Surgical tools have come a long way.
We're willing to bet that if these instruments were still used today, no
one would be willing to have surgery.
Amputation Knife (1700s): These sharp knives were used for amputations during the 18th century. They were typically curved so that surgeons could cut through the skin and muscle before the bone was cut with a saw.
Amputation Knife (1700s): These sharp knives were used for amputations during the 18th century. They were typically curved so that surgeons could cut through the skin and muscle before the bone was cut with a saw.
Amputation Saw (1600s): Some surgeons had
decorated, fancy amputation/bone saws such as this… but sometimes the
extra details and carvings were a breeding ground for bacteria.
Arrow Remover (1500s): It is thought that
this strange-looking tool was inserted into a wound in a contracted
position. Then, the central shaft was used to grab an arrow. The blades
were then expanded so that the arrow head wouldn’t rip out the flesh on
its way out.
Artificial Leech (1800s): Bloodletting was
a popular treatment for a range of medical conditions. In 1840 the
artificial leech was created and was used frequently in eye and ear
surgery. The rotating blades would pierce the skin and the tube would
suck up the patient’s blood like a syringe.
Bullet Extractor (1500s): These extractors
could reach bullets embedded deeply in a patient’s body. Pulling out a
bullet was sometimes risky and could result in more injury, but was
common practice.
Cervical Dilator (1800s): This could be
used to dilate a woman’s cervix during labor. You could determine the
amount of dilation with the measurement scale on the handle. Doctors
stopped using these because they would often cause the cervix to tear.
Circumcision Knife (1770s): Ritual
circumcision common, but tools like this sharp European knife from the
18th century make it seem like a brutal and archaic practice.
Ecraseur (1870s): This tool was used to
remove hemorrhoids, uterine tumors or ovarian tumors by severing them.
The chain was looped over the mass and tightened using the ratchet,
stopping the circulation of blood to the area.
Hemorrhoid Forceps (1800s): To remove a
hemorrhoid, these forceps were used to grasp it and apply pressure to
stop the blood supply. As a result, the hemorrhoid would usually fall
off.
Hernia Tool (1850s): This tool was used
after hernias were corrected. It would be inserted into the body near
the affected area and left there for a short amount of time. The tool
would help encourage the formation of scar tissue, holding the hernia
in.
Hirtz Compass (1915): This compass could
used to be locate bullets within a body, using trajectory formulas, so
that they could be removed with precision.
Hysterotome/Metrotome (1860s-90s): This hysterotome (or metrotome) was used to amputate the cervix during a hysterectomy.
Lithotome (1740s-1830s): In order to
remove bladder stones, the bladder would need to be cut and doctors
would use a lithotome to do it. The shaft contained a hidden blade that
was inserted into the bladder and then released using a spring handle.
Mouth Gag (1880s-1910s): This wooden,
screw-shaped mouth gag wasn’t used to silence patients. It would be
inserted into an unconscious patient’s mouth to ensure their airway was
open.
Scarificator (1910s-20s): Scarificators
were used in bloodletting, to help draw out the blood. The spring-loaded
blades in this device would cut the skin and then the device would be
warmed to encourage blood flow.
Skull Saw (1830s-60s): To access the brain, this hand-cranked skull saw would be used to cut through the cranium.
Tobacco Smoke Enema (1750s-1810s): This
kit would be used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient’s rectum. It
was used primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims. The warmth of
the smoke was thought to promote respiration.
Tonsil Guillotine (1860s): To remove
tonsils, this tool was used. It’s like a small guillotine. The blades
would slice off the infected tonsils, but would often cause hemorrhaging
and would leave tonsil remnants in the throat.
Trephine (1800s): The trephine basically
was a hand-powered drill with a cylindrical blade, used to bore into the
skull. The spike in the center would hold the instrument still while
cutting.
Vaginal Speculum (1600s): Specula have
been used for thousands of years by doctors, mainly so that they could
examine a woman’s vaginal area. This 17th century European example is
ornate and intimidating, but is similar to the specula used today.
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