There is a long history of the development and improvement of measuring blood pressure. This “Baumanometer”(Sphygmomanometer) was made by M.A. Baum Co, Inc. in Copiague, N.Y. in the early 20th century when blood pressure was recognized as an important diagnostic vital sign. It used mercury-gravity that was accurate and easily observed by the patient and physician. Smith D. Taylor, M.D. (1910-1995) used this device while working in Botetourt. He left his equipment to Cynthia Puckett who displayed it in the Carilion Daleville office for years. It was on loan and part of a medical exhibit at the former museum during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. After Cynthia retired in 2023, she donated four boxes of his historic equipment to the Botetourt Museum of History and Culture. They are now being documented on Past Perfect for a future exhibit.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History and Culture
