McKay-type artificial hand, Scotland, c.1920 The McKay
artificial hand is named after its inventor. McKay was a New
Zealander who established the McKay Artificial Limb Company.
This was one of the more innovative in the immediate post-war
period. The fingers of this artificial hand are rigid in
position. However, the thumb is moved using the ring-pulled
spring to grip objects. The hand is made from aluminium. This is
a lightweight yet durable material, unlike heavier wooden ones.
It is coated with rubber to protect the metal. Nails are moulded
into the rubber to make the hand look more realistic. Related
Themes and Topics There are 535 related objects. View all
related objects Artificial body parts, or materials inserted
into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic effect.
Prostheses can be functional (artificial arms and legs), or
cosmetic (artificial eye). Glossary: artificial hand