Part 9
Cupping set, 19th century. Case is mahogany with two ivory keyholes and a brass handle. It is lined in red plush. Set includes nine glass cups of various sizes (including an oval cup), each with screw threads covered by a brass cap. Pump is brass, 142 mm long, and has a bit of leather wrapped around the outside of the screw threads. There is an extra compartment in the case that might have held a tenth cup, but now contains only the key. In a compartment lined with silver paper and covered by a red plush top with ivory handle are two octagonal scarificators. The first is a common twelve blade scarificator in which the blades cut in opposite directions. It is engraved with a crown and "Evans/London." The second is unusual in that it has eleven blades arranged on two rods. It is also engraved "Evans/London," and on top is engraved, in script, "W Tothill," and in block letters, "Staines No 2." The mechanism is frozen. Purchased 1976. Case: L 285 mm, W 210 mm, H 106 mm. Neg. 76-7747 (BW, CS), pieces in case; 76-7748 (BW, CS), pieces out of case. NMHT 321697.21. (Figure 112.)
Cupping set, 19th century. Case is mahogany, lined in red velvet, with brass bindings on the corners and is incomplete. A brass plate on the cover is blank. The key is missing. Set includes two glass cups without fittings, two brass stopcocks, one 12-blade scarificator, and a brass holder for a wick, which is missing. The scarificator bears the inscription on one side, "Salt & Son/Birmingham." Purchased 1976. Brass wick holder: L 101.6 mm. Cups: D 53.8 mm and 52.3 mm. Case: L 223 mm, W 127 mm, H 103 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.45.
Cupping set, 19th century. Case is mahogany with brass "straps" and a brass handle that rests flush with the lid on the case. The key is missing. Set contains two glass cups, one alcohol lamp, and one octagonal bladed scarificator. One cup is shaped like the early bronze cups. Purchased 1976. Alcohol lamp: L 67 mm, D of base 45 mm, D of top 20 mm. First Cup: L 90 mm, D at opening 50 mm. Second cup: L 63 mm, D of base 45 mm. Case: L 260 mm, W 105 mm, H 98 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.46.
Cupping set, 19th century. Case is red leather and closes with two brass hooks. It contains two glass cups with fittings, a brass syringe, a small glass bottle shaped like a test tube, and a brass three-point scarifier with a spring setting and a button release. The set is unusual for its small size. Purchased 1976. Case: L 154 mm, W 108 mm, H 42 mm. Syringe: L (closed) 101 mm, D 25 mm. Cups: L 60 mm and 67 mm, D 28 mm and 23 mm. Scarificator: L 52 mm, D 20 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.49.
CUPPING APPARATUS
Cupping apparatus with case, patent model, 1844. Cupping set patented by Dr. R. J. Dodd. Surgeon, U.S.N. (U.S. patent 3537). Brass syringe with ivory handle is stamped "Dr. Dodd's Improved Cupping Apparatus." Syringe can be fitted with either a large or small plate with blades. To operate an internal part, a straight or curved glass tube is attached to the syringe along with a flexible metal lancet that runs the length of the tube. Straight glass tube is broken in two parts. Case is mahogany and lined with red velvet. On hinge is stamped "Horne Patent." Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. Case: L 307 mm, W 178 mm, H 80 mm. Neg. 73-4237B (CS). NMHT 89797 (M-4288).
Cupping apparatus, patent model, 1856. Patented by Mr. Loyall Tillotson of Thompson, Ohio (U.S. patent 15626). Model of plunger apparatus is made of wood, though the actual instrument would have been made of metal. The body of the instrument was to be attached to a cup (not included in the model) with a spiral wire to which a battery would be attached. The novelty of the apparatus was that electricity would be employed in conjunction with dry cupping. Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. H 160 mm, D 60 mm. NMHT 89797 (M-4296).
Cupping apparatus, patent model, 1867. Patented by Mr. William D. Hooper of Liberty, Virginia (U.S. patent 68985). Model consists of a brass syringe attached to a wooden cup. In the working instrument the cup would be made of glass. Model does not contain the diaphragm and cutting blades. The novelty was that blades were to be tubular with adjustable length and that they would remain in the skin while blood was being removed. Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. Overall L 202 mm. Cup: L 47 mm, D 36 mm. Neg. 73-4214 (BW, CS). NMHT 89797 (M-4309).
Cupping apparatus with case, late 19th century. Invented by the Drs. W. S. Black and F. Black and manufactured by Wm. B. Stewart, Trenton, New Jersey, this set includes a hard rubber pump, three glass cups, the smallest for cupping the breasts, a valve, and a head for the pump. Missing are a nipple shield and rubber tubing. Case is made of wood and has a label attached to the inside top with an illustration of the set, the title, "Drs. W. S. & F. Black's Combined Cupping Apparatus, Breast Pump, Stomach Pump, Aspirator, Atomizer, Etc., Etc.," the name of the manufacturer, and directions for use. Donated by the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland 1976. Case: L 250 mm, W 120 mm, H 78 mm. NMHT 302606.036.
Cupping apparatus with case, late 19th century. Another example of the previous all-purpose cupping set with the same pieces and three fragments of rubber tubing. Donated by the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland 1976. NMHT 302606.037.
BREAST PUMPS
Breast pump, patent model, 1879. Patented by William Kennish of Philadelphia (U.S. patent 219738), this breast pump consists of a glass receiver with a hanging glass globe to catch the milk, and a rubber bulb to provide suction. The innovation was the addition of an internal valve and a valve at the bottom of the globe in such a way that continued compression and expansion of the large rubber bulb would cause milk to flow out of the valve at the base of the globe. Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. L 141 mm. NMHT (M-4343).
Breast pump. Glass breast cup with brass fittings and brass pump in a wooden case lined with green felt. Donated by the College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 1958. Cup: L 99 mm, W 72 mm at widest point. Pump: L 88 mm. Case: L 132 mm, W 121 mm, H 82 mm. Neg. 76-7761 (BW, CS). NMHT 220170 (M-7435). (Figure 113.)
Breast pump. Glass breast pump with tube for self-suction of the breasts. Tip is broken. Purchased from the Medizinhistorisches Institut, Universitaet, Zurich, 1960. L 305 mm, H 80 mm. NMHT 232067 (M-9578).
Breast pump. Glass breast cup with protuberance for holding milk, attached to a rubber bulb. Top of bulb is stamped "Union India Rubber Co/Goodyear's Patent/New York/1844 & 48." Part of the original cardboard carton is extant. Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Elliston P. Morris 1964. L 205 mm, W of bulb 87 mm. Neg. 76-7762 (BW, CS). NMHT 252497 (M-10510). (Figure 84.)
Breast pump. Hand blown breast pump with glass tube for self-suction. Purchased 1965. L 233 mm, W 103 mm at widest point, D 70 mm. Neg. 76-7759 (BW, CS); 76-7760 (BW, CS). NMHT 260557 (M-11467). (Figure 83.)
Breast pump, 19th century. Glass breast cup with protuberance for holding milk attached to a vulcanite pump. Purchased 1965. L 242 mm. NMHT 260557 (M-11467.1).
Breast pump. Glass cup with "white metal" syringe similar to Meig's Piston Breast Pump that was sold through surgical and pharmaceutical catalogs towards the end of the 19th century. Handle is missing. Donated by George Watson 1968. L 200 mm. NMHT 281244 (M-12343).
Breast pump. Another example similar to the one above. Used by Dr. Robert E. Bromwell, Port Deposit, Maryland (d. 1906). Donated by Roberta Craig 1972. L 168 mm, D of bulb 79 mm, D 35 mm. NMHT 299502 (M-14703).
_Leeching_
Leeches. Two leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) purchased in 1898, preserved and later mounted in plastic. L of leeches 83 mm. Anthropology vol. 30, catalog no. 143077. Neg. 73-4233 (BW, CS). (Figure 91.)
Leech jar, 19th century. White ceramic leech jar typical of jars found in late 19th century pharmacies. Word "leeches" is painted in black with the symbol of medicine below in gold. Top is missing. On loan from Dr. Frederick D. Lascoff 1954. H 242 mm, D 229 mm. Neg. 73-4232 (BW, CS). NMHT 201821 (M-6712). (Figure 114.)
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).
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield, three blades, and a knife. Donated by the University of Pennsylvania 1959. L 81 mm, W 25 mm. Neg. 61125-A (BW). NMHT 218383 (M-9255). (Figure 117.)
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield and three blades, each marked with a crown denoting British manufacture and a "W." Said to have been made in Sheffield, England. Purchased 1960. L 97 mm, W 33 mm. Neg. 59139-H (BW), case open, blades displayed; 59139-G (BW), case closed. NMHT 233570 (M-9665). (Figure 118.)
Fleam, 17th or 18th century. Hand-made curved bar with projecting blade, described by seller as Swiss or Tyrolean. Case is wooden and hand-carved. It is not clear whether this fleam was used for human or for animal bloodletting. Purchased 1960. Fleam: L 129 mm. Case: L 146 mm, W 47 mm at widest point. Neg. 59139-E (BW). NMHT 233570 (M-9666). (Figure 42.)
NOTE: There are two interesting early fleams in the Medical Historical Collection of Zurich University. One has a plain wooden handle and one has a turned metal handle with a metal extension.
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield and three blades. The first blade is stamped "Borwick," an English manufacturer. Purchased 1964. L 82 mm, W 28 mm. NMHT 254866 (M-10696).
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield and two blades. First blade is stamped "Harmer & Co's/Cast Steel Fleams/Sheffield." Donated by H. J. Hopp 1970. L 82 mm, W 27 mm. NMHT 291361 (M-13828).
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has brass shield and three blades. First blade is stamped "W. Harmar & Co. Cast Steel fleams Sheffield." Purchased 1976. L 80 mm, W 27 mm. NMHT 321697.24.
Fleam, 18th century. Five-bladed fleam said to have been made in Denmark. Instrument appears to be hand-made. Brass shield has a hinged piece covering the blades that is held closed by a brass latch. Purchased 1976. L 89 mm, W 30 mm, H 17 mm. NMHT 321697.16.
Fleam with case, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield and three blades, engraved with a "W" over the name "Pepys." Fitted leather case. Purchased 1976. Fleam: L 102 mm, W 40 mm. NMHT 321697.03.
Fleam with case, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield, two blades, and a knife. Fitted leather case. Purchased 1976. L 94 mm, W 26 mm. NMHT 321697.04.
Fleam with case, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield, two blades, and is engraved "Green & Pickslay." Fitted black leather case. Purchased 1976. L 100 mm, W 32 mm. Neg. 76-7758 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.05. (Figure 101.)
Fleam with case, 19th century. Fleam has a brass shield and four blades. Fitted leather case. Owner's name, "C. Famell Isleworth[?]," is written in ink on the case. Purchased 1976. L 79 mm, W 27 mm. NMHT 321697.06.
Fleam, 19th century. Brass shield, four blades, and one hook. Purchased 1976. L 122 mm, W 30 mm, W with pocket for hook 15 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.17.
Fleam, 19th century. Brass shield with five blades. An arrow is stamped on one side of the shield. Purchased 1976. L 88 mm, W 27 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.18.
Fleam, 19th century. Brass shield with three different sized blades. Case is inscribed "Gorham Parsons, Byfield." Purchased 1976. L 88 mm, W 30 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.19.
Fleam, 19th century. Brass case with three different sized blades. Purchased 1976. L 82 mm, W 26 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.20.
Fleam, 19th century. Brass shield with five blades and one hook. On one side of the case appears indistinctly, "HOW: IN London" on each of the blades except the straight blade and the hook. Purchased 1976. L 85 mm, W 23 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.21.
Fleam, 19th century. Five blades in a brass case. On two of the blades appears "How: in LONDON." Purchased 1976. L 80 mm, W 22 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.23.
Fleam with case, 19th century. Four blades in brass case. Purchased 1976. L 95 mm, W 25 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.22.
Fleam, 19th century. Brass case with three blades. Purchased 1976. L 94 mm, W 32 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.25.
Fleam, 19th century. Three blades in brass case. Purchased 1976. L 83 mm, W 29 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.26.
Fleam, 19th century. Single blade in brass case. On blade is marked "ARNOLD & SONS LONDON." Purchased 1976. L 98 mm, W 38 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.27.
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield and two blades engraved "J & S Maw/London." Horn shield is broken on one side, and has openings for a thumb lancet on each side. Only one thumb lancet with tortoise shell shield remains. Purchased 1976. L 84 mm, W 28 mm. NMHT 321697.12.
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield and three blades. Purchased 1976. L 83 mm, W 26 mm. NMHT 321697.13.
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield and three blades; "G. Gregory Cast Steel." Purchased 1976. L 87 mm, W 31 mm. NMHT 321697.14.
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield and one blade. Blade is engraved "Arnold and Sons/Smithfield." Purchased 1976. L 97 mm, W 37 mm. NMHT 321697.15.
Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield, two blades, and is engraved "Borwick." Purchased 1976. L 82 mm, W 27 mm. NMHT 321697.16.
SPRING LANCETS
Spring lancet, patent model, 1849. Lancet is brass and oval shaped. A wheel and axle mechanism allows the blade to sweep out an elliptical curve. Lancet is set by a detachable key and released by a lever protruding from the side. Lever is missing or hidden inside the case and the mechanism is frozen. Patented in 1849 by Joseph Ives of Bristol, Connecticut (U.S. patent 6240). Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. L 97 mm, W 33 mm, H 14 mm. Neg. 73-4211 (BW, CS). NMHT 89797 (M-4292). (Figure 23.)
Spring lancet, patent model, 1880. Instrument is made of brass and shaped like a gun. The cocking lever is attached to both a coiled spring in the handle of the gun and an extension of the blade. Pushing the trigger injects the blade. Blade is dart form with double beveled edges, as was typical of veterinary fleams. Patented by Hermann Reinhold and August Schreiber of Davenport, Iowa (U.S. patent 236084). Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. L 105 mm (to tip of blade), H 77 mm. Neg. 73-4210 (BW, CS). NMHT 89797 (M-4327). (Figure 24.)
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Brass knob end lancet, a larger version of the spring lancet used in human phlebotomy. Case is also similar to the spring lancet cases for human use. It is made of wood covered with brown leather, lined with chamois, and closed by a latch. Case has a chalice decoration on top. Donated by Dr. A. J. Olmstead 1945. Lancet: L 74 mm, W 38 mm. Case: L 133 mm, W 60 mm, H 33 mm. NMHT 171080 (M-6418).
Spring lancet, 19th century. Veterinary lancet similar to the previous lancet except that the blade is larger and provided with a blade guard. Blade guard can be set by a screw in order to regulate the size of the blade. Stamped on back panel is "F. Leypoldt/Phila." This is presumably the same Frederick Leypoldt who patented two scarificators, one in 1847 and one in 1851. Donated by the University of Pennsylvania 1959. L 74 mm, W 34 mm. Neg. 76-7757 (BW, CS), compares lancet to one used in human phlebotomy, NMHT 218383 (M-9256). (Figure 22.)
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Brass knob end lancet with large blade and blade guard. Lancet has a rim around the top and a lever release molded to resemble a torch. Case is lined with black plush and covered with black cloth. Purchased 1976. Lancet: L 85 mm (not including blade), W 40 mm. Case: L 142 mm, W 78 mm, H 39 mm. NMHT 316478.
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Instrument is made of brass and has a ball-shaped handle. The blade is double beveled, typical of blades for veterinary bleeders. The ball handle contains a spring that is attached to a small projecting cylinder with string tied to it. By pulling on the string, one can pull the blade in, and by pushing a button one can inject the blade. Case is made of wood covered with leather and is coffin-shaped. Purchased 1976. L 95 mm (to tip of blade), D of ball 34 mm. Neg. 76-7750 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.07. (Figure 104.)
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Lancet is brass and has a triangular shape. It is triggered by a slide catch on the front of the instrument. The triggering handle is a detachable piece that lifts off a square peg. Hinged from the side is a curved piece for ease in holding. Screw on front of the instrument probably regulates blade depth and a rectangular button at the top corner probably releases the blade. Mechanism is jammed and the blade is hidden within the instrument. Only the bottom half of the case remains. Purchase 1976. L 83 mm, W 59 mm. Neg. 76-7756 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.08. (Figure 119.)
Spring lancet, late 18th-early 19th century. Triangular-shaped lancet made of brass and iron and decorated with a floral design. Blade (missing) is attached to an iron lever, which, when pulled back, is held in place by a lever with ratchets attached to the facing side of the instrument. Pressing upon this same lever releases the ratchets and injects the blade. Purchased 1976. H 97 mm, W 80 mm. Neg. 76-7755 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.09. (Figure 120.)
Spring lancet with case, 18th century. This rather elegant lancet consists of a body and a detachable handle. According to analysis by the Conservation Laboratory, the lancet is made of ferrous metal (iron or steel). Blade is screwed into a curved lever. Pulling upon the handle pulls back the lever with the blade, and releasing the handle releases the blade. Case is made of wood, covered with black leather and lined with green silk and green plush. Seller says that the lancet was made in England, ca. 1700. This date seems somewhat too early. Purchased 1976. H 112 mm, W 72 mm (to tip of blade). Neg. 76-7753 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.10. (Figure 121.)
Spring lancet, 19th century. Instrument is made of brass and has an odd, irregularly curved shape. A large blade with a blade guard protrudes from the side. Blade is triggered by an iron slide catch on the front of the instrument and released by a brass lever release similar to that found in knob end lancets. Purchased 1976. L 138 mm, W 82 mm (to tip of blade). Neg. 76-7754 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.11. (Figure 103.)
Spring lancet, 19th century. Instrument is made of brass with steel screws. It is inscribed on one side: "Weiss improved bleeding instrument 33 Strand London." There is a brass guard on the blade that can be moved along the blade by a screw attached directly opposite the blade. It fits into a red leather case with beige velvet lining. The case closes with two brass hooks. Purchased 1976. Case: L 92 mm, W 75 mm. Height without lever 66 mm, Width at widest point 64 mm, overall width 12 mm. Neg. 77-13961 (BW, CS). NMHT 1977.0576.01. (Figure 122.)
_Related Artifacts_
Counter-irritation device, patent model, 1860. Improved version of Baunscheidt's _Lebenswecker_ patented by Alfred Stauch of Philadelphia (U.S. patent no. 28697). Stauch added a brush around the needles and an additional spring to force the needles back after they had entered the skin. The brush could be oiled before the operation, thus saving the need to oil the wound afterwards. The device is similar to the _Lebenswecker_ in size and construction, except that it was made of a lighter colored wood and was trimmed in brass. Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. L 245 mm, D 20 mm. Neg. 72-11290 (BW). NMHT 89797 (M-4299).