Hooked Forceps, Files and Levers, Diderot Chirurgie Plate XXV, circa 1772

This is an original antique copper engraving, uncolored, showing thirteen numbered figures of instruments with one figure of a patient. Fig. 1 is a long spoon with a notched bowl and a trefoil end, Fig. 2 a conical tube set at an angle on a flat handle, and Fig. 3 a long rod bent at a right angle with a pointed tip. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are short shafted instruments in faceted handles. Fig. 6 shows a man with his head tipped back, held by a pair of hands on his crown, while two hands in ruffled cuffs work at his face, one holding a small curved instrument. Fig. 7 and Fig. 12 are double ended hooks on swelling handles. The figures lettered 8 are four flat, finely hatched files tapering to points. Fig. 9 is a lever with a crescent tip set on a slotted shaft with a ball handle, Fig. 10 a pair of pincers with one hooked jaw, Fig. 11 a long curved forceps with a notched jaw, and Fig. 13 a handled instrument ending in a forked hook.

The plate number "Pl. XXV." is lettered at the top right outside the border, the section title "Chirurgie." below the border, and the page number "88." at the lower left. No engraver's mark is lettered at the lower right.

The plate belongs to the Chirurgie section of the Recueil de planches, the plate volumes of the Encyclopédie of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, in the Livorno edition published by Giuseppe Aubert between 1771 and 1778. Its figures are numbered and keyed to an explanation printed in the text volume.

It pairs naturally with other Chirurgie plates for a coordinated group in a study or consulting room.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.