Antique Medical Suction Cups and Bleeding Set in Original Case. 19th-20th Century

This curious and very well preserved item is a cupping set for medical use. More than one hundred years old, this is a real collectors piece that has survived to our days in surprisingly good condition. The set is complete: it is composed of six glass cups of different sizes, a scarifier in perfect working order and a metal pump designed to remove the air inside the cups and create a vacuum. All the pieces are in good condition though the pump does not work: the leather element at the end of the plunger is worn. Nevertheless, it can be substituted by a similar rubber piece in order to restore the pumps functionality. Cupping is a thousand-year-old technique that is believed to have started in the Mesopotamic era (3.000 b.C.), when ancient medicine men used it to remove the spirits responsible for the disease. It was also common in different places such as Egypt, India or Greece, where Hippocrates wrote instructions about its use. In the 20th century this therapy became popular again thanks to the alternative medicine. Today its benefits create controversy: some people sing their praises and some other think it has no effect whatsoever. Leaving apart its medical use, this cupping set is a very interesting piece because of its ancient age, its beauty and its excellent condition. The glass cups are divided in sizes: there are two small pieces, two medium-size and two big ones. The glass cups are the original ones and so are the metal components. The case also contains a small metal device with a lever that releases a group of sharp blades: it is a scarifier, an instrument designed to cut the skin used for bloodletting (phlebotomy). Last but not least, the vacuum pump preserves all its metal pieces and the flexible sleeve. As for the scarifier and the cups, the metal looks even and shiny. The case is also in very good condition: it is outside lined with black faux leather and preserves the original handle and lock. Because of its scientific interest and ancient age, this cupping set is a very special piece perfect to become part of the best collection of medical antiques. Measurements (open case): Width: 14.1 in /36 cm. Depth: 15.7 in / 40 cm.