Cupping set consisting of a red leather cylindrical case with clasp closure lid (a); twelve-blade metal octagonal scarificator (b); three glass cups (c, d, e); a white chamois cloth protects the glass (f); glass bottle (g) with glass stopper (h); two six-blade replacements (i, j) and one four-bladeā¦
Cupping set consisting of a red leather cylindrical case with clasp closure lid (a); twelve-blade metal octagonal scarificator (b); three glass cups (c, d, e); a white chamois cloth protects the glass (f); glass bottle (g) with glass stopper (h); two six-blade replacements (i, j) and one four-blade replacement (k); two mounts to hold blades (l, m)
Number Of Parts
13
Part Names
a - case - Length 20.5 cm x Diam. 9.0 cm
b - scarificator - Length 6.1 cm x Width 5.4 cm x Depth 5.0 cm
c - cup - Length 8.0 cm x Diam. 7.0 cm
d - cup - Length 7.0 cm x Diam. 6.0 cm
e - cup - Length 6.0 cm x Diam. 5.5 cm
f - chamois - Length 7.7 cm x Diam. 7.0 cm
g - glass bottle - Length 5.7 cm x Width 2.7 cm x Depth 3.0 cm
h - glass stopper - Length 2.0 cm x Width 0.8 cm x Depth 1.3 cm
i - blade - Length 4.3 cm x Width 1.4 cm x Depth 0.5 cm
j - blade - Length 4.3 cm x Width 1.4 cm x Depth 0.5 cm
k - blade - Length 4.3 cm x Width 1.4 cm x Depth 0.5 cm
l - mount - Length 2.7 cm x Depth 1.4 cm x Width 1.2 cm
m - mount - Length 2.7 cm x Width 1.2 cm x Depth 1.4 cm
Provenance
Donated by Dean Barry Smith, Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University
(b) Stamped on side: "John & Wm Wood // 74 King Street // Manchester"; stamped on upper right side: "B"; stamped on lower right side: "B"
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-D6-7
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
Case lid is crooked; fabric in lid is stained and coming apart; leather is scuffed all over; fabric in bottom of case is discoloured; scarificator is slightly tarnished; blades are rusty and oxidized; mounts are oxidized; chamois is brown and matted
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Reference Comments
"Antique Medical Instruments", Elisabeth Bennion, 1979, pp. 44, 338
Research Facts
Wet-cupping was popular in the 19th century; a scarificator was used to cut the skin and then warmed cups would be applied to bring blood up to the surface; lamps were often included in cupping sets; after this period syringes could be found to help create the vacuum
Scarificators were used in bloodletting practices, often accompanying cupping procedures. The blades are designed to make equal and even cuts on the patient's body.
Exhibit History
On exhibit in the Friend-Vandewater Gallery in Botterell Hall, Queen's University; removed January 27, 2010