Surgical instrument set, Persian, 18th century

The lancet in the foreground of the image has a large metal blade measuring 65 mm long. Lancets were used in bloodletting – a once popular universal treatment for a range of health problems. The high degree of decoration on the instruments, all from the same set, suggests that they probably belonged to a physician serving a wealthy family. It is shown here with other instruments from the same set (A642946/3, A642946/6, A642946/9).

The handles of the scissors fold out from the highly decorated brass rods. They are still very sharp. The level of decoration indicates they probably belonged to a physician serving a wealthy family. It is shown here with other surgical instruments from the same set (A642946/1, A642946/6, A642946/9).

This ornate brass knife would have been used during operations, possibly to cut tissues prior to limb amputations. The handle features the head of a two-horned golden ram. The level of decoration indicates it probably belonged to a physician serving a wealthy family. it is shown here with others from the same set (A642946/1, A642946/3, A642946/9).

Measuring just less than 250 mm, this knife is made from steel and ivory or bone. A lion bearing its teeth has been carved on the top of the cow hide patterned handle. The level of decoration indicates it probably belonged to a physician serving a wealthy family. It is shown here with other instruments from the same set (A642946/1, A642946/3, A642946/6).