Bloodletting Cupping set and two scarifactors, 18th century

Bloodletting Cupping set and two scarifactors, 18th century. The set contains a 10 blade scarificator (a metal box containing hidden blades which sprang out when a lever was pressed, used for making several incisions simultaneously), 7 cupping glasses, spirit lamp and syringe, in a fish skin case, lined with velvet, made by Savigny and Co. This set would have belonged to a physician and used to draw poisonous substances from the body. The glass cup was heated and pressed on the skin. As the oxygen in the cup was used up a partial vacuum was created powerfully sucking the cup to the body. Dry cupping was performed on unbroken skin creating blisters which were then drained. Wet cupping covered a wound or deliberate incision, and drew out blood, pus and other fluids. ©SSPL/Science Museum