Cranial trephine with two bits, Europe, 1601-1800

Made:
1601-1800 in Europe
Cranial trephine with two bits

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Cranial trephine with two bits
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Cranial trephine with two bits

The instrument was used in trephination, the drilling of a hole through the skull bone. Known as a trephine, this example has two bits which can be attached to the drill in order to create holes of different sizes and types in the skull. The device is not unlike the hand-powered brace and bit drill commonly used by carpenters.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A622321
Materials:
steel, brass, ivory and wood
Measurements:
overall: 205 mm x 95 mm, 45 mm, .26kg
type:
trephine