Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Davis, Audrey B
Bloodletting instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology.
(Smithsonian studies in history and technology; no. 41)
Bibliography: p.
Supt. of Docs, no.: SI 1.28:41

1. Bloodletting—Instruments—Catalogs. 2. Bloodletting—History. 3. National Museum of History
and Technology. I. Appel, Toby, 1945—joint author. II. Title. III. Series: Smithsonian
Institution. Smithsonian studies in history and technology; no. 41 [DNLM: 1. Bloodletting—History.
2. Bloodletting—Instrumentation—Catalogs. 3. Bloodletting—Exhibitions—Catalogs.

RM182.D38 617'.9178 78-606043

CONTENTS

Page
Preface[v]
Introduction[1]
Sources[2]
Bleeding: The History[3]
How Much Blood to Take[5]
When to Bleed[7]
Barber-Surgeons[8]
Bloodletting and the Scientific Revolution[9]
Instrumentation and Techniques[10]
Spring Lancets[12]
The Decline of Bleeding[15]
Cupping[17]
Early Cupping Instruments[17]
Instruments of the Professional Cupper[21]
Cupping Procedure[24]
Nineteenth Century Attempts to Improve Cupping Technology[25]
Dry Cupping[31]
Breast Cupping[32]
The Decline of Cupping[34]
Leeching[34]
Leeches[34]
Artificial Leeches[36]
Veterinary Bloodletting[40]
Physical Analysis of Artifacts[41]
Catalog of Bloodletting Instruments[42]
Phlebotomy[44]
Flint and Thumb Lancets[44]
Spring Lancets[44]
Bleeding Bowls[47]
Extra Blades and Cases[47]
Cupping[48]
Scarificators[48]
Cups[50]
Cupping Sets[50]
Cupping Apparatus[52]
Breast Pumps[52]
Leeching[53]
Veterinary Bloodletting[53]
Fleams[53]
Spring Lancets[54]
Related Artifacts[55]
Notes[57]
List of Trade Catalogs Consulted[63]
Figures 26-124[64]

PREFACE