Six lancets and a silver carrying case

Made:
1750-1850 in England
Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath

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Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London.

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