Medical Scaler, 19th Century

Rare Blackwell 16-Blade Medical Bloodletting Device for Therapeutic Bloodletting. Original Case. 19th Century

Metal bloodletting device for medical use, used to perform bloodletting (phlebotomy) on patients. This device was manufactured in England in the 19th century for use in medical treatments that required bloodletting. It is in good condition and works well, and it comes in its original case. It consists of a square brass box with sixteen parallel slots at the base. When the upper lever is activated and the side button is pressed, sixteen blades are released and emerge through the slots to make superficial incisions in the patient's skin. The depth of the cuts is adjusted using the top wheel.

Scarifiers are very ancient instruments that have been in use for centuries. Bloodletting, in fact, is a medical practice dating back to 500 B.C., when Hippocrates began using it to "balance the bodily humors by removing excess phlegm" through the extraction of blood. The practice remained in use for more than 2,500 years, until Koch's discoveries and Lister's antiseptic theories in the 20th century led to its eradication. Today, Western medicine does not consider it effective, though it is deemed dangerous, as it carries serious risks of infection for patients.

Engraved on the base of this instrument are the manufacturer's name, BLACKWELL, and the city BEDFORD CORT. Although the metal surface shows signs of wear from use, the device is in very good condition and works very well. When the lever is activated, the blades spring out suddenly, and the depth of the cuts can be adjusted using the wheel located at the top. The case in which the scarifier is stored is made of wood lined with red leather. It is in good condition and retains its original clasp.

As unsettling as it is antique, this scarifier will be a perfect addition to a collection of rare and fascinating medical antiques.

Dimensions: Width: 5 cm. Height: 5.5 cm.