Details

Forceps, Fergusson lion tooth, bone (3)

HC.I.15.5

Sir William Fergusson (originator), London Down Bros (agent)

Three pairs of 'Lion tooth' bone forceps, designed by Sir William Fergusson (1808-1877), Sergeant- Surgeon to Queen Victoria. Lion forceps are made in sizes which are 7, 8, and 9 inches long. Since bones sometimes have triangular and other irregular shapes in section, these forceps were designed to hold them with a minimum of bruising. At the same time, the widely spaced teeth ensure a non-slipping grip. The original operation for which the forceps was designed was removal of the maxilla, and it is said that the surgeon's own wife was among the earlier cases on whom this operation was performed. The forceps also help the surgeon to grip relatively small segments of bone and to hold them firmly.