| Collection | ABDUA University of Aberdeen, Human Culture Collection |
| Object Name | medical instrument |
| hysterotome or basilyst |
| Object Number | ABDUA:37166 |
| Other Number | x; 71 10 |
| Other Number Type | old number; collection number |
| Brief Description | Medical instrument with black handle and spring lever action etc. curved 'nose'. |
| Dimensions | L: 275 mm |
| Materials | metal, steel, plastic |
| Condition | good |
| Completeness | complete |
| Object Production Date | 1870-1902 |
| Place Key | Europe, Scotland, Aberdeen University Dept of Surgery |
| Association Type Place | in use |
| Field Collector | Ogston, Professor Sir Alexander |
| Publication Note | LEMUR Database. (1851) Illustrated Catalogue, Great Exhibition, 96 Hysterotomes and Instruments for Paracentesis Uteri : OED Hysterotomy. |
| Caption | "This is a hysterotome or basilyst from the collection of surgical instruments of Sir Alexander Ogston, Professor of Surgery 1882-1902 at the Medical School, Aberdeen University. The instrument dates from the end of the 19th century. The hysterotome was used for the surgical procedure of hysterotomy. This was the surgical operation of cutting into the uterus , Caearian section or for excision or dissection of the uterus. These procedures are probably now largely superseded by modern surgical techniques and instruments. The bulbous handle is made of black rubber composite, the paired, curved blades are operated by the sprung lever action on curved horns which adjust the opening of the blades. This is one design of hysterome, other different ones exist in this collection. It is an attempt to make an instrument easier to use in a relatively inaccessible space, particularly in an era when these procedures were still being pioneered, and at a time when anaesthetics and asepsis were still new methods. An early example of hysterotomy dates from 1706, from anatomical dissection, and there is a report of hysterotomy or Caearian section in 1801 in Rochdale. This procedure was also used successfully to remove a tumour in 1859."
Author: Feilden,Rosemary Date: 2000 Purpose: WS2001
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| Aquisition Source | University of Aberdeen Surgery Department |