25 Terrifying Vintage Medical Instruments
You'll be glad these are no longer used!
Published 11 years ago
1
Ecraseur: The Ecraseur (French for "crusher") was a device used for the removal of hemorrhoids, tumors, polyps, and cysts in the esophagus, larynx, uterus, or ovaries. The loop on the end of the instrument housed either a saw-toothed chain or a simple wire and was used to strangle and crush whatever flesh it looped around.
2
Civil War Dental Screw Forceps: Pretty much any dental device is enough to make me cringe, and this device is no different. The forceps grabbed the tooth while the screw tapped the dental roots--and all before the advent of anesthesia. Come to think of it, pretty much all of the instruments on this list (with the exception of maybe 5) were used before anesthesia.
12
Electric Belt with Penis Strap: First intended to cure the fictitious disease of Neurasthenia, this belt's aim was to--in essence--shock virility back into the patient's penis. In order for the belt to work, it had to be submerged in an activating solution of sulfuric acid, vinegar and water. Then the internal batteries were sprinkled with a special powder (i.e. baking soda).
20
Spermatorrhea Ring: Back in the Victorian era folks tended to believe that masturbation and nocturnal emissions could induce blindness, retardation and a host of other issues. Therefore, in a medical effort of prevention, inventors devised contraptions that would discourage genital excitement. The Spermatorrhea Ring was one of such device and comprised of a flexible metal band outlined by spikes. Ouch.
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