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An early
19th century leech tube from Holland, purchased from an
elderly
doctor whose great grandfather had used this same instrument. Made
from eccentrically blown turquoise glass the tube is open at
both ends. The smaller end allows enough ventilation
for the leech to breathe.
The wider end would be sealed with a cork when in
transit and this would be removed and the glass placed
over the skin in order to direct the leech. They were
applied to various places, depending on ailment which
needed a cure; the face, eyes, temples, trunk, limbs, as
well as more sensitive regions. |