2002/32/1-2

This perforating instrument was used for drawing off fluid or gas in an animal. It consists of the trochar, a steel spike, and the canula, a metal sleeve with a collar at the handle end. After insertion, the trochar is removed, leaving the cannula to act as a vent. It was found by the donor at Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle when he purchased the practice in 1951. He was a general vet and horse vet, and treated pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area until he retired in 1975.

1 trocar and canula: metal; good condition

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'TROCAR AND CANULA // Description // 1 trocar and canula. // All metal; curved; no inscription // Handle is square in section, narrowing towards top and with rounded base. Then leads into curved shaft with pointed tip. Canula fits over curved shaft of trocar. // Dimensions // 13cm (length) // Associated informaiton // See 2002/27', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) [2002/27] – '... // W. G. Blythman was born in 1926 and trained as a vet at Edinburgh from 1943-48. He purchased Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle in 1951 for £1,000. The practice was started by Clement Stephenson in 1918 - one of the first fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Originally, the practice specialised in street horses. It had 10 forges because the business combined a farriery & veterinary practice. // Stephenson financed part of the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University in the early 20th century. He also became Vice-President of the Veterinary Association. // Blythman was a general vet and horse vet. He used to treat pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area. He was also a racecourse vet for 44 years. He retired in 1975.', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Collection of veterinary instruments and associated material // Deposited by William Grant Blythman, BSc, MRCVS, on 7th September 2002 // Acc. No. Name of Item // 2002/32(2) Trocar and canula... // These items were found by W. G. Blythman at Ephick's veterinary practice in 1951....'

1918 - 1951