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Photographer: Michael Sean Nix
Taken: November 25, 2009
Caption: Scarifier
Additional Description: Scarifiers were one tool used to open a patient's veins for bloodletting. Small blades were secured inside the instrument. The doctor would place the scarifier against the skin, release the blades with a lever and make a series of quick, neat cuts. The blood was usually collected in a bowl. Other instruments used for the same purpose were called fleams and lancets. Leeches were also widely used for bloodletting.
Submitted: November 27, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Database Locator Identification Number: p87319
File Size: 1.566 Megabytes

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