Haemostatic set, English, 1871-1900.

View showing the case open and the contents revealed. Haemostatic sets were commonly used in the 19th century to control post-partum bleeding. This pocket leather case contains: three bottles, one with contents, one pair of Fraenum scissors, and one measuring cylinder. It was manufactured by Baker, London, and was used in attempts to control post partum bleeding. One of the bottles would have been for liquid extract of ergot. Ergot was frequently used in midwifery from about 1807 to contract the uterus. Haemostatic is a medical term applied to an instrument which stops or controls bleeding. One of the other bottles contained tincture of opium.