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Dublin Core

Title

Scarificator

Description

This twelve-bladed, brass scarificator was once a common tool in the medical practice of bloodletting, the withdrawal of a patient's blood to prevent or cure illness and disease.

The use of the scarificator was considered less painful than earlier bloodletting devices such as lances and fleams, as it punctured the skin quickly. The scarificator's spring-loaded blades are retracted using the lever and the button is pressed to release, creating multiple parallel incisions.

Creator

Francis Cluley

Date

c. 1850

Identifier

2005/4.2

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

Length: 5.2cm, Width: 4.6cm, Height: 3.5cm (of body)

Materials

Metal

Scarificator

Physical Object Item Type Metadata

Physical Dimensions

Length: 5.2cm, Width: 4.6cm, Height: 3.5cm (of body)

Materials

Metal

Files

Scarificator
Scarificator
Scarificator

Collection

Citation

Francis Cluley, “Scarificator,” Heritage, accessed March 19, 2024, https://heritage.rcpsg.ac.uk/items/show/614.