"That was roughly it," Joseph added at last. "Blood pressure is directly related to illnesses such as heart disease and stroke. If blood pressure is too high, it must be treated promptly..."
Doctors and biologists alike stared wide-eyed. It was the first time they had heard that pressure was involved when the human body pumped blood, and that it was so closely tied to health.
Joseph looked around at the crowd. "We can measure blood pressure by compressing an artery—when the artery can no longer pulse under pressure, that means the blood pressure is lower than that pressure value.
"Then gradually reduce the pressure. The instant the artery begins pulsing again, the pressure value is the blood pressure..."
He only had a hazy understanding of blood pressure measurement himself, and could only describe the sphygmomanometer as he remembered it.
"Wrap the arm with a hollow inflatable cuff, then pump air into it to increase the pressure. As for how to measure that pressure... it should involve a column of mercury...
"Who is willing to take on the development of such an instrument?"
The conference hall fell silent. The Crown Prince had only provided a concept; there was simply nowhere to begin.
Just as Joseph frowned and prepared to appoint several people to develop the sphygmomanometer, Doctor Bichat rose to his feet. "Your Highness, if we merely need to determine whether a patient's blood pressure is higher than that of an ordinary person, perhaps we do not need a precise machine."
"Then how do you intend to measure it?"
"I believe there is someone who can do it," Doctor Bichat said. "Mr. Joel Prevost."
"He is a doctor?"
"Mr. Prevost is the Court Magician, Your Highness." Seeing the Crown Prince frown, Bichat hurriedly explained, "He possesses the most sensitive hands in