More Images from the Pharmacy Collection

I returned to the pharmacy collection last weekend with the express intent to photograph some particular medical devices: scarificators–used in the “art” of bloodletting, and other purposes prior to the advent of the hypodermic needle.  These images represent only a sampling of the variety of the scarificators in the collection.  I think what intrigues me most is the “mechanical-ness” of these devices, and craftsmanship with which they were made.

Of course, what bloodletting collection would be complete without the leech carriers?

Though I had set out to photograph a variety of scarificators, I also found this magneto-electric therapy device to be particularly interesting: the “Improved and Compound Magneto-Electric Machine for Medical Purposes, Ashael Davis.” Per the collection’s proprietor, this particular device is unusual in that it includes an apparatus for applying current to the eye  via the glass tube / eyecup in front of the box in the photograph below.  The “patient” was instructed to hold the metal conductors while the “practitioner” would turn the crank.  Depending on the rate of crank turnage, the patient would receive a therapeutic current: ranging from a gentle tingle to a significant shock.  Guaranteed to cure just about everything….

Thanks for looking!