Guide to the surgical instruments and objects in the historical series with their history and development / by C.J.S. Thompson ; with a foreword by the Conservator Sir Arthur Keith.

  • Royal College of Surgeons of England. Museum.
Date:
1929
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Guide to the surgical instruments and objects in the historical series with their history and development / by C.J.S. Thompson ; with a foreword by the Conservator Sir Arthur Keith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    GUIDE TO THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND OBJECTS IN THE HISTORICAL SERIES WITH THEIR HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT. » The Collection of Surgical Instruments, appliances and other objects of interest now embodied in the Historical Section of the Museum has been formed chiefly by gifts and bequests during the last hundred and fifty years. The first attempt to arrange it was made in 1871, when a separate room was allocated to the instruments. In 1878, Mr. Walter Pye, at that time Assistant to the Conservator, Sir William Flower, compiled a manuscript list of the instru¬ ments and numbered them, but no attempt was made at classification until the late Mr. Alban Doran, F.R.C.S., took up the task about 1912. With characteristic energy he began to compile a descriptive and detailed catalogue of the entire collection which occupies many volumes. He classified, numbered and measured every instrument with meticulous care, and has thus left a record that will be of invaluable assistance to students of the history of surgery. Since that time, the collection has been largely increased and re-arranged and now comprises over 2,000 specimens, many of which are of great historical interest. It is hoped by the aid of this short descriptive guide that the study of the instruments will be made more interesting to students and visitors, who for more detailed and complete information are referred to the large type-written catalogue which is always available in the instrument room and library.