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Patent for artificial limbs
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This artificial limb was patented on February 20,
1849 by Dr. B. Frank Palmer and exhibited in 1851
at the London World’s Fair. It was an improvement
upon earlier models, in that an anterior spring,
smooth appearance, and concealed tendons were added.
The manufacture and use of prostheses advanced after
the Civil War, as the government promised prostheses
to veterans who lost limbs. It is estimated that
30,000 Union soldiers became amputees. |
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Division of Science, Medicine and Society, Medical
Sciences
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian
Institution
Behring Center
Gift of Dr. Sidney Licht
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