| Description Of Item | Dr James McKenzie (1853-1925) developed ink-writing polygraphs. A tambour (a rubber diaphragm) is placed over a vein in the neck while another is placed on the arterial pulse in the wrist. The movements of these vessels vibrate the diaphragms. The diaphragms transmit the waves through rubber tubing to two recording arms which record the pulse as continuous lines on paper. The polygraph was extensively used to diagnose and record arrhythmias even after electrocardiograms came in to use. Polygraphs were also used as lie detectors. Sir James Mackenzie, a fellow of the College worked as a Lancashire general practitioner. He achieved worldwide eminence as a cardiac researcher. Dr Stuart Shaw, Fellow of the College, gifted these two devices to the College.
One polygraph test is held in a wooden box. The other is in pieces and comprises: the metal device with attached reel of paper and rubber tube, a separate rubber tube with metal end, a rectangular case containing recording arms, a metal circular item (similar to those attached to the rubber tubes) two devices made of metal and cloth which may be attached to the arm. |