Sphagnum moss manufactured for surgical dressings, WW1
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Sphagnum moss manufactured for surgical dressings, WW1
Page from The War Budget reporting on the use of sphagnum moss, harvested in peat bogs, and processed into antiseptic surgical dressings during the First World War. The photographs were taken at the works of Messrs Ridpath, Brown & Co (though there is no information about where this is located). First picture shows the moss going through sublimation in a trough. The next shows girls shaping the moss in readiness for compression in a 500-ton press into a sheet of synthetic cotton wool. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14414794
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Cotton Dressing Dressings Jan17 Manufacture Moss Press Sphagnum Surgical Wool Sublimation
EDITORS COMMENTS
This series of photographs taken in 1915 offers a fascinating glimpse into the manufacturing process of Sphagnum moss during the First World War, which was used to produce antiseptic surgical dressings. The images were captured at the works of Messrs Ridpath, Brown & Co, though the exact location remains unknown. In the first photograph, Sphagnum moss is seen undergoing sublimation in a trough. The moss, harvested from peat bogs, was spread out in thin layers and heated gently to transform it into a dry, porous state. This process allowed the moss to effectively absorb and retain moisture, making it an ideal material for use in surgical dressings. The second photograph shows a group of women workers carefully shaping the moss in preparation for compression in a massive 500-ton press. The moss was compressed into a sheet, creating a material that closely resembled synthetic cotton wool. This sheet was then cut into the desired size and shape for use as surgical dressings. These dressings were highly valued during the First World War for their ability to absorb excess moisture and promote healing, making them an essential component of the medical supplies used by the armed forces. The use of Sphagnum moss in this way marked a significant advancement in surgical care and contributed to saving countless lives on the battlefield.
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