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Surgical Probe

1914.05.0130

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification Surgical Probe   (1914.05.0130)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Science & Technology T&E
    2. :
  2. Medical & Psychological T&E
    3. :
  3. Medical Instruments
Artist/Maker Unknown
Geographic Location
Period Ptolemaic?
Date 305 – 30 BCE
Culture Egyptian
Location Not on Exhibit

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 15.8 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 3.5 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) 0.9 cm
Weight 33 g
Measuring Remarks N/A
Materials Metal--Bronze
Manufacturing Processes Cast

Research Remarks

Description N/A
Published Description

"This surgical instrument of uncertain use is composed of a short baluster handle and a curving shaft tapered to a point. The tip is broken off. The round section and large calibration of the shaft, along with its pronounced curve, suggest that it may be a variation of the handled needle. This type was not suitable for suturing tissue, being too blunt and thick, but was used for fixing bandages of dressings and splints.

Comparable examples may be seen in Waldbaum, p. 112, nos. 667, 668, pl. 42 (Sardis)." -Eunice Dauterman Maguire, Henry Maguire and Maggie J. Duncan-Flowers, Art and Holy Powers in the Early Christian House (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1989), 204.
Bibliography

James, T.G.H. Excavating in Egypt: The Egypt Exploration Society 1882-1982. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1982.

Maguire, Eunice Dauterman, Henry Maguire and Maggie J. Duncan-Flowers. Art and Holy Powers in the Early Christian House. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1989.

Artifact History

Credit Line/Dedication Egypt Exploration Society
Reproduction No

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