1868
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Specification of William Robert Lake : artificial breasts. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    4 Specification. Lake's Improvements in Artificial Breasts. a circular groove or depression a> Figure 8; B, represents a lining membrane made of silk fabric, which when the form is worn is in contact with the integument of the breast. At the centre of this membrane is a circular opening 6* for the admission of the nipple; C, represents an air-tight elastic covering placed upon the outside or 5 convex side of the diaphragm A, and joined to the outer edge of the disc by first applying an elastic varnish or cement that will make it air-tight. A small cord is then wound tightly around in the groove a as seen at a}, Figure 8, around under the cord with the elastic covering is bound a piece of tape, the edges of which are allowed to project 10 from the rim of the frame. To this tape is secured the membrane or lining B so that on its becoming worn or soiled it can be easily replaced by a new one; D, represents a mouth piece which is provided with a screw stem E for the purpose of inflating the form. To .the lower end of this stem is attached a valve E1, the face of which is 15 covered or packed with some elastic material a41; bl is the valve seat which is secured to the elastic covering by a button b2 into which the stem is screwed, and is also packed or faced with some elastic material like the valve. The nipple and stem are perforated to the point x and thence at right angles into the chamber between the valve and seat. 20 In order to inflate the form the valve is opened as shown in Figure 7, the nipple is then applied to the mouth and the necessary amount of air is forced in and retained, the valve being closed by means of the screw stem and button referred to. The face of the valve is thus brought up into its seat, thereby closing the side perforations in the 25 stem and making the whole secure and air-tight. F, F1, represent steel or other metallic springs which are attached to the outer margin of the discs, the free ends passing to the posterior portion of the chest and holding the discs in place; G, represents an elastic ligament which holds the two forms together passing from one to the other in front 80 of the sternum. In using this breast from the nipple D is turned so as to open the valve; the form is then inflated by an effort of the lungs and the valve closed, the form is then placed over the mammery gland and the springs properly adjusted; the inflation can be more or less as may be desired to suit any particular case or fancy. 35 The advantages of my improved breast form over others are as follows :— Ladies in whom the glands are not well developed use for the purpose of showing such developement, padding of various kinds which presses upon the glands, and by the increase of heat and constant pressure