Kit, Surgical

Object Name:

Kit, Surgical

Object ID:

2014.050.02

Date:

circa 1810

Description:

Surgical kit used by Dr. Joseph Morrill Harper (1787-1865) of Canterbury, NH, a surgeon in the War of 1812. Folded rectangular leather pouch. Metal clasp. Contains seven instruments:
1. Pair of folding knives with two-part horn cover/handles.
2. Folding metal lancet with two-part horn handle.
3. Folding thin curved metal blade with curved bone handle. Two metal arms originally, one broke off. Crown over "EVAN" stamped at base of blade.
4. Metal rod with channel and thumb loop.
5. Folding metal knife in two-piece horn cover/handle. Blade pivot is ahead of joining pin, so it won't fold out completely. "LA?NDY" stamped at base of blade.
6. Folding metal lancet with two-part horn handle.
7. Metal tongue depressor, with three small holes in one end.

Material:

Leather
Metal
Steel
Silver
Ivory

Dimensions:

H-1 W-7.4 D-3.25 inches

Provenance:

Descended from Dr. Joseph Morrill Harper (1787-1865) to the donor's husband, Philip S. Harper Jr. (1923-2008).

Joseph Morrill Harper was born in Limerick, Maine, and went to school in Fryeburg. He started practicing medicine in Sanbornton, NH in 1810 and moved to Canterbury in 1811. He was a surgeon in the War of 1812. He served in the NH legislature, as ex officio Governor in 1831, and in the U.S. Congress, 1831-35. He died in Canterbury.

Credit Line:

Gift of Harriet P. Harper

People:

Harper, Joseph Morrill (1787-1865)

Subjects:

Medical equipment and supplies, Surgical instruments, War of 1812, Doctors, Physicians