Horsley-type skull saw, London, England, 1900-1926

Horsley's skull saw, nickel-plated with stainless steel blade

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Horsley's skull saw, nickel-plated with stainless steel blade
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Horsley's skull saw, nickel-plated with stainless steel blade, c.1930, by Krohne and Sesemann

The saw was used to cut open the skull and access the brain. It was invented by Sir Victor Horsley (1857-1916), an English surgeon and physiologist who pioneered the discipline of neurosurgery in the late 1800s. It has a nickel plated handle and a stainless steel blade. The handle is especially moulded to fit into the surgeon’s hand. The name of the makers, Krohne & Sesemann, is punched on to the blade.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600898
Materials:
blade, steel, frame, steel and frame, nickel-plated
Measurements:
overall: 14 mm x 215 mm x 83 mm, 0.1854 kg
type:
skull saw