Uterine cannula, United Kingdom, 1851-1900

Made:
1851-1900 in United Kingdom
Uterine cannula, Atthill(?), for applying nitric acid

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Uterine cannula, Atthill(?), for applying nitric acid
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Uterine cannula, Atthill(?), for applying nitric acid, wood and vulcanite, probably British, second half 19th century

A uterine cannula is a tube inserted into the uterus to drain off fluid or give medication. This example applied nitric acid during genitor-urinary surgery. Nitric acid was introduced as a sterilising agent in the 1840s. It caused the fallopian tubes to close down. This blocked the passage of eggs into the uterus and prevented fertilisation. This example is made of made of wood and vulcanite. It is thought to be of British origin.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A612572
Materials:
wood (unidentified), vulcanite and complete
Measurements:
overall: 10 mm x 33 mm x 35 mm, 0.02kg
type:
cannula