Rectangular wooden amputation kit. Exterior of kit is polished wood with brass reinforced corners. Oval nickel plate on center of lid states this kit was presented to James Anderson M.D.. Oval plate is framed by large brass rectangle detailing, and lid opens with three hinges. Keyhole on front of box in brass rectangle, no key. Top area of kit contains one large ivory-handled amputation saw with vertical slots in blade and textured handle, fastened to inside lid of box by two metal swinging tabs. Lower area of kit is separated into four sections. First and largest section contains two large ivory-handled amputation knives, one ivory-handled digit saw, one small ivory-handled knife with curved blade, and one ivory-handled knife with thin, curved blade. Second section contains one fabric and brass tourniquet. Third section is covered by thin rectangular lid with green pull string and contains six curved sewing needles wrapped in brown paper. Fourth section contains one ivory-handled curved pick in removable tray. Underneath tray is one pair of steel forceps. Interior of box is lined with faded red velvet.
The Harvard Medical Library does not hold copyright on all the materials in the collection. For use information, contact the Warren Anatomical Museum Curator at chm@hms.harvard.edu
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Notes:
This amputation set was created between 1810 and 1826 and was originally presented to James Anderson M.D. by one Doctor Francis between 1826 and 1827. It was kept in the personal collection of Dr. G. H. Washburn of Boston and was donated by his son, Dr. Alfred H. Washburn, to the Warren Anatomical Museum.
