Pierre Carl Potain (1825-1901) was a French cardiologist, renowned for his kindly bedside manner. He worked at the Sainte-Antoine, Necker, and Charity Hospitals in Paris. He made several contributions to cardiovascular disease research and conducted various tests in the field of cardiology (analysis of jugular venous waves, heart gallop rhythm research, blood pressure testing and auscultatory analysis). In 1889 he was credited for making modifications to the sphygmomanometer, a device used to measure blood pressure that had been recently invented by Samuel Siegfried Carl von Basch (1837-1905). He also designed a pleural suction apparatus. Several eponymous medical terms bear his name, including dilation in the aorta known as “Potain sign.”
- Plaquette
Bronze. France 1901. Signed. Lifetime. Designed to commemorate retirement of Potain from practice in 1900, but Potain died before the work was completed.
- Size
77 x 55 mm
- Artist
Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier (1856-1909), French sculptor, medallist and craftsman. Since 1874, he has exhibited a number of medallions at the annual Paris Salons. He was a key figure in reviving fine arts and he influenced French medal design. (Forrer 1, 411)
- Obverse
Bust to right. Below, on band, PIERRE CARL POTAIN. At left, monogram, ALMC
- Reverse
In a rectangular panel at top, a scene in a hospital ward: three women in beds: the one at left, asleep; the one in center, drinking from a bowl, she holds in both hands; the third examined by Dr. Potain leaning over, his head against the breast of patient at right; beside each bed, a table on which pitchers, jars etc. and a vase of flowers on center table; on shelves above beds, more bottles and dishes; in field above, SCIENCE BONTE (reference to his bedside manners) and at right, monogram ALMC; in field below, AU / DOCTEUR / POTAIN / AU MAITRE/ A L’AMI in five lines.
- Edge
Paris mint mark (cornucopia) and BRONZE incused
- Ref
Freeman 428; Storer 2864
