-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
1/20
Amputation Knife (1700s)
Knives used for amputations during the 18th century were typically curved, because surgeons
tended to make a circular cut through the skin and muscle before the bone was cut with a saw.
By the 1800s, straight knives became more popular because they made it easier to leave a flap of
skin that could be used to cover the exposed stump.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
2/20
Amputation Saw (1600s)
While some surgeons chose to flaunt their wealth with elaborately decorated saws like this, the
crevices in the intricate engravings proved to be a breeding ground for germs.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
3/20
Arrow Remover (1500s)
Not much is known about this tool, but it is hypothesized that it was inserted into the wound in a
contracted position, with the central shaft used to grasp the arrow. The blades, which appear to
have their sharp edges facing outward, were then expanded using the scissor-like handles, thus
expanding the flesh around the arrow to prevent the arrowhead from ripping through the meat asit was pulled out.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
4/20
Artificial Leech (1800s)
Bloodletting with leeches was such a popular treatment for a range of medical conditions that an
artificial leech was invented in 1840 and was used frequently in eye and ear surgery. The rotating
blades would cut a wound in the patients skin, while the cylinder would be used to produce a
vacuum that sucked up the blood.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
5/20
Bullet Extractor (1500s)
Elongated bullet extractors could reach bullets embedded deeply in the patients body. Extractors
like this one had a screw tip that could be inserted in the wound and lengthened to pierce the
bullet so that it could be pulled out.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
6/20
Cervical Dilator (1800s)
This instrument was used to dilate a womans cervix during labor, with the amount of dilation
measured on the scale by the handle. Such dilators fell out of favor because they often caused the
cervix to tear.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
7/20
Circumcision Knife (1770s)
Ritual circumcision is performed around the world in varying extents and for varying reasons,
but few instruments used in the process are as intimidating as this European knife from the 18th
century.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
8/20
Ecraseur (1870s)
This ecraseur was used to sever hemorrhoids and uterine or ovarian tumors. The chain was
looped over the mass and tightened using the ratchet, stopping the circulation of blood to the area.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
9/20
Hemorrhoid Forceps (1800s)
These forceps were used to grasp a hemorrhoid between the blades and apply pressure to stop the
blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to drop off.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
10/20
Hernia Tool (1850s)
This unique tool was used after the restoration of a hernia. It was inserted into the body near the
affected area and left there for a week to produce scar tissue that would help seal off the hernia.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
11/20
Hirtz Compass (1915)
The Hirtz compass was used to accurately determine where bullets were located in the body so
that they could then be removed with precision.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
12/20
Hysterotome/Metrotome (1860s-90s)
This hysterotome or metrotome was used to amputate the cervix during a hysterectomy.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
13/20
Lithotome (1740s-1830s)
This lithotome was used to cut the bladder in order to remove stones. The shaft contained a
hidden blade that was inserted into the bladder and then released using a spring handle.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
14/20
Mouth Gag (1880s-1910s)
This wooden, screw-shaped mouth gag would be inserted into an anesthetized patients mouth to
keep the airway open.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
15/20
Scarificator (1910s-20s)
Scarificators were used in bloodletting. The spring-loaded blades in this device would cut into
the skin, and a special rounded glass cup could be applied over the wound. When warmed, it
would help draw the blood out at a faster rate.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
16/20
Skull Saw (1830s-60s)
This hand-cranked saws blades were used to cut through sections of the skull, allowing for
access by other instruments.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
17/20
Tobacco Smoke Enema (1750s-1810s)
The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patients rectum for various medical
purposes, primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims. A rectal tube inserted into the anus
was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke towards the rectum. The warmth
of the smoke was thought to promote respiration, but doubts about the credibility of tobaccoenemas led to the popular phrase blow smoke up ones ass.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
18/20
Tonsil Guillotine (1860s)
This method of removing tonsils worked much like a traditional guillotine, slicing off the
infected tonsils. This double guillotine design meant that both tonsils could be removed at thesame time. Tonsil guillotines were replaced by forceps and scalpels in the early 20th century due
to the high rate of hemorrhaging and the imprecise nature of the device, which often left tonsilremnants in the mouth.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
19/20
Trephine (1800s)
This trephine was a hand-powered drill with a cylindrical blade that was used to bore into the
skull. The spike in the center was used to start the procedure and to hold the blade in place while
cutting.
-
8/3/2019 Work Tools
20/20
Vaginal Speculum (1600s)
Specula have been used for thousands of years to allow doctors better vision and access to the
vaginal area (or other body cavities) by expanding after insertion. This 17th century European
example, which appears to use a cranking motion to expand, is more ornate and intimidating than
most.
