Sub-group of veterinary instruments

Sub-group of veterinary instruments Sub-group of veterinary instruments

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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

Sub-group of veterinary instruments

Details

Category:
Veterinary Medicine
Object Number:
1987-297/16
type:
instruments

Parts

Pugh's veterinary post mortem scissors

Pugh's veterinary post mortem scissors

Pugh's veterinary post mortem scissors, nickel plated steel, by Arnold and Sons, London, 1920-1940

Materials:
steel (nickel plated)
Object Number:
1987-297/16 Pt1
type:
post mortem scissors
Spencer Well's artery forceps

Spencer Well's artery forceps

Spencer Well's artery forceps, stainless steel, by Arnold and Sons, London, 1950-1970

More

Artery forceps are used to control bleeding from blood vessels by clamping down on the artery. A locking mechanism at the handle keeps them in place. Helped by surgical instrument makers, surgeons developed their own tools, often naming them after themselves. Thomas Spencer Wells (1818-1897) was an English surgeon who became surgeon to Queen Victoria between 1863 and 1896. He developed the rachet locking mechanism holding the forceps in position. His second design had shorter jaws to increase compression and were ridged to improve grip. By being held closed, they could also not get trapped in the body's tissues or muscles. Prior to Spencer Wells' designs, an assistant had to hold the forceps closed.

Materials:
steel (stainless)
Object Number:
1987-297/16 Pt2
type:
artery forceps
Carving knife

Carving knife

Carving knife, steel with wooden handle, by Redge, Sheffield, England, 1890-1930.

Materials:
blade, steel and handle, wood
Object Number:
1987-297/16 Pt4
type:
knives
Carving knife

Carving knife

Carving knife, with wooden handle, by George Wostenholm and Son, Sheffield, England, 1890-1930.

Materials:
blade, steel and handle, wood
Object Number:
1987-297/16 Pt6
type:
knives
Carving knife

Carving knife

Carving knife, steel, with wooden handle, by Christopher Johnson and Co., Sheffield, England, 1890-1930.

Materials:
blade, steel and handle, wood
Object Number:
1987-297/16 Pt7
type:
knives