On Display

Brass stereotaxic apparatus, English, c 1905.

Stereotaxic apparatus, brass, used by Sir Victor Horsley and Richard Clarke, made by Swift and Son, London. The following two items are connected with this object: 1) Sir Victor Horsley's laboratory notebook 1904-1905 containing records (written and

 
Steel and ivory amputation set, 1866-1871.

Amputation set, almost complete, instruments of steel and ivory, in mahogany case, veneered, by Arnold and Son of London. This item was awarded the gold medal at the London Exhibition 1871

 
Syringe, Sri Lankan, 16th century.

An ivory enema syringe from Sri Lanka dating from the late 1700s. An enema (vasthi) introduces fluid into the lower bowel via the anus. A single Ayurvedic treatment might involve several enemas using oils mixed with different medicinal herbs – depend

 
Netsuke of a man being massaged, Japanese, 18th or 19th century.

A Japanese ivory figure of a man massaging the back of another man whilst he reads. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage helps the qi energy flow in channels around the body.

 
Wooden shield painted with a demon's face, Chinese, 19th century.

A wooden sign painted with a demon's face, hung over doors in China to scare away demons. In ancient China people believed that spirits, ancestors and demons could interfere with the body and cause illness. This idea has existed in some form in Chine

 
Model ear showing acupuncture points, 1970-1985.

A modern plastic model showing acupuncture points in the ear. In early 1950s France, Dr Paul Nogier developed a detailed map of acupuncture points in the ear. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners all over the world quickly adopted it.

 
Spanish jug, possibly 17th century.

Tin-glazed earthenware jug, polychrome decoration, illustrates administration of an enema, with inscription, Spanish

 
Petit tourniquet, late 18th or early 19th century.

Petit tourniquet said to have been used by Dr. Gillespie on the HMS Victory, 1805

 
Traction apparatus, probably from 16th century Italy.

Traction apparatus, used to support fractures and dislocations and correct limb deformities. Constructed of iron, brass and wood, it is believed to have been made in Italy during the 16th century.

 
Portable electrocardiograph, 1946.

Portable electrocardiograph in leather carrying case by the Cambridge Instrument Co., Cambridge, England.