Ziryab Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Can anyone help me with a request for information? I need to find out what a medieval barber/surgeon's blood-letting lancet looked like. I imagine it would be a small thin, triangular, blade on the end of a fairly long handle. Am I on the right lines? Does anyone have any references for pictures of such a knife? Thanks in advance. Ziryab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Not sure about Medieval but since form follows function, they may not have changed too much over time, this American Civil War example may serve as a starting point in your research::http://www.kshs.org/...ing-tools/10325 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 The Heraldic fleam can be seen here http://karlwilcox.com/parker/?page_id=1586 they differ a bit from the more modern (18th and 19th century) versions. Your best bet to find a picture would be to find a period illumination or woodcut of surgeons tools. Unfortunately I will not be near my library till after the holiday. If you haven't found a good example by Monday please job my memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Now that Mr. Powers kindly provided the correct term for me to search for I found, including a dissertation by the Smithsonian.: http://www.sil.si.edu/smithsoniancontributions/HistoryTechnology/pdf_lo/SSHT-0041.pdf http://www.knightsinbattle.com/Surgeon.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleam http://medicalantiques.com/medical/Scarifications_and_Bleeder_Medical_Antiques.htm I hope you find this helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 i sure don't need special tools...nails,knives,screws,grinders,etc. have all had their turn of making me bleed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Since I have taken up jewelry I have found more tools than ever to open me up! I have given up trying to stop the flow. Engraving tools are great at doing the job :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziryab Posted November 24, 2011 Author Share Posted November 24, 2011 Many thanks for the replies (including the funnies!). From the above I have exactly the information I needed. Thanks again... and take care with these sharp instruments! Ziryab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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