File:Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research, Johnston Laboratories 1903.jpg

Black-and-white photograph of the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research of Johnston Laboratories at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, in the United Kingdom. This photograph dates from the formal opening of the laboratories in 1903.

"The department of Experimental Medicine is housed on the first floor. One end of the rectangle is taken up by the Director of the Cancer Research. This room has window benches along the south and east sides, while in the centre are two tables, fitted with drawers, and with sinks at each end. The room has been equipped with all necessary apparatus for the histological and experimental investigation of cancer. Attention may be drawn especially to a very fine microscope by Swift, and a new mincing machine by Cogit, of Paris, by which tissues can be reduced to a state fine enough for injection with an ordinary syringe.

In the machine room in the basement is a centrifuge and disintegrator belonging to the equipment of the Research.

The other (north) end of the rectangle is divided into two private research rooms, each having two windows. The intervening portion is divided by a narrow corridor, on the east side of which are (1) the attendants' compartment, with large sink for washing up, shelves, etc., and a large slate on which are placed the autoclave and Koch's sterilizer connected with the laboratory steam supply; (2) the incubator room, which is glazed up to the ceiling, in it are placed the incubator and the hot-air sterilizer, on slabs, and the glass-blower's table; (3) a small room at present used for stores.

On the west side, next the entrance door and just opposite the Director's room, is the electrical room. In this is placed out of reach and danger an induction X-ray coil, giving a 24-inch spark; while on the floor is a series of accumulators, charged from the main, for working the coil. A complete outfit for X-ray work is provided; also a small resonator for applying the high frequency current and a large solenoid within which the patient can be placed. A new model arc lamp for investigating the therapeutic action of light, taking a current of fifty amperes, is also fixed in this room. It can be carefully darkened if necessary. Beyond this is a room for experimental pathology, and after this another research room. The Director's, the incubator, and the electrical room are glazed to the ceiling ; the others are separated by screens or cupboards, seven feet high, and the corridor is formed in the same way. There is consequently through ventilation for the whole floor. The fume chamber is placed in the corridor, and ventilates into the main flue.