Fleam, 19th century. Fleam has a horn shield, two blades, and is engraved “Borwick.” Purchased 1976. L 82 mm, W 27 mm. NMHT 321697.16.
Spring Lancets
Spring lancet, patent model, 1849. Lancet is brass and oval shaped. A wheel and axle mechanism allows the blade to sweep out an elliptical curve. Lancet is set by a detachable key and released by a lever protruding from the side. Lever is missing or hidden inside the case and the mechanism is frozen. Patented in 1849 by Joseph Ives of Bristol, Connecticut (U.S. patent 6240). Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. L 97 mm, W 33 mm, H 14 mm. Neg. 73-4211 (BW, CS). NMHT 89797 (M-4292). (Figure [23].)
Spring lancet, patent model, 1880. Instrument is made of brass and shaped like a gun. The cocking lever is attached to both a coiled spring in the handle of the gun and an extension of the blade. Pushing the trigger injects the blade. Blade is dart form with double beveled edges, as was typical of veterinary fleams. Patented by Hermann Reinhold and August Schreiber of Davenport, Iowa (U.S. patent 236084). Transferred from the U.S. Patent Office 1926. L 105 mm (to tip of blade), H 77 mm. Neg. 73-4210 (BW, CS). NMHT 89797 (M-4327). (Figure [24].)
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Brass knob end lancet, a larger version of the spring lancet used in human phlebotomy. Case is also similar to the spring lancet cases for human use. It is made of wood covered with brown leather, lined with chamois, and closed by a latch. Case has a chalice decoration on top. Donated by Dr. A. J. Olmstead 1945. Lancet: L 74 mm, W 38 mm. Case: L 133 mm, W 60 mm, H 33 mm. NMHT 171080 (M-6418).
Spring lancet, 19th century. Veterinary lancet similar to the previous lancet except that the blade is larger and provided with a blade guard. Blade guard can be set by a screw in order to regulate the size of the blade. Stamped on back panel is “F. Leypoldt/Phila.” This is presumably the same Frederick Leypoldt who patented two scarificators, one in 1847 and one in 1851. Donated by the University of Pennsylvania 1959. L 74 mm, W 34 mm. Neg. 76-7757 (BW, CS), compares lancet to one used in human phlebotomy, NMHT 218383 (M-9256). (Figure [22].)
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Brass knob end lancet with large blade and blade guard. Lancet has a rim around the top and a lever release molded to resemble a torch. Case is lined with black plush and covered with black cloth. Purchased 1976. Lancet: L 85 mm (not including blade), W 40 mm. Case: L 142 mm, W 78 mm, H 39 mm. NMHT 316478.
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Instrument is made of brass and has a ball-shaped handle. The blade is double beveled, typical of blades for veterinary bleeders. The ball handle contains a spring that is attached to a small projecting cylinder with string tied to it. By pulling on the string, one can pull the blade in, and by pushing a button one can inject the blade. Case is made of wood covered with leather and is coffin-shaped. Purchased 1976. L 95 mm (to tip of blade), D of ball 34 mm. Neg. 76-7750 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.07. (Figure [104].)
Spring lancet with case, 19th century. Lancet is brass and has a triangular shape. It is triggered by a slide catch on the front of the instrument. The triggering handle is a detachable piece that lifts off a square peg. Hinged from the side is a curved piece for ease in holding. Screw on front of the instrument probably regulates blade depth and a rectangular button at the top corner probably releases the blade. Mechanism is jammed and the blade is hidden within the instrument. Only the bottom half of the case remains. Purchase 1976. L 83 mm, W 59 mm. Neg. 76-7756 (BW, CS). NMHT 321697.08. (Figure [119].)