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This is a 1700s Fleam Lancet in Leather Case to bleed patient with medical problems. The device is described and pictured in Keith Wilbur’s book “Antique Medical Instruments” as a 1780 Spring Lancet to relieve medical ailments of the period. Cocking mechanism is stiff and difficult to cock. It appears trigger stop has worn down, but overall condition is very good display condition for 225+ years of age. This rare treasure includes original leather covered wood box case. Fleam is 2” in length and Box is 3”. The use of this instrument was to cock and when the lever is pressed device forces a powerful blade into blood vein to release demons and all other ailments of the period. After cutting a vein, a glass cup would be heated and placed over wound to suck out blood. Wilbur’s book shows an identical Lancet that was owned by Thomas Jefferson. American History mentions the USA 1st President George Washington was on his deathbed with a very bad cold and doctors used a Fleam to bleed him of demons (He may have lived longer had they NOT). It is not known what type of Fleam was used on Washington. The next President Thomas Jefferson believed in this bizarre medical cure and this type of Lancet Fleam had his own that is nearly exactly like this (per Wilbur’s Book). This item was for the social elite, in that it provided a quick and initially painless method of opening a vein to let demons out.
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