University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Diagnostic & Treatment Artifacts
Surgery
Classification
General Surgery
Surgery
Accession Number
1976.6.37 a-c
Description
Gigli metal saw comprised of multiple flexible miniature chains links twisted in such a way as to create multiple cutting surfaces; attached to two ebony handles in T-shape.
Gigli metal saw comprised of multiple flexible miniature chains links twisted in such a way as to create multiple cutting surfaces; attached to two ebony handles in T-shape.
Number Of Parts
3
Part Names
a - blade
b-c - handles
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine; source: Dr. J. Hannah of Toronto; Dr. Weston L. Herriman.
Dates
1870
1900
circa 1870-1900
Material
metal: silver
wood: brown
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-F1-15
Temporary Location
On exhibit “The Century: Medical Innovations of the 1800s” at Museum of Health Care, 25 June 2017.
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Dimension Notes
Length: 43.5 cm. x Width: 5.8 cm. x Depth: 1.5 cm.
Condition Remarks
#2: A few minor spots of corrosion on chain; minor corner of handle shows worn wood.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Document; Internet
Research Facts
Part of a set of surgical instruments belonging to Dr. Weston L. Herriman, who was one of the first nine students who graduated in 1855 from the newly formed School of Medicine at the Church of Scotland-affiliated University of Queen's College (1854, Kingston, Ont.). The nine senior students had transferred from the Anglican Upper Canada School of Medicine (Toronto) to the new school at Queen's.
Gigli saw is a flexible wire saw used by surgeons for bone cutting used mainly for amputation, where the bones have to be smoothly cut at the level of amputation with a chain similar to a chainsaw blade. The Gigli wire saw was invented by Italian obstetrician Leonardo Gigli to simplify performance of a lateral pubotomy in obstructed labour.
Gigli saws were sometimes hidden in the clothing of British secret agents during World War II.
Exhibit History
On exhibit in "Friendly Fire 1812," Agnes Etherington Art Centre, 27 Feb. 2012 - 7 Sept. 2012: L-20120-2.