Cluny Macpherson

Colonel Cluny Macpherson (March 18, 1879 – November 16, 1966) was a physician and the inventor of an early gas mask. After World War I he served as the president of the St. John's Clinical Society and the Newfoundland Medical Association.

Early life

Cluny Macpherson was born in St. John's, Newfoundland to Campbell Macpherson and Emma Duder. He had a brother, Harold. He later helped develop the Seamen's Institute (later called the King George V Institute), another Grenfell project. The Brigade had three divisions in St. John's. When World War I broke out, members enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment. Macpherson organized the volunteers into an Ambulance Unit, which continued throughout the war. Cotton wool wrapped in muslin was issued to the troops by 1 May and followed by the Black Veil Respirator, a cotton pad soaked in an absorbent solution which was secured over the mouth using black cotton veiling. Seeking to improve on the Black Veil respirator, Macpherson created a mask made of chemical absorbing fabric and which fitted over the head. A canvas hood treated with chlorine-absorbing chemicals, and fitted with a transparent mica eyepiece. (The Rooms provincial museum has the prototype of Macpherson's hood as well as later version gas masks with box respirators worn by soldiers in battle.) He retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Cluny Macpherson lived in St. John's until his death on November 16, 1966. now has historic designation.

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