Case with Instruments for Trepanation. Germany, 19th Century

Complete set of trepanning instruments and tools, made in Germany in the 19th century and preserved in its original case. The set is complete and is composed of different elements, all of them original from the time. The tools are nicely organized into the case, each one inserted in a hole with its particular shape so they can be easily stored. The six tools are made of steel and remain in good condition; all of them bear the manufacturers name engraved in the metal. This name is also printed in golden lettering onto of the cases lid: HAUPTNER, a prestigious surgical instruments manufacturer that started business in the 19th century. The history of trepanation started in the prehistory of humanity: these operations were already performed in the Neolithic. They consist on drilling a burr hole in the skull in order to heal cerebral diseases. The trepanation is surrounded of mysticism and religion and has been performed during the centuries until our days. Nevertheless, today this technique is only used as a way of access to perform neurosurgical operations. The set that we can see in the images includes basic tools for this technique, such as the trephine used to drill the hole in the skull. This remarkable tool is accompanied by other utensils whose function we can just imagine. The whole set, as stated before, comes in a wooden case covered by black faux leather. Except for the signs of worn due to the trace of time and the use, something that provides this piece with authenticity and charm, the case is in quite good condition. Inside it is lined with an elegant purple velvet fabric, also well preserved. This antique trephination set is great for the office of a passionate about the history of medicine. Measurements: