Liston Amputation Knife Liston's amputation knife, ebony and metal, c 1860s. This amputation knife is part of an amputation set dating from the 1860s. It is named after the famous Scottish surgeon, Robert Liston. The shape of amputation blades changed over time, from curved to straight, and Liston adapted his own style of blade for optimal surgery results. In 1846, Liston performed the first leg amputation in Europe that employed modern anaesthesia. The procedure was over within seconds, and the patient didn't feel a thing! <a href="https://heritage.rcpsg.ac.uk/items/show/1123">W. B. Hilliard &amp; Sons Ltd.; 1834-1987; Medical and surgical instrument makers</a> c. 1860s 2003/199.1 Liston's Bone-Cutting Forceps Liston's bone-cutting forceps, stainless steel, c 1950s. Robert Liston was a world-famous Scottish surgeon during the 1800s. He worked during the time before pain relief was regularly used in surgery, thus operations had to be performed as quickly as possible. Liston was renowned for his surgical skill and speed, which was in part due to the instruments that he used. He designed several instruments himself, including his own adaptation of the bone forceps. Bone forceps are still used today to cut through thinner bones, such as the ribs. <a href="https://heritage.rcpsg.ac.uk/items/show/1120">Charles F. Thackray Ltd.; 1902-1990; Surgical instrument manufacturer</a> c. 1950 2003/2.1 Liston's Artery Forceps Liston's artery forceps, metal, c 1860s. These artery forceps were designed by Scottish surgeon, Robert Liston. Artery forceps, more commonly known as haemostats, are surgical instruments used to clamp arteries and obstruct blood flow to prevent haemorrhaging. Notice that these forceps have a locking mechanism, meaning that they can be locked in place and left to stand alone instead of requiring the surgeon to hold them for the entire procedure. <a href="https://heritage.rcpsg.ac.uk/items/show/1124">S. Maw &amp; Son, Ltd.; 1860-1979; Health care manufacturer</a> c. 1860s 2003/12.10 Liston's Finger Knife. Liston's finger knife S. Maw & Son, London c. 1860s. 2003/12.19