French Naval Surgeon's Kit

This highly important 19th-century French naval surgeon’s kit includes the instruments needed to conduct any and every known medical procedure necessary at sea. The set contains a multitude of instruments for performing a wide variety of procedures, including general operations, amputations, catheterization, punctures and aspirations, tracheotomies and dentistry.

The naval surgeon was the highest trained and most respected of all surgeons because he had to be able to perform every conceivable type of emergency surgery. As the only doctor on a ship at sea for months, he handled a range of ailments from common sicknesses and toothaches to serious wartime injuries and amputations. As a result, naval medical kits were among the most comprehensive and complete ever produced. The set is nearly complete with all main instruments present, including a saw, knives, tourniquets, trépan and cannulas, among others. To find a set in such excellent condition is extremely rare. Housed in its original walnut case with brass reinforcements, this set offers a rare glimpse into the history of modern medicine. 

Signed "HEROU" for Louis Herou, the cutler of the French Navy at Brest from 1855 - 1862

Circa 1860

22 5/8" wide x 13 3/4" deep x 5" high