The stethoscope has long been a powerful symbol of the physician. This article describes a stethoscope that was presented as a prize to an outstanding student, Mr Bampton, by his eminent teacher Dr James Hope (1801–41) in 1837. The extraordinary journey of this prize stethoscope that eventually found its way to North Wales and into the hands of the Liverpool physician, Robert Coope (1892–1972), is outlined. Its subsequent importance and symbolism to the Thoracic Society and the British Thoracic Society is emphasized.
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References
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The Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Bampton: Plymouth, 1847. Source: The National Archives. See www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.
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Ibid.: p. 237.
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Biographical note on George Bampton from Foley's Records, 1865. Source: Archives of the British Province of the Society of Jesus.
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Ibid.
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Death Certificate for George Bampton, Chelmsford, 1865. Source: National Registry Office.
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