Amputating knife with an ebony handle, 1850 (c)

Made by Evans and Company, 1850 (c).

Amputation, without anaesthetic, was often the only hope for soldiers who suffered badly damaged bones. It could prevent disease setting in and in many cases resulted in a rapid recovery. The wounded soldier had a leather tourniquet tied about eight centimetres (three inches) above the place where the cutting would be done.

A knife was then used to slice down to the bone, arteries pinned out of the way and then the surgeon would begin his work with the bone saw. The arteries were then sewn up and linen bandages were applied.

One of 64 medical instruments originally contained in a mahogany instrument case, 1850 (c).