Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 4th June, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 21st Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 26th Oct., 1888
Elsewhere.
ULICK JOSEPH BOURKE, 15 York Crescent, Woolwich, Surgeon in Her Majesty's
Army, and JOHN MILNE, Antiseptic Works, Ladywell, London, S.E., Surgical
Dressing Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
"
Our invention consists of a "First Field Dressing" which may also be known as a
First Field Tampon or bandage, specially intended as a primary dressing for
wounds received on the battle-field, but not restricted to that particular purpose,
as it is likewise suitable as a dressing for all other kinds of wounds, wherever
received.
It is made for preference of absorbent Cotton Wool, but may be made of Tow,
Moss, Prepared Wood Pulp, or other suitable material or materials, specially treated
with antiseptics, for preference Ammonia-Mercuric-Chloride, but we do not restrict
ourselves to the use of this particular preparation. This piece or packet of Tow, Moss,
Cotton Wool, Prepared Wood Pulp, or other suitable material or materials is enclosed
in muslin or other loosely woven absorbent material, which is also prepared in a
similar manner.
A layer of muslin-covered Gutta Percha or other tissue is laid over the cotton wool.
A strip of muslin or other similar fabric or material, also prepared antiseptically, and
corresponding in width to the layers of cotton wool, Tow, Moss, Prepared Wood Pulp,
or other materia! or materials is attached to the sides or other part of the layers of
same.
The before-mentioned layer of muslin covered Gutta Percha or other tissue may be
omitted for certain special wounds. Between the Cotton Wool, Tow. Moss, Prepared
Wood Pulp, or other material or materials, thus enclosed, and the strip of muslin or
other similar fabric or material, a pocket is thus formed in which is placed an envelope
or wrapper of parchment or other substance, in which is enclosed an antiseptic bag, of

page_text: muslin or other fabric, opening and closing by means of a strong absorbent thread or
suture silk; preferably the latter, containing an antiseptic substance, preferably
Iodoform, which bag is used for dusting the wound previous to the application
of the bandage, and also as a part of the dressing, being, when empty, placed in the
wound.
To avoid contact with septic dust or other deleterious matter whilst being stored in
the knapsack or other receptacle, or the Hospital-Accident-Ward, or other places,
the whole is enclosed in an envelope or covering of parchment or other suitable
material.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Surgical Dressings for Use on Battle-fields and
Elsewhere.
ULICK JOSEPH BOURKE, 15 York Crescent, Woolwich, Surgeon in Her Majesty's
Army, and JOHN MILNE, Antiseptic Works, Ladywell, London, S.E., Surgical
Dressing Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
Our Invention consists of a First Field Dressing, which may also be known as a
First Field Tampon, or Bandage, specially intended as a primary dressing for wounds
received on the Battle-Field, but not restricted to that particular purpose, as it is
likewise suitable as a dressing for all other kinds of wounds, wherever received. It is
made, for preference, of absorbent Cotton Wool, but may be made of Tow, Moss,
Prepared Wood-Pulp, or other suitable material or materials, all or any of such being
specially treated with antiseptics, for preference, Ammonia-Mercuric-Chloride, but we
do not restrict ourselves to the use of this particular preparation, as others of a similar
and suitable character may be employed, or the antiseptic treatment may be omitted
altogether. This piece or packet of Tow, Moss, Cotton Wool, Prepared Wood-Pulp,
or other suitable material or materials is enclosed in a muslin or some other loosely-
woven absorbent material, which is also (for preference) prepared antiseptically in a
similar manner to the foregoing. A layer of muslin-covered gutta-percha or other
suitable tissue is laid over the Cotton Wool or other material as previously set forth.
A strip of muslin or other similar fabric or material, also prepared antiseptically if
required, and corresponding in width to the layers of Cotton Wool, Tow, Moss,
Prepared Wood-Pulp, or other material or materials, is attached to the sides or other
part of the layers of same. The before-mentioned layer of muslin-covered Gutta-
Percha or other tissue may be omitted for certain special wounds. Between the
Cotton Wool, Tow, Moss, Prepared Wood-Pulp, or other material or materials, thus
enclosed, and the strip of muslin, or other similar fabric or material, a pocket is thus
formed in which is placed an envelope or wrapper of parchment or other substance, in
which is enclosed an antiseptic bag or packet, of muslin or other fabric, which may be
made to open and close if required, by means of a strong absorbent thread or suture
silk, preferably the latter, the bag or packet containing an antiseptic substance, such
as Iodoform, but we do not restrict ourselves to the use of this particular substance;
which bag or packet is used for dusting the wound previous to the application of the
bandage, and also as a part of the dressing, being, when empty, placed in the wound
if circumstances require, and it is convenient so to do. To avoid contact with septic
dust or other deleterious matter whilst being stored in the knapsack or other
receptacle, or the Hospital Accident Ward, or other places, the whole is enclosed in
an envelope or other covering of parchment or other suitable material, and of
convenient shape or formn.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. A First Field Dressing, Tampon, or Bandage, intended as a dressing for wounds
received on Battle Fields, civil life, and elsewhere, formed and constructed sub-
stantially as set forth.
2. An antiseptic dressing, Tampon, or Bandage, made of suitable materials, all or
some of which are antiseptically treated as described.
3. A Dressing, Tampon, or Bandage as described, which admits of the enclosure of
an antiseptic bag or packet containing an antiseptic substance for dusting the wound,
which bag or packet, when empty, may be used as part of the dressing, as stated in
foregoing specification.
'
4. The article may be enclosed in a package of suitable shape, and size, and of a
material proof against damp, or proximity to any deleterious matters.
Dated this 20th day of Sentember 1888
A. G. PRITCHARD,
Agent for Applicants