Leeches. Two leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) purchased in 1898, preserved and later mounted in plastic. L of leeches 83 mm. Anthropology vol. 30, catalog no. 143077. Neg. 73-4233 (BW, CS). (Figure [91].)

Leech jar, 19th century. White ceramic leech jar typical of jars found in late 19th century pharmacies. Word “leeches” is painted in black with the symbol of medicine below in gold. Top is missing. On loan from Dr. Frederick D. Lascoff 1954. H 242 mm, D 229 mm. Neg. 73-4232 (BW, CS). NMHT 201821 (M-6712). (Figure [114].)

Leech jars, 19th century. Elegant pair of tall Staffordshire leech jars. They are light blue, ornamented with gold bordered leaves in relief, and marked “Leeches” in gold on a dark blue decorated panel. Covers are perforated and have flower-shaped finials. Donated by Smith, Kline, and French Laboratories 1965. H 460 mm, D at widest point 215 mm. Neg. 73-4231 (BW, CS). NMHT 263554 (M-11504). (Figure [20].)

Leech jar, 19th century. In contrast to the other jars in the Smithsonian collection, this one is small and plain, and perhaps more typical of 19th century leech jars. It is a white ceramic jar shaped like a canister with two knob handles and a perforated lid with its own knob handle. Jar is labeled “Leeches” in black and stamped “Germany” and “IQ” below. Purchased 1976. It was formerly owned by Dr. Sydney N. Blumberg. H 175 mm, D 107 mm. NMHT 1977.0789.43.

Leech jars, 19th century. Pair of tall Staffordshire leech jars with royal blue handles and royal blue perforated canopy tops. The jars are decorated with a multi-colored floral design upon a magenta background. Purchased 1976. H 710 mm, W 265 mm. Neg. 76-7765 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.18-19. (Figure [115].)

Lithograph, 1814. Framed colored lithograph dated “London/1814” and titled “Leech Finders.” Picture shows three women gathering leeches by a stream. Purchased 1975. W 454 mm, H 363 mm. Neg. 76-7741 (BW, CS). NMHT 320033.08. (Figure [85].)

Artificial leech, 19th century. Brass, cylindrical “scarificator” has three pointed blades arranged in a triangle so as to simulate a leech bite. Blades are cocked by pulling on the handle of the device, and released by pushing a small button on the cylinder. Set also includes two small oval glass cups with brass stopcocks and a brass pump, a glass tube with cork lid for collecting blood, and a mass of silvery thread. The use of the thread is uncertain. Case is made of wood covered with red leather and lined with black plush. Unfortunately there are no manufacturer markings or other clues to the provenance of this unusual set. Purchased 1976. “Leech:” L 61 mm, D 20 mm. Pump: L 102 mm. Case: L 155 mm, W 107 mm, H 45 mm. Neg. 76-9120 (BW). NMHT 316478. (Figure [98].)

Leech cage, 19th century. Tin, nickel, lead composition. The surface is worn and five holes are punctured in the hinge at one end. Purchased 1976. L 120 mm, H 32 mm, W 31 mm. Neg. 77-13984 (BW, CS). NMHT 1977.0576.02. (Figure [116].)

Veterinary Bloodletting

Fleams