Bistoury cache. This is a French term meaning hidden knife . This English instrument with ebony handle, from around 1800, is a metal surgical knife wi

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Bistoury cache. This is a French term meaning hidden knife . This English instrument with ebony handle, from around 1800, is a metal surgical knife with a single blade and sprung lever action. It was inserted into the body with blade closed. When in the correct position, the blade could be opened (as seen here) and used to cut tissue or open cavities. Instruments such as this were used during surgical removal of bladder and kidney stones.

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Size: 5177px × 3376px
Photo credit: © Science Photo Library / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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