The hot cautery consists of a plated metal square handle and a thin, round rod leading to an iron tear-shaped component; the handle is tapered at the end, then expands towards the cauterizing end; the four main sides of the handle are joined by four smaller sides, making the handle oxagonal; the ti…
The hot cautery consists of a plated metal square handle and a thin, round rod leading to an iron tear-shaped component; the handle is tapered at the end, then expands towards the cauterizing end; the four main sides of the handle are joined by four smaller sides, making the handle oxagonal; the tip of the handle is rounded; a thin, round rod extends from the opposite end of the handle closest to the cauterizing end; a tear-shaped iron component is at the end of this rod; the round part of the iron tear-shaped piece is attached to the rod, and it narrows to a point at approximately a 45° angle; all components are solid.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Originally owned by Dr. Publow, who practised in Prince Edward County between 1850 and 1900. Given to Dr. M. Williams, head of Otolaryngology at Queen's University.
F.A. Harding & Co. symbol, an eye inside the letter "C," is stamped on the handle nearest the cauterizing end.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E3-12
Dimension Notes
Length 14.3 cm x Width 0.6 cm x Depth 1.0 cm
Condition Remarks
The item shows normal signs of wear; the plating is slightly worn along the handle, and more severely worn on the flared part of the metal rod; brown corrosion appears on the rod as it nears the iron piece; the iron piece also shows signs of corrosion; #2: stained.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams
Research Facts
Identified by Dr. Williams as a hot cautery; no similar item could be found in any catalogue (starting at 1890)
Exhibit History
On display at Hotel Dieu Hospital circa 1983-1993; the item was mounted on an acidic board with copper-covered wires to secure it.