Invention of the Stethoscope

Now a common medical device used by nurses and physicians across the world, the stethoscope was once an innovative and exciting new invention. Invented in France by a young physician, the stethoscope proved to be a successful addition to the medical practice.

Inventor

• The stethoscope was invented by Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec, a young physician practicing in France.

Time Frame

• Laennec invented the first stethoscope in 1816. Before the invention, a physician would simply place his ear on the chest of the patient to hear the sounds made by the lungs.

Development

• The stethoscope was ultimately invented as the result of Laennec's modesty when caring for a female patient. Embarrassed to place his hear directly against her chest, Laennec instead rolled up 24 sheets of paper, placing one end to his hear and the other to her chest. He was surprised to find that the sounds were both clear and amplified.

Features

• To make the official version of the stethoscope, Laennec used his wood turning skills. The first official stethoscope was made from a piece of wood, hollowed through the center. One end had a hole that could be placed against the ear, and the other end was hollowed into a funnel-shaped cone and was placed against the patient's chest.

Name

• Laennec named the device "stethoscope." This name was derived from the Greek words "stethos," which means "chest," and "skopein," which means "to explore."