Whilst performing a trick for the entertainment of his children, Brunel accidentally swallowed a half-sovereign. After many attempts to retrieve the coin (including a tracheotomy operation performed by Sir Benjamin Brodie), Brunel designed an apparatus on which he could be strapped down and then swung rapidly head over heels which eventually proved to be successful and the coin was retrieved. The whole operation lasted from April 3rd to May 13th and received a great deal of press coverage at the time.