Six lancets and a silver carrying case

Six lancets and a silver carrying case Six lancets and a silver carrying case Six lancets and a silver carrying case Six lancets and a silver carrying case Six lancets and a silver carrying case Six lancets and a silver carrying case

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath, various makers, in silver case, English, 1750-1850

These lancets were used for bloodletting, illustrated by the scene engraved on to the silver carrying case. Bloodletting was once a popular technique used to treat a whole range of medical complaints. Each of the six steel lancets has a tortoiseshell covering to protect the blades from damage and keep them sharp, as well as providing a handle for the user.

These were valued tools for medical practitioners and were often carried in expensive cases such as this one.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A647881
Materials:
steel, tortoiseshell and case, silver
Measurements:
overall: 76 mm x 37 mm x 19 mm, .106 kg
type:
lancet
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust