While surfing through my all time favorite medical gadget site, MedGadget, I came across a post about antique medical gadgets. The site was profiling another website that has an impressive collection of antique medical instruments.
Each picture is labeled with some even having a description of the use of the instrument.
For example:
18th C Dubois Unplated Forceps (Montpellier)
"A pair of mid to late 18th C forceps made from unplated steel and with a pelvic curve, marked "BORDEAUX AINÉ A MONTPELLIER". These were of the Levret type as modified by Dubois. A French screw locking mechanism secures the two blades. The handles have attractive and characteristic crosshatching. The ends of the handles could also be used as blunt hooks and would unscrew to reveal a point, although these are now fixed.
Topics cover Medicine, Surgery, Bleeding, OBGYN, Opthal, Apothec, E.N.T, Quakery and Dental. If you have even the smallest interest in the "good old days" of medicine, this is a great site with amazing photos and gadget descriptions. I know I spent the better part of an hour mostly cringing at the thought of some of these actually being used on people.
Wow! Amazing site with a fascinating, if scary collection of instruments!
Posted by: Tony | December 30, 2007 7:42 AM | Permalink to Comment