Breast Cups

Breast Cups

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Description
Patent model for Taylor E. Daniels, “Improvement in Breast-Pads for Females,” U.S. Patent 166,686 (August 17, 1875). Daniels lived in Detroit, Michigan. This device was designed "to be worn upon the person under the clothing for the purpose of receiving and retaining the fluid involuntarily discharged from the breast.”
The device consisted of a flattened nipple cap with a small tube connecting to a longer flexible tube leading to a receptacle which could be carried in the pocket or other suitable place. The patent model shows a metal rendition of the nipple cap and drain tube, but Daniels suggested making the nipple cap from hard rubber or gutta-percha. The second part of the patent (SEE record MG.M-04340.02) is described as "a soft pad or shield recessed to receive and retain the cap." The nipple caps could be used alone or with the pads, and the pads could also be used alone "simply for expanding the bust."
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Pump, Breast
breast cups, patent model
breast cups
patent model
date made
1875
patent date
1875-08-17
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1/4 in x 3 3/4 in x 3 7/8 in;.635 cm x 9.525 cm x 9.8425 cm
ID Number
MG.M-04340.01
catalog number
M-04340.01
accession number
89797
patent number
US166686A
subject
Women's Health
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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