What was the machine called which sprayed carbolic acid onto the patient/wound?

• A. The Mule Engine
• B. The Steam Engine
• C. The Windmill Engine
• D. The Donkey Engine

Answer: (D)

In antiseptic surgery, the carbolic acid was sprayed over the wound and surrounding area to kill germs, and that spray had to be produced by a powered device. The machine used to drive the carbolic spray in Lister’s setup was a small steam-driven unit known as the donkey engine. It powered the pump and spray nozzle, delivering a fine mist of carbolic acid over the patient and the operating space, which was a key part of reducing infection before the era of antibiotics. The other terms don’t refer to the specific device used to power this antiseptic spray in Lister’s practice.