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Description:
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A large number of images of a range of surgical instruments, shown at two thirds of actual size. The volume this is taken from contains 20 plates of medical equipment, while an accompanying volume contains detailed descriptions of the equipment and its use. The text accompanying this image describes the instruments, what operation they were used for, and how they were used. The instruments in the top half of the image (figures 1 to 11) were used in lithotomy (removal of calculi or stones from the bladder. The modern non-invasive operation is known as lithotripsy). The text describes how they were used by different surgeons. Figures 12 to 15 show cannula and catheters that were tubes to be inserted into the body, either to drain fluids or allow access. Figures 16 (a piece of sponge on whalebone) and 17 were designed to dislodge items from the oesophagus (throat). Figures 19 to 21 and G, H, K and L in the bottom left show various needles. Figure 19 along with 18 were used to create a suture (the tying of a vein or artery). Figure 20 was a needle used in acupuncture, and figure 22 and 23 were used to heat moxa, which was also used in acupuncture therapy (in a technique called moxibustion).
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