Spring Lancet

19th century

Bloodletting is one of medicines oldest therapies. Hundreds of devices have been devised for removing blood from the body beginning with lancets chiseled from flint. This device is a spring lancet with a steel blade, handle or spring, and a round trigger button. As the handle is pulled back the iron cock locks the blade in place. When the button is depressed the blade is released. The spring lancet is housed in a wooden case covered in leather and lined with chamois.