Amputation set, Europe, 1891-1910

Made:
1891-1910 in Europe
Amputation set in metal case, c. 1900

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Amputation set in metal case, c. 1900
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Amputation set in metal case, c. 1900

Made from nickel and chrome plated steel, this set of surgical instruments includes a large amputation saw, amputation knives and hooks to remove blood clots. The instruments are set out in two trays, all of which can be easily sterilised in boiling water.

The set was made after aseptic and antiseptic surgical techniques had come into common practice. Prior to that, instruments were often highly decorated and made of materials that ensured that they were almost impossible to clean thoroughly.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600579
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy), steel (metal), nickel plated, possibly chrome plating, metal (unknown) and incomplete
Measurements:
overall: 68 mm x 391 mm x 138 mm, 3.3kg
type:
surgical instrument set

Parts

Two scalpels

Two scalpels

Two scalpels, one by Chadwell, English

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt3
type:
scalpels
Naevus needle with metal handle

Naevus needle with metal handle

Naevus needle with metal handle

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt4
type:
naevus needles
Aneurism needle with metal handle

Aneurism needle with metal handle

Aneurism needle with metal handle

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt5
type:
aneurism needles
Blunt hook with metal handle

Blunt hook with metal handle

Blunt hook with metal handle

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt6
type:
hooks
Four amputation knives

Four amputation knives

Four amputation knives, by J. Weiss, English

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt7
type:
amputation knives
Catlin, double-bladed amputation knife

Catlin, double-bladed amputation knife

Catlin, by J. Weiss, English

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt8
type:
amputation knives
Bistoury

Bistoury

Bistoury with straight blade

Materials:
steel
Object Number:
A600579 Pt9
type:
bistouries
Metal case for amputation set

Metal case for amputation set

Metal case with two removeable trays for amputation set, c.1900

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
A600579 Pt10
type:
instrument cases