AN INGENIOUS DEVICE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3121, 27 June 1917, Page 5

AN INGENIOUS DEVICE

' TUK M'KAY ARTIFICIAL ARM. Mr. Peter M'.K'ay, of Nelson, is the inventor of aii artificial arm and hand which seems to satisfy every reasonable demand that can bo made upon such an appliance, and ias already earned high praise from qualified exports and from maimed soldiers and others who are in u position to appreciate its merits and its aid. ft equals in many respects any artificial limb of this nature so far devised In Mr. M'JCay's caso necessity was literally the mother of invention. He lost his left arm below the elbow some years ago, and his artificial arm as it is perfected to-day is the result of his olforts to produce a device that would enable him to engage as formerly in a number or trades j-nd manual occupations in which he is proficient. To indicate the numerous merits

of tho arm would involve a long description, but it may be mentioned that the device as a whole, though light, is of strong construction; and little apt to go out of order. A few wearing parts are so arranged as to bo easily replaced by any amateur. The arm itself is of wood and aluminium. The hand has fingers cored with ductile metal, so that they arc readily adjusted to auy desired shape or position. A strong steel spring in the thumb gives a eecure, comfortable, and remarkably adaptable grip. Tho ingenious arrangement by winch the arm is fixed in place eliminates anything in the nature of restrictive lacing or tiring strains.

Tho cleverest features of the device appear in its adaptation to the lises of a tradesman in any one of an indefinite numbor of callings. The simple, but efficient, socket which receives tho hand is at tho same time a socket for tools, and these, as they are displayed by Mr. M'Kay,- cover a remarkable range. He is a manual worker of unusual versatility, and his outfit includes tools and grips which enable him to nse the tools of carpentering, paperhangiug, blacksmithing, and other trades with wonderful ease and facility. He can work comfortably on a ladder, reaching out on cither side at -will to hammer, saw, cr paint, as the caso may demand. His arm also enables hiin to use such tools as the double-handled axe, hay fork, or long-handled shovel, with full vigour and power. To be appreciated at its full worth the invention must be seen in action, and those who desire to see it will have an opportunity of doing so shortly at a public demonstration. Surgeon-General Henderson and others have testified to the great value of the invention. At the request of tho-Impei'-ial authorities, who have in view tho acquisition of his invention for tho benefit of maimed soldiers, Mr M'Kay is. to leave in the near future for Great Britain. >