Description

A collection of six antique trepanning tools dating from the early to mid 19th century. Trepanning was the surgical practice of drilling into the skull, detailed a little more below. Five of the tools are ebony handled, two brass and the remainder steel. This is a rare collection, trepanning fell out of favour in the 19th century and so any remaining examples are scarce, they were made in tiny volumes as few would have possessed the skills to use them and always to the highest quality standards as cost was never the main issue, and so now, almost 200 years later, this collection is a very rare find.

Trepanning, or trephination, was the surgical practice of drilling or scraping a hole in the skull, which was used for various purposes throughout history, including treating head injuries, epilepsy, and mental illness. While the practice dates back to ancient times, it largely fell out of favour during the 19th century due to high mortality rates and a growing understanding of infection and antisepsis. Similar procedures are still used today in modern neurosurgery to relieve intracranial pressure, but under much more controlled and sterile conditions. 

Please note: Theses item are sold as a historical collectible and is not intended for medical use.