Skull saw, part of trephination set

Skull saw, part of trephination set

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

Skull saw with wooden handle, part of trephination set by Sirhenry, France, 1771-1830

This instrument pre-dates ideas about infection causes and their prevention during operations. Any surgery was risky due to the potential for infection. Trephination, the cutting of a hole in the skull, was likely done as a last resort.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A121486 Pt5
Materials:
steel and wood
Measurements:
overall: 7.4 mm x 180 mm x 17 mm,
type:
skull saws
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust