RARE 1800s Dr Southey’s Pocket White & Silver Trocar Tubes Surgical Drainage Set

Description

From my Medical Collection - Here we have a
RARE 1800s Dr. Southey’s Pocket White & Silver Trocar Tubes Surgical Drainage Set.
This set was invented in 1877 by the English physician Reginald S. Southey (1835 – 1899) whose father had been a doctor, and who was a nephew of the famous poet Robert Southey.
This example is not marked by a maker of the instrument. The small pocket-sized instrument would have been carried by the local Doctors who made house-calls back in the late 1800's and early 1900's. This white cased set of Southey’s tubes has a central sharp steel trocar.
Four silver perforated cannulae are stored within the handle section. The silver cannulae fit like a sleeve over the sharp trocar which acts as the puncturing device for the cannulae. After puncturing the skin, the trocar could be withdrawn, leaving the silver cannula in situ to drain extra-vascular serous fluid. They were initially used in ansarca (or dropsy) related to kidney failure where oedema was severe and widespread, but later their use became commonplace in draining peripheral fluid from the leg or ankle in cases of heart failure. This process was often complicated by infection. Several examples of this instrument can be seen on page 178 of Elisabeth Bennion’s book: "Antique Medical Instruments".
This small instrument is only 3-1/2" Long. It is v
ery good 'used antique' condition with a short tight hairline crack down near the trocar (see pics).  The threads on the trocar shield/cover and the cap covering the cannulae are both very good. There is minimal discoloration of the bone.
This is a rarely seen instrument especially on eBay.
It would make a great addition to your Medical Collection !!
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