University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
General Treatment
Bloodletting
Classification
General Treatment
Bloodletting
Accession Number
1969.70.1 a-o
Description
Cupping set in a case (o), consisting of (a) a pump syringe; (b) 12-blade scraificator; (c,d) large cups with chamois covers; (e,f) small cups with chamois covers; (g-i) stopcocks; (j-l) blades; (m) key; (n) blade holder; note: case seems to be meant for different instruments. Note: scarificator (b…
Cupping set in a case (o), consisting of (a) a pump syringe; (b) 12-blade scraificator; (c,d) large cups with chamois covers; (e,f) small cups with chamois covers; (g-i) stopcocks; (j-l) blades; (m) key; (n) blade holder; note: case seems to be meant for different instruments. Note: scarificator (b) confirmed missing while on exhibit, 25 Oct. 2011.
Number Of Parts
15
Part Names
a - pump syringe - Length 16.5 cm x Diam. 2.5 cm
b - scarificator - Length 6.5 cm
c - large cup - Length 6.0 cm x Diam. 6.0 cm
d - large cup - Length 6.0 cm x Diam. 6.0 cm
e - small cup - Length 5.0 cm x Diam. 4.0 cm
f - small cup - Length 5.0 cm x Diam. 4.0 cm
g - stopcock - Length 4.0 cm
h - stopcock - Length 4.0 cm
i - stopcock - Length 4.0 cm
j - blade
k - blade
l - blade
m - key
n - blade holder
o - case - Length 21.0 cm x Width 11.0 cm x Depth 8.0 cm
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine; source unknown; was the property of Dr. G. R. Grasett.
On (b): "WEISS IMPROV'D SCARIFICATOR"; and "62 Strand LONDON"; on (a): "Weiss Patent" above a crest of Great Britain, and "62 Strand London" below; plate with instructions on bottom.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-D6-7
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
5 Mar 2024: Velvet severely faded after being on exhibit for 11 years where the lights were on 24/7.
April 14, 2003: A section broken out of the lip on (e); #2: (a) outer surface of the pump is worn; a crack in the ivory handle at its base; green residue on the surface where the plunger enters; no active corrosion; (b) minor signs of wear on all surfaces; patches of trace corrosion on the scarificator lever, but blades move freely; (e) chip in the lip; (g-i): moderate wear, no active corrosion; leather washer missing from (h); the accession numbers were partially illegible; blades (j-l) and the key (m) all show minor signs of wear, but no active corrosion; (o) had some scratches, nicks, and cracks; the velvet lining has faded; the unnumbered felt pouch holding (d) was dirty, wity a large black deposit on its inner surface and three smaller ones on its outer surface; the felt pouch holding (f) also had black deposits on inner and outer surfaces; there was a hole in one seam and some small tears; the unnumbered felt pouch for cup (c) had a hole in the bottom and a green deposit in several places.
Copy Type
Original
Research Facts
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.
The cupping set was brought to Canada in 1837; part of accession 1921.2? or 1930.2?
Exhibit History
On loan to Queen's University School of Medicine third floor for an exhibit L-2013-6,
On loan to Historic Fort York, City of Toronto, Culture Division, Museums and Heritage Services, 24/10/2003-24/10/2005: L-2003.2; On exhibit: "Curious Cures--Doctors, Druggists, and Home Remedies" at the Dundas Museum & Archives, L-2011-3; 23 Sept. 2011–30 Sept. 2012.