Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and TechnologyDavis, Audrey B.
History
Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology
Davis, Audrey B.
National Museum of History and Technology; Phlebotomy -- History; Phlebotomy -- Instruments -- Catalogs
Leech jars, 19th century. Elegant pair of tall Staffordshire leech jars.
They are light blue, ornamented with gold bordered leaves in relief, and
marked "Leeches" in gold on a dark blue decorated panel. Covers are
perforated and have flower-shaped finials. Donated by Smith, Kline, and
French Laboratories 1965. H 460 mm, D at widest point 215 mm. Neg. 73-4231
(BW, CS). NMHT 263554 (M-11504). (Figure 20.)
Leech jar, 19th century. In contrast to the other jars in the Smithsonian
collection, this one is small and plain, and perhaps more typical of 19th
century leech jars. It is a white ceramic jar shaped like a canister with
two knob handles and a perforated lid with its own knob handle. Jar is
labeled "Leeches" in black and stamped "Germany" and "IQ" below. Purchased
1976. It was formerly owned by Dr. Sydney N. Blumberg. H 175 mm, D 107 mm.
NMHT 1977.0789.43.
Leech jars, 19th century. Pair of tall Staffordshire leech jars with royal
blue handles and royal blue perforated canopy tops. The jars are decorated
with a multi-colored floral design upon a magenta background. Purchased
1976. H 710 mm, W 265 mm. Neg. 76-7765 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.18-19.
(Figure 115.)
Lithograph, 1814. Framed colored lithograph dated "London/1814" and titled
"Leech Finders." Picture shows three women gathering leeches by a stream.
Purchased 1975. W 454 mm, H 363 mm. Neg. 76-7741 (BW, CS). NMHT 320033.08.
(Figure 85.)
Artificial leech, 19th century. Brass, cylindrical "scarificator" has
three pointed blades arranged in a triangle so as to simulate a leech
bite. Blades are cocked by pulling on the handle of the device, and
released by pushing a small button on the cylinder. Set also includes two
small oval glass cups with brass stopcocks and a brass pump, a glass tube
with cork lid for collecting blood, and a mass of silvery thread. The use
of the thread is uncertain. Case is made of wood covered with red leather
and lined with black plush. Unfortunately there are no manufacturer
markings or other clues to the provenance of this unusual set. Purchased
1976. "Leech:" L 61 mm, D 20 mm. Pump: L 102 mm. Case: L 155 mm, W 107 mm,
H 45 mm. Neg. 76-9120 (BW). NMHT 316478. (Figure 98.)
Leech cage, 19th century. Tin, nickel, lead composition. The surface is
worn and five holes are punctured in the hinge at one end. Purchased 1976.
L 120 mm, H 32 mm, W 31 mm. Neg. 77-13984 (BW, CS). NMHT 1977.0576.02.
(Figure 116.)
_Veterinary Bloodletting_
FLEAMS
NOTE: Widths are measured at the widest point.
Fleam, 18th-19th century. Fleam has a brass shield and three fold out
blades of different sizes. Donated by M. Lamar Jackson 1932. L 80 mm, W 27
mm. Neg. 73-4206 (BW, CS). NMHT 121573 (M-3462). (Figure 100.)
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield, one blade, and a tenaculum
(hook). Shield is engraved "Proctor" (manufacturer). Donated by Joseph L.
Clough 1947. L 84 mm, W 27 mm. Neg 73-4209 (BW). NMHT 176124 (M-6480).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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