Ligature Forceps, Cord Loops and Pads, Diderot Chirurgie Plate XXXIV, circa 1772

This is an original antique copper engraving, uncolored, with five numbered figures. Fig. 1 is a long scissor action forceps with ring handles; a loop of cord stands from its tips and the cord is tied in a bow between the handles. Fig. 2 is a loop of cord with a twisted knot and two free ends. Fig. 3 shows two hands working a slim forceps whose jaws close around the neck of a hanging pear shaped mass, a cord drawn tight around the neck and led back to the fingers. Fig. 4 is a pair of instruments with long open loops, one shaft cut with saw teeth, the other carrying a narrow loop below. Fig. 5 is a compression pad, a ridged block and a smooth oval pad with screwed brackets, on a strap with rolled ends, drawn with several detached blocks and fittings.

The plate number "Pl. XXXIV." is lettered at the top right outside the border, the section title "Chirurgie." below the border, and the page number "97." 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.

The clear line work and open layout read well on a wall, alone or hung with other plates from the same section.

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