READ - Read's Collections

Clear glass cylindrical test tube with rim, containing paper wrap, unmarked.

Tooth forceps consisting of two metal shafts, box-jointed, ending with a grooved-pattern handle at one end and curved, toothed jaws at the other. Engraved with 'Read'.

Sea tangle tent, consisting of a cone-shaped piece of dried seaweed (Laminaria digitata), with a cotton thread at the base. It was used to drain uterine secretions, as it would expand once rehydrated.

Surgical sharp hooks, consisting of a wooden handle and a metal shaft ending with a sharp hook. Engraved with 'READ'.

Rectangular cardboard case with a printed label indicating its original contents: one dozen solid sea-tangle tents (Laminaria digitata), used for cervical dilation. This method was introduced by Professor Simpson in Edinburgh in 1864.

Set of three fistula directors, sizes 1 to 3, each consisting of a metal shaft with a curved blunt tip and a flat handle.

Bone forceps consisting of two box‑joined shafts, with sharp jaws angled upwards. Each handle is embossed and the instrument is engraved with 'READ' and coated with black paint.

Hernia bistoury blade, consisting of a curved metal shaft and a spring mechanism that releases the blade.

A paper packet, folded into a cylindrical shape and tied with flax thread, securing two flat, rectangular metal items with rounded corners as examples of the packet's contents. One end of each item has holes, indicating that these parts intended to be inserted into handles.

Metal scaling instruments comprising a shaft with shaped tips (angled, rounded, and trocar-shaped) and a threaded end, intended for insertion and attachment to a handle.

A paper packet, folded into a rectangular shape and handwritten-labelled "Hooks", containing sharp hooks with vulcanite handles and curved, pointed metal tips, still wrapped in paper.

Hypodermic syringe, consisting of a cylindrical clear glass graduated barrel, metal mount and screw-in nozzle attachment, with ivory piston and plunger. Incomplete, as the needle is missing.

Cylindrical caustic case made of ivory, featuring a grooved cap with a longitudinal slit and a metal ring, which serves as a securing mechanism when a sharp is inserted.

Brass double-action enema, consisting of a cylindrical-shaped body with a piston and nozzle, and remnants of India rubber tubing for rectal and vaginal attachments.

A bone chisel consisting of a wedge-shaped metal blade with a cutting edge, inserted into an ivory handle. Engraved with “READ”.

Finger knife, consisting of a gooved wooden handle and a metal blade with one sharp edge and tip.

Bleeding lancet housed in a tortoiseshell sheath, comprising a metal blade, engraved with 'READ', hinged between two tortoiseshell panels.

Metal retractor consisting of a metal handle and an angled, rounded tip.

Cylindrical silver case with detachable lid, which is attached to a probe. The probe consists of a grooved, unfinished shaft terminating in a blunt, bulbous‑shaped tip.

Silver cylindrical case with a push-fit lid, containing lachrymal probes of the Bowman's type along with a Critchett's director. The instrument consists of a long, silver and gold-plated shaft with rounded tips.

Spring-operated curved blade, consisting of two curved shafts, also known as basilyst. One fitted with a wooden handle, the other with a spring mechanism and finger rest, which can be locked and secured with a screw. Used during craniotomy procedures.