Description

Two French cauteries with ebony handles, one by Collin, the other by Luer, both 3rd quarter of the 19th century in date. The spherical cautery by Collin has a platinum localizing point. A similar platinum-tipped cautery is shown in the 1867 Robert & Collin catalog and is described as M. Guersant’s cautery for “tumeurs érectile”. Length: 12.25″ or  30.6cm. $350.00  The example by Luer, with a universal handle,  has a coin-shaped end.  Length: 14″ or  35cm. $175.00. Cauteries were used to prevent exsanguination and to close amputations. Cauterization was also thought to prevent infection but the damage done to tissue by this process actually made it a more hospitable environment for bacteria.